17 posts tagged “funk”

Hank Williams - Howlin' At the Moon

Hank Williams

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Yep, this week's theme is country music.

Whenever I meet people and I ask what type of music they're into, I can tell you 90% of them will answer vaguely: "I am into all kind of music... well except for rap and country music." It saddens me to hear that. (Incidentally, whenever someone tells me they're into all genre of music, I think the opposite: they only like one kind of genre).

Trust me, we get "all kind of music" and shopping around for reviewers is tough because, let's face it: we like what we like. No one is going to go out of their way to devote one or two hours listening to music genres they're not familiar with.

So basically, country music is a very popular genre that no one seems to like! I grew up on country music, so I've always had a soft spot for it. What I like about country is that they often teach us a lesson, like a story within the song. And often the story is about RL (real life) and you can relate to their flawed characters.

Below are some albums we've received that's by real singers, singing about life.

GLEN CAMPBELL glencampbellshow.com ♥ myspace.com Glen Campbell - Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) 1 comment The Rhinestone Cowboy is back with a Greatest Hits album, released earlier in February. While he is known for writing original songs (his legacy expands over 50 years in the music industry!), his 2008 album, Meet Glen Campbell, is an all-covers album. What's surprisingly is his choice in covers are strangely modern contemporary, including U2 ("All I Want Is You"), Foo Fighters ("Times Like These"), Green Day ("Good Riddance") and best of all Travis ("Sing"). Just as his title suggest: meet Glen Campbell for the first time, forget his roots in country pop music. Some of the best cover, at least to me, is his version of "Sing" (you can hear it on myspace) and "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)". While Green Day's version is all-acoustic and somber, Campbell brought a bit of a jingle, jangle and banjo to the song. It's like a going away party, and you wouldn't think this was a Green Day song. As a cover-lover, I wholly recommend these "re-imagined" songs to fans of the bands he covers. Find out more details over at meetglencampbell.com for the cover album (available on CD, Limited Edition Vinyl, and of course digitally). Glen Campbell - Rhinestone Cowboy 2 comments Bonus: "Rhinestone Cowboy" is a favorite among such acts as Radiohead and Belle & Sebastian.		NATASHA JAMES natashajames.com ♥ myspace.com Natasha James - Modern Life 1 comment Natasha James is a country singer from Sonoma, California, which is close to both Sacramento and San Francisco. I get the impression that James knows and loves her liquor. Take a look at the evidence: tequila in "Tequila Time", beer on "Modern Life", and whiskey on "Boy Do We Drink". The later song is all about drinking and fighting, but I don't take it too seriously as the tone seems pretty tongue-in-cheek. My favorite song is "Modern Life". It does a great job in painting you the picture of: lonliness, our busyness, divorces, cellphones, internet games, etc. The song is bundled in what sounds like a steel guitar and violins. While the song has a sad tone to it, it's not as sad as the weepy "The Wind". She's also doing a few dates throughout California: 08/08/09 Sonoma County Fair Santa Rosa, California 08/21/09 Iron Door Saloon Groveland, California 08/22/09 Iron Door Saloon Groveland, California Tequila Time is available at most online shops, including eMusic and Amazon. Bonus: As I have previously mentioned, we don't get too many DVD submissions, so here is the video for "Tequila Time". Natasha James - Tequila Time
RUSTED ROOTS rustedroot.com ♥ myspace.com Rusted Root - Driving One 1 comment Rusted Root is a toe-tapping, bluegrass/jam fusion band from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They have been around since the late 80s, and have survived to this day with their recent release of Stereo Rodeo (released May 5, 2009 on Touchy Pegg/Adrenaline/DKE). I lassoed the band on this article because I thought they look country, I mean look at this pyschedelic cover artwork: a cowboy ropping a japanese geisha over flames and skulls. The album cover is basically an interpretation of the song "Stereo Rodeo", a slower song that tells the story of a man going to Japan to find a girl. One thing is certain, I feel the shock of the insane cover artwork never quite live up in the song, because the song sounds a bit... normal. As far as the rest of their songs, they're full of funk and percussions and background vocals, I get the sense that the band wants the audience to be involved with them. Their songs were designed to get you to dance with the band, perhaps contributing to hand claps or singalong. Like most jam bands, they're meant to be seen live. I felt "Driving One" would best sum up the band: check out that funky percussion beat! It sounds like something out of Africa, yet feels like it belong in this American bluegrass band. Stereo Rodeo is available now, at amazon ($8!) or eMusic.		AMY LENNARD amylennard.com ♥ myspace.com Amy Lennard - Forever Tonight 3 comments I actually really love Amy Lennard's I Need To Love the first time I heard it last year, I think mostly because her voice reminds me of Bonnie Raitt. Music's always been part of Lennard's life, playing guitar since nine, then moving on to composing original songs. She moved from New York to live out in California for a while, playing festivals and jamming campfire songs with friends. Ten years later, she moved back to New York, and started working on I Need To Love. Half of the album was, from what I've gathered, written and recorded in 2006 with the help of Ben Wisch. The other half is with engineerer Jon Gordon (who's previously worked with Suzanne Vega). You might think that two different producers working on the album might result in an uneven sounding album, it's actually not. Most of the songs feels like pop radio, with strong modern country music influences. There is one very pop-sounding song, it's a love song called "Forever Tonight". It's my favorite song and the easy-to-follow lyrics will cause you to sing along. You can find I Need to Love from amazon, CD Baby, and, of course, iTunes.
MIKE KOTULKA mikekotulka.com ♥ myspace.com/nycmk Mike Kotulka - Dumb Mike Kotulka is another Philadelphian, if that's a word, his sophomore album Hi-Lows will be available July 7th. Everything tells me he's a cowboy, from hat to the harmonica that starts off his intro song, "Born To Try". While not entirely country, Koulka is more like from the Bob Dylan school, which is not a bad association. The title of the album comes from the same titled song, "Hi-Lows". The song is about standing tall, standing for what you believe in, despite the "shit" trying to keep you down. It's a bit inspirational, especially in this economic time. The songs that I did enjoy are the louder ones, "Dumb" and "Gimme Love". "Dumb", with its hand-claps, and "Gimme Love" with its catchy "gimme love gimme love" chorus, will both make excellent live songs. However, as of this writing, there are no tour dates. The nine-track album, feels really short. I decided to track down more music from Kotulka, and the good news is his album The Good, The Bad and the Ugly was available for free via the official website or empty-k.com. Hi-Lows will be available in early July at amazon.		SWAY swaymusic.com ♥ myspace.com Sway - Cowgirl Scene 1 comment Perry Martin and Gina Quartaro are basically the country band Sway, based out of California. The two musician met at a doctor's office, and I suppose while waiting in the waiting room (as one do), the two started talking about music. As the turned out, both Quartaro and Martin have a lifetime of music in them. Quartaro's written and co-produced over 200 songs to day and was even called the "Female Elton John" by Russ Regan (record executive of UNI records, 20th Century Records, and Motown Records). And Martin's biography lists him as band member on "The Donny James Show". They took the show to South Vietnam from 1968-69, and did a show for radio & television called "Nashville Vietnam". I'm not going to list the other two band members' (Laurens Vernot, Trevor Hands) biography, but let's just say that each member bring a rich history of music with them. Sway's music, with its honky-talk and lyrics tells me "good times are all we need" (from "Cowgirl Scene"). Like "baseball and Chevrolet", these songs are pretty standard country love song ("When Love Finds Its Way", "I'm Over You"). Where love is the power that transcend reality. Sure, "the banks are callin' and bills are late", but we've got love, from "In The Hands Of Love". Gina Quartaro sings on all the songs on the album, minus two songs sung by Martin. Quartaro is currently doing some dates: 07/05/09 The Art A Fair Laguna Beach, CA 07/16/09 OC Fair (Mainstage) Costa Mesa, CA 07/25/09 Art A Fair Laguna Beach, CA Sway's debut album, Let It Roll, was released last year, and you can get it via CD Baby.

