RootDown FM

Two! Great Free EP's from Plug Research...

2012-02-27T14:21:00.000-08:00

"One EP"
Tensei

Plug Research 2012

Links:

Label » PLUG RESEARCH

Artist » TENSEI

Album » "ONE EP"

Tensei One EP by Tensei

"The Heavens Bleed Sunshine"
Thavius Beck

Plug Research 2012

Links:

Label » PLUG RESEARCH

Artist » THAVIUS BECK

Album » "THE HEAVENS BLEED SUNSHINE"

Thavius Beck - The Heavens Bleed Sunshine by Plug Research

ENJOY 8-)

ROOTDOWN ROTATION: "Black & Tan Edits", miX&dorp

2012-02-26T13:46:00.002-08:00

"Black + Tan Edits"
miX+dorp

Black + Tan 2012

A collection of remixes, reinventions and rejuvenations. Forget the past. It's dead, and so is the way you used to think about blues. miX&dorp blasts new life into the style by blending modern beats and blasts from the future into existing tracks for a fresh sound that makes the rhythmic heart of the blues beat stronger than ever.

Black & Tan

Links:

Label » BLACK + TAN

Artist » MIX+DORP

Album » "BLACK + TAN EDITS"

Black and Tan edits by miX&dorp

ENJOY 8-)

ROOTDOWN ROTATION: "How Many Clouds Can You See?", John Surman

2012-02-23T14:03:00.001-08:00

"How Many Clouds Can You See"
John Surman

Vocalion 1969

John Surman's second album remains his most impressive, anticipating the sound and scope of the European free jazz movement that would blossom in the decade to come -- boasting an extraordinary roster highlighted by trumpeter Harry Beckett, tenorist Alan Skidmore and bassist Barre Phillips, How Many Clouds Can You See? captures a singular moment in the evolution of British jazz, forging a new and distinct sound with few musical antecedents. Surman is a force of nature here, wielding his baritone, soprano and bass clarinet as if they were weapons -- no less impressive is his control, however, and no matter how far How Many Clouds Can You See? may travel, the music never lapses into self-indulgence or swallows its own tail.

Jason Ankeny, Allmusic.com

Links:

Label » VOCALION

Artist » JOHN SURMAN

Album » "HOW MANY CLOUDS CAN YOU SEE"

ENJOY 8-)

ROOTDOWN ROTATION: "Ugly Edits", Theo Parrish

2012-02-20T13:52:00.003-08:00

"Ugly Edits"
Theo Parrish

[Theo Parrish] 2012

Theo Parrish's Ugly Edits series finally gets an OFFICIAL CD release! I mean, do I really need to sell you on this one? This is possibly the most acclaimed and sought-after edit series to ever exist, and with original 12"s fetching loot (as well as being bootlegged) this compilation is a god-send for Theo fans, Detroit completists, and CDJ owners across the globe. This double CD comp collects every single one of the 12"s in the series including his super extended re-work of Jill Scott's "Slowly Surely(1)" (one of the first Theo edits I ever picked up), the party starting "Party going On(2)," the sweet disco action of "Never Let U Go(3)," the Teddy P re-work "Love I Lost(4)," the feel-good vibe of "Get On Down(5)," the quirky leftfield disco punk of "Got A Match?(6)," uptempo jazz fusion of "Little Flower(6)," and "Shave Mister(7)," "No Way Back(8)," and much more. Don't expect these to be around for long! 16 tracks over 2CDs. Essential stuff, obviously recommended.

Links:

Label » [THEO PARRISH]

Artist » THEO PARRISH

Album » "UGLY EDITS"

ENJOY 8-)

ROOTDOWN ROTATION: "L.A.'s Unsung", Nimbus West Compilation

2012-02-19T14:47:00.003-08:00

"LA's Unsung"
Various Artists

Nimbus West

Collection of great spiritual and funky jazz joints from the early 80's, all released on the brilliant Nimbus West imprint and largely ignored thereafter. I don't know much about the label, but the sleevenotes for this are a radical jazz manifesto culminating in a call "for the people to take over the airwaves" - and here we are - right on! Just superb...

Links:

Label » NIMBUS WEST

Artist » VARIOUS ARTISTS

Album » "LA'S UNSUNG"

Amazon.com Widgets

ENJOY 8-)

ROOTDOWN ROTATION: "Collections 01", Teebs

2012-02-19T08:15:00.000-08:00

"Collections 01"
Teebs

Brainfeeder

Come peruse Collections 01, a menagerie of songs from Teebs on the Brainfeeder label. Like a cluster of exotic birds, anthology of short stories or secret case of sparkling gemstones, Collections 01 further explores the world expressed in Teebs’ previous album Ardour from several new perspectives.

