vinyl4giants

Adrian Younge Presents Venice Dawn "Lovely Lady" featuring Dennis Coffey

2012-01-19T20:15:00.000-08:00

Sitting down, once again, with long time collaborator and friend Adrian Younge to talk about some of the thoughts behind the conception and execution of his latest video -- "Lovely Lady," a track featured on the Wax Poetics release "Something About April" and featuring the Detroit guitar legend Dennis Coffey. The video is directed by David Wong, and is once again borrows cinematic inspiration from the days of way-back, when music had soul, and the lyrics had meaning. I remember hearing the track for the first time about a year ago, then taking the stage with Mister Coffey himself at last years SXSW Music & Film Festival in Austin, and being floored, and after seeing this video, the way it has been executed, and the overall look, mood, and feeling of the video, I'm floored yet again...

V4G: What was your inspiration for this song?

AY: The song was basically inspired by "Classic Soul" -- a kind of soul that captures the true essence of innocent romance. "Lovely Lady" chronicles the thoughts of a
soon to be couple, before they become involved. They want to know each
other, yet they battle with the fear of rejection from one another; they fall in love at first sight, and think about each other on a daily... It's an innocent kind of love coupled with physical attraction, and it's his ode to what he feels inside about her.

V4G: How did you become involved with Dennis Coffey?

AY: His manager contacted Wax Poetics about potential collaborations around the time of his latest release. During their discussion, my name came up, and the rest is history... Dennis added so much style to Lovely Lady; I was speechless when I initially heard his guitar playing on the track. The guy is a living legend, and knows exactly what to play, and how to play it.

V4G) What was the deciding factor in the direction you wanted the video to go?

AY: Well, the "Something About April" album depicts the trials and tribulations of
an interracial couple, circa 1968; it chronicles their interactions, "Lovely
Lady" being their first encounter. We wanted to show the depth of their
affinity for one another, also, their subtly salacious thoughts for one
another, which is why we delve into the fantasy shots throughout. In essence, this video sought to capture that "love at first sight," feeling. Director, David Wong, and cinematographer, Mark Austin, nailed the aesthetic and vibe of the story we wanted to tell. I'm very happy with the results and how this media audiovisually captures the feeling of the brand.

V4G: How does this song have baring on the current musical project you are in production with the great William Hart from The Delfonics?

AY: This song resembles exactly the type of music I am creating with The Delfonics. One of my main musical inspirations have been the Delfonics. So many groups
have copied their style throughout the years. It's ironic that many people
mix them up for different groups (Stylistics, The Originals, Chi-Lites)
because they are the true pioneers of this type of soul. William Hart, lead
singer of the Delfonics, is a musical genius; his writing style is so
angelic and captivating. Lovely Lady touches on his writing style; however,
our new Delfonics album takes it to an entirely new level. The album should
be released before year end...

V4G: Can we expect this to become a series?

AY: Yes. Lovely Lady is part one of a continuing saga. The "Something About
April" album is a concept album, and I would love to hit all of the moments,
audio/visually. We will see what the future holds. I can guarantee that
there is more to come...

John Lennon "Plastic Ono Band" (1970) & Yoko Ono "Plastic Ono Band"

2011-12-12T19:29:00.000-08:00

Designed to be two sides of the same coin, John Lennon's first and second outing after exiting The Beatles was the "Plastic Ono Band." His goal was to create a very loose, under-produced, thought provoking and emotion filled album, all under the moniker of the same name. Achieved during the months of September & October of 1970 at Abbey Road Studios, John employed the help of former band mate Ringo Starr, and long time artist collaborator Klaus Voormann to carry backing rhythm of drums & bass, along with production efforts by Phil Spector. Rumor has it that Spector was never really there for most of the sessions, and that John had to go as far as placing an ad in Rolling Stone, letting him know that recording had begun, and that he should join them at any time. Take a listen to both albums, and you'll see how each of them are polar opposites of each other.

John Lennon "Plastic Ono Band" (1970)

Side one
"Mother" – 5:34
"Hold On" – 1:52
"I Found Out" – 3:37
"Working Class Hero" – 3:48
"Isolation" – 2:51
Side two
"Remember" – 4:33
"Love" – 3:21
"Well Well Well" – 5:59
"Look at Me" – 2:53
"God" – 4:09
"My Mummy's Dead" – 0:49

Yoko Ono "Plastic Ono Band" (1970)

Side one
"Why" – 5:37 Edited version became the B-side to Lennon's single "Mother"
"Why Not" – 9:55

Side two
"AOS" – 7:06
Featuring Ornette Coleman, recorded on 29 February 1968, predating the rest of the material
"Touch Me" – 4:37
Also selected as a B-side, to "Power to the People", replacing Ono's "Open Your Box" for the US market
"Paper Shoes" – 7:26

The Jackson 5 "Christmas Album" (1970)

2011-12-08T22:07:00.000-08:00

Grew up with this one playing around the house a whole lot when I was little. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did, and still do. Merry X-mas everyone!!

From Wikipedia: "Jackson 5 Christmas Album was the only holiday album released by Motown family quintet The Jackson 5. Released in October 1970, the album showcased the brothers' harmonies and vocals. Lead singer Michael Jackson is prominently featured on the album tracks. Included on the Christmas Album is the Jackson 5's hit single version of "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town". Rendered with a pop-soul feel, the Jackson 5's versions of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" and "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" remain frequent radio requests during the holiday season. The album spent all four weeks at the number one position on Billboard magazine's special Christmas Albums chart that the magazine published in December 1970, making it the best-selling holiday album of that year. It has sold over 3.5 million copies worldwide..."

1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
2. Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
3. The Christmas Song
4. Up On The House Top
5. Frosty The Snowman
6. The Little Drummer Boy
7. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
8. Christmas Won't Be The Same This Year
9. Give Love On Christmas Day
10. Someday At Christmas
11. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

"Little Christmas Tree" was released in 2003 as part of the reissue:

2009 \"Ultimate Christmas Collection\" bonus tracks...

12. "Season's Greetings from Michael Jackson" - 0:09
13. "Little Christmas Tree" - 3:37
14. "Season's Greetings from Tito" - 0:06
15. "Up On The Housetop" (DJ Spinna Re-Edit) - 5:00
16. "Season's Greetings from Jackie Jackson" - 0:07
17. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (Stripped Mix) - 3:04
18. "Season's Greetings from Jermaine Jackson" - 0:07
19. "Someday At Christmas" (Stripped Mix) - 2:44
20. "Give Love On Christmas Day" (Group A Cappella Version) - 3:37
21. "J5 Christmas Medley" - 3:51

The Beatles "Abbey Road" Instrumentals

2011-12-03T17:56:00.000-08:00

So, I'm pretty big on The Beatles, and I'm pretty big on Beatles covers, and I'm even bigger on instrumentals, so when I stumbled across this album, an instrumental version of "Abbey Road", my heart just about stopped. Don't know how, or where this came from, but it sounds pretty damn amazing; The Beatles always were great instrumentalist and musicians as they were singer/song-writers. Enjoy. Original post can be found here. Cheers!!

01 - Come Together
02 - Something
03 - Maxwell's Silver Hammer
04 - Oh! Darling
05 - Octopus's Garden
06 - I Want You (She's So Heavy)
07 - Here Comes The Sun
08 - Because
09 - You Never Give Me Your Money
10 - Sun King
11 - Mean Mr. Mustard
12 - Polythene Pam
13 - She Came In Through The Bathroom Window
14 - Golden Slumbers
15 - Carry That Weight
16 - The End
17 - Her Majesty

"I Want You (She's So Heavy)" -- The Beatles

Adrian Younge Presents Venice Dawn "It's Me" (Serato Control Vinyl 12-inch)

2011-11-28T19:44:00.000-08:00

Following up his score to the cult-classic Black Dynamite, composer Adrian Younge has created "Something About April," a heavy, psychedelic mix of dark soul and cinematic instrumentals with hip-hop aesthetics.

The first single on Wax Poetics Records, “It\'s Me” featuring guest vocalist Rebecca Jordan, and is an Official Serato Control choclate colored Vinyl. Classic production techniques and authentic instrumentation recall the glory days of ’70s soul, while the vocal workout and swagger allow the music to sit firmly with modern artists who redefine soul.

Track two, “The Niacin,” exclusive to this Serato release, starts its point of reference in the dusty breakbeats of golden-era hip-hop. Featuring virtuoso Shawn Lee (Ubiquity), trumpeter Michael Leonhart (Truth & Soul, Daptone), and Italian cinephiles Calibro 35 (Nublu), the instrumental track expands into a free-form jam session that references both film maestro Ennio Morricone and hip-hop legend DJ Premier.

Track Listing:
A1: It\'s Me
A2: The Niacin (featuring Shawn Lee, Michael Leonhart, and Calibro 35)

B-Side: Serato Control Vinyl

Preview "It's Me" here:

Preview "The Niacin" here:
02 The Niacin by vinyl4giants

From more information regarding the artist, band, and releases, visit www.waxpoetics.com

"Theme from Les Biches" Don Randi

2011-11-26T20:37:00.000-08:00

09 Theme From Les Biches by vinyl4giants

Don Randi "Plays The Love Theme From Romeo & Juliet" (1969) -- produced by David Axelrod

Pink Floyd "Dark Side of the Moon" Immersion Box Set

2011-11-26T17:59:00.000-08:00

Disc 1 features the original version of the album, completely remastered (or so they tell us); Disc 2 features one of the best live renditions of DOTM that I've ever heard, recorded in 1974 at the Empire Pool in Wembley, London; Disc 6 is where all the goodies appear: an early mix by Alan Parson, demos, and a few unreleased tracks... hope you enjoy the Immersion box set as much as I do.

3-15 The Travel Sequence (prev. unre by vinyl4giants

"The Travel Sequence" is another deleted track from Pink Floyd's DOTM, and is featured on the new Immersion Box Set. This one is a little heavier, and has a lot more elements to the overall song... enjoy.

3-10 The Hard Way (Household Objects by vinyl4giants

The Hard Way (Household Objects Project) is a track from the Pink Floyd DOTM Immersion Box set, and previously unreleased. I would’ve loved to see where they would’ve fell within the overall mix of the album. great track, but obviously deleted due to lack of content… enjoy.

Ramon Morris "Sweet Sister Funk" (1973)

2011-04-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

Discovered this album while researching "People Make The World Go 'Round" covers, and dicovered just how damn near perfect this album actually is. Lead by session Saxophonist Ramon Morris, this was (unfortunately) his only solo outing as a band leader, and apparently one of the rarest albums on the "Groove Merchant" label. He gained notable recognition throughout the Jazz community by playing with the likes of both Woody Shaw & Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. The most notable track on the album (for me) is "Lord Sideways," which takes use of the almost confusing at times 6/8 time signature, and has Morris and other players layering their solos almost oozingly of the track in the standard 4/4 progression. Take a listen, and you'll know what I'm talking about...

The Players:

Ramon Morris (ts)
Albert Daily (el-p)
Mickey Bass (b)
Granville "Mickey" Roker (dr)
Cecil Bridgewater (tp)
Lloyd Davis (g)
Tony Waters (congas)

Track Listing:

A1 First Come, First Serve
A2 Wijinia
A3 Sweet Sister Funk
B1 Sweat
B2 Don't Ask Me
B3 Lord Sideways
B4 People Make The World Go Round

Thanks to these sites for their original posts of this album: Soul Food, Hard Funk, Avaxhome, and Oufarkhan.

There's also a tremendous write by on of the alumni at this website regarding this same album: http://www.heavysoulbrutha.com/ -- Enjoy everybody. Glad to be back!!

Galt MacDermot’s First Natural Hair Band “Hair” (1968)

2010-11-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

Side 1
01 On To A-Pot-O-Max
02 Sodomy
03 Black Boys / White Boys
04 Ripped Open By Metal Explosions
05 The Bed
06 Don't Put It Down

Side 2
07 Walking In Space
08 Colored Spade
09 Donna / Hashish
10 Freakout
11 Air

Features the classic cut "Ripped Open By Metal Explosions" & the renowned drummer Idris Muhammad on drums/precussions. I had been looking for this record for years, and thanks to SPIRAL here it is, but unfortunately, just like with every "Hair" record, it lacks that certain PUNCH that it's most famous cut so predominately displays. Still a great album though. Enjoy.

"The Black Fist" Music Inspired by 'World of Hurt'

2010-10-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

Upon leaving to perform at the Sundance Film Festival in January, while catching up with my weekly dose of "ass-kicking," courtesy of Jay Potts & his webcomic "World of Hurt," I was struck with a melody. It was another 2 weeks before I was actually able to sit down in front of the Fender Rhodes and work it out, and another few months before I was able to finally conceptualize the mood & direction I wanted this bass heavy diddy to go. In the end, I was pleased with the feeling that this song asked of the listener, and I think it's the perfect fit for what it is that ISAIAH "PASTOR" HURT embodies: pure ass-kicking sensibilities!! A derivitive of instrumental breaks from soundtracks past, and library music of the 60's & 70's, I chose to make this an amalgam of my influences, of both past & present, and pay homage to the feeling that Jay Potts' strip gives to me...

Check out a snippet here.

Download the full version here.

And hear what the creator has to say here.

VINYL4GIANTS HAS MOVED!!

2010-09-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

Haven't made a formal announcement, or anything like that, but VINYL4GIANTS has found a new home. Still trying to get used to the format of it all, but I'm calling it home none-the-less. Stop by and pay us a visit. I will be posting music, and other things of my liking as frequently as possible.

So long folks...

2010-05-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

Looks like that's it. It seems that the doors will be closing, for good. Blogger has pulled countless links in the pass month, and has left me with literally a handful of posts, so I'm pulling the plug... But don't fret, I'll be setting up shop someone else. Thanks for all the support over the... shit, like four years. I've met countless people through this site, and hope to meet many more at the next place I decide to call home. I hope all of my readers will follow me over, wherever it is I decide to go; it's been a blast. Find me on TWITTER at: http://twitter.com/vinyl4giants or on FACEBOOK at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/vinyl4giants/364485321928 -- take care everybody...

Lee Fields & The Expressions – Live At L’Album De La Semaine

2010-04-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

Track Listing:

01. Stephane Saunier Intro
02. Ohio Players
03. Love Comes And Goes
04. Money Is King
05. Let’s Talk It Over
06. Ladies
07. Honey Dove
08. My World
09. Do You Love Me (Like You Say You Do)
10. Stephane Saunier Ending

Visit SoPedradMusical for the original link. Back soon, I hope. Blogger has decided to start pulling my posts completely, even though I'm not hosting the links directly. I've tried to use this spot as a friendly guide to what we all want, but they've decided that I can't even do that anyone... I think I have to relocate. What do you think!?!

