A Few Zen - Music, Fusion, and Life tag:www.afewzen.com,2009://1 2009-03-11T03:30:38Z A portal into the mind of JJ....... Movable Type 3.33 This is an XML content feed. It is intended to be viewed in a newsreader or syndicated to another site, subject to copyright and fair use. JJ's Pre-Spring 2009 Mix 1 tag:www.afewzen.com,2009://1.199 2009-03-11T03:24:08Z 2009-03-11T03:30:38Z For some reason I stopped doing my quarterly DJ mix. I used to do all the seasons for all types of parties. So I decided to pick it back up. My Summer 2000 mix inspired me to do so. This... JJ http://afewzen.com For some reason I stopped doing my quarterly DJ mix. I used to do all the seasons for all types of parties. So I decided to pick it back up. My Summer 2000 mix inspired me to do so. This mix missed the Winter 2008 Mix so it becomes the Pre-Spring 2009 Mix. I really dig all these songs right now. I hope you enjoy too.

01 - The Width of a Circle - David Bowie 8:09 2000
02 - Solid Steel Theme (Deluxe Version) - DJ Food & DK 1:19 2001
03 - Go Into the Water - Dethklok 4:20 2007
04 - Charming The Flames - Fields 4:38 2007
05 - Throw Your Set In The Air - Cypress Hill 4:08 1995
06 - This Time (I'm Gonna Try It My Way) - DJ Shadow 3:05 2006
07 - Come Clean / Channel One Suite - Jeru The Damaja / The Cinematic Orchestra 3:00 2001
08 - Beached - Neotropic 0:51 2001
09 - Wucan - Black Mountain 6:03 2008
10 - X1 (Underdog Mix) - Ice 1:22 2001
11 - My Kentucky - Earl Greyhound 6:36 2008
12 - Soul of a Man - Beck 2:35 2008
13 - Lucid Dreams - Franz Ferdinand 7:55 2009
14 - Mr. Dibbs "Fight for Air" Mash-Up - The Black Keys 4:03 2008
15 - 505 - Arctic Monkeys 4:14 2007
16 - Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys 2:38 1966
17 - Sunday Night Buttermilk Waltz - The Black Crowes 1994

]]> Best of 2009,

]]> Wolfgang's Vault tag:www.afewzen.com,2009://1.198 2009-01-28T21:59:50Z 2009-01-28T22:05:06Z This site is based on all of the music Bill Graham recorded in his music clubs from about 1966 until now. Bill died but left a gem of a gift to us in his website Wolfgang's Vault. I love classic... JJ http://afewzen.com This site is based on all of the music Bill Graham recorded in his music clubs from about 1966 until now. Bill died but left a gem of a gift to us in his website Wolfgang's Vault.

I love classic music. Classic rock, jazz, soul, country, and almost anything. This website focuses on most of my favorite bands ever, with their best lineups, in their best years. Soundboard recordings for free. And you can download albums too. They also have artwork, pics, t's, stubs, and memorabilia for sale. They also have modern bands because the family still owns some clubs. Great site. It also has an iphone app for those inclined. Enjoy.

]]> Gay Superheroes? tag:www.afewzen.com,2009://1.197 2009-01-28T21:57:39Z 2009-01-28T21:59:00Z Well, now that I do think about it, it all makes sense. Thanks to Brett for the heads up on this video.... JJ http://afewzen.com Well, now that I do think about it, it all makes sense. Thanks to Brett for the heads up on this video.

]]> JJ's New Keyboard tag:www.afewzen.com,2009://1.196 2009-01-14T02:04:06Z 2009-01-14T02:19:48Z I have been searching for the Fender Rhodes Electric Piano sound since I first heard it 10 years ago. It sounds like heaven to my hyper-sensitive ears. I debated buying an old 1970's Fender Rhodes. They are out there on... JJ http://afewzen.com I have been searching for the Fender Rhodes Electric Piano sound since I first heard it 10 years ago. It sounds like heaven to my hyper-sensitive ears.

