Swami Land: Eddie Gale – Black Rhythm Happening
Black Rhythm Happening
Eddie Gale’s second Blue Note Records release is a perfect blend of the swami/cosmic jazz he might’ve taken with him after playing with Sun Ra and Cecil Taylor, classic 60’s psych jazz grooves (thanks to Elvin Jones) and a hypnotic spiritual element that reminds me of Hannibal and the Sunrise Orchestra.
I think Gale’s secret weapons are the female voices in his band. Their harmonies echo through out the entire record sometimes referencing a Jefferson Airplane quiver but maintaining a unique voice that lifts the melodies on this record into outer-space. Beautiful, concise songs that leave you wanting more.
Music: Paul McCartney – McCartney II
McCartney II
My buddy Jay and I talk about this record and how ahead of its time it was. Sure Paul was inspired by early electronic music. Sure “Temporary Secretary” sounds a whole lot like a bunch of other bands. The point is this record is incredibly versatile and mind blowing. Paul blends the best of many worlds (pop, reggae, electronic just to name a few) together to make a record truly “out of this world”. Listen for yourself!
Music: Herbie Hancock – Feets Don’t Fail Me Now
Feets Don't Fail Me Now
My homie J Tram has been getting me on some records that I’m embarrassed to have not have been hip to at all. This Herbie record is one of them. His disco record Feets Don’t Fail Me Now is either loved or hated. I’m pretty into it. Full of Elastic vocoder vocals, upbeat drums and Herbie’s classic keys has got me playing this record on repeat. Really fun and endlessly exciting. Another summer great.
“Sinkane” now on itunes, other updates
you can now download the new Sinkane record from itunes.com
official street date is now july 11th. i’m playing with yeasayer these days so you can find sinkane records at yeasayer shows.
you can check out a cool feature of me on blurt-online.com
currently working on putting together the sinkane band in nyc. shows could start as early as this fall. im also working on the next record. lots going on. hope everyone is enjoying summer!
Sly and the Family Stone
Rose Stone is such a bad ass. Incredible voice, awesome keys player and beautiful woman. This video gives me chills.
Top Ranking: Lifetones – For a Reason
For a Reason
Everything I read about Charles Dullen’s solo effort Lifetones is that it’s the direction where British Post-Punk wanted to go. I guess that makes sense (Dullen was a part of the incredible post-punk experimental group This Heat). Lifetones’ album For a Reason is an outstanding balance of funky backbeat and dub/dancehall influenced British rock from the 80’s. The drums sometimes sound chopped and sampled which is funny because this a golden nugget for crate diggers. Great summer listening. Check it.
More Evidence that Erykah Badu is THE GREATEST
I’ve watched this probably a million times and it blows me away every time. Erykah Badu is, in my opinion, the greatest. Sheesh.
Swami Land: Eugene McDaniels – Headless Heros of the Apocolypse
Headless Heros
It’s been a while since I’ve posted any records. I figure this Eugene McDaniels record is a great one to restart the posts. Headless Heros of the Apocolypse is an astounding excerpt of powerfully inspiring music. Both in its musicality and lyrical content.
As music, Headless Heros is a great escape from reality: soulful, fuzzy, funky. Always keeps your head nodding and your ears happy. Its message isn’t any less prominent. McDaniels has a lot to say and does it so elequently. Hear it for yourself. Great introduction to the official summer of recession.
Old School Sudan
Funky old school jams from my home, Sudan. Mohammad Wardi back in the 70’s with his band looking like a baller!
