Super Heroes Walk on Water

Antibalas @ SOB's, April 10th

2008-04-03T16:56:00.000-04:00

. . .with tunes by yours truly.

Sazerac

2008-03-19T17:13:00.002-04:00

The Ambassador presents . . .

The Rio Deal

featuring guest DJs: DJ Rios and DJ Deepak Chopra

Saturday, March 22nd
10pm - 4am

Huckleberry Bar
588 Grand Street
@ Lorimer
Williamsburg, BK

Bring your dancing shoes and order the Sazerac

Take the "L" train to Metropolitan or the "G" train to Lorimer
Hopstop it

Jim Henson had Soul

2007-09-05T01:14:00.001-04:00

A friend recently put me on to this clip. I dare say it was the most soulful day on Sesame Street.

Sabor. . .

2007-09-03T21:25:00.000-04:00

. . .con Salsa

Rainy Days

2007-08-22T00:50:00.001-04:00

John Coltrane-Naima
from Giant Step (Atlantic, 1959)

Seems like Autumn came to visit New York a little early. . .at least for these last couple of days. Most people have been complaining, but I don't mind it. I mean sure, summer is nice. But nothing beats a good, cold, rainy, autumn day. It's the kind of day I like to throw on some Coltrane.

Now it was decided earlier today, in a very deep debate, that Bird is the definative god of the Bebop era. Very few will argue with that statement. But I have to say, Bird doesn't compliment a rainy fall day the way Coltrane does. So for those of you in New York City. Looks like we got one more rainy day. . .and it goes great with this track. Enjoy.

Some Like it hot. . .

2007-08-22T00:26:00.001-04:00

. . . and those who do should check out the new Wax Poetics Record Rundown. Check in every Thursday @ 12am to hear DJ O. Mann, DJ J. Kirby, and yours truly DJ Rios-live on East Village Radio. Oh. . .what's that? You ask what kind of music? The Good kind of music. Tune in.

Kings of Diggin. . .

2007-07-17T17:55:00.000-04:00

Most of us music bloggers are faking it compared to these guys. Kon and Amir are the real deal. Their crates are deep. . .and now they're about to share the wealth. Check their new blog here, and be sure to look out for their new comp mix on Oct. 2nd.

Eddie Palmieri in Central Park

2007-06-14T17:26:00.000-04:00

Dope footage. Wish I was there.

I Feel Good

2007-06-14T11:41:00.000-04:00

He was the man even when he was high.

Frango???

2007-06-04T00:14:00.000-04:00

While I wouldn't hold these guys as the authority on Brazilian Baile Funk, I have to admit that it's pretty damn fun to listen to this stuff. Found this on you tube. Not sure if it's an offical video or just them having some fun. Either way, enjoy.

Wax Poetics & Joe Bataan

2007-06-01T13:59:00.000-04:00

Fania Records and Wax Poetics Present: Joe Bataan & Bronx River Parkway
with DJ Rumor & Wax Poetics Selectors
Wed., June 6th, 7pm-12am
Rebar
147 Front St., Brooklyn
F Train to York

say hello to the world for me. . .

2007-05-30T22:17:00.001-04:00

Nickodemus & Quantic-Mi Swing es Tropical ft. Temp and the Candela All-Stars
from 12" (Candela Records)

Analog Social Club-Track 11
from A Small Collection

I'm trying to get back into the swing of things. I've been slacking seriously. Here are a few new ones. Just some things I've been feeling.

Just want to give a quick shout to my by Ed. He's out doing his thing in the world-down in Cali, Colombia chillin' with some of the world's most beautiful women, listening to the world's best salsa, and kickin' it with some of the world's best producers. Check him out here.

new stuff. . .

2007-05-29T00:24:00.000-04:00

Baron Zen-BZ Theme
from Chrome Children Vol.2 (Stones Throw, 2007)

Bonde do Role-Solta O Frango
from With Lasers (Mad Decent, 2007)

Just some things I've been rocking to. No real rhyme or reason. Enjoy.

Don't Believe the Hype

2007-05-28T23:47:00.001-04:00

A lot of hype about hip hop being dead. Fuck what you heard. Hip Hop is for forever. To prove it. . .here's one of the illest hip hop videos I've seen in a minute.

She's Sexy. . .

2007-04-11T00:03:00.000-04:00

Betty Davis-Shoo-B Doop and Cop Him
from They Say I'm Different (Just Sunshine, 1974)

Betty Davis-F.U.N.K.
from Nasty Gal (Island, 1975)

The very sexy Betty Davis. Enjoy.

João Donato

2007-04-04T22:30:00.001-04:00

João Donato-Tim, Dom, Dom
from Muito à Vontade (Dubas, 1962)

João Donato-Malandro
from Bad Donato (Dubas, Universal, 1970)

I've always had a respect for Mr. Donato as a musician and a composer, but only recently have I grasped how deep this dude is. While the man is responsible for the invention and re-invention of Bossa Nova, he can't be put in any one musical box(so to speak). This is difficult to achieve as a musician (especially one that has created a dated musical style). I've come to understand his secret simply as this; versatility. Re-invention is crucial to any innovative creative process. Donato has invented and re-invented himself countless times and this is why he is consistently a presence in the global music scene. Don't believe me? Will I Am of the Black Eyed Peas just did a version of Donato's "O Sapo" on the Sergio Mendes collaboration, Timeless. Gotta give it up to a dude that stays fresh. Enjoy these two tracks off of two of his earlier albums. If you like what you hear and happen to be in New York City this Friday (4/6/07), check out here. And for a more in-depth look at Donato, grab Wax Poetics #22.

P.S. Just a note. This isn't an official blog of Wax Poetics Magazine, I just happen to work for them and just happen to love what I live and live what I love.

Here's the Mail. . .

2007-03-13T21:56:00.000-04:00

Johnson, Hawkins, Tatum, and Durr- You Can't Blame Me
off of 7" (1971, Capsoul)

Jair Rodrigues- A Festa do Divno
off of 7" (1974, Phillips)

After a brief hiatus (sorry, things have been busy at the Wax Poetics office) I've decided to come back at you with these two very different, but great tracks I got in the mail today. I'm not really going to introduce them much, but I will say that the Johnson, Hawkins, Tatum, and Durr track is pretty damn soulful and the Jair Rodrigues is a nice little slice of Brazil. Enjoy

It's Just Like a Mini-Mall

2007-03-07T14:30:00.000-05:00

I know I've been away for awhile and I should be putting some quality music up, but this is worth it.

Wax Poetics Issue 21

2007-02-11T15:29:00.000-05:00

It only gets better and better. Drops tomorrow. Get it.

Dilla is God. . .

2007-02-11T14:09:00.000-05:00

J Dilla-Don't Cry
from Donuts (Stonesthrow, 2006)

J Dilla-U-Luv
from Donuts (Stonesthrow, 2006)

Sometimes death brings you more fame than anything you can do while you're alive. And while Dilla had mad respect from people who saw his truth when he was on this earth, last night's party seemed to drive that point home. Dilla is hip hop. Happy Birthday Jay Dee. This one is just because we really love you.

Booty Shaking Music

2007-02-09T00:09:00.000-05:00

Mr Catra-Sem misterio vacilao nao morre de velho

One of the joys of being a "international" DJ. You get hot shit from all the friends you met along the way. This one comes from my boy Andre, who's just finished writing a piece on Mr Carta. If you haven't heard of him, now you have. Next big thing out of Brazil. . .remember, you heard it hear first. And yes, our Girl in Rio is at it again. This time with a nice booty shaking scene from a Baile Funky concert. Enjoy.