I debated buying an old 1970's Fender Rhodes. They are out there on Craigslist or Ebay. But they are heavy, have 1 sound, and are 30 years old. But I love modern technology and options. So I searched for the best modern copy of that. Roland is the only brand that owns the Rhodes copyright and sound. And it plays like a great real piano. I just bought this keyboard. The sound displayed here is the Hammond B3 which is another immortal organ sound. This guy rocks out my new keyboard using the B3 sound and supplied bass and beats from they keyboard. This just will keep you posted on the sound I'm moving into on keys. I finally obtained the sound and playability I have been looking for. Thanks Roland. FYI.

]]> The 17 Best Indie Tracks of 2008 Mix tag:www.afewzen.com,2008://1.195 2008-12-18T02:18:11Z 2008-12-18T02:39:37Z My bud Brian asked me to make him a mix of my favorite songs off of my top 10 albums of 2008 list. I thought I'd 1-UP him by mixing him a cd of 15 tracks from my favorite top... JJ http://afewzen.com My bud Brian asked me to make him a mix of my favorite songs off of my top 10 albums of 2008 list. I thought I'd 1-UP him by mixing him a cd of 15 tracks from my favorite top 11-20 albums of 2008 along with 2 songs off of my top 10 album list.

I have burned enough of these discs to realize you all need to check out this mix. It's really good. If you don't have/know any of these songs hit me back. Or buy them.

1) Rock 'N Roll Train - AC/DC - Black Ice 4:22
2) Replica - Beck - Modern Guilt 3:25
3) Psychotic Girl - The Black Keys - Attack & Release 4:11
4) Halo - Bloc Party - Intimacy 3:35
5) The What? (feat. G-off & The Whooligan) - Mark Farina/Colossus - Mushroom Jazz 6 5:02
6) Never Stops - Deerhunter - Microcastle 3:04
7) Misty Morning - Earl Greyhound - I'm on Jupiter Waving My Arms at You: Live at The Calhoun School 9:10
8) Porchlight - Eric Avery - Help Wanted 3:48
9) 3 Ghosts I - Nine Inch Nails - Ghosts I-IV 3:51
10) Top Yourself - The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely 4:26
11) You'll Find A Way - Santogold - Santogold 3:01
12) Wired for Light - School of Seven Bells - Alpinisms 4:57
13) My Medicine - Snoop Dogg - Ego Trippin' 2:41
14) Dancing Choose - TV On the Radio - Dear Science 2:56
15) Angel - The Wood Brothers - Loaded 4:09
16) Sit and Wonder - The Verve - Forth 6:52
17) Basin Street Blues - Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis - Two Men With the Blues 4:56


]]> The Best Albums of 2008 tag:www.afewzen.com,2008://1.194 2008-12-04T00:10:42Z 2008-12-18T01:59:59Z #10. Guns N' Roses - "Chinese Democracy" I didn't think they'd EVER release this. 17 years ago I figured that was it. But the rumors persisted and then, the album came out! 13 million dollars, 8 studios, 30 recording engineers,... JJ http://afewzen.com #10. Guns N' Roses - "Chinese Democracy"

I didn't think they'd EVER release this. 17 years ago I figured that was it. But the rumors persisted and then, the album came out! 13 million dollars, 8 studios, 30 recording engineers, a huge cast of musicians and it sounds good. There are only about 3 songs on the new album that sound like "classic" GNR. If you are looking for more than that, this album is probably not for you. But that's fine with me. I'm not 17 years old anymore with 17 year old tastes. The rest of the songs are mutated metal/hard rock/alternative rock songs that are very different from the old GNR sound. But original. Hip hop beats. Flamenco guitar. Crazy Buckethead guitar soloing ALL over it. And Axl's voice is still there unless he recorded the good vocal tracks 17 years ago. The album is also recorded VERY well and is VERY unique/original. I'd say it is at least as good as "Lies", "Use Your Illusions", and "Spaghetti Incident" (way better than this one!). There were great songs on those old albums packed in with a lot of average songs too, and this album is at least that good. I think better. I really do like this album, just don't expect what you used to like and keep an open mind. I also keep my inner 17 year old happy getting this on to my top 10 list.