While drawing from the universe of Ardour, Collections 01 is more varied with more samples, each song containing specific elements that give it a unique character. Featuring tracks with harpist Rebekah Raff and Brainfeeder cohort Austin Peralta, Collections 01 offers a range of sentiment, always elegantly displayed. From hypnotic, dust-covered beats and languid daydreams to cascading shuffles and bright bursts of color, this beautiful collection is a further glimpse into the world behind the mind’s eye of Teebs, painter of sound.

From Teebs: “With this record I’m trying to imagine a side project or group of mine that just so happened to make the same exact music as I’m making now. These records are neither EPs or full albums. Just mini collections of ideas…I hope to release them randomly through my life as if they were paintings in a drawn out series. The vibe I want people to be sent off with is a feeling of going out and buying some kind of rare library record they always wanted and not a “new album/EP.” This will be the first ‘Collections’.”

Brainfeeder

Links:

Label » BRAINFEEDER

Artist » TEEBS

Album » "COLLECTIONS 01"

Amazon.com Widgets

ENJOY 8-)

ROOTDOWN ROTATION: "MU.ZZ.LE", Gonjasufi

2012-02-12T12:10:00.001-08:00

"MU ZZ LE"
Gonjasufi

Warp Records 2012

MU.ZZ.LE although short in length, is long on message - political, social and spiritual interpretations that define him as an artist. Written on the road, it was an outlet for Gonjasufi to challenge himself. It's the response to all the adrenaline, aggression and anger he felt traveling the world, it's a spectrum of his creativity and a testimony of how one man's passion and determination is often misunderstood as anger. ''There's a duality that exists and to deny it, is the biggest mistake''. The albums down tempo strings, heartbreaking soul, reanimated hip-hop and crackling haunting vocal stylings are stitched as a running thread throughout each song like a patchwork quilt. It's a lonely journey that will take you through the innermost thoughts of Gonjasufi's darkest hours. He recorded and mixed it on his own in his home studio surrounded by his family and the stark contrast of the Mojave Desert. The end product is his outlet and realization for who he is, a way for him to feel comfortable in his own skin again. Akin to discovering a gramophone recording fraught with emotive compositions, it's like finding that hidden gem, the one you can truly relate with. It's the way of dealing with the issues of modern man; oppressed by power, freedom of speech, living your life by a book, dealing with the MU.ZZ.LE that's firmly attached around your mouth.

Links:

Label » WARP RECORDS

Artist » GONJASUFI

Album » "MU ZZ LE"

Amazon.com Widgets

ENJOY 8-)

ROOTDOWN ROTATION: Istanbul 70, Panoram

2012-02-02T13:07:00.001-08:00

"Istanbul 70"
Various Artists

Nublu 2012

Compiled by renowned DJ Baris K, this is a 14-track compilation featuring Turkish classics from the 70s -- from rock stalwarts Erkin Koray and Cem Karaca, to disco folksters Baris Manco, Nazan Soray, and psy-funkers Mogollar and Kamuran Akkor!

Links:

Label » NUBLU

Artist » VARIOUS ARTISTS

Album » "ISTANBUL 70"

Amazon.com Widgets

"Accents"
Panoram

Scenario 2012

A brief, yet intense holy celebration of the power of sounds and their audacious craftsman. Placed between an acid and electrifying intro and a dramatically dissonant ending, Panoram’s sermon unfolds in a variegate and kaleidoscopic universe where he explores a huge range of emotions, building sophisticated rhythms like those on Mute City Blue and Hell Reflections, but not only.Panoram’s rhetoric can push the speech even further, describing a world where rhythm is not the essence and the leading role is played by melodies and a few synthetic bass lines; here the most intense words are spoken, words with the shape of the static movement of Prizm or the melancholic dreaming melody of Wing Formula; but ” in every dream home a heartache”. In Panoram’s world quietness has always something disturbing within. There isn’t anything else to say to expand your faith. Slam Jam

Links:

Label » SCENARIO

Artist » PANORAM

Album » "ACCENTS"

Panoram - Mute City Blues by _Panoram_

ENJOY 8-)

ROOTDOWN ROTATION: "The Tribe", Hannibal Marvin Peterson

2012-01-31T12:01:00.000-08:00

"The Tribe"
Hannibal Marvin Peterson

[unreleased] 1979

The legendary "lost" Hannibal album. In 1979 Hank O'Neal produced the session for John Hammond. It made its way on to vinyl as a white label promo but was never offically released. Expect to pay BIG bucks if you ever track a copy down as only a few hundred were pressed and it is a KILLER set! Personnel: Diedre Murray, Mike Cochrane, Tim Stevens, Billy Hart, Art Webb, Ricky Strobbert, Rollen Martin, Branice McKenzie (voc), Pat Peterson (voc), 7 violins plus assorted percussion, not forgetting rhe man himself on trumpet and positive vibrations.

Links:

Artist » HANNIBAL MARVIN PETERSON

Album » "THE TRIBE"

ENJOY 8-)

ROOTDOWN ROTATION: "Two Syllables Volume Six", First Word Records Sampler

2012-01-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

"Two Syllables Volume Six"
Various Artists

First Word 2011

Free sampler of 2011's highlights from First Word records - a first rate eclectic collection of beats and rhymes that you would be very foolish to ignore...