 06/21/2009 13:42:10 ♥ vu () ♥weheartmusic.com♥twitter.com/weheartmusic♥news.weheartmusic.com 

 11/30/2008 00:42:38  ♥ written by vu ()

THE PIMPS OF JOYTIME thepimpsofjoytime.com ♥ myspace.com The Pimps of Joytime-H2O (Cyril Neville) the Pimps of Joytime 1 comment Actually the name and cover artwork fooled me into thinking they are hip-hop or rap (hey, work on your image!). Even NPR last year wrote "probably some more third-rate rap". The Pimps of Joytime, I'm here to report, is more funk, soul and mixes than anything else. But since I already picked out my six albums for this article, I am including it here. They actually sent me two albums, their 2007 High Steppin, and a remix album called Funk Fixes & Remixes. Just quickly on the remix album, it's pretty dancey and fast-paced but on one particular track ("Street Sound" remix by Nikodemus), it was hard for me to listen to on headphones because I started hearing all these "static" sounds which is actually part of the remix. High Steppin sounds to me as heavily influenced by funk, but there are some interesting genres thrown in as well. For instance, "Bonita", the Spanish word for beautiful, has obvious Latin/Spanish acoustics and rhythm. The remixed song for this song has a different take, focusing more on the drums and its chorus: "oh bonita, I wanna love ya like I need-ta". Although "Bonita" would easily qualify as the hand-picked song, I felt that it didn't really represent the band with its influence in Latin sound. However, there are enough hand drums and soulful singing on "H2O", that I thought would fit better. I reckon it's also their stand-out track because it features Cyril Neville (of the Neville Brothers). The remixed song by DJ Smash, again, change the song to something to more of a reggae dub song... an interesting take at the very least. If you're funk fan (or just a massive bass fan), you should give these guys a try. If you're in the New York area, be sure to check them out in December: Nublu w. dj nickodemus (12/04) and Southpaw (12/12). You can pick up High Steppin via iTunes. Physical copies can be gotten at Amazon.	P GUTTA myspace.com/pguttatheantidote P Gutta - Head 2 The Sky P Gutta 2 comments P Gutta's a rap artist from Maryland and based on the street signs in his cover artwork on Failure's Not An Option, maybe he's trying to put MD on the map. The album is pretty much hip/hop and rap with its influence particularly in 80s gangsta rap. The album surprisingly details very personal stories about P Gutta's life: he's a father, his everyday struggle, being the son of a dealer ("Son Of A Hustler") and growing up ("The 80's Made Me"). Some of the songs I did enjoy feature some infectious loops, like on "Failure's Not An Option". The song doesn't really say much in terms of lyrics, at least compared to some of his better lyrics. But that's not what this song is about; it's just an intro song and shout out to his peeps, hyping up the album (basically telling you that this album is for everybody, for the streets). There is an inspiring song on the album; it's the last song, "Head 2 The Sky", which sounds like it's a speech that he's giving to his child: "you got the power to be what wanna be, do what you wanna do, see what you wanna see. Through hard work you should see what you wanna, because there's one thing in life you don't wanna be is a wannabe." Never lose hope and just keep the faith, is the message and it's my song choice. One thing I noticed is that he seems to like to say "pit of the stomach", which is a phrase that's repeated on "Life Is So Strange" and "Failure's Not An Option". I wouldn't bring it up but is that a common phrase? If you enjoy Notorius BIG, I think you'll find P Gutta's your cup of tea. You can currently pick up the album on CD Baby (CD) and Digstation (MP3).
WENDY ST KITTS wendystkitts.com ♥ myspace.com Wendy St. Kitts - Woman Empowered Wendy St. Kitts 1 comment I get the impression after listening to Wendy St. Kitts' debut album, Woman Empowered, and especially on her song of the same title, that this was a post-breakup album or something. The theme is obviously about strength and belief in yourself. After this thought, I was happy to see that St. Kitts confirms this: Woman Empowered is the best way for me to define myself and my music. In writing this album and in sharing my story, I have eased my load. I am FREE! I never thought this was possible. I am smiling, dancing, laughing, living and loving. I did get something wrong though, I thought she sounded more soul singer/songwriter, but didn't even think about her Caribbean influences (which in retrospect seems obvious now).  