#9. Q-Tip - "The Renaissance"

It's been 9 years since Q-Tip put out his first album "Amplified" which I really liked. Then all his future work was indefinitely delayed/shelved until now. This new one is a very funky hip hop album in line with everything he has ever done. Jazzy, R&B, Retro, 80's, smooth, and hip. It fits his style but is very modern in the way he approaches the music world today. If you ever liked any of his old stuff you should splurge on only his 2nd solo disc.

Life Is Better. I couldn't find any good live clips of Q. This is a bangin' track off the new one. Norah Jones is the female singer all over it on this track. Nice. It is also the typical hiphop "shout-out" last track, even though it's not the last song. All you see is the album cover.


#8. Metallica - "Death Magnetic"

Rick Rubin produced the boys' new album and said one thing, pretend you are "back in the day" and writing a 2nd disc to the Master of Puppets album. And they deliver. I didn't think they could even do that anymore. They can, they just have chosen to do something different over the years. This album is heavy, loud, fast, overly complicated and syncopated. Plus wonderfully recorded. One of the loudest recorded albums I have heard in awhile. I just bought tickets to see them live because the album is so good. And I haven't wanted to see them live since I saw the And Justice For All tour. Which was great (but old school). Now they are new old school. If you always wished Metallica would return to their old style, they finally did.

The End Of The Line


#7. The Walkmen - "You And Me"

This is my most obscure pick of the year. A band from NYC. I have been a fan of theirs for awhile but their albums just had a lot of variety and no concept. A lot of singles. But then this new album came along. Every year there are at least 2 bands who try and re-do the sound of the Beach Boys "Pet Sounds". This is one of them. It has that Phil Spector Wall Of Sound. Heart aching vocals, but more punk than Brian Wilson. And the album really holds together as an album. All of the songs work as pieces of one story and build off one another. This is the first time I have heard this band sound really together. I expect bigger and better things from them and I think this is their watershed album.

In The New Year.


#6. Girl Talk - "Feed The Animals"

Girl Talk is a DJ who just mixes other peoples' music. But he chooses to mix the most modern/popular/profane hip hop lyrics with the strangest of classic rock, 80's music, and popular rock songs. In a very dancy way. Out of my top 10 albums I have probably listened to this one the most. Whenever people are by or at a party, this cd gets people laughing and dancing. Plus whoever did these video versions of this albums songs on youtube also did a great job of entertaining. My pick for the funnest album of 2008.

Track 1


#5. The Roots - "Rising Down"

These guys have long been my favorite hip hop band. And THE ORIGINAL hip hop band. They play everything and write songs in a band format, but it's not rock. And it is cutting edge. There were always old school hip hop acts using bands to play there already sampled songs but these guys wrote hip hop songs on instruments. Plus their MC Black Thought is still my favorite. Besides that they have been putting out stellar albums for 10 years now. They pretty much have an album on my top 10 list every year. Nobody touches them in modern pop hip hop. These guys are on another level and this new album is no different.

Rising Up


#4. The Raconteurs - "Consolers Of The Lonely"

What can I say? I love Jack White. I've blogged about him many times. Plus I love hearing him in a full band. I don't get tired of that. The Racs new album is very eclectic like their first album. The best of classic rock, punk, folk, blues, and Americana. The musicianship and songwriting is top notch. They also put a great live show on for this album. I saw them over the summer. A must for any Jack fan.

Salute Your Solution


#3. Beck - "Modern Guilt"

Like the Roots I pretty much have a Beck album on my top 10 list on which ever year he puts out an album. This new one was produced by producer/DJ extraordinaire Dangermouse. It is stripped to the bone as far as the songwriting. It's real basic and 60's rock sounding (except for Replicant which is one of the years best electronic songs). For almost the entire album Beck and Dangermouse play all the instruments. If you have ever liked Beck or 60's rock in general you should pick it up. On a side note I also am awarding Dangermouse my producer of the year award. Besides this album he also put out the new Gnarls Barkley album and the new Black Keys album. They would both be on my top 20 list. 3 phenomenal albums this years and he was big parts of all of them. Kudos D!