Links:

Label » FIRST WORD

Artist » VARIOUS ARTISTS

Album » "TWO SYLLABLES VOLUME SIX"

Two Syllables Volume Six by First Word Records

ENJOY 8-)

ROOTDOWN ROTATION: "Dancehall Stylee", Jah Thomas

2012-01-15T08:13:00.001-08:00

"Dancehall Stylee"
Jah Thomas

Silver Kamel 1982

With Scientist at the controls and Roots Radics in Channel One, I knew this was a winner before I put it on the turntable, but I didn't guess how great it was going to be - Jah Thomas is probably more famous as a producer than an MC, but this album should make him equally famous for his toasts and lyrics - with Scientist and the Radics at the height of their powers laying down some sweet rhythm and Thomas' distinctive vox on top this a must for all reggae fans!

Links:

Label » SILVER KAMEL

Artist » JAH THOMAS

Album » "DANCEHALL STYLEE"

Visit Jah Thomas's Site At
http://www.myreggaespace.com
For More Music

ENJOY 8-)

ROOTDOWN ROTATION: "Moonscape", Michael Garrick Trio

2012-01-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

"Moonscape"
The Michael Garrick Trio

Trunk 1964

An original of this ten inch Garrick debut album from 1964 would set you back about £1500, and not only is it mythically rare (only 99 copies made) but it's also bloody marvellous. This really is a very beautiful bit of work; ethereal, slightly free but still very listenable and sublimely melancholy in parts. I cannot believe how wonderful this album is. Even nearly 45 years on it's as fresh as a daisy and may well take you to places you've never been.
Jonny Trunk

Links:

Label » TRUNK

Artist » THE MICHAEL GARRICK TRIO

Album » "MOONSCAPE"

ENJOY 8-)

ROOTDOWN ROTATION: "The Hollow", Scrimshire

2012-01-12T14:11:00.001-08:00

"The Hollow"
Scrimshire

Wah Wah 45s 2011

Another winner from Wah Wah 45s - Adam Scrimshire's second album is an eclectic blend of jazzy, soulful and latin influences, with a nod to downtempo electronica, but given a character all its own by the personal, heartfelt character of the songs and Scrimshire's distinct musical vision - with vocal contributions from the likes of Heidi Vogel and Stac as well as the man himself, some truly great horns and even some harp, this is smart music for intelligent ears, highly recommended...

Links:

Label » WAH WAH 45S

Artist » SCRIMSHIRE

Album » "THE HOLLOW"

The Hollow by Scrimshire

ENJOY 8-)

ROOTDOWN ROTATION: "Treasures", Lloyd McNeill

2012-01-10T14:27:00.001-08:00

"Treasures"
Lloyd McNeill

Baobab 1976

Some of the best soul jazz ever blown came out of Lloyd McNeill's flute! His six self-produced albums spanning 1969-79 are quite simply some the finest jazz albums of all time, surpassing releases on major labels in both quality and vision - superb...

Links:

Artist » LLOYD MCNEILL

Album » "TREASURES"

Lloyd McNeill - Griot

ENJOY 8-)

ROOTDOWN ROTATION: "Danger", Lijadu Sisters

2012-01-08T10:34:00.001-08:00

"Danger"
The Lijadu Sisters

Knitting Factory 1976

The Lijadu Sisters debut album, Danger (originally released in 1976), is as funky and mellifluous as it gets, the twins gorgeous harmonies underpinned by a solid Afro-rock beat and framed by Biddy Wright's funky organ and guitar work. Danger has a vibe of uplifting positivity which would be a feature of all four of the Lijadu Sisters albums. Lyrically, most of the songs address social and political issues, sometimes directly, sometimes through metaphor and allusion. Twins Taiwo and Kehinde were born in Jos, in northern Nigeria, on October 22, 1948. They enjoyed singing from an early age, and remember with special fondness discs by Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and, Fela Kuti (their second cousin!). 'All our records include songs with deep messages,' says Kehinde. 'Artists should be the voice of the world. Not just of their own people, but of the wider world, for a problem which faces one, faces all.' Through their career, the sisters met the British drummer Ginger Baker (Cream, Blind Faith, Airplane), who in the first half of the 1070s was a frequent visitor to Nigeria. In 1972, the Lijadu Sisters performed with Baker's band at the cultural festival accompanying the Munich Olympics in Germany. Another fortuitous encounter was with the multi-instrumentalist Biddy Wright. Wright co-arranged and played on all four of the classic 1970s Lijadu Sisters albums, which are now being re-released by Knitting Factory Records Danger (1976), Mother Africa (1977), Sunshine (1978) and Horizon Unlimited (1979). Assisted only by traditional drummers and percussionists, Wright played most of the instruments on the three discs. Wright, along with Taiwo and Kehinde, were able to flawlessly bring traditional and electric styles together.

