CeU

A Roda

Malemolencia

Proof that Pop Music sounds better when sung in Portuguese. Not really. While CeU has a strong pop sensibility, she also has a tight band (musically speaking) and a heavy influence of groove, soul, and afrobeat. At times her voice recalls Les Nubians, Fiona Apple, and yes, a bit of everyone's favorite pop/soul-lite vocalist, Corinne Bailey Rae. It all gets pulled together into very likable, catchy, songs which fit the "pop" genre easy enough, but I think there's some depth to the talent here. Check out the Fiona influence on the free download, Ave Cruz. I've also pulled some of her best performances available on YouTube. In particular, there are versions of Malemolencia and Lenda featuring a stripped down band consisting of just her guitar player and percussionist. Young, with only one album to her name, definitely an artist I'm keeping an eye on.

Read - YouTube - Her Home - Her Space - Download - Buy

The conversation stops at Stevie Wonder

I remember having a dialogue over email with someone from an MMW online group. I had posted something about seeing Erykah Badu live or maybe something about loving Mama's Gun and he responded asking about Badu, because for whatever reason he just couldn't see it. I appreciated his interest, especially since he wasn't a fan of hers but took the time to try to understand the hype surrounding her name and music. I explained that Badu is one of modern music's innovators and that along with people like D'angelo, Maxwell, and Jill Scott have reinvented modern Soul music. Still, he had plenty of doubts and the conversation continued for a few days. In one of my emails I began to inquire about the depth of his music collection. In particular I asked if he owned any Stevie Wonder records. Stevie was never mentioned in the dialogue previous to this but it was something to give me a frame of reference for who I was talking to. Despite his lack of Badu affection, I was more than a little surprised when he said that he, in fact, did not own any Stevie Wonder but "You know, had heard his songs before." My next email went something like this:

"Forget about Badu. Seriously. If you don't own any Stevie Wonder you might as well forget trying to get into Badu and go listen to some Stevie instead. I mean it. Don't bother trying to understand Badu until you explore Stevie."

Why try to convince someone of the greatness of Badu if they don't recognize the genius of Stevie Wonder? The conversation stops at Stevie Wonder.

I'm falling in love with Stevie Wonder for the second time in my life. The first was initially discovering his music, listening to various "Best of..." albums where I heard the songs that define his legacy.  It still took years for me to recognize his greatness.  I was in high school and listening to a lot of Tool, Rage, Go-go and other anti-mainstream music. (Coincidentally this was also the time when I first heard "On & On" every damn morning, during a car ride of mostly awful music. 1997.)  But back to Stevie, over time there were just too many great songs where I'd say, "Damn.  This is Stevie Wonder too." For some fans, these songs are good enough, after all, its the so-called "best" of what he has to offer. But for others, it eventually only leads to wanting to hear EVERY PIECE OF MUSIC he has ever produced... ever. Overkill? Depends on who you ask, but the answer is a resounding NO.  I own just about every Jimi Hendrix record, official or bootleg, that you can find. I'm satisfied to the point that I have stopped searching. I own over 40 or more Miles Davis records but admit I haven't fully explored them yet. I'm satisfied there too, knowing I have work to do but have the resources on hand to do it. And then there's Stevie.

After picking up a copy of the 4-cd retrospective released a few years ago (thanks Adam), I figured I was good. Over 4 hours of Stevie Wonder all in one nice, neat package. I also owned the live record, Natural Wonder, which I still love, a 2-disc compilation of greatest hits, and a few others as well. Great, I've heard it all and I love it. But sitting here now, listening to Innervisions, I'm wondering how it took me this long to explore ALL of Stevie. At the same time, there's such an excitement to listening to these records as intended, start to finish. It's really a completely different experience digesting the albums as complete albums rather than the songs as individual songs. Higher Ground just started and its placement makes those opening lines stand on edge, cutting through the speakers, sounding better in this context than any time I've heard it before.  Really.  Alone it's a great, funky song.  Here, you are pulled into the beauty of the record when Higher Ground rips through, making a powerful statement.

As Thanksgiving approaches, I can tell you that at this moment in time, I am incredibly thankful for the gift that is Stevie Wonder's music.

