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.