Links:

Label » KNITTING FACTORY

Artist » THE LIJADU SISTERS

Album » "DANGER"

Amazon.com Widgets

ENJOY 8-)

2012-01-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Eeeek, got so hooked up on Facebook and Twitter I forgot about Blogger! So here's a few of our new faves on rotation to get started again:

"Hum Dono"
Joe Harriott + Amancio D'Silva

EMI 1969

Fantastic fusionistic collaboration between brit sax giant Joe Harriott and Indian born guitarist Amancio d'Silva - Eastern scales and vocals swing seamlessly with predominantly Western instrumentation, latin influences and even some Portuguese fado - both Harriott and D'Silva went on to record more conspiculously "world" type music, but the subtlety and imagination of this album weren't bettered by either of them imho - a remarkable record for its (or any other) time...

Links:

Artist » JOE HARRIOTT + AMANCIO D'SILVA

Album » "HUM DONO"

"Townfolk:Ravenna"
Sabzi

[Sabzi] 2011

Glorious beats from Blue Scholars' producer Sabzi - first of a series of instrumental 'Townfolk' projects, these originating from 2003-2005 but still sounding well ahead of the game...

Links:

Label » [SABZI]

Artist » SABZI

Album » "TOWNFOLK:RAVENNA"

"Beat Konducta In Africa"
Madlib

Stones Throw 2010

Madlib follows Flight To Brazil, with the third installment of the Medicine Show series and the fourth installment in his Beat Konducta Series: Beat Konducta in Africa. Previous entries include: Beat Konducta: Movie Scenes, Beat Konducta: in India and Beat Konducta: Dil Cosby and Dil Withers Suites. Beat Konducta In Africa contains over forty instrumental hip hop tracks produced and mixed by Madlib. This epic "beat tape" springs from obscure vinyl gems culled from the afro-beat, funk, psych, garage-rock, prog-rock and soul movements of countries as diverse as Zambia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Botswana and the Ivory Coast. The Madlib Medicine Show series is a combination of Madlib's new hip-hop productions, remixes, beat tapes, and jazz, as well as mixtapes of funk, soul, Brazilian, psych, jazz and other undefined forms of music from the Beat Konducta's 4-ton stack of vinyl.

Links:

Label » STONES THROW

Artist » MADLIB

Album » "BEAT KONDUCTA IN AFRICA"

"Karimba"
Novalima

Esl Music 2012

The contemporary sounds of Lima, Peru come alive with Novalima's latest release, Karimba. The songs are richly textured with spicy nuances of aural colours that amaze all who listen to it. The upbeat rhythms and melodies are interspersed with electronic beats, dub sounds, and Afro-Peruvian leanings that never seem to fade away into an abyss of boredom. Leave your gourd shakers and pan flutes at home, as these guys rip up the terrain with exploding sounds of rhythmic beauty and passion that can only come from Novalima's repertoire. As a third release, Karimba shows no signs of falling into a pattern of dull beats or useless embellishments. The twelve tracks are dance-friendly and sure to send goosbumps up and down your body. Some of the more trance-like grooves cement its reputation as a catchy and addictive mix of soulful tunes from South America.
~ Matthew Forss, Inside World Music

Links:

Label » ESL MUSIC

Artist » NOVALIMA

Album » "KARIMBA"

NOVALIMA - Karimba

"Sweet Earth Flying"
Marion Brown

Impulse 1974

The second installment of his "Georgia" trilogy, Sweet Earth Flying is arguably Marion Brown's finest work and certainly one of the underappreciated treasures of '70s jazz. Again, the words and ideas of poet Jean Toomer underlie Brown's conception (hence the album's title), though this time (unlike the appearance of Karintha on Geechee Recollections) none of Toomer's actually poetry is utilized. Instead, he calls into service the remarkable keyboard paring of Muhal Richard Abrams and Paul Bley, an inspiration that pays off in spades. The two pianists alternate acoustic and electric keyboards, bringing a slight tinge of the propulsiveness of Miles Davis' late-'60s bands, but with a grace, soul, and sense of freedom rarely achieved by Corea and Jarrett. In fact, Abrams' feature on Part Five of the title suite is one of the single most beautiful and cogent statements he ever created. Brown's sound on both soprano and alto has a unique quality; he tends to sound tentative and innocently hesitant when first entering, only to gather strength as he goes, reaching utter conviction along the way. Special mention must be made of vocalist Bill Hasson. He's featured on only one piece, but his deep-voiced recitation in a language of his own construction (drawing from West Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, and North American down-home English) is a very special treat indeed. Very highly recommended to open-eared jazz fans of all tastes.
Brian Olewnick, All Music Guide

Links:

Label » IMPULSE

Artist » MARION BROWN

Album » "SWEET EARTH FLYING"

Marion Brown - Sweet Earth Flying, Part 4

ENJOY 8-)