Gap Mangione "Diana in the Autumn Wind" (1968)

2010-04-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

"Gaspare "Gap" Mangione (born July 31, 1938) is a jazz pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader from Rochester, New York, United States. Born and raised in Rochester, Mangione's younger brother is Grammy-winning flugelhornist Chuck Mangione. Members of a music-loving family, both Gap and Chuck took up instruments. In 1958, they started performing together as the Jazz Brothers, eventually recording three albums for Riverside Records. In 1968, Gap Mangione released his first solo album, Diana in the Autumn Wind, featuring drummer Steve Gadd and bassist Tony Levin in their first recordings, and new compositions and arrangements by Chuck Mangione who conducted as well. The 1970s brought more solo albums along with tours with his own group and many as featured pianist in his brother's orchestral performances. In the 1980s, Mangione began to spend more time playing in and around Rochester and less time on the road. In 1990, he formed the Gap Mangione New Big Band, which remains the premier dance and concert big band in the Rochester area. The New Big Band has released four CDs since 1998. Many major rappers and producers, including Madlib, Slum Village, and Talib Kweli, have sampled Gap's Diana in the Autumn Wind for their recent works. Today, Mangione continues to make regular appearances at Rochester locations, among them the Woodcliff Hotel and Spa (since May, 1987) and the Rochester International Jazz Festival, as well as private gigs; he can be found playing solo, with the 14-piece New Big Band, the "New Blues Band" (a quartet) or his sextet. He and Chuck continue to play together, mainly for appearances with symphony orchestras, or with Chuck as special guest with Gap's big band.
In 2004 he received the Artist of the Year Award from the Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester. Mangione lives in the Rochester suburb of Greece, New York with his wife, Janet; his children are Ardis Mangione-Lindley and Jason Mangione..." courtesy of Wikipedia.

Track Listing:

01. Boy With Toys
02. Diana In the Autumn Wind
03. Long Hair Soulful
04. Yesterday
05. The Xlth Commandment
06. St. Thomas
07. You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
08. Pond With Swans
09. You Are My Sunshine
10. Free Again
11. Dream On Little Dreamer
12. Graduate Medley: Scarborough Fair, The Sounds of Silence, Mrs. Robinson

I'm sure you'll recogonize the all too famous sample by Ghostface, and J DIlla as well. Visit the original post for the link at: SoPedradMusical

"HipHopIsRead" Sample Set #153: Wu-Massacre

2010-04-12T09:23:00.000-07:00

HipHopIsRead has never put out bullshit, and that's 100%. Grab this, RIGHT NOW!!! This sample set is liver then the entire "Wu-Massacre" album, and the Raoul Dev Burman sample for "Meth vs. Chef 2" is enough validation on the reason why is belongs in you sample collection... "Well... this certainly wasn't the Meth, Ghost & Rae album we were waiting for. As I said on Twitter, it sucks that Def Jam spent more money on the sick graphic design than on making sure the music held up to expectations. Wu-Massacre definitely had some solid tracks, but fell flat as an LP/album. Oh well... This sample set is undoubtedly incomplete but it's got plenty of great tunes you may have never heard before, namely the title theme for the Bollywood film Shalimar. Turn it up!!" courtesy of HipHopIsRead.

A Conversation With Adrian Younge: A Brief Glimpse Into The Thoughts Behind The "Shot Me In The Heart" Music Video

2010-03-22T11:36:00.001-07:00

Having been involved with the Original Score for the film "Black Dynamite," I've had the chance to sit down with editor/producer/composer Adrian Younge on numerous occasions. With the upcoming release of the film on DVD & Blu-Ray (February 16th), the release of the music-video for "Shot Me In The Heart," live dates (Jan 22nd & 23rd) at the ASCAP Music Cafe at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival & (March 18th) at the SXSW Film & Music Festival in Austin, Texas for the Black Dynamite Sound Orchestra, we decided to take some time out to spotlight the inspirations, decisions, and thought processes behind the making of both the video and song...

V4G: What was your inspiration behind the music-video for "Shot Me In The Heart"?

AY: In the video, we wanted to capture the feeling of "old soul." The movie, “The Five Heartbeats” captured this sentiment very, very well. We were therefore inspired by this movie heavily; we also took alot of inspiration from the book, “Light: On the Southside.” This Numero Group release is an archive of pictures that was taken from 1975 to 1977, at a club in the southside of Chicago. It's a very intensely detailed book, and the music featured within the accompanied compilation is a must have for any funk & soul lovers collection...

V4G: Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration for the music?

AY: The song is basically a mix of dark soul published by labels such as Stax Records from the late 1960's & 1970's. It combines a mixture of psychedelic rock & soul, meshed together under the superlative vocals of Loren Oden (who played Leon St. James in the film "Black Dynamite, spokesperson for "Anaconda Malt Liquour"). It's definitely one of my favorite tracks from the score, and was concieved after the film's production had concluded, so I was able to give the track (along with a few of the other bonus cuts) my undivided attention...

V4G: Approaching this video in the aspect of a "short film" -- has it lead you to approach song writing & composing in a different manner all together? I.E., while writing, do you think about what would conicide visually with the song if it were to ever become a video in the future?

AY: Well, the music comes first; the music is supposed to survive without a visual, regardless. I always approach a song in terms of it's own story, or journey, if you will. The only time I would approach a song differently is if I am actually scoring the music for a film, to the film. In this scenario, my job would be to enhance the video via the music; in this instance, the song was already completed, and I was basically editing the film to music, and my goal was to enhance the music with video. To enhance the "musical" moments.

V4G: How much forethought went into the overall writing of the song? Did you have the instruments and topic already chosen before recording, or did you just pick up the bass, or have a seat in front of the Rhodes and just "have at it"?

AY: A lot of thought went into this song, as well as a lot of changes at the beginning. (Vinyl4Giants actually has 2 completely different version of this song, one being an instrumental version inspired by the Jackson 5, the other a rougher version of the final cut, with both Adrian Younge & Loren Oden sharing vocal duties...) I was listening to the Stax anthology over and over, and became inspired; I wrote the song on bass & organ. Thereafter, I called Loren Oden into the studio, and we began composing the lyrics. The topic wasn’t chosen until after the music was written; however, we wanted to play with the juxtaposition of lyrics dealing with happiness and love on top of this dark instrumental that had been written.

V4G: Loren Oden (who also played Leon St. James in the film) really embodies a persona while doing the vocals on this track, both on the album and with your live performances. How much weight does that bare on which direction a song will take?

AY: None, actually. Loren can adapt to anything. Any song. Any situation. I can create something outta left field and he will always take it to that "next" level. We really make a good team together because no explanation is needed for either direction. He understands the logistics of “getting into character” which is something he did for every song on the "Black Dynamite" Original Score. Black people had different diction in the 60's & 70's, and he always understands his responsibility in becoming a character from that era.

V4G: Being an instrumentalist, first and foremost, I've heard your backing vocalists voice frustration that you "cover-up" backing keys & textures with instruments before they even have a chance to come into the studio to record. Do you feel that that pigeon-holes them while creating their vocals, or allows more room for them to shine? (No pun intended...)

AY: Well, when I create a song, there is always the question as to whether or not background vocals will be necessary at all. If the song is already full enough, there will be no need; I am a very independant musician... A lot of it has to do with the overall timing and scheduling. The vocalists I chose to work with are very creative, and very intellegent. They know when the cup is already full. They are very cognizant of when a song doesn’t need anything extra.

V4G: Can you tell us a little bit about the director, and why he was chosen for this project?

AY: The Director of "Shot Me In The Heart" is David Wong; he is a very skilled and educated director. My first choice was Scott Sanders (director of Black Dynamite) because we have tons of experience working one another, however, he was in Europe during the shoot, so I called on my equally competent friend, David Wong. We have worked with each other on other film projects, and I knew he would do a good job; he actually exceeded my expectations. He also brought in Mark Austin as Director of Photography, who was essential in establishing the style and look of the film.

V4G: Out of all the tracks off of the Black Dynamite Original Score, why did you choose "Shot Me In The Heart" to showcase as a music video or "short film"?

AY: The video was shot in conjuction with the Converse. And actually, an earlier version of the video exists where there's a bit of a confrontation between the other band members and Loren Oden, all of this cut over the instrumental track "Rafelli Chase." Converse was kind enough to publish an exclusive 45" record of “Rafelli’s Chase” prior to the commencement of the Video. These limited edition records were sent out to Wax Poetics subscribers as a bonus for subscribing (please subscribe to Wax Poetics!). Wax Poetics & Converse developed the notion of creating a video for the 45" record, and I wanted to incorporate “Shot Me In The Heart” into it, so we decided to synthesize the two songs into one. I wanted to incorporate "Shot Me In The Heart" because of the message that was conveyed in the song. I also thought it would be more appealing visually than just hearing "Rafelli’s Chase" over visuals... It's just funny how things worked out in reverse...

This interview was conducted in January of 2010, and since then, the video has recieved critical support by fans across the internet. Adrian Younge, The Black Dynamite Sound Orchestra, the production staff, and the people involved with this production would like to thank everyone for the support that has been recieved since the release of this video. Wax Poetics magazine has been kind enough to feature a photo spread of the making of the video in issue #40, which is in stores now... We now present to you, "Shot Me In The Heart" --

Trek Life & J.Bizness "Rhymes Within Reason" (2010)

2010-03-22T10:36:00.001-07:00

Featuring Trek Life as the main emcee, this album also showcases rhymes and vocals from Oddisee, Wyann Vaughn, Richard Wright, Mykestro, Ragen Fykes and many more. Combining a true West Coast sound with hard drums and gritty chops, J.Bizness sets the perfect backdrop for Trek Life and features to paint vivid hip-hop portraits, leaving the listener with no choice but to "run that back again." Along with being 2008 West Coast Regional Red Bull Beat Battle winner, J.Bizness has worked with Ras Kass, LMNO, Buff1, Danny Brown, Richard Wright and many more to bring a melodic yet raw sound to the table. Rhymes within Reason is the first of many upcoming projects from J.Bizness in 2010 including a song on Little Brother's final album Left Back and a series of 3 song EPs with various artist called "3Ps"... Trek Life has worked with several known artist from Bishop Lamont to Kev Brown and rocked over production from DJ Khalil, DJ Babu, Evidence, Oddisee and many more. With a growning global fanbase from consistantly touring from the States to the UK & Europe, Trek Life is planning on releasing 3 projects 2010 with J.Bizness (Rhymes Within Reason), Oddisee (Everything Changed Nothing) & Babu (Fire Outside) through Mello Music Group. Also with each album will be a series of Digital 12s that will feature Clean, Dirty and instrumental versions of the singles from the albums for free download. Trek Life is well known for his energetic delivery, straight forward lyrics, and engaging live show.

<a href="http://treklife.bandcamp.com/album/rhymes-within-reason">Intro (cuts by DJ Tommy Blak) by Trek Life</a>

Grab up the entire album here.

Marva Whitney "Live & Lowdown At The Apollo" (1970)

2010-03-03T10:49:00.001-08:00

Amazing female funk! Years after James Brown first rocked the Apollo Theater with his own live recordings, he returned to the Harlem showplace with the sock-soul diva Marva Whitney -- one of his greatest singers ever! This album's a monster all the way through -- hard and heavy funk, of the type that's been the blueprint for countless singers to come, especially most of those in the Desco/Daptone/Soul Fire mode. Backing is by the JBs, James produced, and the music is fantastically funky -- filled with great groovers like "Things Got to Get Better", "You Got to Have a Job", "Talk With JB", and "Respect". © 1996-2010, Dusty Groove America, Inc.

Tracks:
1 Things Got To Get Better(Part 1)
2 Respect
3 Things Got To Get Better(Part 2)
4 A Talk With James Brown
5 Foolish Fool
6 You Got To Have A Job(Part 1)
7 It's My Thing
8 You Got To Have A Job(Part 2)
9 I Made A Mistake Part 1
10 I Made A Mistake Part 2

Marva Whitney "It's My Thing" (1969)

2010-03-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

James Brown dubbed her “Soul Sister #1.” Like any disc produced by James Brown and featuring the mighty JB's as a backing group, It's My Thing is a stone-cold funky record. Marva Whitney sang in the James Brown Revue from 1967 to 1969, and in 1969 she released this record. Not only did Brown produce but he wrote or co-wrote most of the tracks and it basically sounds like a James Brown record with a female singer. A tough, aggressive female singer. Marva sounds like she could take any comers and leave them shaking in their go-go boots. From the opening blast of "It's My Thing, Pt. 1 and "Pt. 2," a rewrite of the Isley Brothers' "It's Your Thing, she shouts, exhorts, wails, and basically lets it all hang out as the band lays down groove after groove. Thankfully after four exhausting tracks, Marva slows it down with "If You Love Me," an Otis Redding-style broken-hearted ballad. After an instrumental break she jumps right back into the funky fray with "Unwind Yourself," which features a classic horn line and some gritty vocalizing from Marva. The rest of the record follows this pattern of a couple of stompers and a ballad. The highlight of the record is "I'm Tired I'm Tired I'm Tired (Things Better Change Before It's Too Late)," a funky (yes, every track on this disc is funky) lament that details just how tired Marva is of society putting her down. Check out Brown going wild in the background about halfway through the song. The disc has five bonus tracks added to the original album, including the slow-burning "I Made a Mistake Because It's Only You, Pts. 1 & 2" and a duet with James Brown on "Sunny." This is a great record and it is a pity that it is on such a tiny label and not one of the major reissue labels because Marva deserves wider recognition. By all means seek this one out. ~ Tim Sendra

This is probably the most in demand, heavily sampled and bootleged funk album of all time. Originally Produced by James Brown and released in August 1969, this album has been heavily in demand since the mid 80s. It is issued here along with 4 tracks which were only issued on 7"singles and are also highly sought after in their own right., plus a duet with James Brown 'Sunny' which appeared in the sleeve notes of the original album but was not included in it. The album was actually a collection of 10 singles recorded over a period of 20 months in different studios across the USA. The tracks feature the famous James Brown band, Probably the tightest band of all time including Maceo Parker, Alfred 'Pee Wee'Ellis and St Clair Pinckney (Saxes), Fred Wesley (Trombone), Richard 'Kush' Griffith (Trumpet), Jimmy Nolen (guitar), (Sweet) Charles Sherrell (Bass), Clyde Stubblefield (Drums) amongst others. Marva Whitney was the leading Female singer in the James Brown Revue for 3 years from 1967 to 1969 and toured the USA, Africa and Vietnam (during the War).