She's also really inspired by afro beats and reggae (we'll get to that later). The album goes into questioning true love ("So Good (Yeah)", "Should I Love Him or Walk Away") or expensive gifts (in the case of "Treasure"), and complete devotion (on the reggae-inspired "Water" song). Not to sound chauvinistic, but I hope she finds someone soon! If you enjoy R&B with a keyboard and soulful singing, Wendy St. Kitts definitely has that voice that will fill the void. She is playing a few dates in the New York area: The Bitter End (12/27) and Sullivan Hall (01/24). You can pick up the CD or MP3 via amazon.	KURUPT & ROSCOE youngotti.com ♥ myspace.com ♥ myspace/yaroscoe Kurupt & Roscoe - Game Been Missin Kurupt & Roscoe Of all the hip hop CDs, this one from Kurupt is the most famous, because of his history with The Dogg Pound and Death Row Records. Death Row, if you don't know, is responsible for some of the biggest, baddest rappers from West Coast such as Dr. Dre, 2Pac, and Snoop Doggy Dogg. Incidentally, Suge Knight is one scary MF. Although Tha Dogg Pound was not one of the premier Death Row artists, just being associated with such superstars of rap has some weight carried with its two members (Kurupt and Daz Dillinger). They went on to release a combination of over 20 albums between the two of them since 1998. With all that history on Kurupt's rap sheet, I was expecting this album, Frank and Jess Story, to be aggressive hardcore gangsta stuff but it's pretty accessible, as far as I'm concerned. The album was cut with the help of his brother Roscoe, who's previously collaborated with his brother on their debut album, Dogg Food. The usual theme applies here, as expected: they like the girls ("I Like Dem Girls" which sounds like an excerpt to a much longer woman-loving song, and "Lap Dance"), gangsta ("Game Been Missin"), name-dropping ("Bustin"), and, of course, self-loving ("Hate on Me"). The best song on the album is "Game Been Missin'", which features a very catchy chorus of: "this right here has been what the world's been missin'/this right here is why you're girl's been missin'". Frank and Jess Story was released on November 11th on Koch Records and can be found at most good record stores.
ANJULIE myspace.com/anjulie Anjulie - Boom Anjulie Based on her three tracks on the release of The Boom EP (digitally released via iTunes exclusively on November 11th), I have to say that you should keep an eye on Anjulie (Toronoto raised, currently based in Montreal)! She will be debuting her album on Starbuck's Hear Music label in 2009. I would have to add that she's borderline on Pop music as well. It's not a bad thing, it reminds me of sixties girl pop music (especially on "Day Will Soon Come"). The EP features two songs co-written by her producer/collaborator Jon Levine, who was apparently famous for being in The Philosopher Kings. The Anjulie-written song, "Love Song" basically a love song in a fleeting three-minute pop song. The main song and single, "Boom", is really good. Easy, relaxing, and for some odd reason, it really reminds me of that 80s song that goes "boom boom boom let's go back to my room". I do think she's good and if they send me her debut album, I am looking forward to covering it. Unfortunately, she might be missed in a sea of similiar-sounding women artists like Adele, Nelly Furtado, and Lily Allen.	RHODA rhodankojo.com ♥ myspace.com/rhodankojo Rhoda - Nothing Really Matters Rhoda 4 comments I had a bit of trouble finding Rhoda's website and Myspace, which goes to show you that you need a brand association or unique name.... I don't know why she didn't just keep using her full name (Rhoda Nkojo). Her self-titled album was released last year (although it is only recently available digitally via iTunes). I believe this is her sophomore album. The album has a very contemporary pop/R&B feel to it with some very good mixing and arrangements. In some cases, strings and violins were used to give the album a bit of class. The songs that used this really stood out for me ("Consequences" and "Rememeber You"). My favorite song on the album is the very poppy "Nothing Really Matters", which seems to have a eudodisco beat! I just love how the lyrics keep flowing on and on. At one point, I swear she is channeling Whitney Houston. Rhoda is making some appearances in 2008 at The Bitter End in New York (12/05) and Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey (12/31). You can pick up the self-titled album at CD Baby, iTunes or Digstation.