Words just can't do the music justice.  I have so much more I could say, like the fact that today I just realized he was only 22 years old when Music of My Mind and Talking Book were released, 23 for Innervisions, and 24 for Fullfillingness' First Finale.  That's fucking incredible.  I mean, that... is fucking... incredible!  Genius is a word that can get thrown around lightly, but there's a reason Stevie is pretty much universally hailed as a genius.  And as much as I thought I already dug him, I'm just starting to realize the depth of his greatness.

There is Stevie... and then there's everyone else.

The Inevitable Rise

The joint release from longtime trailblazers Saul Williams and Trent Reznor is much more than a collection of songs.

It is the sign of changing times.

It is a call to action.

It is the motivation that founded soundbetter.net.

It is the movement.



Read what Saul says about the record.



Download the entire album right now.





The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust!






Support Independent Artists.
Support Saul Williams.

All things Harlem Experiment.

$10.

Voodoo Music Experience

This weekend in New Orleans...

Broadcasting live on WWOZ and streaming video at iClips.net.  Video lineup includes Mofro tonight at 10pm .  Tomorrow: Porter/Batiste/Stoltz at 7pm, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk at 9pm, New Orleans Social Club at 11pm.  Sunday:  The Black Crowes at 7pm.  Plenty more though.  (All times in EST)

If only you could record that streaming video?

[Update 7:45pm] Hmmmm, conflict... WWOZ will broadcast JJ Grey performing a live solo set tonight between 10-10:30pm EST.  At the same time over on iClips.net, Mofro's entire performance from earlier today will be video broadcast.  Can't go wrong with either.  Me?  I'll figure a way to get both.

If you don't get it...

First up is a concept long overdue.
(By way of the Washington Post) I present to you...

The Moby Quotient

and

The Equation


What is the Moby Quotient? I should really just let you read and come back. But for those who understandably don't read blogs just to be directed somewhere else to read, I'll briefly summarize. Simply put, it is one man's attempt to quantify how much an artist sells out with various commercial endeavors. The article breaks down how the theory came about while the equation clearly illustrates factors used in the calculation. Readers are also encouraged to calculate their own values for custom scenarios. Brilliant!



Next up, Dave McKenna accurately assesses the show that kicked off the Experience Hendrix tour at Constitution Hall last Tuesday night. I was there and it wasn't good. Sure, it had a few moments (Kenny Wayne Shepherd providing the best highlights). But once the house lights came up, the stage cleared, and the crowd ushered out, it was a letdown.

Driving home I debated what to title the post I would write that night about the show. Possibilities included "The Buddy Guy Experience," "Get off the stage Buddy!" and "Fuck Buddy Guy." Not kidding. You get the idea. After a promising start to the show that included some solid performances, followed by some awful performances, followed by some killer performances, we got 45 minutes of Buddy Guy doing Buddy Guy. Not just being Buddy Guy, but doing Buddy Guy, as in all Buddy Guy songs. Two words he never mentioned the entire time he was on stage? "Jimi" and "Hendrix." Neither one. Not once. He drained the energy from the entire room and made the Purple Haze>Voodoo Child>Hey Joe finale feel anti-climactic. Buddy wasn't the only problem though. And looking back, I can't completely agree with the sentiment of the article's title. It was worth the experience, just not what it could have been.

Read Hendrix Tribute: Not Worth the Experience.



And finally, this tidbit from an article about copyright law and how some "violators" are fighting back. I had to read it twice.


Ric Silver, the choreographer of the Electric Slide, says he spent three years contacting 17,000 Web sites about what he says is their "incorrect portrayal" of the famous line dance. Silver also told YouTube to take down a number of videos showing the dance, including one clip of a concert filmed by Kyle Machulis.

Machulis sued Silver for copyright abuse. As part of the settlement, Silver agreed to allow the video to be reposted with a tagline crediting him for the choreography, but he now says he's waiting for paperwork from the Library of Congress that will allow him to open new lawsuits over clips like Machulis's.

"I can't go to every wedding and bar mitzvah in the country, so this is all I can do to make sure people learn it right," Silver said.

Not a shred of sarcasm in there? No follow-up joke? Maybe it's just me.