P.S. I've had requests to place an advisory when there is adult material involved. So note, if you listen to this song around someone who speaks Portuguese, they will most likely take offense. Also, our Girl in Rio. . .she's a pornographer of sorts. I call it erotic photography, because it's more artist than just straight pron. However, depending on your moral/ethical/religious beliefs, you may disagree. So. . . you have been warned.

Donuts Are Forever. . .

2007-02-08T11:32:00.000-05:00

Waxpoetics brings you a special tribute to a Dilla
Saturday @ Galapagos, Williamsburg, BK.
70 N 6th St, btw Kent and Wythe Aves
Kicks off with open bar @ 10pm

Forever, ever

In other news. . .

2007-01-31T22:49:00.001-05:00

Aqua Teen Hunger Force-Moon Mega Mix
from Adult Swim.com

This guy shut down Boston. Think America has lost it? Maybe Bostonians are just easily excitable? Either that or now cartoon characters qualify as terrorist. Got to give it up for the Mooninites for doing what they do best. . .making earthlings uncomfortable. Check their mega mix above and their claim to fame below:

Man held after ad campaign triggers Boston bomb scare

BOSTON, Massachusetts (CNN) -- Authorities arrested a man in connection with electronic light boards depicting a middle-finger-waving moon man that triggered repeated bomb scares around Boston on Wednesday and prompted the closure of bridges and a stretch of the Charles River (read full story here).

White Rapper of the Week. .

2007-01-30T00:13:00.000-05:00

Yes. I am hooked on the latest trend in reality TV. But after missing out on my fair share of it for nearly a year, I'm hitting it hard like a crack fiend hits a pipe. However, in my defense, I like to think of Ego Trip's White Rapper Show as the smartest reality TV show ever to hit TV land. I can go on and on about all the reasons why this show is smart, but plain and simple. . .the creative team behind this is fucking genius.

So now that I've admitted my problem. . .I'm going to indulge. This week brought the 4th installment of the the white rappers and their mis-adventures. If you're a fucking nerd like me, you've been watching every episode for it's sharp social criticism, it's marketing creativity, and it's funny as hell goofing on all the stereo-types under the sun. This week I've decided to hand out a "White Rapper of the Week" award. Not like anyone gives a shit, and in all honesty, I might even be too lazy to even keep doing this. But I think it needs to be said at least that Jus Rhyme was perhaps the illest dude on the show this episode. Not because he spits hot fiya. No. His rhymes suck. But because dude stood his ground under ridiculously absurdity.

Through the entire Episode the other White Rappers in his team begged him to give up his self-hating, anti-white supremacy, "conscious" rapper image. . .just so they could win the challenge by making a few strippers dance in the club. With the contest, his place in "Da White House," and all his street cred on the line. . .dude stood his ground and stayed true to himself. Respect. If that's not reality for you, then what is? Homeboy kept it mad real. It takes a lot of guts to hold your ground in everyday life, let alone on national television where millions of people can clown on you. He proved to be the strongest person on that show, at least for this round (especially when he refused to claim his prize, a lap dance from the club strippers, not only because he had a girl, but because it was ethically wrong. Respect. . .again).

So Jus Rhyme. . this one is for you. Keep doing you. . .'cause not only are you maintaining integrity for the white rapper game, but for the rap game across the board. Props from this blog that no one reads. Hey, some respect is better than none.

Wow. . .

2007-01-27T23:00:00.000-05:00

Thriller done the right way.

Genius

2007-01-27T00:59:00.000-05:00

This is true marketing genius. No other reality show can even come close to this. It may even be the end of reality TV as we know it. Watch this.

Gary Marks is not Chico Mann

2007-01-25T14:44:00.001-05:00

Chico Man- Soul Freedom
from Manifest Tone Vol.1 (Kindred Spirts, 2007)

Fuck what you heard. This is the real Chico Mann.

Fresh Gear for Sale.

2007-01-24T23:09:00.000-05:00

Shameless promotion. We forever be on that grind. Buy it here.

Come one. . .

2007-01-19T13:27:00.000-05:00

. . .come all.

Free Admission. Records. Drink. Good Music. What more could you ask for?

Free DJ Drama and DJ Canon!!!

2007-01-18T12:19:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from: "With Arrest of DJ Drama, the Law Takes Aim at Mixtapes," By Kelefa Sanneh, NY Times 1/18/07

. . .On Tuesday night he [Drama] was arrested with Don Cannon, a protégé. The police, working with the Recording Industry Association of America, raided his office, at 147 Walker Street in Atlanta. The association makes no distinction between counterfeit CDs and unlicensed compilations like those that DJ Drama is known for. So the police confiscated 81,000 discs, four vehicles, recording gear, and “other assets that are proceeds of a pattern of illegal activity,” said Chief Jeffrey C. Baker, from the Morrow, Ga., police department, which participated in the raid.DJ Drama (whose real name is Tyree Simmons) and Mr. Cannon were each charged with a felony violation of Georgia’s Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization law(known as RICO) and held on $100,000 bond. The compilations produced by DJ Drama and his protégés are known as mixtapes, though they appear on CDs, not cassettes. Mixtapes have become a vital part of the hip-hop world. They are often the only way for listeners to keep up with a genre that moves too quickly to be captured on albums. On a mixtape you can hear unreleased remixes, sneak previews from coming CDs, casual freestyle rhymes, never-to-be-released goofs. (For full article, click here)

I'm not about to get into the politics of all this, cause I have a lot to say. But I will say this. Why when they see a brother rollin', they start hatin'? Always patrolin'. Always trying to catch us ridin' dirty.

I'm sure Drama isn't as broke as most (dude got his 4 cars jacked by the police). But is he cakin' off the music industry the like most record label Execs? No. So if homeboy is trying to pay his bills or put some dubs on his ride by selling a few of his own mixtapes (and don't be fooled, it may look easy, but it's an art to make a proper mix) out of the trunk of his car. . .why give him a hard time? I mean, dude made T.I and Lil Wayne household names and the Execs at Atlantic aren't bitching about that. In fact they're probably counting that bank right now. So why not let Drama sell his shit for $10 bucks? Besides, not everyone can afford to drop $20 at Best Buy for the new T.I. joint. I see Drama as a equalizer. He's bring hood music back to the hood. Shit, we should give him a Noble Prize for Social Justice in the Music Industry. . .he's a modern day Robin Hood. Can't a brother live?

So let us start the "Free DJ Drama and DJ Canon" campaign right here. To be honest. . .I don't even like their mixtapes. But it's about the fundamentals. If DJ's don't have a right to make a mixtape and hit a few people off with it. . .then what rights do we have?

Midnight Madness. . .

2007-01-06T13:47:00.000-05:00

J.Fresco-Midnight Madness (or Get Free)

. . .or Get Free. This is what restless souls do on the late night. Enjoy.

*photo courtesy of our Girl in Rio.

Welcome back. . .

2007-01-04T22:47:00.000-05:00

Talib Kweli & Madlib- The Show
from Liberation (Blacksmith, 2007)

Talib Kweli & Madlib- Soul Music
from Liberation (Blacksmith, 2007)

Talib Kweli & Madlib- Happy Home
from Liberation (Blacksmith, 2007)

Not sure if Kweli is back to biz or if Madlib just makes some hella hot beats. Maybe it's both. Not his best rhyming, but it seems Kweli has found his groove. Finally going in a new direction. Welcome back. Grab the entire album for free here.

