Block Party - Rose Live Music

I was coming home from work, and stumbled on this block party one street away from my place. DJ Concerned was playing an incredible set of classic soul and instrumental hip hop that created the perfect backdrop to the afternoon. Later on, a band named 'The Sweet Divines' - who backed Lee Fields a few months ago - played a set of original 60's inspired soul, complete with 4 back-up singers.

Here's a quick video that I thought captured the vibe of the afternoon. Man I love Brooklyn!

Brooklyn House Party

Yesterday I went to a house party down the road from my place, put on by some of the guys from Truth & Soul records. I saw the flyer that said producer Damu The Fudgemunk and hip hop legend dj Rockin' Rob were playing live sets, and thought it sounded too good to be true.

For a suggested donation of $7, it was free drinks and bbq, with Damu banging on the MPC 2000 for over an hour!
Sunshine + dope beats + a relaxed small backyard vibe...does it get any better than that?!

Below are some photos and video footage of Damu playing his sample jazz records mixed with live MPC drumming, and dj Rockin' Rob flexing his famous 45 beat juggling skills...



Here's a new track by Damu, available for free download.

Dark Was The Night - Radio City NYC

WHOA!!!!! Go Sharon...

Lee Fields Live In Brooklyn

Saturday night I saw the incredible Mr. Lee Fields perform live at the Five Spot Soul Food Supper Club as part of the monthly 'Dig Deeper' series of performances. As you can see in the videos, his voice is one of a kind. Definitely one of the best concerts i've seen since i've been here.

Maybe So, Maybe No

So far, the best song of 09.

Freddie Joachim Making A Beat

Freddie Joachim making a beat from Freddie Joachim on Vimeo.

Chin Chin - Go There With You

Chin Chin - "Go There With You" from Okayplayer on Vimeo.

Gimme Some More Radio - France

The guys from 'Gimme Some More' Radio in France were kind enough to do a feature of our EP on their show. I wish I understood french...loving their taste in music!
Playlist and link to the podcast below.

http://www.prun.net/gimme-some-more/podcast-funk-18-02/


Playlist du 18/02/2009

PAPER PLANE PROJECT : sometimes
[12", 2008, cardboard city records]

PAPER PLANE PROJECT : the road
[12", 2008, cardboard city records]

UNA MAS TRIO : clear as water (hidden jazz quartett remix)
[12" "clear as water", 2009, agogo records]

SHAWN LEE & CLUTCHY HOPKINS : bill blows it
["clutch of the tiger", 2009, ubiquity]

SYLK 130 : gettin' into it
[12”, "gettin' into it", 1997, ovum recordings]

PAPER PLANE PROJECT : let it bang (feat Raashan Ahmad)
[12", 2008, cardboard city records]

KING CURTIS : ridin thumb
[“everybody’s talkin”, 1972, atlantic]

SOOPASOUL : hustlin'
[7", 2009, jalapeno records]

KARL HECTOR & THE MALCOUNS : j.b. rip
[7", 2008, now again records]

JIMI TENOR & KABU KABU : me I say yes
["4th dimension", 2009, sahko recordings]

Suite For Ma Dukes

WOW!

?uestlove interview

I got to check out this interview with ?uesto last night, where he spoke on his childhood, the formation of the roots, and of course Dilla. Best $15 i've ever spent!

Lucinda Slim & The Lone Stars

This song is pure gold. Produced by Krewcial and velvet vocals from Lucinda Slim. More Melting Pot goodness. 7" available from 20 February.

Raashan Ahmad - Give Thanks

New vid from Raashan off his solo record 'The Push'

Morning Noon & Night

Just picked this record up for $2 from the 'Brooklyn Junk' store down the road. I know that Alchemist sampled the start, but had never heard the whole thing. What a crazy song!

Donuts Are Forever

Right around the corner from my place...I could not be more excited!

Pete Rock

Shouts to Nick for telling me about these video sessions. Crazy.

Emskee

I hit the studio a few days ago with NY native 'Emskee', most know as the mc for a group called the 'Good People'. We met a while ago after seeing him DJ at the local bar, Black Betty's down the street from my apartment in Brooklyn. After realizing our similar tastes in music, it seemed only natural to start making music together.

For a quick intro, check the video below for 'These Times' that he recorded as the 'Good People' back in 07.

Pete Philly & Perquisite

I know it's an old track, but these guys were way ahead of their time. How many hip hop producers do you know that can play the cello?! They have a wicked new album called 'Mystery Repeats', which seems to be doing really well in Europe, judging from their packed live shows.

Nujabes

reflection eternal


Seeing this video makes me feel good about music again. It's so simple and it acts like a soundtrack to thoughts. It seems like all Japanese beat-makers have an impeccable taste for jazzy instrumental hip hop.