[Live Show] 3 Foot Icon

When: Friday, September 28
Where: 8 x 10 Club, Baltimore MD

3 Foot Icon is a new project fronted by Speech of Arrested Development, Chief Xcel of Blackalicious, and Kyle Hollingsworth of String Cheese Incident. They came to Baltimore this past Friday night for a late (10:30pm doors) show and exceeded my already hyped expectations.

Why was I expecting good things? The answer is simple really; the presence of Chief Xcel. I'm of the opinion that everything Xcel touches is golden. Examples include the Blackalicious classics NIA, Blazing Arrow, and The Craft and his collaboration with Quannum labelmate Lateef the Truthspeaker entitled Maroons: Ambush.

I was also looking forward to checking out Speech. At the height of his popularity as the leader of the hugely popular, MTV regulars, Arrested Development, I was busy digging Tool, NIN, the Pixies etc. to recognize. But later on I grew to respect Speech as an artist, a voice, and a talent. And so this setting was a great opportunity to see where he's at now.

And then there's that String Cheese guy. Have to admit, not a fan of String Cheese Incident. But the fact that Kyle was involved in a project with the two aforementioned artists earned major points before the show ever began. Then I heard him play. Alright, as if this comes as some surprise, Kyle Hollingsworth can definitely play.

Band started tight with an instrumental jam consisting of Kyle on keys, Chief on turntables and laptop, guitar player, bass player, and drummer. (I regret that I don't have the names of the other players in the band. Apparently 3 Foot Icon has ignored the universal law that each and every musical endeavor, no matter the quality or legitimacy, requires its own separate myspace page.) Speech entered stage left moments into the second song, driven by a "nod-your-head-to-this" Chief Xcel beat. The band started to fall into the beat (somewhat off) until Xcel faded it out and ripped into some nice scratching.

Ended up getting a Mr. Wendel, Tennessee, and encore of Everyday People. And you know what? It wasn't lame at all. The sound lived up to the hype. Hip-Hop met Jam met Soul. These cats rocked.

[Got more to say but it's taking me too long to finish posts and get them up. So this one's going up almost done. I know, pretty weak.]

New Orleans is Alive and...

Well... there's still a lot of progress to be made. Those who know me are aware of my deep affection for NOLA. We made it down for Jazzfest this past April/May and again for the first week of August. I'm starting to upload some pictures to Mac.com's new web gallery site and have now finally documented the latest Jazzfest trip. Check out those pics and others here.

These trips reaffirmed for me that New Orleans is indeed, alive. Work is being done, albeit slower and less efficient than ideal. There is an amazing resiliency amongst the locals. While acknowledging the great tragedy and disaster in which they have suffered, they'll make clear their complete faith in recovery. The people I spoke with aren't waiting for the government or volunteers or handouts to get it done. People are working. Whether it's busing tables, filling drinks, playing for tips, driving a cab, or cleaning the streets, New Orleans is working. New Orleans is alive.



New Music

Gov't Majik
A new incarnation of a band who didn't survive the storm, this 12-piece ensemble is self-dubbed "The Dirty South Afro-Beat Arkestra." New CD entitled Reality (It Hits You...) available for download here or purchase here.

Gov't Majik (bass player/bandleader Bru Bruser missing)

Gov't Majik live at The Hookah Cafe, New Orleans, Sunday August 5, 2007

Non-Static
I just discovered this band last week on the internet, so admittedly, I know very little except what can be read and heard on their myspace page. Though they appear to be primarily based out of Brooklyn, most band members have strong ties to New Orleans, either splitting time there currently or having lived and worked there in the past. Project is lead by Mitch Paone, a keyboardist with whom I am not familiar; however, I do recognize the excellent cast of musicians he's managed to enlist around him. They include John Ellis (sax), Cocheme'a Gastelum (sax), Matty Williams (bass), Eric Kalb (drums), and Simon Lott (drums). Debut record is set to be released this October and is tentatively titled Nuyorkleanians. Samples on myspace sound good, but I have a feeling this will be music best heard in a live setting. Then again, the best music always is...




Recent Reporting


Washington Post Article, Still Singing Those Post-Katrina Blues

This is a nice, long piece on the struggles New Orleans' musicians are facing earning a living after the storm. There are also links to photos and a short video of Troy Andrews driving through the 9th Ward discussing his return to the city.