Links: www.weheartmusic.com podcast.weheartmusic.com news.weheartmusic.com

 10/12/2008 23:21:56  ♥ written by vu ()

Kerry Politzer - Always Kerry Politzer 1 comment Kerry Politzer Dates 10/14/08 SESAC Writers On The Storm at Rockwood NY 11/18/08 Girls Rock The Night at Caffe Vivaldi NY Tracy Shedd - Never Too Late Tracy Shedd Tracy Shedd Dates 10/15/08 The Apple Store Tucson, AZ 10/20/08 Pianos New York 10/21/08 CMJ - Ace Of Clubs New York 10/21/08 CMJ - OS Art House -NY 10/24/08 P.A.’s Lounge Someville, MA 11/26/08 Solar Culture Tucson, AZ 12/16/08 Plush Lounge Tucson, AZ

Dawn Drake & ZapOte - Cross Crocodiles

This has been a very special all-women guest episode #27 of We Heart Music Radio, special thanks goes to Kerry Politzer, Tracy Shedd, James Tritten, and Emelia.

Music used in the show includes Kerry Politzer, Tracy Shedd, Dawn Drake, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Garlands, The Happy Birthdays, Camera Obscura, and Soko.

If you would like to appear on a future We Heart Music Radio show, please contact . Thank you for listening.

Subscribe to our show at podcast.weheartmusic.com, via RSS Feed.

Download this episode (56 min)

PART ONE: KERRY POLITZER
kerrypolitzer.com ♥ myspace.com/kerrypolitzer
From New York, jazz/pop musician Kerry details her interview experience:

• "You Took Me In" as pop music vs previous classical jazz albums.
• New album to be more classic jazz than pop
  
• Politzer's podcast and upcoming shows
• The internet, myspace, lastFM, and iLike
• Second Life

PART TWO: TRACY SHEDD
tracyshedd.com ♥ myspace.com
Indie musician, Tracy, from Arizona talked about:

• Her background, various band members
• Teenbeat Records
• "Louder than You Can Hear" album for free
• Filming of "Whatever It Takes" video
• CMJ
• Starting to write new songs

PART THREE: EMELIA
daftpansy.vox.com ♥ myspace.com
We talked about:

• FRESYES.
• The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Garlands, The Happy Birthdays
• She can play the ukulele!
• iPod drama, Santagold and Soko

The Garlands - You Never Notice Me

Overall, another wonderful little show. Forgive me that it's really long (nearly an hour), and I keep promising to keep the show brief (which apparently is not happening). Although I do end up throwing out 20% of what's recorded, most of our conversations are solid gold!