*Special bonus track to the person who can tell me who's art work is featured on the cover of the album. Send it here.

Hecho y Derecho. . .

2007-01-02T23:47:00.000-05:00

La Lupe-Fever
from El Barrio: The Bad Boogaloo Nu Yorican Sound 1966-1970 (Fania, 2006)

Eddie Palimieri-Aye Que Rico
from El Barrio: The Bad Boogaloo Nu Yorican Sound 1966-1970 (Fania, 2006)

Johnny Ventura-Guajira Con Soul
from El Barrio: The Bad Boogaloo Nu Yorican Sound 1966-1970 (Fania, 2006)

It's always upsetting when culture vultures try to profit at the expense of "una cosa nuestra." But so far the guys at E-Musica seem to be doing the right thing and I can't complain about a total re-release of the Fania collection. This comp came into the office hot from Miami. So I brought it home and decided to give it a spin. Needless to say I was pleased. Most Boogaloo comps feature the same old shit, but this one had some solid bangers that have been thus far pretty hard to find. So here is just a taste of the good stuff. Some bad ass boogaloo for you. If you like what you hear. . .check the rest and click this.

On a final note. The image that you see here was provided by no other than the King of Boogaloo himself, Mr. Joe Cuba. Nice shot of Joe showin' em how it's done. Hecho y derecho.

Ride On. . .

2006-12-27T23:43:00.000-05:00

Orlando Julius & His Afro Sounders- James Brown Ride On
from Orlando's Afro Ideas 1962-72 (Ekosound, 2003)

Dom Salvador e Abolição- Som, Sangue e Raça
from Som, Sangue e Raça (CBS, 1971)

Slum Village- I Don't Know
from Fantastic Vol.2 (Goodvibe, 200)

Without you, most of this wouldn't be around. Thank you. Ride on. . .

Night before Xmas. . .

2006-12-24T18:56:00.000-05:00

Vince Guaraldi Trio- My Little Drum
From A Charlie Brown Christmas (Fantasy, 1988)

Vince Guaraldi Trio- Skating
From A Charlie Brown Christmas (Fantasy, 1988)

Maria y Luis- Saludo-Aguinaldo
From Merry Christmas from Sesame Street (Children's Television Workshop, 1975)

This is probably the jazziest Christmas album out there. Sure, Kenny G can hold it down on 101.9 FM on Christmas eve, but the Vince Guaraldi Trio is the real deal. Not only did they give the world that classic Charlie Brown Theme, but their take on the Brazilian film Orfeo Negro (Black Orpheus) soundtrack is a killer as well. Oh yea, this jazzy trio keeps it hip and cool and will make even the stuffiest family get down and tap their toes after a few rounds of some spiked egg nog.

And for nostalgia's sake I'm throwing in one from the Sesame Street Gang. This one is in true Sesame Street style; a Puerto Rican paranda classic called "Saludo." Brings me back to the days of street parties, piraguas, bomb y plena, and tropical Christmas Trees. And besides, who doesn't love a little xmas cheer from a crew of talking animal puppets? Exactly. This one is from the heart. . .Merry Christmas, Felice Navida, and all that other good holiday stuff.

Mos Wack?

2006-12-24T10:50:00.000-05:00

Mos Def- Sun, Moon, Stars
From Tru3 Magic (Geffen, 2007)

It's no secret, I have always been something of a hip-hop purist. Some call it hating, I just call it high expectations. It's not that I don't like crunk, hyphy, and all that other good stuff. It has it's place and it's always good for shaking asses. But with all the bling and shit we get from rap these days, it's hard not to wish form some fresh shit.

Don't get me wrong. I'm all about innovation, change, and something different. But I feel that if you're not improving on something then you're only fucking it up. . .and some artist these days have been trading in bling for lyrical integrity. So when you hear that your favorite lyricist is dropping a new one. . .it's hard not to have high hopes. No. . .this isn't going to turn into a Mos Def bashing entry. . .because Mos is my dude and I think is music is always on point (even when it hard to get what he's doing). To be honest though, I was expecting straight fire from his upcoming release and was a little disappointed when I heard his new album.

Far from his more experimental New Danger, the upcoming album brings Mos back to more traditional beats from some of the industry's best; some of superstars and others stars. But not even Kanye could bring energy to Mos' lack luster lyrics. It's hit or miss with this album where some tracks will start off promising but fall off half way while others manage to capture some heat and bang to the finish. And while I tend to hold the bar high, I can see where Mos is coming from. Seems like the making of this album was a little tough (it was set back a few times) and sometimes bumps in the road are reflected in the end product. There are a few gems on this album. . .which gives me a little hope. Maybe the next one will be tight. Until then, we'll have to settle for what we get and just rock the good tracks on repeat.

Haiku. . .

2006-12-22T21:11:00.000-05:00

Nas-Who Killed it?
Nas-Hip Hop is Dead

I got this haiku from someone special the other day while I was at work. Don't really know what it means, but it seemed to fit next to these two tracks in a weird way.

Nas has been consistently Nas from the start. He always seems to come at you mediocre; full of potential , but never really bringing you his best. Well, I have to say. . . this one was done proper. Not the most amazing album of the year, but a damn good one. I even dare say better than Jay-Z's (in his defense he's "retired"). Check the haiku and listen to Nas tell his story. We're Back.

hip hop could be dead
a shrug --o well, music lives
wild through your fingers

Darondo says. . .

2006-12-22T18:20:00.000-05:00

. . .we back in the game, playa.

So after a very brief hiatus, I've finally got my shit together and can post up again. But before we get back to the musical goodness, we need to go over a few changes.

In the past I've left music up for grabs. In fact you could go to any post and pull a file down right now. Well, unfortunately that has to end. Not because I don't want people to have the music, but because I only have so much space on my new server and I refuse to give hipcast any more of my money. So, the way it will work now is that after every 10 posts, the old links will come down to make room for the new ones. I'm going to leave them up for a few more days. So get them now before they're pulled off.

I'm hoping that this new server space will give me a little more room to play here. So consider this one in many new changes to show up on this space. Always trying to make it bigger and better.

-mgnt.

at work. . .

2006-12-20T22:54:00.000-05:00

So the recent tech problems have prompted me to make moves to make some improvements on this blog. It also means that some features on this blog, primarily the audio, make go inactive for a while. Please hang tight as we work on make this bigger and better. Hope to be up and running again soon. . .

-Mgnt.

Yes Mon. . .

2006-12-20T17:43:00.000-05:00

5 year unde the belt. Issue 20 out. New young gunna on the team. We blowing up. . .

Come see what it's about.

We are experiencing. . .

2006-12-13T21:20:00.000-05:00

technical difficulties. I went to throw up a post today. . .it was going to be ill. New Nas track, fresh for the masses. Truns out my recent update to blogger beta wasn't such a good look after all. Screwed up my audio posting compatibility. Soooo...while I get that all sorted out, you all are going to have to be patient with me. I promise to bring some hot fiya when I'm back to 100%. For now. . .use this time to check out the brilliant individuals doing similar things featured in the blog roll. I personally recommend O-Dub, as his blog was the model on which this fine machine was built on.