1. It's My Thing (Pt 1)
2. It's My Thing (Pt 2)
3. Things Got to Get Better
4. What Kind of Man
5. If You Love Me
6. In the Middle
7. Unwind Yourself
8. You Got to Have a Job (If You Don't Work, You Don't Eat)
9. I'll Work It Out
10. Get Out of My Life
11. I'm Tired I'm Tired I'm Tired (Things Better Change Before I
12. Shades of Brown
13. I Made a Mistake Because It's Only You (Pt 1)
14. I Made a Mistake Because It's Only You (Pt 2)
15. What Do I Have to Do to Prove My Love to You
16. He's the One
17. This Girl's in Love With You
18. Sunny (Duet With James Brown)

2010-03-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

Marva Whitney – The First Lady Of Funk by Charles Waring

"When it comes to feisty femme funk or sassy sock-it-to-‘em soul, mighty Marva Whitney has no equal.
Blessed with a lithe yet powerful church-raised voice, she first made her mark with the James Brown Revue in the late-1960s. Such was her impact during that time that she earned the titles “Marvellous Marva” and “Miss Excitement” for her dynamic stage performances. James Brown even went so far as to proclaim her “Soul Sister #1.” Many of the records she cut while she was the Godfather Of Soul’s protégé are now extremely rare and eagerly sought after by Rare Groove disciples, who regard Marva as the funkiest of all James Brown’s female singers.

Marva was born Marva Ann Manning on May 1st 1944 in Kansas City, Kansas. She was the eldest of seven children belonging to Ray Manning, a worker for the Santa Fe railway, and his wife, Willa Mae. Interested in music at an early age, Marva sang her first solo in her local church when she was only three years old. Later, during the1950s, she began singing and playing piano alongside her younger brothers in the Manning Gospel Singers, and toured the USA.
In 1960, when she was 16, Marva joined another Kansas gospel group, the Alma Whitney Singers, and ended up marrying Harry Whitney, the brother-in-law of the group’s leader. Now going by her married name, Marva Whitney, she also started playing piano for a local all-girl harmony group. Eventually they disbanded and Marva, who had elected to embark on a solo career, began studying voice and composition with the legendary jazz pianist and big band leader, Willie Rice, at the Kansas City Conservatory Of Music.

After Marva left school at 18, she got a job working at Fashion Built Garments, where she sewed fur collars to coats. She did this for two years, before getting an office job and doing clerical work.
But what she really dreamed of becoming was a professional singer. At weekends she performed in nightclubs and took part in talent competitions. By the mid-‘60s she had became lead singer for a local R&B group called Tommy and The Derbys, led by Tommy Gadson, brother of legendary drummer James Gadson (who rose to fame with Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band). When the group moved to California, Marva stayed behind.
Continuing to perform in Kansas clubs, she eventually caught the ear of Clarence Cooper, a local music entrepreneur who became her manager. In 1966 Cooper set up a meeting with Ben Bart, owner of Universal Attractions, James Brown's booking agency. Bart was going to Kansas with Brown, who was scheduled to play there. However, a riot broke out at the concert, which unfortunately prevented the meeting from taking place.

At the end of April 1967, James Brown visited Kansas again to play at the Memorial Hall. Cooper went along and discovered that the self-proclaimed “Hardest Working Man In Show Business” was seeking a new female vocalist for his Revue to replace the departing Vicki Anderson. Cooper persuaded Brown to grant Marva an audition. After the gig ended and the hall had cleared, Brown’s bandleader, Alfred “Pee Wee” Ellis, brought Marva onto the stage and went through some songs with her. He was evidently impressed by her audition and strongly urged The Godfather to hire the 23-year-old singer.
By May, Marva was riding on the Brown tour bus. She also signed to the funk meister’s record company, the Cincinnati-based King label, and in early summer began cutting tracks. James Brown was actually absent from her first studio session, which yielded the debut single, Your Love Was Good To Me, a searing soul ballad penned and produced by Motown singer, J.J. Barnes, with Walter Whisenhunt. The Detroit-based duo also helmed the record's flipside, Saving My Love For My Baby, a driving uptempo soul tune, which is now popular on the UK's Northern Soul scene,
In June 1967, Marva joined Brown and his entourage at Harlem's legendary Apollo Theatre, where Soul Brother #1 recorded his second landmark in-concert album, Live At The Apollo Volume II. She duetted with Brown on the album's energetic opener, Think.
Marva then went with the Revue to Europe in September 1967, appearing in England, Germany, Denmark and France. Around this time, her second single, If You Love Me, a plaintive country-tinged ballad - and her first record featuring the input of James Brown - was released on King.
After it failed to chart, Brown decided to take Marva in a radically different direction and masterminded her recording of a tune called Unwind Yourself. A ferocious, highly charged chunk of funk characterised by manic horn lines and heavy rhythmic syncopations, the record featured an intense, strident vocal from Marva. Although it didn’t chart when it was released in January 1968, Unwind Yourself heralded Marva’s new funk-oriented sound.
Marva toured incessantly with James Brown throughout 1968. In March, she ventured as far as Africa’s Ivory Coast before embarking on a tour of the Far East in June, where after stops in Korea and Japan, a smaller version of Brown's group was allowed to play for US servicemen in war-torn Vietnam. Attired in combat fatigues and ferried by airplane, helicopter and armour-plated buses to various military bases within Vietnam, Brown and his group played to thousands of appreciative soldiers. But their adventure wasn’t without risk – while travelling by helicopter, the Viet Cong actually fired at them.
Further singles in 1968 by Marva (including I’m Tired I’m Tired I’m Tired and What Do I Have To Do To Prove My Love To You) heightened her profile, though sadly, national chart action still proved elusive. In January 1969, Marva performed with James Brown at President Richard Nixon's inaugural ball alongside Duke Ellington, Lionel Hampton and Barbara McNair. Four months later she was rewarded with her first R&B hit, It's My Thing, co-written by Marva with James Brown and intended as an answer song to The Isley Brothers’ It’s Your Thing. The record spent seven weeks in Billboard's US R&B Hot 100, peaking at #19 in the summer of 1969 (#82 Pop).
Cover features on Marva followed in the US press – the prestigious magazines Jet and The Scene both included in-depth profiles. Marva also made numerous appearances on national television, performing on The Merv Griffin Show, Dick Clark's American Bandstand, the Mike Douglas Show, Playboy After Dark and many other TV programmes.
Further funk 45s, Things Got To Get Better and I Made A Mistake Because It's Only You, also made their presence felt on the US R&B Top 40. This prompted James Brown to consolidate Marva's success by releasing a long-playing record. She had already recorded an album of jazz standards for King with the Dee Felice Trio at the beginning of the year. Entitled I Sing Soul and assigned a record company catalogue number, the LP never came out, though test pressings were made. It is thought that King decided to shelve the album and release the harder hitting It's My Thing to capitalise on Marva’s newfound success as a funky diva.
Despite having some hit singles under her belt, the album It’s My Thing didn't experience any chart action. Even so, Marva scooped a “Golden Mike Award” from the National Association of Television and Radio Announcers that year. But by the end of 1969, Marva decided it was time to leave the James Brown camp. Her final engagement with Mr. Dynamite was at The Apollo Theatre just before Christmas in December 1969.
King issued a second LP, Live & Lowdown At The Apollo, in early 1970, by which time Marva was at home in Kansas waiting to make her next move. She wasn't inactive for long and cut a tremendous funk 45 called Giving It Up on Love, which was released on the Isley Brother's T-Neck imprint. But the record was poorly promoted and Marva withdrew from the music industry for a while.
In November 1970, she married Ellis Taylor, who began his own independent label called Forte based in Kansas. After a year's respite from the music business, Marva began recording for Forte and between the years 1972-74 released a clutch of strong but poorly promoted 45s – among them were Daddy Don’t Know About Sugar Bear and Live & Let Live, both of which were picked up for national distribution by Nashboro’s Excello subsidiary.
During the rest of the ‘70s Marva kept a low profile but in the early 1980s she briefly performed as part of a trio called Coffee, Cream & Sugar. In 1988, Marva’s career was revitalised by the release of James Brown’s Funky People, a CD showcasing the work of Marva and other members of The Godfather of Soul’s Revue. The success of that album (and a second volume released later the same year) resulted in several successful European tours as a member of the JBs Allstars alongside Bobby Byrd, Vicki Anderson, Lyn Collins, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley and Alfred “Pee Wee” Ellis.
Marva’s music also provided some of hip-hop’s hardest working samples during that time. DJ Mark The 45 King famously looped the intro to Unwind Yourself on the dance hit, The 900 Number, in 1989 and introduced Marva to a new generation of listeners. In 1997, seven of Marva’s songs were featured on a Universal 2-CD retrospective called James Brown’s Original Funky Divas, while in 2000, Britain’s Soul Brother label reissued the in-demand It’s My Thing on CD for the first time.
In 2004, Marva’s career gained new impetus when she joined forces with DJ Pari and the Hanover-based Soulpower organisation. Recent high voltage performances in England, Germany, France, Sweden and Finland, attest that Marva is enjoying a new lease of life on the road. More importantly they confirmed that Marva Whitney is still the voice of funk."

Nirvana "To Markos III" (1968)

2010-03-03T10:20:00.001-08:00

We interrupt our regularly scheduled posting for this...

Nirvana’s third album "To Markos III" was originally slated for release on Island records but label boss Chris Blackwell wanted a singles band not an Island version of the Moody Blues and gave Patrick Campbell-Lyons & Alex Spyropoulos free reign to take their tape elsewhere.
This they duly did, writing the caustic "Christopher Lucifer" in barbed tribute to Mr Blackwell along the way. Funding for the as yet nameless project came in the form of financial aid from Spyrppoulos's uncle Markos III and a deal was put together with the US based Metromedia label.The album is full of some of the most lush and beautiful songs that the duo ever wrote.The real strength comes from songs like "Black Flower" and "Illinois" (covered by The New Seekers).
Alex Spyropolous left after this album and the bands recordings arguably never reached these standards again.If you liked the first two albums you will probably like this. -- courtesy of Dj Fanis over at HippyDjKit

A Collection Of Videos from Adrian Younge & The Black Dynamite Sound Orchestra

2010-02-22T09:59:00.000-08:00

"Shot Me In the Heart" music video, off of the "Black Dynamite" Original Score, available from Wax Poetics...

Adrian Younge & The Black Dynamite Sound Orchestra from the ASCAP Music Cafe 2010 (Sundance Film Festival...

The Wax Poetics "The Midnight Hour" featuring Adrian Younge & The Black Dynamite Sound Orchestra...

And coming soon, Adrian Younge gives insight into the inspiration, and the making of the "Shot Me In The Heart" music video...

Cane and Able "Cane and Able" (1973)

2010-02-19T17:00:00.000-08:00

A fantastic bit of tripped out funk! Cane & Able were one of the many groups that came out of the collective surrounding the Lafayette Afro-Rock Band in the early 70s -- and like that group, Cane & Able draw on a wide range of influences to create a heavy funky sound. The album mixes the African influences used by the LARB with more of a hard soul vocal approach, with some cuts sounding a bit like material from Atlantic albums of the late 60s, but handled with more of a fuzzy edge. Includes a great funky reading of Wilson Pickett's "Don't Knock My Love", a cover of "Who's Gonna Take The Weight", and the long tripped-out groover "Girl You Move Me"! © 1996-2010, Dusty Groove America, Inc.

Line-up: French Thompson (Lead Vocals,Arrangements), Blinky Bostic (Conga,Timbale), Garland Edwards (Guitar), Norris Ridguard (Trumpet,Valve,Trombone), Pee Wee Carter (Drums), George Alford (Trumpet,Vocal), Doc Brown (Bass), Billy Ellis (Alto & Tenor Sax).

1. Girl You Move Me
2. Starchild
3. Who's Gonna Take The Weight
4. Don't Knock My Love
5. Green Grass
6. Toe Hold
7. Found A Child

Enjoy. Back soon. Peace!!

Ebony Rhythm Band "Soul Heart Transplant: The Lamp Sessions" (2004) REISSUE

2010-02-19T16:55:00.001-08:00

Heavy funk from the Indy scene of the late 60s -- the lost album by one of the funkiest combos in the Midwest! Ebony Rhythm Band have an incredible sound that seems to take the heavy bottom of New Orleans Funk and merge it with the trippier elements of Detroit psychedelic soul -- no surprise, considering they hailed from Indianapolis, a point about halfway between the two cities! The tracks on the set have a really great tripped-out groove -- using lots of guitar and organ over heavy rhythms, in a style that's a bit like the Meters at times -- but a lot freer flowing. The album features 2 tracks that formed the basis of one of the group's singles -- plus a lot more that were never issued at the time, including a few by other incarnations of the combo! Titles include "Soul Heart Transplant", "Ode To Billie Joe", "Light My Fire", "Vanilla Fudge", "Get Yourself Together", "Drugs Ain't Cool", "Fool Am I", and "It's Too Late For Love". CD contains the bonus alternate version of "Light My Fire". © 1996-2010, Dusty Groove America, Inc.

Ebony Rhythm Band: John R. "Ricky Jackson (vocals, organ); Robert L. "Master Boobie" Townsend (guitar); Lester L. "Pig" Johnson (bass guitar); Matthew R. "Phatback" Watson (drums).

1. Soul Heart Transplant
2. Light My Fire
3. Ode to Billy Joe
4. Vanilla Fudge
5. Drugs Ain't Cool
6. Medley: Get Yourself Together/Smiling Phases/Sunshine of Your Love
7. Thought of Losing You [Edit][Alternate Take]
8. Can I Call You Baby
9. It's Too Late for Love
10. Fool Am I
11. Light My Fire [Alternate Take]

Enjoy. Back Soon. Peace!!

ARKANE * PROFOUND * JAY-Z "The 'Black' Dynamite Album" (2010)

2010-02-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

Both the film "Black Dynamite," as well as the Original Score by Adrian Younge & the Incedental Music from the soundtrack have inspired so many since their release on Wax Poetics, and here is yet another attempt at bringing true hip-hop back to it's core: heavy drums & samples. Incorporating a mixture of both original lyrics by ProFound, selected sections from Jay-Z's 2003 release "The Black Album," and selected cuts from both Black Dynamite Soundtracks, Arkane's production, mixing, and arranging has made it hard to distinguish whether or not this is how these songs were originally intended to sound. While splitting production duties with Profound (on tracks 1, 4 & 6), Arkane's looping of Adrian Younge's cuts, in a dark, freakish manner, has succeeded in making songs that were enjoyed years ago, that much more enjoyable today, accompanied by a better lyrical flow by Profound then Jay-Z (sorry, but Jay-Z can't flow for shit in my book!! Hate me. It's your choice). Download the 6 track mix-tape here, courtesy of ProFound himself. Below are a few samples of the tracks included. Back soon. Peace!!