Links: www.weheartmusic.com podcast.weheartmusic.com

 09/26/2008 07:35:58  ♥ written by vu ()

Stalk us on lastfm!

Here is another collection of random EPs:

Treva Blomquist - Fire With Fire

TREVA BLOMQUIST
trevamusic.com ♥ myspace.com
Let me stress that this is a Summer EP (released in late June of this year), so it's full of warmth and happy feelings.

Treva Blomquist is a singer/songwriter, and apparently a vagabond (she's currently somewhere around Tennessee and Washington). If you like pop music, with some folk (this includes banjos & fiddles), then you'll love Blomquist's latest EP.

Looking at the track listing on her debut album, Plain Vanilla Me, from 2005, I see that two of those songs ("Home" & "I Could Get Used to This") appear on the EP. This isn't a surprise to me, as I think whenever bands re-use songs - that they are great songs.

Of the six songs, "Fire With Fire", I feel is the best. This song is more upbeat and the lyrics seem to be from someone with a devil-may-care attitude.

Be sure to see her on tour:

Album Discography

[2005] Plain Vanilla Me

[2008] As It Should Be - EP

Tour Dates

09/27/08 Preservation Pub (Treva & The Suits) Knoxville, Tennessee
09/28/08 Roland Bland Park (Treva & The Suits) Bowling Green, Kentucky
09/30/08 French Quarter Nashville, Tennessee
10/02/08 Durango Songwriters Expo Colorado Springs, Colorado
10/03/08 Durango Songwriters Expo Colorado Springs, Colorado
10/04/08 Durango Songwriters Expo Colorado Springs, Colorado
10/05/08 Durango Songwriters Expo Colorado Springs, Colorado
10/18/08 Private Event Sewanee, Tennessee
11/06/08 Bluebird Cafe Nashville, Tennessee
11/23/08 Chattanooga Market Chattanooga, Tennessee

WOODFISH woodfishmusic.com ♥ myspace.com Woodfish-Bamm Diddley 1 comment Woodfish are a funky jam band from Red Bank, New Jersey. It would seem, based on their track listing for their 2006 album, Bamm Diddely, that this new 2008 EP, Breathe, that there is only one new track: "In My Eyes". I suspect these same-titled songs might have been updated for the EP, lots of sax used on these songs.  Like most jam bands, this music is really meant to be experienced live. The band sounds like they are having a great time playing the funky bass and wild guitar.  I would hazard a guess that any party or outdoor concert would love to have these guys as entertainment. So, I listened to the EP on my iPod with headphones and I noticed myself head-bopping to "Bamm Diddely" (I'm not sure if that title is an homage to Bo Diddley, but I hope it is), "Losing My Mind" and "Love Another". Tour Dates 09/27/08 Long Island Walk to Defeat ALS West Hempstead, New York 10/08/08 The Stone Pony with Buckethead asbury Park, New Jersey 10/10/08 Buffstone’s Hamilton, New Jersey 10/11/08 Paul"s Tavern Lake Como 10/15/08 Mexicali Blues Live Teaneck, New Jersey 10/18/08 La Boca Middletown, Connecticut

CAW! CAW! cawcawmusic.com ♥ myspace.com Caw! Caw!-Organisms 1 comment Caw! Caw! are an indie rock trio from Chicago, Illinois. Their biography lists them as originally formed in 2001 as a punk quartet. I believe this EP, Wait Outside, is their debut with their current incarnation. The seven tracks are a quick listen, it's been on repeat in my car for a while. The problem I have about listening to music in my car is that I couldn't take notes on the songs I liked. I remember two key songs that I liked: Tracks two and five. As it turns out, two is "Organisms", which is available as a free download. The good thing about this song is that there are a ton of lyrics, with these standing out: "tigers, panthers, little trees, bumblebees". The other is "Work", which shows off more of an experimental side and their punk origins. Wait Outside was released September 23rd on Slanty Shanty Records. Tour Dates 09/27/08 Bela Dubby Lakewood, Ohio 09/29/08 Arlene’s Grocery (21+) New York, New York 09/30/08 Pianos NYC New York, New York 10/01/08 Corey Dubya’s House Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 10/04/08 Bennington College Bennington, Vermont 10/11/08 The Sitting Dutchman Madison, Wisconsin 10/16/08 Mixtape Records East Moline, Illinois 10/18/08 The Loft Macomb, Illinois 10/21/08 FANATIC Showcase Original Sessions Art House New York, New York 10/22/08 Wesleyan University Middletown, Connecticut 10/24/08 424 Clark St (w/ Mose Giganticus) Morgantown, West Virginia 11/19/08 Beauty Bar Austin Austin, Texas 12/12/08 The Mill Iowa City, Iowa 12/13/08 The Blue Fugue Columbia, Missouri