Gamma Ray


#2. Louis XIV - "Slick Dogs and Ponies"

This is actually my #1 favorite recorded album of the year. It is as classic rock and old school rock and roll of anything I have heard this year. Pounding drums, wailing guitars, sex, beatles-y moments, and an overall concept album. For this album they actually added some string players. Very nice. Song to song it stands up on it's own. As did their last album The Best Little Secrets Are Kept. If you like classic 70's rock you should pick it up.

Guilt By Association


#1. Muse - "HAARP"

While my #2 album is technically my favorite straight recorded concept album of the year, this new Muse live CD/DVD blows every live show I have ever seen off the map. Props to my buddy Patrick who told me he threw this on every morning to get pumped up just to go to work. Made me wonder why. When you see this you can see why these guys are probably one of the biggest and baddest (best) bands in the world. Just a power trio but they sound like Queen on steroids and Red Bull on a spaceship 200 years into the future. Their lead singer is just a virtuoso. Guitar, piano, and singing. And he has the craziest custom guitars ever with most of the effects built on to them. He picks guitars based on the effects they have in them. Plus the band has stage prescence. Plus they have a stellar stage show and props. My jaw just drops everytime I watch this DVD, which my friends will tell you is a lot. Watch the clips below and see for yourself. One of the few bands that sound bigger than on their albums live (and their albums are really good!). Best of the year.

New Born

Starlight

]]> Billy Martin tag:www.afewzen.com,2008://1.193 2008-10-09T01:31:55Z 2008-10-09T02:26:24Z I studied rhythm with Billy in the mountains and woods of NY. August 2008. The man is intimidating. But he really isn't. He's in control at all points to hold it down musically in his band Medeski, Martin and Wood.... JJ http://afewzen.com I studied rhythm with Billy in the mountains and woods of NY. August 2008. The man is intimidating. But he really isn't. He's in control at all points to hold it down musically in his band Medeski, Martin and Wood. He changes rhythm into melody. He sees music as 2 people beating on logs between large distances. Each person talks through a rhythm on the log as a language. I didn't really get that just listening to Billy. But I did get it talking to him.

Billy put out a few breakbeat albums as illyB for DJ's to play around with for a future album. He put out at least 30 badass funky beats to do what you wanted with. I submitted 6 remixes for 2 of the albums he put out as remix albums. Needless to say I wasn't accepted. But I did mix Billy in with Hendrix, Chicago, Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, and Japanese meditation music. Maybe that's why I didn't get in. He said not to sample copywritten music but I thought I disguised it tastefully. Maybe he didn't hear the samples. Maybe he did.

Billy said that for all improv you need a beginning and an end, and a determined amount of time in between. And it works. The drummer does subtle cues to change.

I asked Billy about what he thought about using samplers and electronics and groove music and he told me to listen to Wu-Tang. And I think that is deep, because I like Wu-Tang, and they do sample and quantize.

He also said that your limitations define yourself. As did many others.

Here's is a clip I can't embed but is a great clip of Billy soloing. He starts making a glass bowing noise using a metal rod on a home-made cowbell of sorts. I have seen it live and it is cool, but the mics don't pick it up well here. He also has a Zildjian cymbal cut out to be a long hanging ride cymbal closest to the camera during the song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KeyT1mxWvY

Here is Billy doing his percussion act live. He is the only drummer I have EVER seen live (only John Bonham on DVD has it beat) that can hold down the show on his own. I thought that every time I have seen him do "IT".

Billy brought up the term "Avante-God". A mistaken word but cool. Here is MMW trading licks.

Emulate the music that inspires you .... Billy Martin.