ProFound ft. Jay-Z - Moment of Treachery (Prod. by Arkane Beats)

ProFound ft. Jay-Z - Allurgator Shoes(Prod. by ProFound Beatz)

Oliver Nelson "The Blues And The Abstract Truth" (1961)

2009-12-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

Dammit!! The line-up alone makes this record worth while. Just look at the monsters that form the group asumbled for this one; check it out: Oliver Nelson - Sax alto & tenor; Eric Dolphy - Sax alto & flute; George Barrow - Sax Baritone; Freddie Hubbard - Trumpte; Bill Evans - Piano; Paul Chambers - Drums; Roy Haynes - Percussions. Links and album courtesy of UNIVERSAL MIND OF BILL EVENS. Cheers.

Tracklisting:

1. Stolen Moments
2. Hoe-Down
3. Cascades
4. Yearnin'
5. Butch and Butch
6. Teenie's Blues

Thanks Greg.

Kieran Hebden & Steve Reid "Tongues" (2007)

2009-12-02T10:57:00.000-08:00

This is one trippy ass record. And yes, this is also Steve Reid. It can be dismissed as nothing but noise at times, but it's Reid's drums that draw you back to the rythym, and the shear mucicallity of the project... "This duo's third release showcases skittering electronics framed by grounded, dynamic percussion, in ten brief, impressionistic tracks, all recorded live. Hebden, of Four Tet and Fridge, has always embraced jazz's combative attitudes toward rhythm and melody, and here, with multiple samplers and guitar, he yields dense sounds both roiling and serene; while Reid, who played with Miles Davis and, um, Supertramp, adds scattershot rolls or tight backbeats. "Our Time" matches ambient Buddhist-temple bells with harp runs and metronomic drumming, while the tinny beeps and disco beats on "Rhythm Dance" summon a Martian post-punk groove..."

Tracklisting:

01 - the sun never sets
02 - brain
03 - our time
04 - people be happy
05 - greensleeves
06 - rhythm dance
07 - mirrors
08 - the squid
09 - superheros
10 - left handed left minded

Easily disimissed, but worth a listen.

Steve Reid "Rhythmatism" (1974)

2009-12-02T10:43:00.000-08:00

Nowhere near as experimental as the last two, but equally good. Steve Reid takes more of a classic Jazz direction with this record, but his methods on the drums are still tremendous... "Steve Reid is a true pioneer of US left-field deep jazz. This release, originally released in 1976, is one of four albums Steve Reid recorded on his own tiny Mustevic record label in the 1970s and has a defining sound. This release follows on from the earlier Steve Reid album, Nova, also released on Soul Jazz Records. Steve Reid is steeped in musical history. He played in Sun Ra’s Arkestra, was a Motown session drummer and backed James Brown at the Apollo! He was imprisoned during the Vietnam war as a conscientious objector and lived in Africa in the early 1970s. Steve Reid has also worked with Freddie Hubbard, Gary Bartz, Ornette Coleman, Lester Bowie, Fela Kuti, Leon Thomas, Miles Davis and many more. There were only 1000 copies of this record pressed when it was originally released in 1974 and it has been a collectors’ album ever since..."

Tracklisting:

1. Kai
2. Rocks (For Cannonball)
3. Center Of The Earth
4. C You Around
5. One Minute Please

Enjoy.

Adrian Younge & the Black Dynamite Sound Orchestra Live this New Years Eve in Los Angeles

2009-12-01T10:13:00.000-08:00

Converse presents "The Midnight Hour" with WAX POETICS, HEINEKEN, BRIDGES, ROOTDOOWN & SOUL SESSIONS, featuing Adrian Younge & the Black Dynamite Sound Orchestra, Kev Brown, Shafiq of Sa-Ra Creative Partners, and special guests to be announced. Let's end the year off right, and as an added bonus, the first 100 people get a limited edition Black Dynamite 45, and a copy of Wax Poetics lastest issue. See you there...

Curtis Mayfield "Short Eyes OST" (1977)

2009-11-30T10:35:00.001-08:00

Rounding off my memorable holiday listening is this Curtis Mayfield soundtrack from the film "Short Eyes." Now this is one depressing ass record, but considered by me, personally, one of Curtis' best I've ever hear. He really taps into some classical elements on a lot of these compositions. Short Eyes is set in an unnamed House of Detention in New York City, the prisoners of which are predominately black or Puerto Rican. One day, a new prisoner is brought in: Clark Davis, a young, middle-class white man accused of raping a young girl. His fellow prisoners immediately turn on him — pedophiles are considered the lowest form of prison life — except for Juan, one of the institution's older prisoners, who treats him with dignity. While Davis insists he doesn't remember raping the girl, he admits that he has molested several other children. Nevertheless, the case against him is weak and, unless Juan tells prison authorities about Davis' confessions to him, it is only a matter of time before he is set free. As Juan struggles with what to do, the other prisoners plan to rid themselves of Davis permanently... Curtis actually appears in the film as a prisioner performing the song "Doo Doo Wop Is Strong In Here"... The album is brought to us courtesy of Blog - O - Blog, where the really believe it's quality over quantity, so stop off and see them...

Track listing:

1. “Do Do Wap is Strong in Here”
2. “Back Against the Wall”
3. “Need Someone to Love”
4. “A Heavy Dude”
5. “Short Eyes/Freak, Freak, Free, Free, Free”
6. “Break It Down”
7. “Another Fool in Love”
8. “Father Confessor (Instrumental)”

Tyrone Davis Classic (1969-1983)

2009-11-30T10:25:00.001-08:00

This here is some more of my holiday listening, courtesy of the HIPHOPKILLERZBLOGSPOT. This compilation contains 60+ Tyrone Davis tracks ranging from 1969-1983, and is over 350mbs. Sheesh! There's some really good cuts contained here, and some really crappy disco ones too, but hey, it's Tyrone Davis, right!?! The vinyl headz will love the crackle on a lot of these tracks as well; must be a straight vinyl rip. Good stuff. Stop by there blogspot and give 'em a shot out if you could; they got some really good stuff. Enjoy.

Tracklisting :

01 - Knock On Wood
02 - Can I Change My Mind
03 - You Can't Keep A Good Man Down
04 - A Woman Needs To Be Loved
05 - The Waiting Was Not In Vain
06 - Let Me Back In
07 - I Keep Coming Back
08 - After All This Time
09 - This Time
10 - Was I Just A Fool
11 - You Wouldn't Believe
12 - Without You In My Life
13 - True Love Is Hard To Find
14 - I'm Just Your Man
15 - Happiness Is Being With You
16 - I Wish It Was Me
17 - I Can't Make It Without You
18 - You Don't Have To Beg Me To Stay
19 - What Goes Up (Must Come Down)
20 - It's All In The Game
21 - HomeWreckers
22 - I Ain't Me No More
23 - It's So Good (To Be Home With)
24 - Forever
25 - Saving My Love For You
26 - Don't Let It Be Too Late
27 - Close To You
28 - Put You Trust In Me
29 - Beware Beware
30 - I Just Can´t Keep On Going
31 - I Got Carried Away
32 - You Need Love
33 - Get On Up
34 - All I Ever Need
35 - Bunky
36 - I Can't Go On This Way
37 - I'm Still In Love With You
38 - Do You Feel It
39 - Be With Me
40 - Heart Failure
41 - Love You Forever
42 - Really Gonna Miss You
43 - We Were In Love Then
44 - All The Love I Need
45 - Ain't Nothing I Can Do
46 - I Don't Think You Heard Me
47 - I Can't Wait
48 - In The Mood
49 - I Just Cant Keep Going On
50 - Overdue
51 - Never Stopped Loving You
52 - Wanna Make It Good
53 - Are You Serious
54 - I'm So Excited
55 - Where Did We Lose
56 - Leave Well Enough Alone
57 - Do You Feel It
58 - Love (Ain't Over There)
59 - Just My Luck
60 - Satisfy You (Before I Satisfy Me)
61 - Let Me Be Your Pacifier

Oliver Nelson "Skull Sessions" (1975)

2009-11-30T09:58:00.000-08:00

I spent alot of time listening to music this passed holiday week, and one of the albums that stood out to me in a MAJOR way was "Skull Sessions" by Oliver Nelson. This is a primo record, riddled with some heavy-hitting funk drums, and with all of the electronic synth work contained here, it reminds me alot of William Fischer's work the "Akelarre" album, but with a harder, classic Jazz edge to it; take a listen, you'll understand what I mean... Brought to us courtesy of GREG @ OUFAR KHAN, this one is definately worth a listen. Stop off and leave him some comments. Back soon. Peace!!

Track Listing:
1. Skull Session
2. Reuben's Rondo
3. 125th st, and 7th avenue
4. One for Duke
5. Dumpy Mama
6. Baja Bossa
7. In A Japanese Garden
8. Flight or Freedom

Personel includes:
Laurindo Almeida - Guitar;
Willie Bobo - Percussion;
Oscar Brashear - Trumpet, Flugelhorn;
Bobby Bryant - Trumpet, Flugelhorn;
Dennis Budimir - Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar, Guitar (Electric);
Buddy Childers - Trumpet;
Buddy Collette - Clarinet, Flute (Alto), Sax (Tenor), Flute (Tenor);
Vincent DeRosa - French Horn;
Chuck Domanico - Bass;
Jim Gordon - Drums;
Billy Green - Sax (Tenor);
Paul Hubinon - Trumpet;
John Kelson, Jr. - Clarinet (Bass), Sax (Baritone);
Shelly Manne - Percussion, Drums;
Grover Mitchell - Trombone;
Richard Nash - Trombone;
Oliver Nelson - Arranger, Conductor, Sax (Alto);
Bill Perkins - Clarinet (Bass), Sax (Baritone), Sax (Tenor);
Jerome Richardson - Clarinet, Flute, Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano);
Lee Ritenour - Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar, Guitar (Electric);
Bud Shank - Clarinet, Flute (Alto), Sax (Alto), Sax (Tenor);
Lonnie Liston Smith - Piano, Piano (Electric);
Maurice Spears - Trombone (Bass);
Donald Waldrop - Tuba;
Chauncey Welsch - Trombone;
Mike Wofford - Synthesizer, Piano, Harpsichord, Piano (Electric), Arp.

The World of Hurt "The Thrill Seekers" (Episodes #1-5)

2009-11-20T10:09:00.000-08:00

Ever since I've been involved with the Black Dynamite music project, I have met so many people ranging from the most genuine, to most creative, to the most positive, to the most negative & wishy-washy. Enter Jay Potts, owner and creator of the internet's #1 Blaxploitation comic (who is definately one of the most creative & genuine). I inadvertantly met Jay through a mutual Black Dynamite aquaintence, and he's inspried me on more levels then you can imagine. Jay produces a weekly comic strip on-line (and I've been on him about publishing it) and it is 100% action, grit & art all rolled into one. The story follows our main man Isiah "Pastor" Hurt, who's the man you come see when you have a problem that needs fixing. He never asks for money, but in return he asks for two favors, to be named at a time when he sees fit... If that don't get you goin', I don't what will. Below is a sample of the first 5 episodes, along with a link to the site to see the full size versions. If this works out, I'll post five a week until we catch up with episodes 32, which just dropped this passed Weds. Enjoy this as much as I have...

Episode #1: The Junkie Chase

Episode #2: Got \'Im

Episode #3: Never Volunteer Information

Episode #4: See What Had Happened Was

Episode #5: Confession Is Good For The Soul, Bad For The Jaw

Check out the WORLD OF HURT website for all the latest, and follow my man Jay Potts on Twitter for everything that is new with Isiah "Pastor" Hurt and the genuine World of Hurt blaxploitation universe. Back Soon! Peace!!

The Undisputed Truth "Down To Earth" (1974)

2009-11-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

Mediocre at best, and heavily disco, but contains a nice version of "Love & Happiness" - and not to mention I'm a sucker for any cover of "Brother Louie" that's out there... Arranged By - Mark Davis (2) (tracks: A1, A5, B4) , Paul Riser (tracks: A2 to A5, B1 to B3, B5) Artwork By [Creative Assistant] - Asari Graham Bass - Bob Babbitt , Eddie Watkins* , James Jamerson Bells, Percussion [Tympani, Vibes, Gourd] - Jack Brokensha Bongos, Congas - Bobbye Hall , Eddie "Bongo" Brown Drums - Aaron Smith (2) , Andrew Smith (4) , Ed Greene (2) , James Gadson , Richard "Pistol" Allen* , Uriel Jones Engineer - Art Stewart , Bob Robitaille , Cal Harris , Larry Miles , Russ Terrana Guitar - Billy Cooper , Eddie Willis , Joe Messina , Melvin "Wah Wah" Ragin* , Paul Warren , Robert Ward , Robert White Mastered By [Mastering Engineer] - Orson Lewis Organ - Johnny Griffith , Mark Davis (2) Percussion, Tambourine - Jack Ashford Photography - Jim Britt Piano - Earl Van Dyke , Mark Davis (2) Producer, Mastered By [Mastering Engineer] - Norman Whitfield..

TRACKLISTING:

Side A
1. Help Yourself 3:15
2. Big John Is My Name 4:38
3. Brother Louie 4:28
4. I'm A Fool For You 3:02
5. Our Day Will Come 2:27

Side B
1. Just You 'N' Me 2:50
2. Love and Happiness 3:08
3. Law of the Land 4:36
4. The Girl's Alright With me 3:34
5. Save My Love For A Rainy Day 4:00

Enjoy.

Steve Reid Ensemble "Spirit Walk" (197?)