TIGER! SHIT! TIGER! TIGER! trevamusic.com ♥ myspace.com Tiger! Shit! Tiger! Tiger! - Crime Wave 2 comments Hands down for the best name for a band: Tiger! Shit! Tiger! Tiger! This 8-track EP comes from a New York trio.  It has a very garagey/DIY punk feel to it. What comes across is that they are fun, fun, fun! You shouldn't take them too seriously - I mean, just look at their name! Spin magazine agrees with me, they recently put a blurb about them in their September issue. Like typical punk music, these eight songs are all very short, practically all under three minutes each. The most interesting song on the EP is "Insert Disco Beat Here", which seems to have some sort of synth or keys in there. I reckon the best song is the introduction song: "Crime Wave". This is a high-energy song, complete with Superchunk-ish singing. If you enjoy brand new raw/unpolished punk, you should check these guys out. They are going to be playing with the legendary The Slits on October 22nd! Tour Dates 09/26/08 Urban Club w Ex-Otago dj set by Fab. Perugia 09/27/08 tba 10/04/08 WHITE OUT c/o Suono Club w/ The Banshee, Scuola Furano, Peedoo / Polaroid djset Ferrara 10/21/08 NY ny 10/22/08 w/ The SLITS, MADEINMEXICO, MANIQUI LAZER @ Lit Lounge, Blueghost PR /Poni Republic CMJ 2008 New York 10/23/08 per le strade di jersey city nj 10/25/08 nyc ny 10/25/08 NY NYC 10/26/08 NYC NY 10/27/08 56° strada - NY NYC

NELSON. nelsonrock.com ♥ myspace.com/nelsonrock Nelson. - The (Over) Song (Album Version) Note the period. That's "Nelson.", not to be confused with the twins Matthew & Gunnar. Released last Monday in the UK was Nelson.'s The (Over) Song Remixes EP - just prior to their album Revolving Doors to be released on September 29th on Ctrl Alt Del Records. I'm not sure if the album will be available domestically in the US - please check with the label if you are interested. The title track (and best song) is the album version of "The (Over) Song".  JB Devay, I think, is the singer (?). Well, his accent doesn't sound particularly Frenchy as I had hoped when I saw that Nelson is based out of Paris. It's still cute though. On the EP is four different mixes for "Chicken Lips", two instrumental mixes with one dub version. Each of the four versions are very long, clocking in at 9 minutes each. They're very electronica/disco-y, so I felt it had a very slow build, until the lyrics kick in: "this is not over, this is not over..." The (Over) Song Remixes EP is available now, look for Revolving Doors next week. Tour Dates 09/29/08 REVOLVING DOORS - ALBUM UK RELEASE! UK 11/25/08 LE TRABENDO + WOLF PARADE PARIS

Links: weheartmusic.com news.weheartmusic.com

 06/10/2008 12:06:34  ♥ written by vu ()

Ocote Soul Sounds and Adrian Quesada - Contra El Sol Ocote Soul Sounds and Adrian Quesada 1 comment Tour Dates 06/10/08 Blue Note Columbia, MO 06/12/08 Bonnaroo Music Festival TN* 06/13/08 Bonnaroo Manchester, TN* 06/14/08 Festival of the Arts Columbia, MD* 06/14/08 Columbia Festival of the Arts, MD* 06/15/08 Arts Center Carrboro, NC* 06/17/08 World Grotto Knoxville, TN* 06/18/08 Ravari Room Columbus, OH* 06/19/08 House of Blues Chicago, IL* 06/20/08 Beachland Ballroom Ohio* 06/21/08 Black Cat Austin, TX 06/22/08 Festival of Arts and Ideas  CT* 06/24/08 Stubbs Austin, TX 06/25/08 Museum of Fine Arts Boston, MA* 06/26/08 Ironhorse Northampton, TX* 06/27/08 SOB’S New York, NY* 06/28/08 Nectar’s Burlington, VT* 07/01/08 33 Hess Hamilton, Ontario* 07/02/08 Horseshoe Toronto, Ontario* 07/03/08 Comerica Cityfest Detroit, MI* 07/04/08 Sunfest London, Ontario* 07/05/08 Sunfest London, Ontario* 07/06/08 Montreal Jazz Fest Montreal, Quebec* 07/07/08 Festival D’Ete Quebec, Quebec* 07/09/08 Cisco Systems Bluesfest Ottawa, Ontario* 07/12/08 Rotown Rotterdam* 07/13/08 North Sea Jazz Festival Rotterdam* 07/18/08 The Earl Atlanta, Georgia* 07/19/08 Tipitina’s New Orleans, Louisiana* 07/25/08 The Parish Austin, Texas** 07/26/08 Antone’s Austin, Texas* 07/28/08 Pole Pole Festival Gent* 08/01/08 Cambridge Folk Festival Cambridge* 08/02/08 Riverside Festival Nottingham* 08/03/08 Danouter Folk Festival Danouter* 08/04/08 Farmleigh Affair Dublin, Dublin * with Grupo Fantasma ** with Brownout Discography [2005] Electric Tides [Aug 2006] El Nino y el Sol [Jun 2008] Alchemist Manifesto Read More Brownout http://weheartmus... The songs are sequenced in such a masterful way. Clearly extensive time and effort was put into ... Grupo Fantasma http://weheartmus... Grupo Fantasma also wanted you to know that they're going on tour in February. Apparently Minneap...