]]> Incubus tag:www.afewzen.com,2008://1.192 2008-09-19T23:20:57Z 2008-09-19T23:31:40Z I have liked this band ever since they came out. Saw them at Lollapalooza in Chicago years ago. Very good. The guitarist Mike Einziger is a genious. Mike actually played "Mountain Song" with Jane's Addiction during that show. Very great.... JJ http://afewzen.com I have liked this band ever since they came out. Saw them at Lollapalooza in Chicago years ago. Very good. The guitarist Mike Einziger is a genious. Mike actually played "Mountain Song" with Jane's Addiction during that show. Very great. As a guitar player myself I am amazed at what he can do. He writes very interesting guitar riffs, Brandon can sing his ass off around that (and play djembe), the ex Roots bassist holds it down, the dj scratches some nice Brandon vocals, and the drummer mixes between funk/latino/dnb and rock.

All of their stuff is good, but I'd say start with their new album "Light Grenades" if you have to start somewhere.

]]> Saul Williams tag:www.afewzen.com,2008://1.191 2008-09-18T02:24:59Z 2008-09-18T02:35:13Z Saul is 100% poet and neo-futurist. He embodies the political unrest in this country while hooking up with today's electronic scene (new album was produced by Trent Reznor). He is not quite my ideal singer but he has a weird/great... JJ http://afewzen.com Saul is 100% poet and neo-futurist. He embodies the political unrest in this country while hooking up with today's electronic scene (new album was produced by Trent Reznor). He is not quite my ideal singer but he has a weird/great hard punk voice he is working. The weirdest thing about seeing this show below was that Saul was a mind-blowing vocalist to the point where I didn't think he could even sing. But that was real punk. Plus he handed out fake feathers for everyone to use during the show. This was a great show and attracted a very eclectic crowd. Pick up his new album "Niggy Tardust" off his site. It costs you whatever you really want. This clip is also great because the guitar player's strap pops off at about 46 seconds in. He definitely had to retune, but no one notices except the band.

]]> Chris Wood tag:www.afewzen.com,2008://1.190 2008-09-16T01:19:03Z 2008-09-16T02:53:02Z I was lucky enough to get to study with Chris Wood about a month ago when I was accepted in Medeski, Martin, and Wood's music camp in the Catskill Mountains. He is by far the best bass player I have... JJ http://afewzen.com I was lucky enough to get to study with Chris Wood about a month ago when I was accepted in Medeski, Martin, and Wood's music camp in the Catskill Mountains. He is by far the best bass player I have ever seen in front of my eyes. He is very studied and very cool and was able to drop a huge bomb on us musicians in describing his life in music. He helped me to learn my guitar up and down, backwards and forwards, and as a gorgeous instrument. The bass is close enough to the guitar for me to get "it", plus I also play bass and got "it".

Chris started his master class delving in to how our left brain dictates all of the bad energy when you improvise live. And how it makes us feel guilty or imperfect at the same time. He played this video and it amazed everyone present to see it. Everyone I have sent this to has also been likewise amazed. This site Ted also has the most intelligent people on the planet talking about the deepest issues of today's times. I highly recommend playing around in Ted. Kurzweil also has a brilliant talk. Enjoy.

Besides playing in my favorite modern jazz fusion band, Chris also just sings and plays bass with his brother in a totally different band. The Wood Brothers. I am really hooked on this band and am not quite sure why. Deep blues, country, and pop that I wouldn't think would work that well. It's just a great singer-song writer setup. But this family is genious. This song "Luckiest Man" below has quickly become my most favorite thing to hear. I am also taking singing classes that make you bring a song to class to work on. And I brought "Luckiest Man". It has beautiful harmony and rocking bass. I can't talk highly enough of Chris, and love that he is doing something completely different. Check him out in either band if you ever have the chance.

And here is one more gem from that live show....

And here is one more clip of Chris in his original band MMW, soloing to Ray Charles "What'd I Say"...