Offbeat Interview with Louisiana Lieutenant-Governor Mitch Landrieu

This is an interesting discussion on the balance of art and commerce, with a focus on New Orleans and how to "sell" the music and art without losing authenticity. It's a discussion I've had personally with close friends many times and an issue I still struggle with today. The balance of staying true to your art and yet trying to make a living off of it at the same time... it's difficult. New Orleans artists love their City and their culture, but they deserve to enjoy some commercial success, a reality that has become increasingly difficult in the aftermath of Katrina (as detailed in the Washington Post article). Lieutenant-Governor Mitch Landrieu expresses the necessity of accepting business with art and yet seems to respect the balance between the two that should be maintained.

Experience Hendrix Tour

The following text is from www.experiencehendrixtour.com:


A five city tour, featuring some of the best known and most respected figures in rock, blues has been set to celebrate the legacy and music of Jimi Hendrix next month. The tour launches October 16 at Washington’s Constitution Hall. Experience Hendrix, LLC, the Hendrix family-owned company charged entrusted with preserving and protecting the legacy of Jimi Hendrix is the presenter of the tour and lends its name to the endeavor which runs through October 20th. Other tour stops include New York; Hampton Beach, NH; Atlantic City and Waterbury, CT.

Featuring artists who will be performing music written by and associated with Jimi Hendrix include blues giant Buddy Guy, pedal steel innovator Robert Randolph, contemporary guitar greats Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Special guests include Robbie Krieger, guitarist of the Doors, Rolling Stones veteran guitarist Mick Taylor and Hubert Sumlin, the Mississippi-born guitarist who worked with both Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. Most remarkably, Mitch Mitchell (drums) and Billy Cox (bass), the same Jimi Hendrix Experience rhythm section that played behind Hendrix at Woodstock will be on hand for the Experience Hendrix tour dates as will Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon, a/k/a Double Trouble, the late Stevie Ray Vaughan’s highly regarded rhythm section. Native American band Indigenous, Eric Gales, the Memphis guitarist who is heard on the Power of Soul Jimi Hendrix tribute album and Kenny Olson of Kid Rock’s band are also part of the Experience Hendrix Tour. Various combinations of these artists in performance are sure to make the concerts very special events for both new and veteran Hendrix fans.

The new Experience Hendrix tour is an exciting prospect for Billy Cox whose history with Jimi Hendrix dates back to their days in the Army together. He commented, “It’s a thrill for me to play Jimi’s music for audiences now as it was in the early 1960s. The Experience Hendrix tour just show you how timeless this music really is.”


Tour dates:

October 16 Washington, DC, Constitution Hall
October 17 New York, New York, Beacon Theater
October 18 Hampton Beach, NH, Casino Ballroom
October 19 Atlantic City, New Jersey, Etess Arena, Trump Taj Mahal
October 20 Waterbury, CT, Palace Theater


Courtesy of Experience Hendrix, LLC

Update

Hey there. Thanks for checking out the blog, whether it's your first time or if you're one the faithful who keep coming back despite my lack of updates. I still have a lot of ideas for this blog and plan to share more music and information in the coming months, and hopefully post more often.

For now, I've updated the Current Listening section with some of the music I discovered on a recent trip to New Orleans. It also has a link to Amir Sulaiman's website, an artist I previously mentioned on this blog. If you've still never heard him, do yourself a favor and go to his website, click on music, and listen to the first track, "Like a Thief." For more tracks and videos check out his myspace page.

Good stuff on the horizon...

From The Corner To The Block

RELEASE DATE: August 21

Track List:
01. I Got It (What You Need?) (with Lyrics Born)
02. ...And I’m Out (with Mr. Lif)
03. The Corner (with Gift of Gab)
04. Second and Dryades (with Big Chief Monk Boudreaux)
05. Think Back (with Chali 2na)
06. Bounce Baby (with DJ Z-Trip)
07. Hustle Up (with Boots Riley)
08. Sidewalk Stepper
09. From the Corner to the Block (with Juvenile & Soul Rebels Brass Band)
10. Squarebiz (with Ladybug Mecca and Nino Moschella)
11. Tuff Love (with Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews)
12. No Way (with Lateef the Truthspeaker)
13. Fanfare
14. Find My Home (with Vursatyl and Ohmega Watts)

The first single is the title track featuring Juvenile and the Soul Rebels Brass Band and is available for download on iTunes.