The first time I heard The Alchemist Manifesto from Ocote Soul Sounds and Adrian Quesada, I thought it was a soundtrack to a 70s French movie, filming on location in Spain. It is wonderful background music that seems to have been yanked from afro-jazz, reggae, funk, latin beats, etc.

Ocote Soul Sounds is really the stage name for musician/producer Martin Perna, and this will be the third Ocote Soul Sounds release, but the second with Adrian Quesada.

Perna's actually pretty well-established, working with as many artists as Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings to TV on Radio, while Adrian Quesada is a founding member of the Latin big band Grupo Fantasma and their side project Brownout.

Ocote Soul Sounds and Adrian Quesada - El Pescador

With The Alchemist Manifesto, I would have to say that the album is largely instrumental, with the exception of "Hacia Un Manana Mejor", "La Reja" and "El Pescador", but I wouldn't call these typical singing lyrics. They sound more like marching Spanish chants or background with the music in the foreground.

I read that "El Pescador" is actually a cover of a classic Afro-Colombian song, but I'm not familiar with the original. What I can tell you is that the song features a killer flute sound.

Flutes and other organic sound seems to be the basis of The Alchemist Manifesto, with more flute madness can be found on "Gunpowder" and "Hacia Un Manana Mejor", while "One Hundred Years" emphasis on hand drums.

I love the excellent bass, on "Contra El Sol" (Against the Sun), but my only complaint is that the song is too short.

Overall, an wonderful easy-listening album for fans of latin jazz soundtracks. The Alchemist Manifesto is released today, June 10^th from ESL Music. Look for Grupo Fantasma on tour, they seem to be doing all the major US festivals.

Trivia: incidentally Perna acted as session musician for Scarlett Johansson's mixed-review Anywhere I Lay My Head

Links: ocotesoul.com myspace.com/adrianquesada eslmusic.com

 06/06/2008 08:06:12  ♥ written by vu ()

Global Noize - A Jam 4 Joe Global Noize 1 comment Read More Jason Miles http://weheartmus... So what is Soul Summit? They're not exactly a band, they seem to be more of a project by producer...

The two Jasons (Jason Miles and Jason Kibler, aka DJ Logic) have teamed up for a cultural exploration in Global Noize, released April 29^th on Shanachie Records.

If the name Jason Miles sounds familiar, that's because he was the mastermind behind Soul Summit, an album that captured the live energy of the Berks Jazz Festival.

Global Noize combines an array of sound, from electronica, funk, trip hop, world, and jazz - such fusion sounds that M.I.A. and Santogold are making famous. So if you enjoy those artists, you should definitely check out this phenomenon album.

This project started rolling into effect when Kibler, called to ask Miles to join him for a live performance at the Blue Notes in New York. Miles recalls:

On that day I had a horrible root canal and was mourning the loss of a close relative. I thought that this could be just the tonic I needed to pick myself up. We went through life-altering experiences. It was so new to us - mysterious, crazy and another view of the world. We both knew we had to make this project happen. The picture on the CD over of the both of us with the camel in the desert says it all!

The first song on the album, "A Jam 4 Joe" sets up the mood for the album: the vocals of Falu suggests Indian, while the dedication of Joe Zawinul, suggests jazz. This is a perfect song for any mild/chill party.

Falu appears again on "Bollywood", obviously because of her Indian voice, but the bass on this song made it sound like funk.

If you can't get enough of the relaxing vocals, there is another song that features singing, "Quero Dancar" (I Want to Dance With You). As the title suggests, this is a Spanish-based song (but sung in Portuguese?) with a smooth jazz mix, featuring some very sexy vocals by Vanessa Fallabella.

The large majority of this album is instrumental, that should comes as no surprise. Songs as "Dar' Abesque" showcase Miles' staple jazz sound (check out that Herb Alpert trumpets), but as you listen in closer, you can hear Logic's contribution in shifts and beats mixed in.