]]> Jamie Lidell tag:www.afewzen.com,2008://1.189 2008-07-29T01:54:53Z 2008-07-29T02:03:21Z I was checking out the videos from last year's Pitchfork Fest (2007) and I saw a Jamie Lidell video. I heard of him, in a good way, but I didn't know what he sounded like. He seems pretty cool. He... JJ http://afewzen.com I was checking out the videos from last year's Pitchfork Fest (2007) and I saw a Jamie Lidell video. I heard of him, in a good way, but I didn't know what he sounded like. He seems pretty cool. He shows up with a tape deck and just starts laying down vocals like Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, Prince, and even Michael Jackson. It's like old school Motown meeting 80's funk. .....from this skinny white English guy who up until recently was just making weird electronic music. I don't think his fans saw it coming but I like picking up here.

He's playing at Lollapalooza this Saturday (August 2nd 2008). I'll check it out. Before Lupe Fiasco, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, and Rage Against The Machine. Not bad. Enjoy.

]]> John Medeski tag:www.afewzen.com,2008://1.188 2008-06-18T01:48:55Z 2008-09-16T02:59:31Z John Medeski is THE piano player in the band Medeski, Martin and Wood. He is a relatively young virtuoso on any keyboard type instrument. He usually plays a different organ on each hand for every song he does. His band... JJ http://afewzen.com John Medeski is THE piano player in the band Medeski, Martin and Wood. He is a relatively young virtuoso on any keyboard type instrument. He usually plays a different organ on each hand for every song he does. His band has mastered funk, jazz, reggae, electronic, and hip hop. Keyboard, bass, drums. No vocals. Mostly. A master of all types of crazy and beautiful sounds. I get to study with him/them in August this year up in NYC. I'm so glad (Cream). Anyways, John recently visited an orphanage in Peru and is now in the process of trying to have a bunch of Melodicas donated for the kids! Watch the video here.

And here is John with the band....doing his thang on the 2 keyboards.

]]> Beck Again tag:www.afewzen.com,2008://1.187 2008-06-03T02:16:57Z 2008-06-03T02:19:03Z Beck is stil one of my fav artists. He starts with "Jackass" which is just great live country song. This is a great medley sounding good audio wise.... JJ http://afewzen.com Beck is stil one of my fav artists. He starts with "Jackass" which is just great live country song. This is a great medley sounding good audio wise.

]]> "Walk Hard : The Dewey Cox Story" tag:www.afewzen.com,2008://1.186 2008-05-26T22:06:44Z 2008-05-26T22:12:49Z I was just watching the movie "Walk Hard : The Dewey Cox Story" and it was pretty hilarious. As a long time Jack White fan (White Stripes, Raconteurs fame) I was surprised he had a cameo in the movie as... JJ http://afewzen.com I was just watching the movie "Walk Hard : The Dewey Cox Story" and it was pretty hilarious. As a long time Jack White fan (White Stripes, Raconteurs fame) I was surprised he had a cameo in the movie as Elvis. Crazy Elvis. I'm glad somebody put it up on Youtube so I could post on it. Check out the movie. It was definitely a parody on the Johnny Cash movie "Walk The Line" and maybe a little parody on "Ray" too. Good supporting cast of SNL actors. See the movie if you like Rock n Roll. 4 out of 5 thumbs.

]]> Louis XIV tag:www.afewzen.com,2008://1.185 2008-03-07T02:27:43Z 2008-03-07T02:34:26Z Louis is a great new Rock band. They embody everything about the Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll attitude of the 70's. They are today's Stones or T Rex or Bowie or Beatles. Very talented and grooving. They are coming... JJ http://afewzen.com Louis is a great new Rock band. They embody everything about the Sex, Drugs, and Rock and Roll attitude of the 70's. They are today's Stones or T Rex or Bowie or Beatles. Very talented and grooving. They are coming to Chicago at the Metro on 3/22. I highly recommend them because their new album "Slick Dogs and Ponies" is the sh*t. Check out the video for "Guilt by Association" below for that one. See you at the show.

From their first album. "God Killed The Queen".


From their new album. Acoustic performance of "Air Traffic Control".

]]>