Also, I'm throwing in a little something I've just discovered, but some of you may have already been on to it. It's a turntablist technique called the Turntablist Transcription Methodology (ttm). Sounds geeked out. . .and it is. But it's a really well thought out, comprehensive, and well made web site on cutting it up on the tables and doing it proper. I myself will admit that I cannot cut for shit. I may be able to blend and mix, but in a DJ battle. . .my ass will get chewed up. So I'm going to study up and all you aspiring turntablist should do so as well. Click it here and get started now. I'm going to throw this link up in the blog roll under a new heading on the blog roll. Look out for it. Until next post. . .wish me luck and hopefully we'll be up and running soon.

Aye, Aye, Saudade. . .

2006-12-09T00:52:00.000-05:00

Os Novos Baianos-Preta Pretinha

There are very few cities in this world that rival my home town, New York City. Not London, not Accra, not Seoul, not San Juan, not even the romantic Paris have the charm, charisma, style, and attitude that comes with living in the big apple. You know how it is. . .New York to the heart, but got love for all. . .

But there is one city south of the equator that stole my heart away. São Paulo, a city that will confuse you into loving it. No one will ever tell you that the city is pretty. In fact, it might be one of the ugliest; most buildings are gray and look like something out of blade runner. But there is a mysterious magical charm to the city. These days I've been missing it a lot. The food, the great music, and most importantly the great people.

A good friend of mine who's living out in São Paulo recently sent me some pictures to make me jealous and to coxe me into coming back to visit the city (as if I needed a reason to go back to Brasil). . .in fact pictures are her business. She's a professional photographer and a damn good one. Autumn is the first friend I made while in São Paulo. She has one of the coolest jobs in the city (and maybe the world) and she's fucking amazing at what she does. Autumn you live the life. The picture up with this post is one of many in her collection. I chose it because it has an amazing shot of the Paulista skyline, but there also happens to be some eye candy in the shot. I forgot to mention, eye candy is Autumn's specialty. Check out what Autumn does here.

And now for the track. Os Novos Baianos are actually from Bahia, not São Paulo. They came out with several LP's, but the Acabou Chorare is without a doubt their most solid. It is an excellent fusion of traditional rhythms from northern Brasil (samba, forro, maracatu, ect.) with a little hint of psych rock. They pioneered the sound that groups like Naçao Zumbi have now made extremely popular. This track was one of my favorites when I was living the "good life" in Vila Mariana. Whenever I hear the song it reminds me of my friends and family in Brasil. This one is for all you.

"Aye, Aye, Saudade. . .não veng a mi matar."

In the press???

2006-12-06T18:08:00.000-05:00

So I'm at work doing my thing and my boy Mike gets this in his google alert. Looks like this small little blog is gaining some momentum. Now I have to step up my game and do some proper spell checks and grammar edits.

hip-hop reinvented

2006-12-06T00:13:00.000-05:00

Analog Social Club Raw Track

Analog Social Club J fresco Re-Edit

Since I've been back home I've noticed a lot conscious hip-hop heads have been debating over whether we've seen the death. I'm not sure where I stand on that issue. . .in some ways I can agree. Very few hip-hop artist are creating work that says something new or different. Even artist like Mos Def and Common, who normally innovate and raise the bar, are coming real weak. hip-hop might have died with J Dilla.

But when you come across something like this, it gives you hope and makes you think that hip-hop still has some new places to go. Chances are, you haven't heard of these kats. It's a small and quiet movement, but don't be fooled, it's a powerful one. The Analog Social Club i a small group of audio masterminds that carve out well crafted compositions from "carefully selected samples." Consider this your invitation to the club.

Hell Awaits. . .

2006-12-02T19:01:00.000-05:00

No music this time. . .just a little update on the sidebar status. Always expanding the global network, I've set links to a few enlightened brothers worth shouting out.

While in the UK I met the super chill, DJ Andy Williams. This past November I had a chance to visit him and rock out along side him and DJ Miles Cleret at Salon Dome (that's Dome with an accent on the "e". . .couldn't figure out how to get the accent on this computer). I had no idea how musically intense Andy was until he got on and rocked it right. Andy might be the sickest DJ in Montreal, flipping it in many musical styles with smooth and seamless blends. He holds it down daily, weekly, and monthly on the 1's and 2's-his most regular gig is live from CKUT, Montreal on "The Goods" radio show.

Nicholas Petrus graciously gave me a place to rest my head when I was lost in Central Sao Paulo city. Over the three month period that I was there I witnessed his evolution from artist to graphic freedom fighter. He's recently set up a blog and has been posting up some of his stuff here. Check it.

As for the blog art posted up with this blog. It's a shot I took while at the Powerhouse Books opening of the Powerhouse Stadium in DUMBO, New York. Jamel Shabazz and Joe Conzo were holding a little panel on some of the works they've done for Powerhouse. I'm pretty sure this is one of Shabazz's shots, but don't quote me. I found it to be funny as hell. . .hope you all enjoy it too.

Ninja music is so sexy. . .

2006-11-22T18:58:00.000-05:00

J Fresco-Funky Spy Ninja Shit

Before you all get it twisted and corner me into that eclectic "global" DJ box, here's a little hipster fiya for you all. They don't call me J Fresh for nada. I flip it in multiple languages and multiple funky styles. This is a cinematic score for a groovy, cosmopolitan, music ninja movie. Did you catch that? Cool. Disfrute.

Soulful

2006-11-17T02:00:00.000-05:00

New mix. Enjoy.

J Fresco-Soulful

Pass the Dutchie

2006-11-14T01:43:00.000-05:00

King Tubby-Dubbing with the Observer

Johnny Osbourne-We Need Love

These days I've been working hard (and sometimes hardly working) over at the Brooklyn office of Waxpoetics. We've just closed issue 20, which promises to one of the best issues yet. I don't want to give too much away, but this issue is heavy on the Reggae. I have to admit. . .I don't know shit about Reggae, Dub, Ska, or any other variation of funky styles that come from Jamaica. Well, that's not true, I know what the average person knows (and maybe a little more), but I certainly am not a expert. What I do know is that these two tracks are funky as all hell.

Take the King Tubby Dub. The horns on this track are wicked, providing the perfect contrast to the dragging rhythm of this mellow dub. Coming in high and crisp, this track is the kind you roll a fat one to. Along side the Tubby track is a personal favorite. It's a feel good track from Johnny Osbourne with a smooth Reggae guitar riff and a funky organ break half way through the song. Not a particularly rare track, just one to chill and feel good about.

I've been MIA as of late, but it's because I'm putting in work. I'm hoping that my hard work will yield some fruit and if it does it will certainly translate into more posting. Until then, enjoy these tracks and be sure to grab Wax Poetics issue 20 hitting the stands early December. Respect.

What's Really Good?!?!

2006-10-30T17:52:00.000-05:00

Been busy as of late. Promise to update soon. For now. . . check out the cool costume.

Teddy Bear Rock Vol.2: My Teddy Rocks Harder Than Yours

2006-09-22T21:35:00.000-04:00

J Fresco Presents: Teddy Bear Rock Vol.2: My Teddy Rocks Harder Than Yours

Here's a little something I did recently. I've been really busy in my Bruce Wayne life and haven't had time to do the Batman thing. Pretty soon it'll be full bat-mode though. I've just come on with Wax Poetics, part-time really, but I'm still an official part of the team. As my boy Mike put it today, I'm the Storefront Manager; it's really just a glorified resume titled, but I'm just happy to be there. Anyhow, here you go. An ear full of tasty Brazilian goodness. A little nibble of some good tasty funk to come.

Brand New Features. . .