2009-11-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

Steve Reid is a true pioneer of boundary-breaking music. This latest project/collaboration is a continuation of a musical path that stretches back to the late 1960s. As a master drummer Steve Reid has played with Sun Ra, James Brown, Ornette Coleman, Fela Kuti, Archie Shepp, Miles Davis, Lester Bowie and many more. (Soul Jazz records)

"Steve Reid is one of the greatest living drummers. He has played with Sun Ra, knew Coltrane, played at Motown. I mean this is a guy who at 19 was playing drums with Fela Kuti in Africa. He is a musical genius. It’s a creative joy and honour to work with him." Kieran Hebden (Fourtet) After a number of groundbreaking live shows between Kieran Hebden (Fourtet) and legendary New York drummer Steve Reid, these two artists have embarked on two amazing new recording projects. The first release is the Steve Reid Ensemble (featuring Kieran Hebden) "Spirit Walk". This will be followed by a second album by Kieran Hebden and Steve Reid which will be released by Domino Records at the beginning of 2006. Both albums blend electronic experimentation within the frame-work of Steve Reid’s musical heritage. Gilles Peterson will be touring the UK in November alongside The Steve Reid Ensemble. An ardent fan of the music, Peterson has contributed the sleeve-notes to "Spirit Walk" along with another long-time musical admirer Val Wilmer. Steve Reid is a true pioneer of boundary-breaking music. This latest project/collaboration is a continuation of a musical path that stretches back to the late 1960s. A self-taught master jazz drummer Steve Reid played in Sun Ra’s Arkestra as well as being a session musician at both Motown Records (he plays on for instance Martha and The Vandella’s "Heatwave") and in James Brown’s in-house band at the legendary Harlem Apollo. In the mid-60s Reid went to West Africa, playing and learning the music of Ghana, Nigeria (playing with Fela Kuti), Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal. On returning to New York he joined Sun Ra’s The Science Myth Solar Arkestra. In 1968 as a conscientious objector to the Vietnam war he was sentenced to 4 years in prison where he then taught a Black history course to his fellow inmates. In the 1970’s Reid formed the Legendary Master Brotherhood as well as running his own record company, Mustevic Sound, which released a series of his albums (2 of which have earlier been released by Soul Jazz Records). In a career now spanning over 40 years Steve Reid has worked with artists such as Lester Bowie, Miles Davis, Charles Tyler, Arthur Blythe, Ornette Coleman, Gary Bartz, Chief Bey, Archie Shepp, Sam Rivers, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Leon Thomas and more. This new project is the latest part in Steve Reid’s musical odyssey. "A truly phenomenal artist. This is the album we've all been waiting a long time for. Steve Reid is steeped in musical history and yet this album has a modernity all of it's own." Gilles Peterson

Tracklisting

01. Lugano
02. Drum Story
03. Bridget
04. For Coltrane
05. Blind Tom
06. Which One
07. Lions Of Juda
08. It Cannot Be True
09. Unity

Still yet to be heard by myself, personally, but let's give it a go, shall we!?! Everyone report in with you thoughts on this one, I'd love to hear it, and so would everybody else... Divided into two parts, here is one, and here is two... Password in comments...

Steve Reid "Nova" (1976)

2009-11-20T09:41:00.001-08:00

This classic album of deep Jazz was originally released in 1976. Steve Reid is one of the featured artists on Soul Jazz Records "Universal Sounds of America" alongside The Art Ensemble of Chicago, Sun Ra and Pharoah Sanders. This record has never been released in the UK and was limited to 1000 copies in the USA in 1976! Steve Reid has played with, amongst others, Freddie Hubbard, Jackie McLean, Dionne Warwicke, Archie Shepp, Chief Bey, Olatunji, Arthur Blythe, Lester Bowie, Dextor Gordon, Gary Bartz, James Brown, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Sam Rivers, Leon Thomas, Fela Kuti, Fats Domino, Miles Davis, Sun Ra, Lonnie Smith, Horace Silver! He has played in the house band at Harlem's Apollo Theatre, accompanying James Brown, as well as playing in Sun Ra's Arkestra! Also, Steve Reid lived next to John Coltrane, worked in a department store with Ornette Coleman, has a son who is the drummer for NWA, spent two years in jail as a conscientious objector of Vietnam, played drums on Martha and The Vandellas "Heatwave" (aged 14), released records on his own Mustevic Sound label in the 1970s and is a very cool person.

Tracklisting

1. Nova
2. Lions Of Judah
3. Free Spirits-Unknown
4. Long Time Black
5. Sixth House

Definately one of my favorite albums. Enjoy. All credit is due to ORGYINRHYTHM for turning me on to this one, long, long ago...

Wax Poetics Issue 38

2009-11-15T08:58:00.000-08:00

"It’s been a long time coming. In fact, for the past 8 years and 37 issues, we’ve wanted to do a Curtis Mayfield cover. It finally worked out for our unofficial Film/Hustler Issue, in which we take a look at Mayfield’s epic soundtrack recording, Super Fly. New York writer Michael Gonzales pulls from his own 1996 Curtis Mayfield interview as well as tapping Curtis associates, guitarists Craig McMullen and Phil Upchurch and composer/arranger Johnny Pate, to tell the story of the finest blaxploitation score of the 1970s.

Once again, we’ve created a split cover–with Curtis on front both times and the back shared by two classic films: Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing (Radio Raheem in full effect) and Ralph Bakshi’s Coonskin (a Wax Poetics favorite). Besides speaking with both of these groundbreaking filmmakers, we also take a look at the new film Black Dynamite (an official Wax Poetics Records release), and music supervisor David Hollander reveals the fundamental facts of once-mysterious library music.

Last but not least, we finally unveil the Robert Beck aka Iceberg Slim story by longtime contributer Mark McCord (aka Mark Skillz). As the greatest hustler of all time, Beck finally gets his due.

Featured Articles:
Curtis Mayfield
“I don’t see why people are complaining about the subject of these films,” Curtis told Jet magazine in October 1972 in a statement that foreshadows the words of modern-day rappers. “The way you clean up the films is by cleaning up the streets. The music and movies of today are the conditions that exist.”

Spike Lee
What gets me mad about Bamboozled is that the New York Times refused to run the ad with Tommy Davidson and Savion Glover in blackface. The whole thing about the film was to show that there is a history behind this imagery.

Ralph Bakshi
When I was doing Mighty Mouse and The Mighty Heroes, I didn’t like what I was doing. That wasn’t the raw edge of life I grew up with. Bob Dylan was singing, the freedom marches were happening, Miles Davis was blowin’, and the stuff Coltrane was doing was brand new. So doing this stupid, old bullshit wasn’t good enough.

Also Includes:
Re:Discovery Melvin Van Peebles, Manfred Krug, Marvin Gaye, Judgment Night OST & John Carpenter; Roc Raida The Grand Master; Shadows and Phonographs: This sinister role of the turntable in Hollywood classics; Brotherman Blaxploitation soundtrack for a film that wasn't meant to be; Adrian Younge: Black Dynamite composer refuses to cut corners with his authentic old soul; Gangs On Film The South Bronx of 1979 documented in 80 Blocks from Tiffany's; Night Life Photographer Michael Abramson captured the magic of 1970s South Side Chicago; The Rhythm of Film DJ/producer David Holmes approaches soundtrack composition with a less-is-more philosophy; Mood Music European libraries created soulful instrumentals for '70s film and television; The Next Hustle Ex-pimp Robert Beck transformed into writer Iceberg Slim, introducing a new genre for literature, film and music; Comic Truth Animation and indie film pioneer Ralph Bakshi drew attention to race and culture;
Gangster Boogie Curtis Mayfield injected his own cultural commentary into the Super Fly legacy; The Provocateur Director Spike Lee continues to tell personal stories by any means necessary; Playing It Straight Black Dynamite director Scott Sanders crafts high-caliber blaxploitation homage; Analog Out Cybernetics, Louis and Bebe Barron, and the sonic life-forms of Forbidden Planet...

Issue available Friday November 13th

OB4CLII Samples, courtesy of HIPHOPISREAD

2009-11-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

Another HUMUNGOUS drop by my man Ivan over @ HIPHOPISREAD. I had been personally bugging the shit outta him on TWITTER to drop this, and lucky for all of us out here in musicland, he did. Personally the sample track for "New-Wu" makes the comp well worth it... Coming in at a wopping 135MBs, you will definately not be disappointed with the amount of music which is contained here. Cheers HIPHOPISREAD... Here's a track listing:

Adrian Younge & the Black Dynamite Sound Orchestra Live from the WaxPoetics "Midnight Hour"

2009-11-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

Wax Poetics presents the Midnight Hour, with special guests the Black Dynamite Sound Orchestra, playing a bonus track from the original score available only at WaxPoetics.com - brought to you by Anaconda Malt Liquor.

Black Dynamite Original Score Documentary

2009-11-07T20:39:00.000-08:00

Coming in at just under 5 minutes in length, you'll gain some rare insight into exactly what it took to create one of the most original soundtrack scores of this decade, courtesy of Adrian Younge, WaxPoetics, and the makers of the film "Black Dynamite." Cheers!!

Re-Post "William S. Fischer" 2 Albums

2009-11-07T20:34:00.001-08:00

"This a ground-breaking blend of concentrated funk, electronica, soul, and futureheaded jazz rock. William S. Fischer, the musical director for the 1960's soul funk experiments of Eddie Harris, Eugene McDaniels and Les McCann, released this amazing debut solo album for the Embryo label in 1970. Some of these songs would later appear in the 1971 streets of New York drug movie "Born To Win" starring Robert De Niro & Karen Black. This album features both Ron Carter and Billy Cobham..." Courtesy of Amazon.com

"William S. Fischer worked mostly as a session arranger, but this schizophrenic outing (produced by Herbie Mann) found him tossing ideas in different directions to see which ones travelled furthest. Not always satisfying, with the good to great Moog explorations of "Electrix" and "Capsule" being offset by the uninspired soul of "Patience is Virtue" and "There's A Light That Shines", Circles represents more of a curiosity than a necessity..." Courtesy of The Kozmigroov Konnection

Track Listing:
1. Patience Is Virtue
2. Saigon
3. Electrix
4. Chains
5. There's A Light That Shines
6. Circle
7. Green Forever
8. Capsule

Thanks to My Jazz World for this. Peace!

Satanologysts, wizardologysts, specialists in various types of palingenesis, famed talmudists and other studious of witchery agree to the importance of music in the old akelarres. Having been burnt some of our witches by the roman Inquisition, the others seeked for shelter in their subterranean homes.

A fantastic world was formed then. Basque witches and sorcerers prosecuted by Pierre de Lancre, alied with an old jewish gnome -who claimed to be a cousin of Spinoza- did invoke the underground spirits of black fugitive slaves who escaped from the razzias that our European ancestors, in the name of civilization, took to Africa. (from Sorta's original liner notes)

Weird and obscure as they come... in 1972 arranger William S. Fischer lands in the basque country and produces some funky reinterprations of popular basque folklore songs and dances, all around the theme of witchery and covens (Akelarre). As crazy and weird as it may sound, this record is virtually unheard of in collector's circles.

How the musical director for Atlantic Records and arranger for Wilson Pickett, Roberta Flack, Eugene McDaniels, Les McCann , Herbie Mann and countless others got involved with this project is up to everyone's guess. However what he comes up with is really astounding, a funky as hell workout which will get you screaming for more. Killer go go psychedelic soul which defies categorisation: tight rhythm section, open drum breaks, funky as hell guitar leads, groovy flute, weird electronic sound effects and moog bits (most likely courtesy of Walter E. Sear, who gets a mention in the original liners) alternate with more stylish moments (think Terry Callier or blaxpotation soundtracks of the era like Marvin Gaye's Troubleman) and even some fusion styled groovers.

Enjoy this album, because this one is one of my all time favorites, and is always in steady rotation.

Track Listing:

A1. Bat Bi Hiru Lau
A2. Gurea Da
A3. Etatiro Etatiro
A4. Pello Joxepe
A5. Euskaldunak Gara
B1. Eguntto Batez
B2. Ruten Ari Nuzu
B3. Ene Izar Maitea
B4. Xarmangarria
B5. Txori Erresinula

King James Version "First Time We Met" (1974)

2009-11-07T20:02:00.000-08:00

Got turned on to this while searching the net for something rare, and out of the ordinary, and started to notice a lot of funk/soul/break sites talking about this VERY hard to find LP, and low & behold, our friends over at A Pyrex Scholar were nice enough to unearth this soul/funk/gospel for all of us. This post has gotten a shitload of views since it's debut back in January, so if you could please stop off and drop him a comment or two, and read his write-up concerning the record, it'd be much appreciated. Later.

Black Dynamite Original Score Release Party

2009-10-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

Come on out and hear what all the thunder is about, this Saturday Night, Oct. 24th in Los Angeles California. Our friends over in Brooklyn @ WaxPoetics will be having the same type of shindig, but only the one in Los Angeles will have Adrian Younge & The Black Dynamite Sound Orchestra in attendance, along with an exclusive live performance of the original score, as well as BLACK DYNAMITE Director Scott Sanders on the ones & twos under his alias, DJ SUKAPUNCH. If you're in the area, pay us a visit...

The Movie Is Here Ladies & Gentlemen...

2009-10-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time coming, but the day has finally arrived. Black Dynamite has hit the big screen, and it is a limited release, but he's definately gonna be unloading on your ass with both barrels this weekend. V4G asks that you all hit the theaters hard this weekend to ensure that the film gets a wide re-release on Nov. 6th; that's what we're all hoping for... Plus, the Original Score has hit the digital market with bonus tracks released only to iTunes, Amazon & WaxPoetics exclusively, so pay them a visit as well. If you know me, you know I'm all about the freebies, so that's why I'm lobbying for some exclusive live tracks by the BLACK DYNAMITE SOUND ORCHESTRA, as well as compiling demos, and unofficial/official bootlegs & demos from the score. Check back soon, I'll have some goodies for you. Peace!!

Exclusive Interview with Adrian "AJ" Younge, composer of the forthcoming Wax Poetics "Black Dynamite Original Score."

2009-10-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

Writer, composer, producer and editor Adrian Younge offers VINYL4GIANTS some rare insight on one of the most anticpated soundtracks of 2009, from one of the most anticipated films of 2009. We sat down with Adrian "AJ" Younge for a few minutes in between rehearsal sets for the Black Dynamite Sound Orchestra's (BDSO) world debut at the Black Dynamite Red Carpet Premeire on October 13th. Here's what he had to say...

V4G: Out of the 15+ tracks that're featured on the "Black Dynamite" soundtrack album, which of those did you find the most tedious to record, or hardest to complete?

AJ: The song Gloria (featuring vocalist Toni Scruggs) was probably the hardest to complete because the overall arrangements were changed multiple times, and the instrumentation was very, very difficult. You'll understand what I mean when you hear the track, it sounds like there's a number of things going on all at the same time. It took a couple of days just to get the cello right; also, the bass was very challenging due to the multiple movements (or soloing) within the song.

V4G: Which one of the tracks is your favorite?

AJ: My favorite song is either "Shot Me In The Heart" or "Chicago Wind." These are two of the last songs composed for the score, and artists generally tend to like the last songs that they compose; it reflects my latest compositional perspectives. My next album will be composed of very dark soul; these two tracks give insight into my future thoughts.

V4G: If readers were to listen to only one track on the album, which one would you recommend?

AJ: "Shot Me In The Heart" is the track that I would mostly recommend. This I because it is a very deep song musically, and vocally... Actually, I will make the claim that this song has the most depth on the entire album. Loren Oden (the vocalist) really took this song to the next level with his voice, and I tried my best to match his level of intensity; the live rendition of this track is really something else entirely. The combination ensues an interesting perspective on dark soul music.

V4G: Being a band leader, and first and foremost a composer & producer, which song do you look forward most to performing live, and why?