Galactic also performed a special set at this year's Bonnaroo festival featuring many of the guest MC's from the new record. The complete live show is available for download on etree's tracker using bittorrent. (If you're still new to bittorrent but are interested, here's a good place to start.) Hoping to post a sample or two soon. Performers included Gift of Gab, Lyrics Born, Charlie 2na, Lateef the Truthspeaker, Boots Riley of The Coup, Mr. Lif, Vursatyl, and a few more. Killer.

Ready for the New Beasties

Set to be released June 26, "The Mix-Up" is the second completely instrumental album recorded by the Beastie Boys. Yet to be seen (or heard) if it becomes the instant classic that the first one was, but I'm ready for it and expecting good things.




Someone on the inside has posted some nice new videos and in-studio clips on youtube, two of which can be seen below. Click here to see the rest.



"Electric Worm" (rehearsal)
Short but sweet. Nice footage of new material being rehearsed in the studio.






"Off the Grid" (from the forthcoming release "The Mix-Up")
New video. New material.

Like A Thief In The Night, Amir Sulaiman

Amir Sulaiman, who forever lodged his voice and words in my mind with a stunning performance on HBO's Def Poetry, drops his new album next Tuesday, May 15th. It's available right now on iTunes for only $10. 16 tracks include "When I Die" with Mos Def and the same piece performed that night in Brooklyn, "Danger." Judge for yourself below.

Jazzfest 2007 - The Midnight Disturbers

Listening to Maurice Brown live on the last day of Jazzfest, broadcasted on WWOZ, I'll finally take a shot at running down what was another great three days of music last week in New Orleans.


Thursday Night: Papa Mali's Stoned Soul Picnic, featuring The Midnight Disturbers and Henry Butler - Howlin' Wolf, 2am

The Midnight Disturbers proved to be a highlight of the entire trip, an all-star brass band led by Stanton Moore on snare drum and Kevin O'Day on bass drum. Trombones: Big Sam Williams (Big Sam's Funky Nation, Dirty Dozen Brass Band) and Mark Mullins (Bonerama). Trumpets: Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews (Orleans Avenue, ReBirth Brass Band) and Alcedrick Todd. Saxophones: Ben Ellman (Galactic) and Skerik (Garage-a-Trois, Critters Buggin'). Sousaphone: Kirk Joseph (Kirk Joseph's Backyard Groove, Dirty Dozen Brass Band). Drums and Percussion: Stanton Moore (Galactic) and Kevin O'Day (Walter "Wolfman" Washington & the Roadmasters).





It was monumental to say the least. MVP probably goes to Troy Andrews, one of New Orleans rising superstars. He delivered some amazing solos that left the other players on stage just as impressed as the audience. One of the great things about being front stage for a show is watching the interaction between the band. These guys were having fun and it was clear they felt the immeasurable energy in the room.


Henry Butler also played a short set as did the Papa Mali Trio. Eventually everyone ended up on stage together and they worked out a nice extended groove. A great way to kick-off Jazzfest, especially after the ordeal in getting there just a few hours earlier.

Wilson, Party of Two

We arrive at the airport 1 hour 45 minutes ahead of departure, plenty of time. Even hit up an express shuttle parking lot, no problems getting to curbside in a jiffy. Hey, niiiiiice, no line at curbside check-in and hey, we're not checking any bags so even easier. Print the boarding passes and go.

Delta Curbside: "I'm sorry. Seems to be a problem. I can't print your passes here. Just go through these doors and check-in at that counter." (Ahh yes, we'd be seeing quite a bit of that counter.)


Read the entire post here.

Future of Internet Radio In Jeopardy

In some ways this is a follow-up to the last post. I feel somewhat irresponsible posting about all these great sites for hearing new music at a time when the mere existence of independent internet radio is being threatened by an enormous royalty rate increase.

Brief summary from DiMA:

On March 2 the Copyright Royalty Board issued the rates and terms for Internet radio royalties covering a period from 2006-2010. The ruling ignored webcasting community proposals and set out the SoundExchange proposed “per performance” rates (below) and a $500 minimum fee per station/channel.


