Inside Vibe

If you get the chance, check out Blair Stafford's awesome 'Inside Vibe' radio program, where he premiers a new track from us called 'Don't Hold Back'. His show is a mix of soulful, jazz filled underground beats and airs tuesday mornings on melbourne radio station PBS, but you can re-stream it here: http://www.straightup.com.au/page?n=1676

Tracklisting:
1. I.F.M. Yes We Are (Det-Riot Mix) [ Drumpoet Records ]
2. Marco Di Marco feat. Nathan Haines Brazilian Waltz [ Arision ]
3. The Souljazz Orchestra Lotus Flower [ Strut ]
4. Skeletons Gravel [ Tru Thoughts ]
5. Eru Dangerspiel The Hold Up [ Rhythm Method ]
6. Lewis McCallum Syntheology feat. Esther Stephens [ Rhythm Method ]
7. Lewis McCallum New Someone feat. Tama Waipara [ Rhythm Method ]
8. Erykah Badu Jump Up In The Air feat. Lil Wayne [ CDR ]
9. 3 Titans College [ Daptone Records ]
10. Paper Plane Project Don't Hold Back [ CDR ]
11. Gizelle Smith June (TM Juke Remix) [ Record Kicks ]
12. Freepoint Crew My Dedication [ Dopeness Group ]
13. Garrincha Chile [ Far Out Recordings ]
14. Garrincha Apito no Samba [ Far Out Recordings ]
15. Cobblestone Jazz Cromagnon Man [ !K7 ]
16. Georg Levin The Better Life [ BBE ]
17. Yolanda Afro Rat [ Amfibia ]
18. Kumar Acompananos [ Brownswood Recordings ]
19. Mayra Caridad Valdes Roforofo Fight [ Brownswood Recordings ]
20. Los Aldeanos Pasa El Borrador [ Brownswood Recordings ]
21. Antibalas Obanla'e [ Ropeadope ]
22. El Guincho Costa Paraiso [ Young Turks ]
23. Cobblestone Jazz Fiesta [ !K7]

3 Titans

Daptone records have done it again! DOPE!

Aloe Blacc

This track is a modern day classic. After seeing Aloe Blacc perform this song last year at the Lee Fields album launch in Brooklyn, i've been waiting patiently to hear it in its entirety. Then I just found out it has been used for the intro theme song for HBO's new series 'How To Make It In America'!

It feels good that people are finally recognizing Aloe's immense talent as a singer/songwriter/MC, and this track proves all that. Recorded at the Truth and Soul studios - a few blocks away from my old apartment in Williamsburg - it definitely has that 70's New York feel, but with a modern touch. Check it out below.

Pela Manha

A long time between posts! In Tokyo at the moment soaking up the culture and of course diggin for some Japanese vinyl.
We've been busily working on a new album of songs and they are FINISHED! You can hear our new track with Raashan Ahmad called 'What You Want' on our myspace.
Here's a short video we did in Brasil for a new track called 'Pela Manha' - which in English roughly translates to 'in the morning'.
It features percussion done in Rio by Thiago Martins, son of legendary Azymuth drummer 'Mamao'. Also on the track are the lush harp sounds recorded live back in Perth, AUS by local jazz harpist Michelle Smith. Other instruments like horns and guitar were recorded in our apartment in Brooklyn.

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...