AJ: I look forward to playing the bonus track "Tears I Cry When Love Has Died" because I see it as a darker version of "Shot Me In The Heart." I love dark soul with deep emotional ties; and the groove is unimaginable. I will take a dark song over any other type of song any day. I love how the band synthesizes this feeling and plays it with serious emotion and intensity.

V4G: With Curtis Mayfield and the "Superfly" soundtrack being an obvious inspiration for the score, and barometer for the quality of work you sought out to produce, what other artists, soundtracks, and or albums did you listen to for reference?

AJ: Ennio Morricone, Barry White, Isaac Hayes, Willie Hutch, James Brown, and surprisingly enough, The Wu-Tang Clan. Wu-Tang definitely has an influence because they sampled the stuff I've always wanted to create in some form or fashion. The RZA sampled this music like a true musician, and manipulated in a way that took Hip Hop to the next level. My music is literally based on the Hip Hop "break," or "sample." Therefore, I am influenced by the break, and how the Hip-Hop producer incorporates the break.

V4G: If you could pick one person, whether it be singer, or song writer, or producer, living or dead, who would you like to work with?

AJ: Curtis Mayfield...

Vinyl4Giants would like to thank Adrian Younge for taking time out of his schedule to give us a little bit of a glimpse into what it took to make the score, and the thoughts behind its conception. The album is available for digital download through the WAXPOETICS website, as well as iTunes & Amazon on Oct. 13th, and will be in stores on the 20th. Grab it up, folks. You will not be disappointed. Back soon. Peace!!

Preview "Black Dynamite" Original Film Score & Soundtrack

2009-10-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

The Black Dynamite website has put up a music section where you can preview both albums soon to be released from Wax Poetics. Alot of us collectors will notice the Library joints, but stop off and preview the original album work so you can see what I've been on about all these years... And pay close attention to "Cleaning Up The Streets" & "Chicago Wind" which are the two tracks that feature yours truly. Peace!!

Some More "BLACK DYNAMITE" Music Stuff...

2009-10-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

Chaundon (who I have never heard of unfortunately) is offering a "Black Dynamite" mix-tape on his website for $10 smackers!! I've never paid for a mix-tape before, and most hip-hoppers know that the artist usually floods computer-land with mix-tapes to build hype for an up coming album drop. But there is an alternative: Chaundon is offering "BLACK DYNAMITE\'S REVENGE" for free download. All you have to do is enter your email addy and recieve spam for the rest of your life... I'm just kidding. Check 'em out. Let me know what's-what. I know I will...

Free "BLACK DYNAMITE" Paraphenalia

2009-10-06T09:48:00.000-07:00

Here's the first look at the exclusive 45 from WAX POETICS. The track is titled "Raffelli Chase" and is one of the hottest songs on the album. Now, time for some freebies... Tracks available for free download thus far are: "Shot Me In The Heart" by Adrian Younge, off the forth coming "Black Dynamite Original Soundtrack" from WAXPOETICS.
And "Shot Me In The Heart" Remix track "Can\'t Fight The Feeling" by 9th Wonder, Sean Price & Buck Shot. Download the Freebies, and help spread the word. Back soon. Peace!

"Shot Me In The Heart" from forth coming "Black Dynamite OST" by Adrian Younge (2009)

2009-10-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

This is one of the livest track off the OST, and just remember, I said "one" of the livest; rest assured there's many more. Download it, and share it, and spread the word. Excerpt from: MV REMIX URBAN
Wax Poetics to Release Two New Albums with Black Dynamite Film
Black Dynamite Soundtrack Black Dynamite Score
Black Dynamite (Original Motion Picture Score) – Wax Poetics Records
Release Date: 10/20/09
In just over two weeks, the best Blaxploitation film of 2009 will hit theaters. Black Dynamite is the story of an ex-CIA agent on a mission to avenge his brother’s death, fight smack in the orphanage, and rid the ghetto of adulterated malt liquor. But that’s not all!
Not one but two full albums of Black Dynamite worthy soul will hit stores just days later. The Black Dynamite Motion Picture Soundtrack and Original Motion Picture Score will each be available via music retailers online and off beginning October 20th and on iTunes and Amazon digital beginning October 13th.
The score is composed by Adrian Younge, self-taught musician, film editor, recording engineer, and owner of one of the last fully operational analog studios in Los Angeles. Check out “Shot Me In The Heart” from the Original Motion Picture Score.

Chaundon "Black Dynamite Mix-Tape" Excerpts "24 Hours To Live & That Nigga"

2009-09-15T09:54:00.001-07:00

Off Chaundon’s upcoming mixtape "Black Dynamite" tentatively scheduled to drop in October.

Adrian Younge "Black Dynamite OST" (2009)

2009-09-15T09:49:00.000-07:00

LIMITED PRESSING OF 2,000
HAND-NUMBERED
180 GRAM VINYL
INCLUDES 2 LOBBY CARDS & COLOR LINER NOTES INSERT

Multi-instrumentalist Adrian Younge makes his debut on Wax Poetics Records with his original score to the Michael Jai White comedy, Black Dynamite. Inspired by the great blaxploitation soundtracks of the 1970s, Younge commands the Rhodes electric piano, Hammond organ, Hohner Clavinet, harpsichord, synthesizer, vibraphone, guitar, bass, flute, sax, cello, and drums, crafting with a singular vision. Whether it’s the witty vocal of “Jimmy’s Apartment” or the lowdown bass line of “Rafelli Chase,” the entire album is deeply authentic.

Track Listing:
01: Black Dynamite Theme
02: Cleaning Up the Streets
03: Man with the Heat (Superbad)
04: Shine
05: Jimmy’s Dead
06: Shot Me in the Heart
07: Black They Back
08: Gloria (Zodiac Lovers)
09: Anaconda Malt Liquor
10: Jimmy’s Apartment
11: Jimmy’s Dead (Interlude)
12: Chicago Wind
13: Rafelli Chase
14: Jimmy’s Dead (Instrumental)
15: Dynomite (Suckapunch Re-edit)

Pre-Order from WAX-POETICS...

A Change In Format...

2009-09-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

Over the next week or so, I'm going to be changing the format of this blog. We will no longer be hosting links directly from this site (unless approved by the artist), but we will be providing "tools" for you guys to find the latest FUNK, JAZZ, SOUL, VOCALS & HIP-HOP for your melons. I've decided to use this spot as a promotional tool for the film "BLACK DYNAMITE," as well as the musical aspect of that film, of which I am heavily involved with. I know some of you out there may either not know who I am, who the producer/composer of the original soundtrack is, or even what the movie is about, but I assure you, if you frequent this spot, like the 150,000 people that do, you will surely enjoy it... Let's start off with a trailer or two, shall we!?!

OFFICIAL THEATRICAL TRAILER:

ORIGINAL TRAILER THAT LITERALLY GOT THE MOVIE MADE:

"Wormhole (Starkiller Strikes Back)" featuring Nighthorse & Like Jackson

2009-08-10T12:56:00.001-07:00

here's the newest track that we got floating around the Internet. it'll be the opening track off our Sophmore outing entitled "Black Roger" due to be out some time next year. the track features a few friends of ours, and took QUITE a long while to put together. excuse the informality of this post, but I'm trying a mobile blogging app on my iPhone; hope it works. download link is: http://www.divshare.com/download/8079066-c27

Tullio De Piscopo "Suonando la Batteria Moderna - Modern Drums, A Practical Guide" (1974)

2009-06-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my man FRAYKER BREAKS for directing me towards this one... Do some research, it contains the famous Dj Shadow drum break from "Drums of Death" off the UNKLE Lp. Enjoy. This shit's hot.

sorry guys... the password is: for_music_pleasure
it's actually impeded into the link name. smart, huh!?!

Well...

2009-06-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry I been neglecting this spot QUITE a bit, but I've been extremely busy with life, family, music, performing, recording, and of course, comic books. I promise to be around a whole lot more, and keep you post as soon as the "Black Dynamite" soundtrack drops on Wax Poetics... Thanks for all the visits, as well as the patience. See you guys soon...

Sony Pictures buys "Black Dynamite!!!"

2009-01-19T21:33:00.000-08:00

That's right!!! Sony's independent arm purchased "Black Dynamite" for an estimated $2 million dollars this morning at the Sundance Film Festival. Goggle it, and you'll see how many hits you get about the news. Get ready folks! Black Dynamite is on it's way to a theater near you. Let's hype this mother-fucker up even more before this thing drops. Peace!

Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter: "PARK CITY -- For a brief moment Monday, it looked like the sales action was picking up at the Sundance Film Festival. Then the moment passed.

The day broke with a big sale to Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group of the blaxploitation movie "Black Dynamite." At about 6 a.m. local time, Endeavor reps and execs from the Steven Bersch division concluded an all-night negotiation that began when the film finished screening at about 1 a.m.

Sony agreed to pay about $2 million and made a strong marketing commitment for all North American rights to the violent and campy 1970s tale.

Actors in the Scott Sanders pic are signed for a sequel, and Sony hopes its summer or fall release will be the start of a franchise along the lines of the "Friday" or "Austin Powers" properties.

The sale was a coup for optimists hopeful that this would kick-start a big day of sales Monday. But that didn't materialize, as other gestating deals failed to come together by evening and the specialty divisions clearly were holding their fire.

Upstart distributors, however, have been active so far at the festival.

After Senator, which in association with Sony snapped up "Brooklyn's Finest" on Saturday, Summit began making moves: The Patrick Wachsberger-Rob Friedman distributor apparently is in the pole position to pick up the Ashton Kutcher dramedy "Spread" as well as a leading candidate for the oddball Jim Carrey-Ewan McGregor prison love story "I Love You Phillip Morris." Overture Films is in the running for several pics that also had Sunday screenings."

Bo Hansson "Music Inspired by 'The Lord of the Rings'" (1970)

2009-01-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

1. Leaving Shire
2. The Old Forest & Tom Bombadil
3. Fog On The Barrow-Downs
4. The Black Riders & Flight To The Ford
5. At The House Of Elrond & The Ring Goes South
6. A Journey In The Dark
7. Lothlorien
8. Shadow Fax
9. The Horns Of Rohan & The Battle Of The Pelennor Fields
10. Dreams In The House Of Healing
11. Homeward Bound & The Scouring Of The Shire
12. The Grey Havens

AMAZING.

Bo Hansson "Attic Thoughts'" (1975)

2009-01-13T16:24:00.000-08:00

Tracks Include:

1. Attic Thoughts: March/Repose/Wandering
2. Time and Space
3. Waiting...
4. Waltz for Interbeings
5. Time for Great Achievements
6. Hybrills
7. Rabbit Music: General Woundwort/Fiver
8. Day and Night
9. Happy Prank

Repost for you guys.

Bo Hansson "The Magician's Hat" (1972)

2009-01-13T15:48:00.000-08:00

2004 remaster CD listing:

1. Big City (full length version) (Bo Hansson and Gunnar Bergsten)
2. Divided Reality
3. Elidor
4. Before the Rain (Bo Hansson and Gunnar Bergsten)
5. Filke
6. Playing Downhill into the Downs
7. Findhorn's Song
8. The Awakening
8. Wandering Song
9. Sun (Parallell [sic] or 90) (Bo Hansson and Kenny Hakansson)
10. Excursion with Complications
11. City (edited version) (Bo Hansson and Gunnar Bergsten)
12. Waltz at Dawn (out-take from album sessions) (Bo Hansson and Kenny Hakansson)
All music composed by Bo Hansson except where indicated.

Musicians

Bo Hansson - Organ, guitars and slide bass
Rune Carlsson - Drums, congas and cowbell
Kenny Hakansson - Guitars
Gunnar Bergsten - Saxophone and flute
Sten Bergman - Flute
Bobo Stensson - Piano on 'Wandering Song'
Owe Gustavsson - Bass on 'Wandering Song'
Pelle Ekman - Drums on 'Wandering Song'

Bo Hansson "Music Inspired by 'A Watership Down'" (1977)

2009-01-13T15:43:00.000-08:00

This 1977 release from Swedish prog rock composer and musician Bo Hansson includes "Born Of The Gentle South" and "Legend And Light." REMASTERED reissue of the Swedish progressive rock act's 1977 album includes one previously unreleased bonus track 'Migration Suite'

Track listing

Born in the Gentle South (*)
Allegro for a Rescue
Legend & Light(*)
Trial and Adversity
The Twice - Victory
The Kingdom Brightly Shines
Migration Suite (Live studio recording - bonus track on 2004 CD)(*)

The Line-up:
Bo Hansson - Piano, keyboards, guitar, bass guitar, tambourine, production, mixing
Kenny Hakansson - Guitar, bass guitar
Bo Skoglund - Drums, maracas
Goran Lagerberg - Bass guitar
Tomas Netzler - Bass guitar
Sten Bergman - Flute
Torbjorn Ekman - Wooden flute
Fredrik Noren - Drums
Pontus Olsson - engineering, production, mixing

DJ Shadow "Def Beat RemixesVol. 8" (2006)

2009-01-07T15:54:00.000-08:00

Interesting find.

1. Entropy (Part C - Count And Estimate)
2. Six Days (DJ Shadow Remix)
3. 89.9 Megamix
4. Drums Of Death
5. Midnight In A Perfect World (DJ Shadow Remix)
6. The Good The Bad And The Chutney
7. Holy Calamity (Bear Witness II)
8. Meiso (DJ Shadow Remix)
9. Hardcore (Instrumental) Hip Hop
10. Organ Donor (Extended Overhaul)
11. Waiting List (DJ Shadow/Automator Mix)
12. The Gloaming (DJ Shadow Remix)
13. Zimbabwe Legit (Shadow's Legitimate Mix [199])
14. Hot Breath
15. Lonely Soul

George Benson "The Other Side Of Abbey Road" (1969)

2009-01-07T15:45:00.000-08:00

1. Golden Slumbers / You Never Give me Your Money
2. Because/Come Together
3. Oh! Darling
4. Here Comes the Sun/I Want You
5. Something/Octopus's Garden/The End

Players Include:
George Benson - Guitar, Vocals
Phil Bodner - Flute, Oboe, Reeds (Multiple)
Ray Barretto - Percussion, Drums
Ron Carter - Bass
Sonny Fortune - Saxophone, Sax (Alto)
Herbie Hancock - Organ, Piano, Harpsichord
Bob James - Organ, Piano, Harpsichord
Hubert Laws - Flute, Reeds (Multiple)
Jerome Richardson - Flute, Saxophone, Sax (Tenor)
Ed Shaughnessy - Drums
Marvin Stamm - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Mel Davis - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Wayne Andre - Trombone, Euphonium
Don Ashworth - Sax (Baritone), Reeds (Multiple)
Melvin Davis - Trumpet
Don Sebesky - Arranger
Rudy Van Gelder - Engineer
Bernie Glow - Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Andy Gonzalez - Percussion
Guildhall String Ensemble - Strings
Ernie Hayes - Organ, Piano, Harpsichord
Freddie Hubbard - Trumpet
Idris Muhammad - Drums
Gerald Jemmott - Bass
Max Pollikoff - Violin
George Ricci - Cello
Creed Taylor - Producer
Jerry Jemmott - Bass
Emanuel Vardi - Cello

An amazing line-up, I think you'll agree. Courtesy of our good friend HENRY KRINKLE; I owe him big time for this one. Enjoy, everybody. Back soon. PEACE!