2006-08-27T16:33:00.000-04:00

Just an alert to some new features added to the site. I've put up a new audio blog on the "others who walk on water" heading. It's a team audio blog called Get Down. I don't know too much about these kats, but their blog was clean and had some fresh music. I thought they
deserved a shout out.

The second new feature is an idea I borrowed from their site. On their blog they have a "In Rotation" section on their side bar. It's a pretty heavy selection of current albums they're listening to. I've streamed down the idea and decided to have a "Flava of the Week." This is just going to feature an album I'm feeling at the moment. It may or may not end up on the blog as an audio sample, but it's just to give you all an idea of what's spinning in my cd player, on my ipod playlist, or in my tape deck. Clicking on the picture will bring you to an Amazon page where you can buy the disk. I'm not trying to give Amazon more biz. . .they just seem to have the deepest selection of cd's. It's more likely they'll have what I'm listening to. If I can't find it there then I'll link it to somewhere I can. If anyone is interested in the "Flava of the Week" and would like to hear some of it-shoot me an email and I can make some suggestions on where to hear it. Enjoy the new features.

Sell Your Soul. . .

2006-08-26T00:13:00.000-04:00

Al Williams-I Am Nothing

Here is a curious one from the Captain's Crate. A few days ago some heavy eBay bid went down. The coveted object was this little 7" above. The triumphant bidder dropped $2316.78-that's a lot of nuts. Anyway, the kicker is this. El Capitan was watching this bid for shits and giggles. While watching it he noticed that the seller had posted up an audio sample of the 7". Turns out the audio sample was the entire song. So the Captain grabbed the sample and posted up on his blog so we the people can enjoy it gratis. So for your personal enjoyment, here we have the $2316.78 track "I Am Nothing" by Al Williams at a %100 discount. Grab it while it's hot. This sale won't last.

Summer Jams: Midnight Samba Bloggin'

2006-08-24T07:55:00.000-04:00

Eliana Pittman-Bezouro Mangangá

Clara Nunez-Banho de Manjericã

Sapoty da Mangueira-Sirié

Clara Nunes -Meu Sapato Já Furou

This post was suppose to go up when I was in Sao Paulo, but with the last minute pre-departure rushing. . .I had no time to get it up. In any case, it's a good thing it didn't go up because I've had a little more time to sit on this one.

Of all the music I came across when I was in Brazil, nothing satisfied my soul and moved my bootty more than Samba. Don't get me wrong, I love it all: Samba Rock, MPB, Black Rio. . .all of it. But Samba just rocks my musical chakra. And for me, the perfect summer soundtrack would have a substantial amount of Samba. Funny thing is that my proper schooling to the music form actually took place during the Brazilian winter (which really doesn't mean much except for some cold nights).

I could dedicate a whole blog to tasty Samba tracks. In fact, it's not such a bad thought. But for the purpose of this entry, I decided to choose three of my favorite female Samba vocalist. They're not the obvious choices, but these three women know how to rock it and rock it right. With these tracks I tried to mix it up and give you all a taste of the different styles. Eliana Pittman's track is more of a Samba Rock track (note the funky baseline break somewhere in the middle of the song). The first Clara Nunez track is a proper Samba track, complete with fast paced cavaquinho, call and response vocals, and my favorite, the killer rhythm section that changes just a few times to make sure you're awake. Sapoty's track is a bit slower, but has some beautiful vocals and has some references to Afro-Brazilian culture in the lyrics. And as a bonus I'm throwing in an extra Clara Nunez track just for shits and giggles.

Enjoy these for now. . .but I promise there will be more samba in the near future.

Tahira Groovy

2006-08-23T21:28:00.000-04:00

Dj Tahira-Ouça

Ok. First thing. Sorry that I've been MIA for so long. I've been real busy with trying to figure out my life post traveling the world. Which means that the next few post ups are going to be DJ mix heavy, mostly because I don't have enough time to do the normal research. But, I promise these mixes will satisfy your groovy bone.

Lucky for me. . .my boy Tahira just served me up a tasty 2 hr mix hot from the Brazilian Kitchen. I tasted a little, but I promise there is enough to share. Normally I would be against a 2 hr mix. Generally because I have little faith that the masses can hold their attention on groovy tunes that long. However, my boy Tahira is a mixing mastermind and this mix is guaranteed to keep your booties moving for the entire length of the mix. If this is not true your money will be paid back in full.

I don't have the play list for this marathon jam-but if you head over to eclectic black sessions, I'm sure Tahira can provide it for the curious. Just do me a favor. . .while you're rocking out to this mix-look out for the track called Never Die, produced by another good friend, Kwaku Ananse. And in case you were wondering. . .this shit we do right here. . .it's going global. Respect.

Summer Jams: Sonero goes funky

2006-07-27T19:08:00.000-04:00

Willie Colon ft. Hector Lavoe-Che Che Cole

Antibalas-Che Che Cule

So the last summer jam post inspired me to do a little series of delicious rhythms that remind me of summer. In Spanish Harlem, no summer would be complete with out listening to Willie Colon and Hector Lavoe a couple hundred times. This super duo was more badass than Batman and Robin-putting out consistent hits for the Fania label back in the 60's and 70's.

In my opinion, there is no Sonero (salsa singer) better than Hector Lavoe. He is the Bob Marley and Fela Kuti of Spanish Harlem salsa. His voice is by far one of the most powerful when it comes to New York City Soneros-and the funny thing is, he wasn't even full Puerto Rican. He was actually half Jewish. Who says white people have no rhythm?

This song in particular is a funny one. It's called Che Che Cole. The song lyrics are actually about the song itself-Lavoe sings about how tasty the song is and how people dance to it all over the world. Funny part is this: While in Ghana I dropped this one on my weekly radio show. My co-host flipped out when he heard the lyrics, because Che Che Cole is actually a song from Ghana. He wasn't sure what language it was from, but he was sure it was Ghanaian. In fact, Osibisa made a song with the same title. Not sure how Lavoe knew this-but in the lyrics he pays homage to the track's rhythmic African roots.

Up next to it is Antibala's remake of the Lavoe track. This tune is one of the group's funkier hits, a break from the usual Afro-beat/Afro-Rock style. I used to think that no one could do it as good as Lavoe, but whoever sings on this track comes pretty close. Not only that, but they completely re-interpret Willie Colon's original composition and turn an otherwise tasty salsa hit into a super funky dance floor killer.

So here it is kiddies-perhaps one of the best salsa songs you will ever hear funktafied to make you move your hips even faster. Disfrute.

Summer Jams 1

2006-07-26T02:11:00.000-04:00

213-Another Summer

So I'm a little late on it. . . 'cause summer has been in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere for the last two months. But I've been in Brazil and down here it's winter. However, it's never too late to start throwing up some of these. This one was inspired by O-Dub over at soulsides. . .and in fact I must say he does the whole summer jam thing much better. But I couldn't resist putting up a tasty commercial beat. This one comes from the 213 crew with a little help form Kanye. It's an old Eddie Kendricks sample (which is tasty as well), but that one we'll save for later. For now just enjoy this first installment of Summer Jams.

Jesus Loves Funky, Black Rio

2006-07-21T15:28:00.000-04:00

Tim Maia-O Caminho do Bem

Tim Maia-Chocolate

Cassiano-Centro do Brazil

So after I put up the Racional tracks I thought a little bit more about all the stuff I was leaving out from the Black Rio (pronounced: Blackie Rio) era of Brazilian music. In fact, there is no possible way to do Brazilian music justice on a little blog like this-it’s just too damn deep and too diverse. But here I am, trying anyway. I should be embarrassed of the very little knowledge that I have about the music, but it’s hard not to share these funky beats.

