That's a great title. And certainly a fantastic song by Gene Harris. Today I had the pleasure to attend and speak at a 'DJ camp'. A local thing clearly inspired by the Redbull Music Academy, but very well executed. A cool venue, a nice setup with gadgets and things. I think they've been doing it for the whole week, and quite a few hours a day.
My role in this was to speak about the history of dance music, vinyl records, collecting etc. Obviously a quite big challenge to try to communicate with teenagers (mostly), who I don't share any musical references with. Whatsoever. Still I believe, or what i've heard, I managed to spark some interest for the roots of dance music.
So here's for all the young dudes (no girls i'm afraid), Gene Harris from the Astral Signal LP on Blue Note. Gene Harris - Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong (320)
Continuing my musical mission. This time with some funky soul-jazz from the old jazzer Doc Severinsen. I can't say I know much about him, or his back catalogue. This is from his 1976 LP - Night Journey and the track is 'I wanna be with you'.
I think he share his story with some other old school jazz players, I'm thinking of Webster Lewis, Benny Golson etc., going from straight jazz to more contemporary sounds in the seventies. I can recall when speaking with some hardcore jazz-dudes (in their sixties), and they were moaning about their favourite artists starting to play disco and other stuff. This don't dissapoint me though. Doc Severinsen - I wanna be with you (320)
Time for some sweet boogie-down-action. A biiig tune, one for the old school ravers. The title track from the 1981 Woods Empire LP. Well...can't really come up with anything more to say. Not really necessary, it speaks for itself.
Enjoy! Woods Empire - Universal Love (320)
This is a trailer for, what I believe is an upcoming documentary of Charles Stepney. He's one of those characters that I tend to forget about, but when looking (or primary listen) back on music he's been involved with - he's one of the greatest. For me, one of the greatest all time. Top 5 easy.
He's been involved in so much great music; Rotary Connection, Minnie Ripperton, Marlena Shaw and Terry Callier to name a few. Reflecting on those artists and their music and you find some of the greatest LP's ever done. In his roles as composer, arranger, producer and musician he's influenced loads of contemporary artists and producers.
As a bit of bonus I'll give you a mega-mix from some Bavarian Nu-Jazzers (don't quote me on that though). This is from a bit shady 12" with some of the best pieces of Stepney's greatness. The strings (Chicago Symphony Orchestra apparently), the rhythms and drums, and the overall arrangements. Music doesn't get much better than this.Enjoy!
If your'e into your sexy R'n'B and house, read no more. If you have the slightest interest in new or older dance related, and...good music, you need this. You might actually be well aware of Bob James. Even though it's not the rare and elusive stuff, this is essential in many ways. It's the blueprint, the heritage. Heavy! I particuraly like Westchester Lady. I can't really evolve why, it's just a complete song in all ways - the melody, the drums, the strings. Obviously he's behing several other great and heavily sampled tracks, but this one it it(!). Still goose bumps. Hearing this vinyl rip, I realise I might need a second copy myself. Sorry about this, but enjoy anyway.