Vinyl 4 Giants Presents... "Come Together"

2008-12-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

Figured I've compiled enough versions of this song from various sources through-out blog-land, that I could go ahead and post this. Enjoy, it's just about an hour of music, and one of my favourite, and most creative of Beatles songs out there. Enjoy. Peace!

Tracks Include:
Come Together (LP Version) by The Beatles, Come Together (Take 1) by The Beatles, Come Together [Live] by John Lennon, as well as versions of "Come Together" by The Brothers Johnson, Claude Denjean, Count Basie Orchestra, Diana Ross, Groove Holmes & Ernie Watts, The Ice Man's Band, Ike & Tina Turner, The Phoenix Authority, The Supremes, Syl Johnson...

Laurin Rinder & W. Michael Lewis "In Search of... Themes & Music OST" (1977)

2008-12-22T18:35:00.000-08:00

This is a re-post for me, just in case some of you missed it last time around. Make sure you give it a good listen; it has some really choice moments... Related to the "Shogun Assassin" post just below. This one shares a composer. I think you'll agree, it's definately along the same lines as that one.

Tracks include:

Time Traveler (8:26)
A Taste of Ghosts (0:52)
Phenomena Theme (5:59)
An Atlantean Dream (6:25)
The Rise & Fall of Vlad Dracula (8:01)
In Search of... (Main Title Theme) (5:20)
Nazca Lines (2:58)
Easter Island Suite (2:50)
Afterthought (2:22)

Shogun Assassin (1980)

2008-12-22T18:30:00.000-08:00

I don't normally do this, but fuck it!

http://rapidshare.com/files/108223377/15S5hO0G682u9N3.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/108223474/15S5hO0G682u9N3.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/108223591/15S5hO0G682u9N3.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/108223682/15S5hO0G682u9N3.part4.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/108224036/15S5hO0G682u9N3.part5.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/108224275/15S5hO0G682u9N3.part6.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/108224251/15S5hO0G682u9N3.part7.rar

or...

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=MXGZW22U
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9YMO3WKO
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BSBNSXQP
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=VWI99H8G
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BK1VZRPO
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BON4OVSA
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ZGXFYPJ4

Enjoy. Peace!

Mark Lindsey, W. Michael Lewis & Robert Houston "Shogun Assassin OST" (1980)

2008-12-22T18:26:00.000-08:00

The Legend Of Lone Wolf
Daigoro's Theme
Assassin With Son
The Ninja
Voyagers
Crimson Sky
Eyes Of A Demon
Dune
Lone Wolf's Theme

Dust2Dust really is a gentleman and a scholar. Mad Props for this.

RZA Samples Vol. 1-3

2008-12-22T18:22:00.000-08:00

D-fect requested a re-up. Sorry it took so long... I hope this is what you're looking for. Thanks. Peace!

The Tomorrow People "Original Television Music" (1973-1979)

2008-12-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

This really is a "kick-ass" show. A little on the hokey side, but the premise is good.

Track List:
1. The Tomorrow People
2. Lure of the Space Goddess
3. Battle Theme
4. Homeric Theme
5. Greek Concrete
6. Attack of the Alien Minds
7. Gothic Submarines
8. Whirring Menace
9. Souls In Space
10. Time Capsule
11. Restless Relays
12. Planetarium
13. Wet Asteroid
14. Way Out
15. Fresh Aire
16. Delia's Theme
17. Tentative Delia
18. Delia's Idea
19. Delia's Psychedelian Waltz
20. Delia's Resolve
21. Delia's Dream
22. Delia's Reverie
23. Delia's Fulfilment
24. Build Up To
25. Snide Rhythms
26. The Tomorrow People Theme

Thanks to DIGITALMELTDOWN, who really runs one hell of a blog. Cheers.

Afro Samurai "Resurrection" (Feb. '09)

2008-12-13T18:30:00.001-08:00

Hope You Guys're Excited As I Am...

2008-12-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

New Soundtrack by The RZA drops January 27th, my moms birthday BTW, and the animated film drops sometime in Feb. of '09.

Ghostface Killah - The Ironman Samples

2008-12-13T18:00:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Ivan & HIP-HOP IS READ.
This is one of my favorite compilations.
The Willie Mitchell production is apparent throughout.
01. 'Gotta Find a New World' by Al Green
• Sampled for 'Iron Maiden' by Ghostface Killah
• Produced by RZA
02. 'You Ought to Be with Me' by Al Green
• Sampled for '260' by Ghostface Killah
• Produced by RZA
03. 'A Change Is Gonna Come' by Otis Redding
• Sampled for 'Fish' by Ghostface Killah
• Produced by True Master
04. 'Can't We Try?' by Teddy Pendergrass
• Sampled for 'Camay' by Ghostface Killah
• Produced by RZA
05. 'Nautilus' by Bob James
• Sampled for 'Daytona 500' by Ghostface Killah
• Produced by RZA
06. 'Turn the Beat Around' by Vicki Sue Robinson
• Sampled for 'Daytona 500' by Ghostface Killah
• Produced by RZA
07. 'Crab Apple' by Idris Muhammad
• Sampled for 'Daytona 500' by Ghostface Killah
• Produced by RZA
08. 'Da Mystery of Chessboxin'' by Wu-Tang Clan
• Sampled for 'Daytona 500' by Ghostface Killah
• Produced by RZA
09. 'Incarcerated Scarfaces' by Raekwon
• Sampled for 'Daytona 500' by Ghostface Killah
• Produced by RZA
10. 'Ice Water' by Raekwon
• Sampled for 'Daytona 500' by Ghostface Killah
• Produced by RZA
11. 'Motherless Child' by O.V. Wright
• Sampled for 'Motherless Child' by Ghostface Killah
• Produced by RZA
12. 'Into Something (I Can't Shake Loose)' by O.V. Wright
• Sampled for 'Motherless Child' by Ghostface Killah
• Produced by RZA
13. 'Riot' by The Blackbyrds
• Sampled for 'Black Jesus' by Ghostface Killah
• Produced by RZA
14. 'Maybe Tomorrow (All I Got)' by The Jackson 5
• Sampled for 'All That I Got Is You' by Ghostface Killah
• Produced by RZA
15. 'A Change Is Gonna Come' by Sam Cooke
• Sampled for 'Soul Controller' by Ghostface Killah
• Produced by RZA

Shaolin Soul, Episode 1

2008-12-13T17:56:00.001-08:00

Some more OV for that ass.
Still waiting for Episode 2 & 3.
Pay Henry\'s a visit, and demand more.

Thanx again.1. Trouble Heartaches And Sadness - Ann Peebles
2. Lets Straighten It Out - O V Wright
3. Ill Never Grow Old - The Charmels
4. The Masquerade Is Over - David Porter
5. Groovin - Willie Mitchell
6. You Ought To Be With Me - Al Green
7. Youre All I Need To Get By - Marvin Gaye And Tammi Terrell
8. If You Think It (You May As Well Do It) - The Emotions
9. Nautilus - Bob James
10. Gotta Find A New World - Al Green
11. Dont Do It - Syl Johnson
12. Little Ghetto Boy (Live) - Donny Hathaway
13. Could I Be Falling In Love - Syl Johnson
14. After Laughter (Comes Tears) - Wendy Rene
15. Aint No Sunshine - Lyn Collins
16. Is It Because Im Black - Syl Johnson
17. In The Rain - The Dramatics
18. The Way We Were - Gladys Knight And The Pips
19. Motherless Child - O V Wright
20. Children Dont Get Weary - Booker T And The MGs
21. Mellow Mood (Part One) - Barry White

Shaolin Soul, Episode 4

2008-12-13T17:51:00.001-08:00

Shaolin Soul, Episode 4:
Contains probably the best OV Wright I've ever heard.
Special thanx to HENRY KRINKLE\'S HOUSE OF SOUND.

01. Gap Mangione - Free Again
02. Les McCann - Benjamin
03. Tommy Youngblood - Tobacco Road
04. Hot Chocolate - Brother Louie
05. Camille Yardbrough - Take Yo' Praise
06. O.V. Wright - A Fool Can't See The Light
07. Jerry Butler - Mechanical Man
08. Betty Lavette - Let Me Down Easy
09. Gladys Knight & The Pips - Giving Up
10. Al Green - Light My Fire
11. Curtis Mayfield - Underground (Demo)
12. B.B. King - The Thrill Is Gone
13. Chic - Le Freak
14. Love Unlimited - Midnight Groove
15. The Whatnauts - A Message From A Black Man
16. Johnnie Taylor - Steal Away
17. Donny Hathaway - I Believe To My Soul
18. Tom Scott - Today
19. Gladys Knight & The Pips - And This Is Love
20. Isaac Hayes - Walk On By
21. The Mohawks - The Champ
22. Ben E. King - I Who Have Nothing

O.V. Wright "The Complete Backbeat and ABC Records"

2008-12-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

And if that wasn't enough...

CD 1
101.Ace of Spades
102.You're Gonna Make Me Cry
103.Drowning on Dry Land
104.Afflicted
105.A Nickel and a Nail
106.Eight Men, Four Women
107.Everybody Knows [The River Song]
108.Gone For Good
109.I'd Rather Be Blind, Crippled and Crazy
110.He's My Son (Just the Same)
111.I'll Take Care Of You
112.I've Been Searching
113.Poor Boy
114.Motherless Child
115.Don't Let My Baby Ride
116.When You Took Your Love From Me
117.Monkey Dog
118.Heartaches, Heartaches
119.I Don't Want to Sit Down
120.Why Not Give Me A Chance
121.What Did You Tell That Girl Of Mine
122.I'm Going Home (To Live With God)

CD 2
201.Nothing Comes To A Sleeper
202.This Hurt Is Real
203.Love The Way You Love
204.Please Forgive Me
205.Bachelor's Blues
206.Why Don't You Believe Me
207.Memory Blues
208.What About You
209.I'm In Your Corner
210.I Have None
211.How Long Baby
212.Can't Find True Love
213.You're So Good To Me
214.Oh Baby Mine
215.Missing You
216.I Can't Believe
217.Ace Of Spades (alt.)
218.I Can't Take It
219.He Made Woman For A Man
220.Nobody But You
221.Fed Up With The Blues
222.Slow And Easy

CD 3
301.You Must Believe In Yourself
302.I'll Hate Myself Tomorrow
303.I Could Write A Book
304.Lost In The Shuffle
305.Are You Going Where I'm Coming From
306.Pledging My Love
307.Wish I Were That Boy
308.You're Been Crying
309.Working Your Game
310.Don't Take It Away
311.I Want Everyone To Know
312.Ghetto Child
313.Treasured Moments
314.The Only Thing That Saved Me
315.What Did You Tell That Girl Of Mine (alt)
316.Blowing In The Wind
317.To You I Shall Cling
318.Gonna Forget About You
319.Born All Over
320.Henpecked Man
321.What More Can I Do
322.If It's Only For Tonight
323.That's How Strong My Love Is
324.There Goes My Used To Be

Part 1 & Part 2...

O.V. Wright "We're Still Together" (1979)

2008-12-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

1. We're Still Together
2. I Found Peace
3. It's Cold Without Your Baby
4. Baby Baby Baby
5. I'm Gonna Stay
6. The Hurt Is On
7. Today I Sing The Blues
8. Mirror Of My Soul
9. Sacrifice

Enjoy.

O.V. Wright "The Bottom Line" (1978)

2008-12-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

01. The Bottom Line
02. I Don't Do Windows
03. That's The Way I Feel About Cha'
04. Your Good Things About To End
05. Let's Straighten It Out
06. I Don't Know Why
07. No Easy Way To Say Goodbye
08. Little More Time
09. Since You Left These Arms Of Mine
10. A Long Road

Get this from Soul Food. Thanks again. Peace!

O.V. Wright "Memphis Unlimited" (1973)

2008-12-12T14:33:00.000-08:00

Huge thanks to Funk my Soul, and Nikos1109, formally of Lost In Tyme for bringing this one to light for us all. And special thanks to the RZA & the Wu-Tang, who without, I prolly never would've even known who O.V. Wright was. And if you listen close, you can almost here the very familiar "Al Green" production values; AJ knows what I'm talking about... Still looking into why they sound so similar, so if anyone can give any pointers, or albums for that matter, that would be hot. Anyways. Enjoy. Peace!

A1. I’ve Been Searching 2:34
A2. Nothing Comes to A Sleeper 3:14
A3. The Only Thing that Saved Me 2:30
A4. He’s My Son 2:45
A5. You Must Believe in Yourself 2:41
A6. Lost in the Shuffle 3:24
B1. I’d Rather Be Blind Cripple and Crazy 2:42
B2. Please Forgive Me 4:04
B3. Are You Going Where I’m Coming from 3:08
B4. Ghetto Child 3:29
B5. Memory Blues 3:29
B6. I’m Going Home 2:42

David Axelrod "The Samples Vol. 1'" - 2008

2008-12-08T15:57:00.000-08:00

David Axelrod - Samples Volume 1

1. David Axelrod - General Confessional
2. Beatnuts - Niggaz Know (Instrumental)
3. David Axelrod - Holy Thursday
4. Artifacts - C'Mon Wit Da Git Down Remix (Instrumental)
5. Beatnuts - Hit Me With That (Instrumental)
6. INI - Think Twice (Instrumental)
7. Quasimoto - Return Of The Loop Digga
8. David Axelrod - The Warning Part I
9. Diamond D - MC Iz My Ambition (Instrumental)
10. Madlib - Cruddy
11. X-Ecutioners - Word Play
12. DJ Krush & DJ Shadow - Duality
13. David Axelrod - The Mental Traveler
14. Ras Kass - Soul On Ice Remix (Instrumental)
15. Lateef - The Wreckoning (Instrumental)
16. David Axelrod - Merlin's Philosophy
17. Lootpack - New Year's Resolution (Instrumental)
18. No ID - Fate Or Destiny (Instrumental)
19. David Axelrod - Song Of Innocence
20. Sadat X - Petty People (Instrumental)
21. David Axelrod - The Sign Part II
22. Common - Resurrection Large Professor Remix (Instrumental)

Thanks to Roy Johnson & the T.R.O.Y. blog,

David Axelrod "The Samples Vol. 2" (2008)

2008-12-08T15:50:00.000-08:00

David Axelrod - Samples Volume 2

1. David Axelrod - A Divine Image
2. Kool G Rap & MF Grimm - Take 'Em To War
3. Lord Finesse - Brainstorm (Instrumental)
4. Godfather Don - Seeds Of Hate (Instrumental)
5. David Axelrod - The Smile
6. Lord Finesse - Actual Facts (Instrumental)
7. David Axelrod - The Sick Rose
8. Chino XL - Ghetto Vampire
9. Ultra - Industry Is Wack (Instrumental)
10. David Axelrod - Adoration
11. Beatnuts - World Famous Intro
12. David Axelrod - The Warning Part II
13. Mos Def - Hip Hop (Instrumental)
14. David Axelrod - The School Boy
15. No ID - State To State (Instrumental)
16. David McCallum - The Edge
17. Madlib - Talkin' Shit
18. Lou Rawls - Lifetime Monologue
19. Dilated Peoples - Third Degree (Instrumental)
20. Beatnuts - Thinkin' Bout Cash (Instrumental)
21. Lou Rawls - You've Made Me So Very Happy
22. De La Soul - I Am I Be

Thanks Roy Johnson & the T.R.O.Y. blog.