So, that said, we find Tim Maia making a second appearance here-this time with a track off of Racional Vol.2, “O Caminho do Bem” and one of his famous singles “Chocolate.” With him the less famous, Cassiano makes his first appearance with a funky number called “Centro do Brazil” off his Cuban Soul LP.

What’s so special about these guys? Ask any Brazilian about Tim Maia and they’ll either sing you one of his various hits or go on about how damn groovy the man was. A musical mastermind who died before his time, Tim Maia brought a distinctly funky and soulful sound to Brazilian music. One listen to these tracks and there is no denying the American Funk/Soul influence. But he didn’t do it alone. Cassiano was fusing funky grooves into his sound around the same time Tim became successful. Cassiano actually composed some of Tim’s hit singles.

Both musicians were a part of a movement in Brazilian music, specifically from Rio de Janeiro, called Black Rio. It was a time during Rio music when black musicians were becoming aware of their racial identity and their social position in Brazil. Not that different from American Funk and Soul at the time, their lyrics, album covers, and music reflected this new awareness. Songs like Luis Melodia song “Ebano”, meaning Ebony, or Jorge Ben’s “Negro é Lindo”, Black is Beautiful are just a few examples. For me this is an interesting time in Brazilian music, especially because racial awareness in Brazil today is very different than in the United States. This music reflected a time when the racial awareness in Brazil was more similar too that of the U.S.

A side note here: A friend pointed out late one night while we were listening to Samba that even though Black Rio was more expressive about the idea that Black is Beautiful, Samba musicians have always had similar themes. Musicians like Marthino Da Villa (to be featured at length later on this blog) and Samba players from Partido Alto (Northern Brazil) have always had themes that emphasized the beauty of color and culture. Not so much as a black pride thing, but more as a celebration of Brazil’s African roots, part of which are the rich rhythms that musical styles like Samba and Maracatú are based on. This is the difference between black identity in Brazil and in the U.S.-Blackness is celebrated as a part of Brazilian culture and national identity where as in the U.S. it is used to separate a people from the culture and the people from the national identity. Samba, as it is said here, is “uma coisa nossa”, or a Brazilian thing. Hip-Hop, is not a U.S. thing, but a “Black” thing.

Ok. . .now back to Tim and Cassiano. I wouldn’t say that Tim Maia and Cassiano where responsible for the birth of the Black Rio movement, in fact some wouldn’t even consider them as a part of the movement. A statement like that would also be unfair to other musicians like Luis Melodia, Banda Black Rio, and even Jorge Ben. Each added something to the Black Rio sound and had different interpretations on it. But Tim and Cassiano are defiantly two of the most influential, each with an extensive body of work that reached far and deep into the movement. Their work even continues to influence musicians today. Hip-Hop producers have sampled from their work at length. These two guys are indeed amongst the funkiest that Brazil has to offer.

"Like Cocaine Straight from Bolivia. . ."

2006-07-21T12:22:00.000-04:00

Wutang Clan-Method Man

Wutang Clan-C.R.E.A.M

Wu Tang Clan-Da Mysteries of Chessboxin'

A while back on my other blog I kicked off a series that I never followed up on. It was a top ten list of all time personal favorite LP's. Well now that I've got this audio blog I can keep up with it and provide the clips for you all to hear.

We'll kick it off fresh and say that this is the first one in this series. I have to stress-they are not in any order. In fact, now that I think of it, let's not even limit it to a top ten list. Let's just call it the Solid LP Selection. A tribute to well made LP's through out the history of music. What does it take to make the cut? The LP has to be solid all the way through, period.

So the very first Solid LP comes from the inner depths of the New York rap scene. Very few will dispute that Wu Tang Clan's first LP-Enter the Wu (36 Chambers) is one of the most well made and well put together rap LP's ever. In my opinion, this is still the Clan's best album to date. Not to say that there aren't other albums they put out that are solid-but this album is their most well produced, best arranged, and most lyrically ill.

I also have a sentimental attachment to this album, but few hip-hop heads don't. I'm sure all can remember the days when they played this tape over and over-at first trying to remember the lyrics and then to admire the crazy ill production. It was a good time for hip-hop, then they dropped this album and made it (hip-hop) better.

Most might say that the best tracks off of this LP are "C.R.E.A.M", for it's memorable lyrics and it's ill use of a tasty sample or maybe "Method Man" for the pure lyrical genius of Meth and the ill production that keeps your head nodding through as the track changes samples. But my personal favorite is "Da Mysteries of Chessboxin" because it is the best example of that edgy, raw, rapid fire team rapping that the Clan does so well . But the truth is every track on this LP is perfect. They all stand solid alone or together. This is one of hip-hop's heavyweights. . .period.

Beleza

2006-07-01T17:12:00.000-04:00

Tim Maia-Que Beleza

Tim Maia-Bom Sento

These two are off a semi-rare pull form my crate digging a few weeks ago. They're off of Tim Maia's Racional Vol.1. The music off this album is perhaps some of his best, but the story behind it is also worth noting.

Tim Maia released Racional Vol. 1 and 2 on his own label Seroma in 1976. The arrangements to most of the tracks on this album had been written before the albums release in 1976. It wasn't until Tim Maia joined a cult called Universo em Desencanto, or Disenchanted Universe, that he added the lyrics. The lyrics are mostly an explanation of the cult's main beliefs: humans are parasites and responsible for most of the worlds ills and the worst crimes against nature (who would argue?). Fortunately, there is hope: if we choose to right our wrongs to the earth, truth can be received by tapping into a higher plane called the Mundo Racional. The truth, or rational energy, is the answer to solve the world’s ills. It all sounds groovy, but when Tim Maia didn't hear any voices from the Mundo Racional, he called it quits and tried to get people to forget this record existed. Unfortunately for him, this record is supper funky and full of soul.

Vol. 2 is more popular than Vol. 1, mainly because his track "No Caminho do Bem" off of Vol.2 was featured in the film City of God. In my opinion, the entire set is an experience. It really gives you an idea of what the cult was about and where Tim Maia was at during the time, but I'm throwing these two up because they're my favorite. Disfrute.

Super Heroes Walking on Water International. . .

2006-06-28T16:58:00.000-04:00

I realized now that there are a few people holding it down around the globe that need to be mentioned. So this is just a roll call of some people who march to the same beat.

Radiola Urbana is a Brazilian website dedicated to all music funky-but with a specific focus on Brazilian music. The team who runs it is well informed and very much into what I like to call "good" music, or better yet, music that speaks to that funky beast inside us all.

Amplified Online is the UK version of Radiola Urbana, with a specific focus to that tasty music called brokenbeat.

Signtifics is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of Ghanian arts, music, culture, and society. It's run by a team of solid individuals who walk with the music gods and put the needs of their country first. I worked on their music restoration project-a project dedicated to digitizing and archiving the musical assests of not only Ghana, but West Africa. Imagine a future where all the tasty Fela breaks couldn't be tracked down to their originals. . . Exactly. These brothers are doing a good thing.

The guys at Soundway Records, Brighton, UK, don't need any hype or promotion from me. Their work is known and it speaks for it self. But I couldn't mention everyone else and not mention them. Check them out.

One last one for now, Tahira of the Groove Clan, Sao Paulo, Brazil, is perhaps one of the most solid DJ's I've met in my travels. This turntable samurai can mix Herbie Hancock with Fela Kuti and make it sound like it always should be that way. He's a photojournalist by day and a mastermind on the 1 and the 2 by night.