New On Rotation: Masaru Imada, Roots of OK Jazz, See-I, Finest Ego UK and Ireland

2011-08-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

"Finest Ego UK and Ireland"
Various Artists

Project: Mooncircle 2011

Finest Ego United Kingdom and Ireland compilation represents much of the best talent around these isles atm. It is by no means a definitive document though it is one of the strongest and most relevant ones you’ll find today. From straight up hip hop styles to downtempo, ambient electronica via boogie, dub and techno interpretations, Finest Ego UK and Ireland represents a snapshot of some of the best established and upcoming producers in these countries at the beginning of the ’10s >> FREE DL

Links:

Label » PROJECT: MOONCIRCLE

Artist » VARIOUS ARTISTS

Album » "FINEST EGO UK AND IRELAND"

"Roots Of OK Jazz"
Various Artists

Crammed 2010

Originally released on Crammed in 1993, this beautiful 20-song collection - re-released as part of the "Congo Classics" series on Crammed that began with "Roots of Rumba Rock" in 2006 - documents the fine early work of the "Tout-Pouissant Orchestre Kinois de Jazz" or Almighty Kinshasa Jazz Orchestra, as led by the imposing "Grand Maitre" Lokanga La Ndju Pene Luambo Makiadi aka FRANCO. This reissue coincides with the 50th anniversary of DR Congo's independence from Belgian colonial rule.

Links:

Label » CRAMMED

Artist » VARIOUS ARTISTS

Album » "ROOTS OF OK JAZZ"

"Green Caterpillar"
Masaru Imada Trio + 2

Three Blind Mice 1975

Superior fusionistic jazz excursions from the Masaru Imada Trio + 2 - "Green Caterpillar", released on Japanese imprint Three Blind Mice in 1975, is a fine fierce and funky set with particularly bangin keys and bass, tho drums and guitars are really no slouches either - brilliant...

Links:

Label » THREE BLIND MICE

Artist » MASARU IMADA TRIO + 2

Album » "GREEN CATERPILLAR"

"See I"
See I

Fort Knox 2011

Fort Knox Recordings presents the debut album from See-I entitled See-I. Long time collaborators Arthur Rootz Steele and Archie Zeebo Steele bring their band s unique brand of Reggae injected with heavy doses of Funk, Soul, Dub and Rock to Fort Knox. We are proud and excited to re- lease their first full length album.

See-I's 13-track debut is an epic showcase of the energy, sound and talent of this exciting group. This is Reggae music for music lovers, so sit back and enjoy the ride!

Links:

Label » FORT KNOX

Artist » SEE I

Album » "SEE I"

ENJOY 8-)

New On Rotation: Blue Scholars, Gil Scott Heron, Dennis Coffey

2011-08-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

"Cinemetropolis"
Blue Scholars

[Blue Scholars] 2011

We are long-time fans of Seattle's Blue Scholars here at RootDown Towers and been looking forward to this release for some time - "Cinematropolis" did not disappoint - Sabzi builds on the Scholar's sound rhythmically and sonically, and with Geologic's ever more sophisticated flows it's our hip-hop album of 2011 for sure - lest you forget, the Scholars do all this completely independently, with this album being funded entirely through fan investment via Kickstarter! Perhaps freedom from management and label hicks is what leads to such high quality output - these guys are a model for independent artists everywhere and the tunes are WICKED!

Links:

Label » [BLUE SCHOLARS]

Artist » BLUE SCHOLARS

Album » "CINEMETROPOLIS"

Amazon.com Widgets

"Outer Galaxies: Dennis Coffey"
Dennis Coffey

Strut + Fatbeats 2011

Remix EP of Denis Coffey's recent self-titled release on Strut with some really nice work by the likes of Shigeto, Dabrye and others - put out FREE in collab with Fatbeats - download it here...

Links:

Label » STRUT + FATBEATS

Artist » DENNIS COFFEY

Album » "OUTER GALAXIES: DENNIS COFFEY"

Dennis Coffey_All Your Goodies Are Gone feat. Mayer Hawthorne (Shigeto remix) by SHIGETO

"Spirits"
Gill Scott Heron

TVT 1994

On this 1994 release, his first new recording in more than 10 years, Gil Scott-Heron revives all the phases of his career. He turns to biting social commentary on "Message to the Messengers," a diatribe about antisocial, often nihilistic trends in hip-hop; then, on "Work for Peace," he critiques American militarism with a particular focus on the Gulf War, offering the tidbit, "The military and the monetary / Get together whenever it's necessary / Turning our brothers and sisters into mercenaries / They are turning the planet into a cemetery." The title track and "Don't Give Up" (which was produced by Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest) recall Scott-Heron jazz-funk classics like "Lady Day and John Coltrane." The singer-poet also does a savvy updating of his 1974 hit "The Bottle," interpolating it into a three-part suite called "The Other Side," which features affecting guitar and keyboard solos. Unlike many of Scott-Heron's live shows, which are laden with nostalgia, this release looks back and ahead with equal power. --Martin Johnson