The Menahan Street Band "Make The Road By Walking" (2008)

2008-12-03T15:31:00.000-08:00

If you haven't gotten this one yet, you suck!

01.) Make the Road by Walking
02.) Tired of Fighting
03.) Home Again!
04.) Montego Sunset
05.) Karina
06.) The Traitor
07.) The Contender
08.) Birds
09.) Esma
10.) Going the Distance

James Brown Funk Power 1970: A Brand New Thang (1996)

2008-12-03T15:18:00.000-08:00

It's a really nice compilation. Thanks Mike.

1. Get up I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine
2. Super Bad - (mono)
3. Since You Been Gone - (original mix, previously unreleased, mono)
4. Give It up or Turnit a Loose - (undubbed unedited mix)
5. There Was a Time (I Got to Move) - (previously unreleased)
6. Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothing - (previously unreleased, complete version)
7. Get up, Get Into It, Get Involved
8. Soul Power - (previously unreleased, mono, complete version)
9. Get up I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine - (undubbed mix)
10. Fight Against Drug Abuse (Public Service Announcement) - (promotional single release)

Shuggie Otis "Inspiration Information" (1974)

2008-12-03T15:10:00.000-08:00

Reissue.

1. Inspiration Information
2. Island Letter
3. Sparkle City
4. Aht Uh Mi Hed
5. Happy House
6. Rainy Day
7. XL-30
8. Pling
9. Not Available
10. Strawberry Letter 23
11. Sweet Thang
12. Ice Cold Daydream
13. Freedom Flight

Funk Spectrum Vol. 3 - Compiled by Pete Rock & Keb Darge

2008-11-30T13:27:00.001-08:00

1.) BB King - Chain And Things - (3:36)
2.) Betty Lavette - Let Me Down Easy - (2:35)
3.) Bad Medicine - Trespasser (Part 1) - (2:43)
4.) Grand Funk Railroad - Nothings The Same - (5:18)
5.) Lou Courtney - Hey Joyce - (2:48)
6.) Cresa Watson - Dead - (3:01)
7.) Mutt And Jeffo - Soul L-O-V-E-R - (2:53)
8.) Onyx - Break It Loose (Part 2) - (3:18)
9.) Vickie Anderson (Momie-O) - You`re Welcome, Stop On By - (3:52)
10.) Big John Hamilton - Big Bad John - (2:34)
11.) The Stark Reality - Prelude To Say Brother - (4:31)
12.) Lee Dorsey - A Lover Was Born - (2:59)
13.) Seeburg Spotlite Band - Twine Time - (2:31)
14.) Soulswingers - Ca`-Ba-Dab - (2:59)
15.) King Chain And Silvertone Band - Don`t Give A Damn - (2:52)
16.) Jimmy Lane And The Incredibles - Deal With It - (2:47)
17.) Soulsistics - Jones`n - (2:17)
18.) The Blenders - Nothin`But A Party (Part 2) - (2:19)
19.) Charles Pryor And Power Of Love - What They Doing (Funkie Junkie) - (2:42)
20.) Ramon & Company - The Duck Walk - (3:51)
21.) The Chosen Few - We Are The Chosen Few - (3:11)
22.) Luther Davis Group - To Be Free - (3:57)

http://depositfiles.com/en/files/5752827
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5HH0XD0T

Thanks to FlatSoulSpreading by the way...

Funk Spectrum Vol. 2 - Compiled by Kenny Dope & Keb Darge

2008-11-30T13:25:00.001-08:00

1.) Undiscoverd Break - Undiscoverd Break - (3:04)
2.) Duralcha - Ghetto Funk - (3:05)
3.) Billy Gardeneri - Got Some - (2:53)
4.) Mickey & Them - U.F.O. - (3:21)
5.) Playboys - Bumpin`Bus Stop (Part One) - (4:01)
6.) World Wonders - Funky Washing Machine - (2:08)
7.) Third Guitar - Baby Don`t Cry - (2:58)
8.) Soul Seven - Third Cissy`s Thang - (2:23)
9.) Frankie Seay & The Soul Riders - Soul Food - (3:19)
10.) Total Experience - Contradiction - (4:00)
11.) Richard Rome - Ghost A`Go Go - (2:16)
12.) Soul Generals - Gransmas Funky Popcorn (Part One) - (2:47)
13.) Peacemakers - Don`t Push Your Luck - (2:55)
14.) Latin Breedi - Turn You On - (2:55)
15.) Willard Posey Reunion - Cissy Strut-N-American Women - (2:26)
16.) Rare Function - Disco Function - (4:28)
17.) Soul Drifter - Funky Brother (Ian Wright Edit) - (2:41)
18.) Frankie Bevely`s Raw Soul - Color Blind - (2:47)
19.) Pleasure Seekers - Give Up The Funk - (4:46)
20.) Joe Coleman - Get It Off The Ground - (3:24)

http://depositfiles.com/en/files/5752824
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8C89MSG0

Funk Spectrum Vol. 1 - Compiled by Josh Davis & Keb Darge

2008-11-30T13:16:00.000-08:00

As the month comes to a close, figured I'd do my best to get a few things crammed in, seeing since I've been neglecting this spot a bit as of late. But don't worry, I'm going to be around a WHOLE lot more in the near future. Check out part one of a near and dear favourite compilation of mine. Leave some comments too. Thanks...

1.) The Masters - Part Time - (3:02)
2.) The Us - Let`s Do It Today (Procrastination) - (2:46)
3.) Deep Heat - Do It Again - (3:22)
4.) 4th Coming - The Dead Don`t Die Alive (Part One) - (3:36)
5.) Milly & Silly - Getting Down For Xmas - (3:33)
6.) Communicators & Black Experience Band - The Road - (3:20)
7.) The Soul Seven - Mr Chicken sheet - (3:06)
8.) Reginald Milton & The Soul Jets - Clap Your Hands - (2:38)
9.) RDM Band - Butter That Popcorn - (2:12)
10.) Mr. Clean & The Soul Inc. - Whats Going On ? - (4:24)
11.) Mr. Magic - Can`t Stop Now - (2:33)
12.) Lou Pride - It`s A Man`s World - (2:57)
13.) Roadrunners - Every Man For Himself - (2:53)
14.) Ricky Caloway - Tell Me - (2:49)
15.) Fabulous Originals - It Ain`t Fun But It`s Fun - (3:35)
16.) The 2nd Ammendement Band - Backtalk - (2:20)
17.) The Chefs - Mr. Machine - (4:05)
18.) Joseph Henry - Who`s The King - (3:04)
19.) Professor Leit & Strudy - We Oughta Toghether - (3:08)
20.) Sandi & Matues - The World - (2:30)

http://depositfiles.com/en/files/5752826
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=I43LG5T5

Les McCann "Much Les" (1969)

2008-11-28T20:26:00.000-08:00

Here's on to close out the month...
And once you hear "Benjamin," it's over.

Tracklisting:

1. Doin' That Thing
2. With These Hands
3. Burnin' Coal
4. Benjamin
5. Love For Sale
6. Roberta

Black Dynamite RedBand Trailer

2008-11-25T17:54:00.000-08:00

This is it!!!

It's Been A Long Time Coming...

2008-11-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

But the shit has finally happened. The film is finally, OFFICIALLY finished, and has recieved an invitation to The Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. And if that wasn't enough, Wax Poetics, a magazine we all know & love, has agreed to pick up an exclusive issuing of the soundtrack. But wait, there's more... Adrian Younge, a good friend of mine, has assembled a band, which includes myself, and we are presently orginizing an operatic-like rendition of the soundtrack to be performed live in Utah the weekend of the screening... Those of you long time frequenters are somewhat familiar with this film, and I've been posting some rare demos from the soundtrack to the movie (of which I thought would never be released) ever since it was un-officially titled "Superbad." Unfortunately, the demos are no longer available, but I promise you, as soon as the soundtrack, and DVD drop, they'll be up... So check out www.blackdynamite.com, and find out what all the hype is about... Stay up, and I'll be back soon. Peace!

Dennis Coffey "Hair And Thangs" (1970)

2008-10-20T16:58:00.000-07:00

Includes a classic DJ Shadow sample.

Enjoy.

1. Let The Sunshine
2. Hair & Grits
3. Get Back
4. Aquarius
5. Sodomy
6. Do Your Thang
7. Hey Jude
8. Iceberg's Thang
9. It's Your Thang
10. Electric Thang

Dennis Coffey "Electric Coffey" (1972)

2008-10-20T14:41:00.000-07:00

Dennis Coffey (Guitar), Andrew Smith (Drums), Bob Babbit (Bass), Eric Moreson (Keyboards), Jack Ashford (Percussions), Eddy Brown (Percussions). Enjoy.

Track Listing

1. Capricorn's Thing
2. Son Of Scorpio
3. Love Song For Libra
4. The Sagitarian
5. Love And Understanding
6. Guitar Big Band
7. Twins Of Gemini
8. Virgo's Song
9. Lonely Moon Child

Dennis Coffey "Evolution" (1971)

2008-10-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to A SMALL SELECTION OF WHATEVER FILLS MY HEAD! for bringing this one to light for us.

1. Son of Scorpio
2. Guitar Big Band
3. Theme from Enter the Dragon
4. Chicano
5. Lonely Moon Child
6. Impressions Of
7. Ride Sally Ride
8. Taurus
9. Scorpio
10. Getting It On
11. Big City Funk
12. Whole Lot of Love
13. Garden of the Moon
14. Capricorn's Thing
15. Outrageous

Dennis Coffey "Goin' For Myself" (1972)

2008-10-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

PIcked this one up @ MY JAZZ WORLD. I love this place. Could spend forever there.
Tracklisting
A1 Taurus (3:00)
A2 Can You Feel It (2:50)
A3 Never Can Say Goodbye (4:18)
A4 Ride, Sally, Ride (3:06)
A5 Midnight Blue (2:43)
B1 Bridge Over Troubled Water (5:03)
B2 Man And Boy (Main Theme) (2:23)
B3 It's Too Late (5:21)
B4 Toast And Jam (6:14)

Dennis Coffey (w/ Luchi De Jesus) "Black Jones OST" (1974)

2008-10-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

Not really all that, but contains some good moments. This is a CD re-issue, but still sounds like SHIZ, and personally, I can do without all the fuckin' karate sound effects. But hey! It's Dennis Coffey.

Track Listing
1. Main Theme
2. Sydney's Theme
3. Opening Theme
4. Main Theme (version 2)
5. At The Beach
6. Symphony for Jones:
7. Drama
8. Mafia Theme (Drama Part 2)
9. Love Theme
10. Battle Theme
11. Dragon Style
12. Sexy (Love Theme Part 2)
13. Mr. Jones
14. Don't Stop/One Two (Dialogue)/Come on In (Dialogue)/Papa Bird/ Turn Her Out/The Money Pinky/Stay/Double Cross
15. Super Slick (Get Pinky)

Miles Davis "Isle of Wight" (1970)

2008-10-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

A gentleman tracked me down on myspace requesting to have this one re-upped, and I figured since I started it all with this one, it was some what symbolic to start my re-ups with this one as well. Enjoy
this really is a great performance. And I highly suggest picking up the DVD documentary as well.

Starkiller "Donovan III" (2008)

2008-09-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

Based on the classic "break" by folk artist Donovan, and in turn based on the Jazz/Funk cover by the world famous "Connie Price & the Keystones," STARKILLER has ventured out once again into to unknown, only to return with the sexy, elctro, rock/funk that only they can supply. Recorded with two new members, and over the course of a two week period in Sept. of '08, I'm sure this joint will inspire some, and please most. Download it, share it, and play this MUH-FUCKER as much as humanly possible... And don't worry, you ain't seen nothing yet!!!

Fraykerbreaks DJ Shadow (Part 2.5) The Leftovers

2008-08-18T20:01:00.000-07:00

Special Thanks to All The Breaks Contributors on Solesides. You Know Who you Are!!!!
The Last in the Series Of Shadow Breaks. Rather than promote this as part 3 i decided to cut it short to just around 20mins as i coudn't be bothered anymore so not really a 3rd part but just as enjoyable as the previous efferts, i am running out of breaks and didnt want to spoil it with obvious popular samples that everyone has heard a million times over unless edited in a way to fit the mood, i done this real quik so there is alot fried chicken pops and destortion in places, but hope you all enjoy - Courtesy of Fraykerbreaks Blogspot

Fraykerbreaks DJ Shadow (Part 2)

2008-08-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Watch out, y'all, here's part 2. I'm about 25 minutes deep right now, and I'm already happy Maxime took a minute to leave me a comment. Good work y'all! Let's keep this thing going, and share the love... Pay Fraykerbreaks a visit and drop a comment or two. Thanks. Peace!

Fraykerbreaks DJ Shadow (Part 1)

2008-08-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

Surprised these links're still around. Here & here.
Thanks again to Maxime for bringing these to light for us, and reviving an old fire. This set got me thru a lot of hard times, and I'm glad to see that there're more to it. Thanks again. Peace! And don't forget to check out the new live spot @ Fraykerbreaks.

George Hadjinassios "A Greek Today" (197?)

2008-08-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

Back by request, this is an obscure one I found in my buddies garage. Only includes a snippet or two, because the rest of the album is shit; nothing more then a bad greek opera. Enjoy.

William S. Fischer "Circles"

2008-08-07T20:01:00.001-07:00

1. Patience Is Virtue
2. Saigon
3. Electrix
4. Chains
5. There's A Light That Shines
6. Circle
7. Green Forever
8. Capsule

Thanks to My Jazz World for this. Peace!