As I understand it, the $500 minimum per station applies to each user defined station. For example, I have eight stations set up on Pandora (I believe the limit is 99). Under the new pricing, Pandora will be required to pay $4,000 / year for my account alone, regardless of how often I listen to the stations. Of course, for the stations I do listen to, the per play rate for each song will also increase. That $4,000 represents only the minimum Pandora would owe; the actual amount would be significantly higher. While Pandora is a free service, they do offer an "upgraded" pay service which I choose to support. It costs me $36 per year.

Worse yet, the rate hike is retroactive to January 1, 2006, so that most of these independent stations will immediately be hit with a massive debt.

For more information, please check out SaveNetRadio.org, Digmedia.org, and Live365.com. If you only click on one link, make it this one, and take a moment to read the three posts there. Among other well written thoughts, the second post includes an explanation of who SoundExchange is and where they came from.

Lastly, it is important to note that internet based radio DOES pay royalty fees. While many sites offer free service or charge minimal monthly fees, there is still a cost to broadcasting. It's this cost that has kept "soundbetter.net radio" in the idea stage for several months. (Hopefully it'll happen, assuming the cost stays affordable.) This current debate is over the extreme prices the new rates will lead to, which greatly exceed the fees assessed to Satellite and standard AM/FM radio broadcasts. All explained in more detail at the aforementioned sites.

Find Free Music

I'm always looking for new music, and to that end, ways of finding new music. The April 2007 issue of Macworld features a nice write-up on some options for finding new sounds on the internet. I've been hip to some spots for awhile now, such as bt.etree.org, archive.org, and iTunes' podcasts. (As a side, my current list of iTunes Podcasts include Futureboogie, Ninja Cast, and ATHCAST's Georgia Theatre Podcast.) Still, many sites mentioned are completely new to me including all of the music blogs. You can read the full article, complete with links, here.

Surprisingly, one site that the article failed to mention is Pandora. Definitely worth checking out, I owe it to Pandora for introducing me to these cats.

The Worst Commercial On TV... Ever?

Forgive me if I'm late seeing this one, but saw it for the first time this morning and... uhhhhh. Speechless.







Oh, where to begin? The guy pumping his fist early on? The seriousness of the verse? And of course, the big finale. They did it with lighters. Nowadays mo-rons use cell phones. Why not a glass of water with an alka-seltzer in it? I get it. It's funny. Ha ha. Just awful.

Then again, I just posted it on my blog... so what's that say about the effectiveness of the commercial? A marketer will tell you a bad response is better than no response. The suits win again!

Blackalicious Live in Seattle DVD

Courtesy of spinner.com, this DVD is streamed in its entirety. You can view it below with compressed video and audio, but to really get down pick up a copy here. Featuring Lateef the Truthspeaker, with appearances by Pigeon John, Fatlip, and the Livesavas. This tour also features Herve (RV) Salters on keys, the mastermind behind General Elektriks, whose debut record is available from Quannum Records. For a ridiculously tight sample of what Salters brings to the show, click here. Say what? At a hip hop show?

I also posted Rock the Spot from the DVD, both samples available over at soundbetter.net under the sounds section. Rock the Spot isn't available on any of Blackalicious' commercial releases but has always been one of my favorite live performances.

Also over on spinner, which appears to be a front for AOL Music, check out DJ Shadow's new video for This Time (I'm Gonna Try It My Way).

MOFRO releases Country Ghetto

MOFRO released their 3rd record today, February 20, 2007. Production is top-notch once again. Like Lochloosa and Blackwater before it, Country Ghetto is produced by Dan Prothero of Fog City Records, one of the finest producers out there.

Of some interest on this release is the definitive separation of JJ Grey and "his band" MOFRO. Not only is the new name present on the cd itself, but the website has been changed to reflect it and all shows on the current tour have been billed under this new moniker. At first I was a bit put off by this, but after listening to the cd and now discussing it here, I don't really care much. The name is a reflection of the business side of music, not the music itself. Any focus on that undermines the point that this new release continues in the MOFRO tradition of honest, soulful, authentic music. While clocking in at just 45 minutes, there aren't any miscues here, so it's a 45 minutes well spent.