Links:

Label » TVT

Artist » GILL SCOTT HERON

Album » "SPIRITS"

Amazon.com Widgets

ENJOY 8-)

New On Rotation: Dwight Trible, Brownout, 7K Oaks

2011-07-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

"Entelechy"
7k Oaks

Die Schactel 2011

Rock hard music on the free-side from Alfred Harth's 7K Oaks quartet - you could describe "Entelechy" as jazz but to my ears this recording occupies a pretty unique niche somewhere between jazz and noize rock of some variety - bags of attack and energy and plenty of virtuousity from sax, bass, piano and drums - fantastic stuff...

Links:

Label » DIE SCHACTEL

Artist » 7K OAKS

Album » "ENTELECHY"

7k Oaks - At Last I Am Free by rootdownfm

"Aquilas + Cobras Remixed"
Brownout

Six Degrees 2011

Brownout's funky latino jam fusion (by way of Austin, Texas) given some beatful reworkings by some top studio talent on a total remix of the "Aguilas & Cobras" album - their rhythmical explorations seem well suited to this kind of project and there's some great stuff on here...

Links:

Label » SIX DEGREES

Artist » BROWNOUT

Album » "AQUILAS + COBRAS REMIXED"

Amazon.com Widgets

"Love Is The Answer"
Dwight Tribble + Life Force

Ninja Tune 2005

Legendary vocalist Dwight Tribble joins forces with Carlos Nino's Lifeforce Trio for a jazz fuelled tripped out excursion into experimental hip-hop territory - the marriage works really well with Dwight's vox lending depth and meaning to the superb Lifeforce beats - luv this...

Links:

Label » NINJA TUNE

Artist » DWIGHT TRIBBLE + LIFE FORCE

Album » "LOVE IS THE ANSWER"

Amazon.com Widgets

ENJOY 8-)

New On Rotation: Tall Black Guy, Ticklah, Cosmic Sounds Blue Light 2

2011-07-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

"Various Artists"
Blue Light 2

Cosmic Sounds 2000

Volume 2 of Cosmic Sounds' Hungarian collections from the Rare Gems series of hard-to-find Eastern European jazz - a funky fusion set that sparkles from start to finish, "Blue Light 2" does not disappoint! It's like top drawer mainstream stuff but with a curious Eastern inflection that makes all the tracks excellent, with some total stand-outs! Nice going selectors!

Links:

Label » COSMIC SOUNDS

Artist » BLUE LIGHT 2

Album » "VARIOUS ARTISTS"

Dimenzio - Bamba (The Fool) by rootdownfm

"Hollyweird 2"
Tall Black Guy

Gritty Goat 2011

More headnod hardcore from the Tall Black Guy - all manner of beaty instrumental loveliness on "Hollyweird 2.0", taking West Coast vibes and giving them a Detriot makeover! It's my fave beat-treat of the year and it's free to download so GET SOME!!! and spread the word - let's make the Guy even Taller...

Links:

Label » GRITTY GOAT

Artist » TALL BLACK GUY

Album » "HOLLYWEIRD 2"

GoldenSun(Tribute to Blackalicious)>>>From Hollyweird 2.0 by TallBlackGuyProductions

"Ticklah vs Alexrod"
Ticklah

Easy Star 2011

TICKLAH VS. AXELROD is a reggae dub assault from Ticklah a.k.a. Victor Axelrod. You might know him from co-producing Dub Side of the Moon. Or as the keyboardist for Antibalas. Or from session work with Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen, DJ Spinna and Robbie Williams. Or as a founding member of Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. Even if you know him, you've never heard a record like this before. It features vocal contributions from Mikey General, Tamar-kali (Easy Star All-Stars), Mayra Vega, Vinia Mojica (best known for her work with De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest) and Rob Symeonn. Billboard called it "Reggae magic." World Music Central referred to its "Mind shattering dub excellence." And MP3.com called it "A potent combo of Jamaican and Latin rhythms." However you slice it, it is bound to become the soundtrack to your next party, chill out or love making session.

Links:

Label » EASY STAR

Artist » TICKLAH

Album » "TICKLAH VS ALEXROD"

Amazon.com Widgets

ENJOY 8-)

New On Rotation: Greg Foat, The JB's, Mayer Hawthorne

2011-07-13T00:09:00.001-07:00

"Impressions - The Covers EP"
Mayer Hawthorne

Stones Throw 2011

Interesting covers set from Stones Throw's blue eyed soul dude Mayer Hawthorne - a sweet set of pipes and some tasty arrangements make this one a winner, and Mayer's giving it away! download it here

Links:

Label » STONES THROW

Artist » MAYER HAWTHORNE

Album » "IMPRESSIONS - THE COVERS EP"

Mayer Hawthorne - Impressions: The Cover EP by retailgroup

"Dark Is The Sun"
The Greg Foat Group

Jazzman 2011

Brilliant debut from The Greg Foat Group on Jazzman - the fact that it's out on Jazzman says it all really - "Dark Is The Sun" is a really deep and striking piece of work - definititely profound at points but with nods to 60's soundtrack type grooves keeping it moving along in an irresistably funky direction - composition and arrangments are skilled and full of imagination and inspiration - jazz harpsichord anyone?! - give me more...