As far as I'm concern, these two perfectly compliment each other, making for an interesting collaboration on Global Noize. They are going to team up for a brief appearance at the Aspen Jazz Festival in Colorado on August 28^th, so check it out if you're in the area.

Links: myspace.com/globalnoizejazz www.djlogic.com www.jasonmilesmusic.com

Keith Killgo - Kojo Blues Keith Killgo Discography [1996] Mood for Love [2006] This World

Keith Killgo is one of those rare drummer and singer. He is the founding member and singer/leader/drummer of The Blackbyrds, the jazz-funk-fusion group from Washington, DC. They formed in 1973, and by 1975 had a hit with "Walking in Rhythm".

The Blackbyrds - Rock Creek Park

Although the band broke up in 1980 (?), their music is still being heard today in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for their song "Rock Creek Park". This song is quintessential 70s funk (think Shaft!) with loads of flute-action.

By 1996, Killgo decided to release his solo album called Mood for Love... then 10 years later, we saw the release of This World.

I don't have his original 96 album, but I can only guess that his music style of the 'Byrds contined on to his solo effort - much like much of the music on This World.

From the notes on This World, I see that they actually recorded many of these songs live (from Scotland to New Jersey to Maryland) circa 2001 to 2004. They finally put together the whole collection into CD in 2006.

Of the nine songs, I thought "Kojo Blues" stood out for me the most, probably because of the blues sound and that excellent sound of Orville Saunders II noodling on the guitar. Plus, it's one of the few songs that actually features a lot of vocals... and everyone is in top form in this song.

The little improv of "The Twilight Zone" theme at the beginning of the song was a nice touch :)

The most funkiest Blackbyrdseque song on this album is "Who Needs Love". If you are a fan of the seventies funk sound of The Blackbyrds, this song alone should make you want to pick up This World.

Pick up both of Killgo's album on CD Baby.

 04/16/2008 01:20:00  vu my♥posts www.keithkillgo.com

Little Blue Crunchy Things - Cold Day (Live at High Noon)

Little Blue Crunchy Things, possibly the most amazing funk-rap-rock-jazz-blues-hiphop-fusion ensemble on the planet, who officially broke up eight years ago, are playing a reunion gig in TWO DAYS TIME!!!

For any we heart musicers who live within 200 miles of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and even remotely value their own taste in music, I want you camping outside Shank Hall for LBCT's gig on Saturday March 1st 2008. Doors open around 8pm, LBCT play around 10pm, tickets $10.

If you have doubts about the amazing sound, the munch, the blue, or indeed the crunch, checkout either the band's MySpace page or my previous WHM blog on them for further tunes. And just in case, click right for one of their latest recordings; Cold Day performed live just last month.

- Christopher

LBCT - Live @ Shank Hall March 1st

Soul Summit - James Brown Medley (Sex Machine) Soul Summit 1 comment Sounds Like James Brown http://weheartmus... I've been hearing this song come on the tv quite often and the only lyrics that play during the w... 1 comment

Shanachie Records just released Soul Summit's Can You Feel It on January 22nd. I'm actually confused about the release date because their press release stated "January 22, 2007", but I think that is a typo and they had meant 2008 (as listed on Amazon, showing the MP3s were available in October 2007 and the CD was made available on January 2008). In fact, I just went over to the record label's official website and couldn't find it listed anywhere!

Looking through their catalogue, they offer some great diverse music genres: Soul/Blues, Celtic, Gospel, Americana, and even Reggae! What's interesting to note is that they're part of Yazoo (or at least related to them somehow), who's goal seems to be releasing old orginal 78's on quality CD. They just released The Best There Ever Was, a collection of of 1920s and 30s rural blues singers.

So what is Soul Summit? They're not exactly a band, they seem to be more of a project by producer Jason Miles. He assembled an All-Star R&B, Soul/Blues and Jam band to play together. The musical ensemble includes: Bob Babbit (Marvin Gaye), Karl Denson (Lenny Kravitz), Richard Elliott (Tower of Power), Steve Ferrone (Average White Band), Mike Mattison (Derek Trucks Band), Maysa, Susan Tedeschi, Reggie Young (Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash & Ray Charles).

The audio recording is excellent and it's not until you hear the audience clapping before you realize that the entire thing is actually taken from a live performance at the Berks Jazz Festival! Each note is perfectly played that you think the band's been together for years and years.

I leave you with an excerpt from their 12 minute epic jam song, "James Brown Medley". You'll hear some jamming and improvisation and some great showmanship in this example. Check it out as singer Karl Denson asks Steve Ferrone to take it to the bridge. It makes you wish you'd been there to see how it all went down.

You can pick up Can You Feel It on amazon, or buy it directly from jasonmilesmusic.com.

 02/01/2008 08:53:26  vu my♥posts jasonmilesmusic.com shanachie.com