The Post Show

New Jill Scott Release

This hasn't received much promotion because it contains previously released material and there is growing anticipation for Jill's next official new album, The Real Thing, which is due this summer. But at $10 (from Amazon) and including a Hidden Beach New Music Sampler (which contains the title track from the aforementioned upcoming release), it's a no-brainer. In fact, I just received my copy today. A wide range of styles here, heavy rotation to commence.

Tracks

1. Love Rain (Head Nod remix) - featuring Mos Def
2. Daydreamin - featuring Lupe Fiasco
3. Good Morning Heartache - featuring Chris Botti
4. Said Enough - featuring The Isley Brothers
5. One Time - featuring Eric Roberson
6. Let Me - featuring Sergio Mendes & Will.i.am
7. 8 Minutes To Sunrise - featuring Common
8. Funky For You - featuring Common & Bilal
9. Sometime I Wonder - featuring Darius Rucker
10. Slide - featuring Jeff Bradshaw
11. The Rain - featuring Will Smith
12. God Bless The Child - featuring Al Jarreau & George Benson
13. Kingdom Come - featuring Kirk Franklin
14. Love Rain (Coffee Shop mix) - featuring Mos Def



"Good Morning Heartache" Performed Live

More Jill Scott? Listen to this interview about her book of poetry, The Moments, the Minutes, the Hours.

Galactic Recording Hip-Hop Record

Galactic has performed with hip-hop acts for years and their current tour is no different, with Lateef the Truthspeaker as well as J-Live performing on a few selected dates.

Text below lifted directly from GlideMagazine.com.


Galactic Recording Hip-Hop Album With Plenty Of Collabs

New Orleans funk band Galactic is working on the follow-up to their 2003 release, Ruckus. The band has been co-writing tracks with a variety of vocalists and MCs including Jurassic 5’s Chali 2na, Gift of Gab from Blackalicious, Mr. Lif, Lyrics Born, The Coup’s Boots Riley, Lateef the Truthspeaker, Ladybug of Digable Planets, and others. In addition, the record will include various New Orleans icons including Mardi Gras Indian Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews.

The hip-hop themed record will meld Galactic’s own New Orleans street funk with some of today’s most progressive MCs, something the band has experimented with in their live performances. Over the last several years, the group has appeared with the likes of Lyrics Born, Talib Kweli, The Roots, Jurassic 5, and Z-Trip. They also recently backed Juvenile on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

“Everyone in the band listens to a lot of hip-hop” says saxophonist Ben Ellman. “We have always felt there is a natural connection between the New Orleans funk and brass band music that has inspired our sound and the rhythmic aspects of hip-hop. We wanted to push ourselves on this record to do something really different. We felt it would be fun to make an album with some of our favorite MCs with us as a foundation since its always felt great when we’ve had the opportunity to do it live.”

The band is currently considering whether to put the record out on their own imprint or through a label. They are targeting a late summer 2007 release.

Charity Auction for Sudan

Waxploitation, Inc. has launched a Charity Auction for Sudan with 100% of proceeds going to Oxfam, Human Rights Watch and the Save Darfur Coalition. Bidding for some items ends today, though several auctions will be open through Sunday, 1/28. Items up for bid through the week include cds, posters, and vinyl signed by artists such as ?uestlove, Dangermouse, Talib Kweli, Common, Kanye West and several others.

Waxploitation founder Jeff Antebi: “Even though Darfur has become a prominent issue, it’s important we don’t forget that it’s a dire crisis there that is getting worse. We can’t assume the attention Darfur is getting is the same thing as assistance. Real help is as crucial now as it ever was.”

What It Is!

After that short JB tribute, this box set is perfect for some "under the radar" funk and soul grooves from years past. My favorite Xmas present of 2006... thanks Dane.





30 second teasers:

Funky to the Bone - Freddi/Henchi & the Soul Setters
8 Days on the Road - Howard Tate
Cold Bear - The Gaturs

Listen to Some Godfather

Courtesy of the Paris DJs, here's a nice James Brown mix with just a few tracks that you may not have heard before. Other groovy podcasts available on their site as well.