These links are gonna be thrown up on the side bar under a new heading. Click on them now and come back to check them out again in the future.

Going Public. . .

2006-06-21T13:12:00.000-04:00

In an attempt to share tasty and funky music with the world, the super heroes who run this site are going to venture into the realm of record pushing. For now we're going to keep it light-pushing one record at a time. If you're intersted in the music you've seen on this blog you can go here to check out our first item for sale here.

The first item up is a super tasty 12" from Sergio Mendez and Brazil '77. Raizes, one of their most solid LP's in my opinion, is the group's interpretation of Afro-Brazilian sounds. If you thought their cover of Jorge Ben's "Mas, Que Nada" was sick-you want this record. I'll post up some sound bites soon. For now check out our hot wax over at the GEMM website. Also, we're going to link our shop on the side bar. Let's kick this off proper.

-Batman & Robin

Favela Funk, Caserio Reggae

2006-06-09T18:52:00.000-04:00

Playero- Baby Rasta & Gringo

Bola De Fogo E As Foguentas-Atoladinha (Enterradinha)

After spending the last three weeks in Rio de Janeiro, it would be poor manners if I didn't drop one of these. This post is dedicated to those tasty beats home brewed in the rough tropical slums of Brazil and Puerto Rico.

Baile Funk is a type of Brazilian music that can be found in Brazil's Favelas, the "super slums" that can be seen in most of Rio's hillsides. The music reflects the culture and way of life of some of the people who live in Favelas-it's rough, gritty, and mostly talks about gang life, drug life, or women. The production is mostly composed of whatever sound bites, samples, or loops the producers can get a hold of-much like the way most of the buildings and houses in the Favelas are constructed. While some may find this stuff too loud or, if you understand Portuguese, too offensive, the reality of life in Rio and in most of Brazil is that Favelas do exist and life in the Favelas is rough.

A couple miles north and east of Rio, in the Caribbean, a similar movement started about 14 years ago in the Caserio slums of Puerto Rico. The world knows it now as Daddy Yankee's music, or Reggaeton. But back then it was a local phenomenon: raw, gritty, and grimy. Partly inspired by Reggae, partly by rap, and purely improvisational and creative genius, Reggaeton belonged to two crews when it first hit the scene: Playero and Da Noise. They could be compared to the Wu Tang Clan of Puerto Rico. These crews boasted 20+ rappers and the best producers. They would praise their Caserio, sing about how the police were corrupt, diss on other crews, or just flat out degrade women. Most people hated it, those of us who liked it would blast it loud from our cars or from our radios-much to the dismay of neighbours and families. Fast forward to 2001 and a much more watered-down version can be heard in clubs all over the world on the lips of everyone shaking their booty: "Da me mas gasolina!"

Personally, I think this music has an important place in the cultures that they come from. I couldn't listen to it all day every day, but for me it's pretty interesting on several levels. First, both Reggaeton and Baile Funk got their start much in the same way as Hip Hop. Granted, when Hip-Hop first made its mark it wasn't violent or aggressive, that came later with gangsta rap. But, it was an expression of a part of society that had been marginalized for a long time. It was a voice for people who weren't being heard. That is exactly what Baile Funk and Reggaeton do for the Favela and Caserio respectively. These styles give a voice to a huge part of Brazilian and Puerto Rican society that is literally on the periphery of everyday life. Second, it's amazing what these producers do with minimal resources. They put together intense and multilayered beats, and while some may say that the beats are redundant and basic-no one can deny the effect the beats start o have on your legs and your booty.

So I'm going to post up these two tropical booty-shaking styles side by side. They come from different places, but they share many similarities. Hate it, Love it, or leave it alone --at least give it a try. If you like what you hear-check out Mr. Phipson, the Baile Funk Booty Beat connoisseur at www.mrphipson.de. He's always got fresh mixes and always keeps it funky.

Take it Easy my Brother, Charlie

2006-06-05T22:42:00.000-04:00

Jorge Ben Jor-Take it easy my brother, Charlie

Jorge Ben Jor-O Telefone Toco Novamente

Jorge Ben Jor-Por Causa de Você, Menina

My trip to the musical Mecca of Brazil, Rio de Janiero, gave me the opportunity to see one of Brazil's musical greats live and in person. Jorge Ben Jor, perhaps one of the single most influencial MPB musicians, held it down old school style at the Circo Voador in Lapa, RJ.

Now I'm going to take some time on this one, because in my opinion Jorge Ben is an intersting chracter in the history of Brazilian music. I have to say-I'm just discovering how cool this kat is-so I don't claim to be a biogropher of the his work. But from listening to his music-I can say that I recognize the genius of his music.

Jorge Ben broke on to the Brazilian music scene in the early 1960's in the midst of the coup d'etat. When he drop his first LP, "Samba Esquema Nôvo," Brazil and the world were shocked by the fresh sounds this man was creating. Taking elements from Bossa Nova, throwing in some funky rock and some smooth blues, and making sure to keep grounded in his Samba roots-Jorge Ben hit the scene hard with his famous track "Mas Que Nada."

A side note here- "Mas Que Nada," is often confused to be a Sergio Mendez track. This is largely due to the fact that when Sergio Mendez introduced his Brazil '66 to the scene they made a killer version of the track. This track, which is more jazzier and has the female vocals became an international hit. The Black Eyed Peas have recently made another version with Sergio Mendez. But don't get it twisted-Jorge Ben deserves full credit. In fact he worked on the Sergio Mendez version as well, during a brief residence in L.A.

Jorge Ben had it rough in his early career because of pressures from his label and because his new musical style-weaving funk, rock, and blues into Brazilian music, and using electric guitars, was scene as anti-Brazilian. Purest like Bossa Nova/MPB great Elis Regina shunned him as being anti-Brazilian. But the man was just too funky to be held back- and his music inspired a new breed of left wing and super creative musicians from the Northern state of Bahia. When their movement picked up it became known as Tropicalia. The movement was small and short lived, but it was the intellectual and creative workshop for heavyweights like Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, and Gal Costa, who all joined the ranks of Brazil's finest.

Ok, enough of the history lesson. To be honest-the guys over at Brazilian Beat Brooklyn are the true experts on Jorge Ben Jor. For a brief, but informative, starters guide on Brazilian Music-check out the Brazilian Beat Brooklyn website and blog. Caz has broken it down nicely and it will put more of this stuff into a larger context. As for me, I just think Jorge Ben is wicked funky and his music is super tasty. So all I can do now is to hit you all off with a nice range of his music. Listen, take it in, and enjoy.

Treasures from the Deep

2006-05-22T13:30:00.000-04:00

Regindaldo Bassa-O Temp

Luiz Melodia-Ebano

These two come from a record that I found while staying with a friend in Sao Paulo. He inherited the records from his grandfather and this is one of his favorites. I wish I could tell you about the record. But the truth is-I can´t find a single thing on it. I just know that it´s a collection of songs from a music festival. The record features some well known and not so well known artist in their debut to the Brazilian public. I´ve never heard of Reginaldo Bassa, but I´m relativly new to the MPB game. As for Luiz Melodia, I know that after breaking out he went on to a very sucessful MPB career and is considered one of the greats of his time. I´ll continue to do my research-but for now just enjoys these tasty tracks. As soon as I get more I´ll be sure to update this post-but I´ve been holding these for a week and I think it´s time to share.