Links:

Label » JAZZMAN

Artist » THE GREG FOAT GROUP

Album » "DARK IS THE SUN"

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"Food for Thought"
The JB's

People Records 1972

First album from the James Brown band under the moniker of The JB's - "Food For Thought" established the band as a force to be reckoned with in their own right and showcased their incredible musicianship and jazzy chops to great effect - with bombs like "Pass The Peas" and "Gimme Some More" this album is an absolute must for serious funk fans...

Links:

Label » PEOPLE RECORDS

Artist » THE JB'S

Album » "FOOD FOR THOUGHT"

ENJOY 8-)

New On Rotation: Ocote Soul Sounds, Tall Black Guy, Cosmic Sounds Remixed

2011-07-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

"Cosmic Sounds Remixed Volume 2"
Various Artists

Cosmic Sounds

Eastern European jazz gems remixed by some hot studio talent, put together by Zeljko Kerleta on his Cosmic Sounds imprint - these names might not be familiar but it is all seriously good, as is the whole Cosmic Sounds catalogue imho - grab this...

Links:

Label » COSMIC SOUNDS

Artist » VARIOUS ARTISTS

Album » "COSMIC SOUNDS REMIXED VOLUME 2"

Janko Nilovic - Giant Locomotion (rmx Simbad) by rootdownfm

"Taurus"
Ocote Soul Sounds

Eighteenth Street 2011

Adrian Quesada and Martin Perna AKA Ocote Soul Sounds take time out of Grupo Fantasma and Antibalas to put down "Taurus", their fourth album as OCS and they really do just keep getting better and better - lots of electro loveliness with strong analog latin elements, even quite dubby at points - great album...

Links:

Label » EIGHTEENTH STREET

Artist » OCOTE SOUL SOUNDS

Album » "TAURUS"

Pirata by ESLMUSIC

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"Therapy Chop Sessions EP"
Tall Black Guy

[Tall Black Guy] 2011

More top drawer beats from the Tall Black Guy, inspired by the Beat Inn group - "Therapy Chop Sessions" is a high point in the contemporary art of beatmaking - no more no less! We luv you TBC...

Links:

Label » [TALL BLACK GUY]

Artist » TALL BLACK GUY

Album » "THERAPY CHOP SESSIONS EP"

WaterNoEnemy 119.389 BPM - As Played On Giles Peterson Worldwide by TallBlackGuyProductions

ENJOY 8-)

New On Rotation: Boom Clap Bachelors, Miles Davis, Stanton Davis, Sunlightsquare

2011-06-25T05:26:00.000-07:00

"Mellem Dine Laeber EP"
Boom Clap Bachelors

Plug Research 2011

Danish production collective Boom Clap Batchelors EP release - "Mellem Dine Laeber" is hipster beats with a strong soulful edge - ethereal beauty at points - think I am in love, can't wait for the album...

Links:

Label » PLUG RESEARCH

Artist » BOOM CLAP BACHELORS

Album » "MELLEM DINE LAEBER EP"

"Bitches Brew Live"
Miles Davis

Sony 2010

BITCHES BREW LIVE offers 3 PREVIOUSLY UNISSUSED TRACKS recorded July 5, 1969 at NEWPORT JAZZ FESTIVAL including the first ever professionally recorded live version of "Miles Runs The Voodoo Down" and the first known recording of the revamped electric version of "Sanctuary" just over a month before Miles went into the studio to record what would become his fastestselling album of all time, BITCHES BREW. Fast-forward one year ... August 1970, ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL in the U.K. where Miles is playing with a much more electric, rock-oriented sound in front of 600,000 people! This incredible full set includes the title track "Bitches Brew" and "Spanish Key" played by Davis s remarkable all-star group captured live at the peak of its powers Gary Bartz (alto sax, soprano sax), Chick Corea (electric piano), Keith Jarrett(organ), Dave Holland (bass), Jack DeJohnette (drums), Airto Moreira (percussion). Author Michael Azerrad s original liner notes incorporate NEW INTERVIEWS with legendary Newport Festival founder GEORGE WEIN, and filmmaker MURRAY LERNER, who captured one of the most spectacular music festivals in history on film in Message to Love: Isle of Wight Festival. Now, on BITCHES BREW LIVE, Fans get first-hand, behind-the-scenes insight into an incredible point in Miles s career when he was headlining alongside some of the then new rock groups including Sly & The Family Stone, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix and more!

Links:

Artist » MILES DAVIS

Album » "BITCHES BREW LIVE"

"Brighter Days"
Stanton Davis

Cultures of Soul 1977

Underground jazz funk classic from Stanton Davis and the Ghetto Mysticism Band - 1977's "Brighter Days" is a shining example of all that is good in the fusion bag - masterful playing, innovative, hard-edged, entertaining and funky as hell - what more could you ask for...

Links:

Label » CULTURES OF SOUL

Artist » STANTON DAVIS

Album » "BRIGHTER DAYS"

"O Mi Shango Remixes"
Sunlightsquare

Sunlightsquare 2011

Another future classic from Claudio Passavanti's Sunlightsquare - the original "O Mi Shango" is a lovely piece of big band latin dancefloor swagger and the remixes on this really do it justice while taking off in a few different directions - can't wait for the new album Claudio!

Links:

Label » SUNLIGHTSQUARE

Artist » SUNLIGHTSQUARE

Album » "O MI SHANGO REMIXES"

ENJOY 8-)

New On Rotation: Petra Haden, Roots Radics, Errol Parker Tentet

2011-05-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

"Live At The Wollman Auditorium"
Errol Parker Tentet

Sahara 1985

Jazz outsider Errol Parker (born Raph Schecroun) began playing when he moved to Paris in the 40's to study sculpture! As a pianist he played on sessions led by Django Reinhardt amongst others and began playing and releasing his own music on returning to the US. He was never happy with the drummers he found so took to playing drums himself as well as keys on recordings for his Sahara label and playing just drums live. The tentet playing on the "Live at The Wollman Auditorium" date featured 7 horns and Parker on drums - it's a great set, very rhythmic and funky with lots of surprises! Can't figure why he wasn't massive...

Links:

Artist » ERROL PARKER TENTET

Album » "LIVE AT THE WOLLMAN AUDITORIUM"

Errol Parker Tentet - The Dancer by rootdownfm

"Ten Years"
Petra Haden + Woody Jackson

DashGo 2008

Gorgeous melodies and abstract vox from the daughter of jazz bass legend Charlie Haden - Petra Haden builds songs which hover delightfully between ambient, jazz and off-kilter Americana with a big injection of soul! An indadequate description of some exquisite music - grab "Ten Years", you won't regret it...

Links:

Artist » PETRA HADEN + WOODY JACKSON

Album » "TEN YEARS"

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"More Dangerous Dub"
Roots Radics Meets King Tubbys

Greensleeves 1981

Some of the ill-est dub on the planet came out the Roots Radics / King Tubby soundclash of the 80's - "More Dangerous Dub" is a totally killer product of that meeting - slick and thumping and full of surprises - magnificent...

Links:

Label » GREENSLEEVES

Artist » ROOTS RADICS MEETS KING TUBBYS

Album » "MORE DANGEROUS DUB"

ENJOY 8-)

New On Rotation: Roy Porter Sound Machine, Orchestre Poly-Rythmo, Paul White

2011-05-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

"Cotonou Club"
Orchestre Poly Rythmo

Strut 2011

Benin's favourite sons Orchestre Poly-Rhythmo hit hard with "Cotonou Club" their first album of new material in 20 years!!! Produced in Paris entirely on vintage analogue studio equipment, this new album refreshes Poly-Rythmo classics such as 'Gbeti Madjro' (featuring Angelique Kidjo) alongside a firing selection of brand new compositions.

Links:

Label » STRUT

Artist » ORCHESTRE POLY RYTHMO

Album » "COTONOU CLUB"

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"The Strange Dreams of…"
Paul White

One-handed Music 2009

Paul White is a London-based beat machine whose popularity is rising fast among fans of like-minded chopped music, that is Flying Lotus, Fulgeance, Hudson Mohawke, Samiyam and Exile. Part found-sounds, samples and cut-ups, and rooted half in Electronic, Dub and Hip Hop, Paul has carved out a new, blunted niche for himself that is anything but boring, picking up somewhere between where Nightmares on Wax left off in 1996 and the sonic buffet that permeates grime, Paul's compositions are non-stop engaging AND funky. Influences: Miles Davis, Scientist, Kraftwerk, George Michael, Tony Williams Lifetime & Frank-n-Dank.

Links:

Label » ONE-HANDED MUSIC

Artist » PAUL WHITE

Album » "THE STRANGE DREAMS OF…"

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"Inner Feelings"
Roy Porter

Vistone Records 1975

Jazz funk gold from Roy Porter's Sound Machine - drummer Roy been on the LA scene since the 40's, but the 70's was a real golden time if "Inner Feelings" is anything to go by - Roy's outfit had quite a unique take on the jazz funk idiom, making highly creative use of drums, keys, guitar, horns and even some early synth - occasional vox from Roy complete the mix - glorious stuff…

Links:

Label » VISTONE RECORDS

Artist » ROY PORTER

Album » "INNER FEELINGS"

ENJOY 8-)