Tasty Brazilian Octopoid

2006-05-03T17:19:00.000-04:00

Brazilian Octopus-Summer Hill

Brazilian Octopus-Gambao

No, I haven't changed the them of this blog to Brazilian Cuisine. This post here brings you an ear-full of what Brazil's best have to offer.

Brazilian Octopus. An LP that is legend among those who have very expensive and rare taste. The story goes that back in 1968 a few quality Brazilian musicians from various musical backgrounds got together in a studio in Sao Paulo and jammed their hearts out. The record is legend because it is the one and only recording from this group. The group was brought together by a fashion promoter named Livio Rangan who needed a band to rock out and make solid tracks for fashion shows.

Now I'm not going to pretend that I know a lot about the artists on this album, because I don't. But I can say this. When I ask the guy for the CD he was shocked that a non-brazilian knew about it. Then he started pulling CD's off the wall of each the artists that are featured on this CD. It seemed that most of the artist are still heavy hitters. I then proceeded to ask him if he had the actual LP. He smiled and brought me over to a wall of LP's in a glass case. He pointed to the LP and said it was 1500 Reals. I did the quick math and realized that even with the Dollar going twice as far as the Real I couldn't afford it. I told him maybe I'll play the lottery and said I was fine with just the CD.

I can say this. When I heard this record the first time I was in New York and thought it was pure magic. When I asked the guy who it was he said something like "it's a rare Brazilian band that you can't find anywhere." I thought to my self: I bet you can find it in Brazil. Sure enough. . .I did. So now for the enjoyment of those who love delicious music and to the dismay of music snobs everywhere-here is Brazilian Octopus.

Then and Now...

2006-04-28T02:00:00.000-04:00

Atwer Abroba

Ebo Taylor Acoustinc Session

This will be the last blog on Ghanian music for a while. But this is one I have to put up. Because then man who made these two tracks is a close friend and because he's an amazing musician that deserves a little spotlight. Like so many musicians from West Africa, Ebo Taylor will most likely get little props for his contributions to the musical world. Some may come across his work in the "global grooves" or "world music " section at the local music store. I've been lucky to know the humble old man (although I hear he was far from humble during his young days) and can call him a friend. Perhaps one of the last few original Highlife musicians in Ghana, Ebo spends his time these days schooling younger generations of Ghanians on the old ways of Palm Wine guitar. These two tracks are just a big up to the old man. It's something I'll call Uncle Ebo then and now. The first is a track when Ebo was rockin' out throughout the gold coast and other funky parts of W. Africa. It's off the Soundway Records compilation Ghana Sounds and is one of my favorites. The second track is something Uncle Ebo threw down at my request. It's his palm wine interpretation of a recent Hiplife track. I hope you all enjoy these.

Robodo Taekwon V: The Funky Ass Robot

2006-04-17T03:32:00.000-04:00

Robodo Taekwon V Main Theme (korean)

Robodo Taekwon V Main Theme (funky)

Robodo Taekwon V Shaft-like Theme

This was a priceless find from my dig at Edae in Seoul. It's the kind of thing MF Doom would have a field day with and what rare record diggers have wet dreams about. It's a recording of an episode of Robodo Taekwon V (known as Robot Taekwon in the Western World). From what I can piece together from the net and from some Korean friends, Robodo Taekwon was a bad ass robot made because the world was being terrorized by giant monsters. In between chillen with his homies and kickin' some monster ass he gets down to some funky beats.

The cartoon had it's run between the 60's and 70's and later spun off into full length films, a comic book series, toys, and all that other good stuff that comes with animation. This record was pressed in 1974 and I think is of one of the later episodes. It features some funky ass theme music that sounds a lot like something out of a Shaft movie. It's also pretty fun because it has some quality cover art. I'm not an expert on Korean animation-but I have a feeling that this one is a classic. The guy priced the record at 80,000 won at frist. But because I was buying a crap load of other expensive stuff (thank you T.J. Watson Foundation) he brought it down to about 30,000 won (about 30 bucks). It wasn't until I threw it on at home that I realized it was a steal. The record was in quality shape and it was just fun to listen to. And besides -who doesn't love a world-saving robot? Enjoy.

Korean Funky

2006-04-09T05:50:00.000-04:00

He6-Mulsae-ae Norae (Water Song)

He6-Sing a Simple Song

No. This one is not about kimchi. This one is about some bad Korean soul brothers from way back who put out some tasty records in a time when things were hectic and the Korean peninsula needed a little funk. The band is He 6, led by guitarist Kim Hong-Tak (who is now president of the Seoul Jazz Academy...and a very nice man I must say) and they paved the way for other bands during a period in Korean Pop when "group sound" was becoming steadily popular.

The Korean War of the 1950's brought a significant American presence to the Korean Peninsula. Like most contries that had a western community during this time (eg. Ghana, Nigera, the list goes on), local Korean bands began to play funk and psyche rock covers to cater to the G.I. and ex-pat audiences-bringing about the "group sound" era in Korea. Naturally, Kim and his boys earned their chops in Itaewon entertaining the large ex-pat community with their version of American and British funk and psyche rock covers. Although Kim and He 6 are not considered the best "group sound" band (that title goes to Shin Jung-Hyun and his band Add 4), the group is acknowledged as the second funkiest Koreans on the peninsula.

Their first album is solid, but is mostly covers of Beatles and other well known rock groups. It was't until later albums that they began to play around a little more and rock out with some original tracks in Korean (this is what eventually made them popular throughout S. Korea). The cuts on this post come from the second album titled Vol.2. The first, "Mulsae-ae Norae", is perhaps one of the best Korean tracks from the album. But what really sold this record to me was their cover of "Sing a Simple Song." Admittedly it's not as good as The Meters version, but it's still pretty damn good. In any case-I went bonkers over the simple fact that I found a Korean funk group, which just further proves my theory that no one can resist the funk. Listen to these and enjoy.

Buddah Blessed It

2006-04-04T11:06:00.000-04:00

Kwaku Ananse ft. J Fresco-Buddah Blessed It

Kwaku Ananse-Wakalo Le

Kwaku Ananse-Ebo 1

While I was out there I linked up with a very talented producer, Kwaku Ananse. I met him through Ebo Taylor, one of the musicians I was working with while in Accra, and it turned out we had similar taste in music. He invited me on to his weekly show at Vibe 91.9 FM and when our forces combined, we started a underground hip-hop movement that Accra had never seen. But enought of that.

What we have here is an assortment of beats that I picked up during my four months in Ghana. The first track featured here was a colabo effort after one of our late night shows on Vibe. We were blazed on some sticky Ghana green, but that only helped the creative juices. Now I'm not saying it's J Dilla status, but it's a tasty little beat using a sample from one of Ghana's best muscians. The last two tracks were made by Kwaku Ananse and are fine example of the wicked beats one can make when they can pick from the tree of Ghanian samples. Enjoy.

First things first...

2006-04-01T21:29:00.000-05:00

So this is my first attempt at audiobloggin'. I guess it seemed like it was the next step in my bloggin' experience. The idea behing this space is that I share the tasty music I've come across during my travels (you can read more about that at www.travelingbeans.blogspot.com). Anyhow. Here's a taste of what I'm made of. This mix comes live and direct from S. Korea. Nothing too out there, but it's fun to listen to. The heavy shit will come later. Enjoy it.

J Fresco-Flava for your Ear

check one, two

2006-04-01T05:26:00.000-05:00

kick in it off