Sunday 31 January 2010

The Gap Band - Out of the blue

This could easily be taken as a long lost Stevie gem. From 1977 and their self titled LP - The Gap Band with 'Out of the blue (can you feel it)'. For me they're more known for their slightly more accessible 80's funk tunes. Checking back on their discography this was quite early in their career. What's more to say? Well not much really, this is just vintage dance music of the highest order. Enjoy!


The Gap Band - Out of the blue (320)

Sunday 24 January 2010

Winter warmers Vol. 3

The continuation of musical treats moves on to new parts. I try not to buy too many 7"s, I find them a bit un-handy. Obviously I love playing them but they don't really store that well at my home. Anyway, occasionally I fail, and recently I found the General Lee and...sometimes it makes life a bit better. Absolutely amazing tune. I feel I could go on with all the tunes here - No fillers.
Enjoy!




















Tracklist:
  • General Lee - We did it baby (pt 1)
  • Jacksoul - Unconditional love
  • Dee Dee Bridgewater - People make the world go around
  • James Vincent - Space traveler
  • Bohannon - Save their souls
  • Darrow Fletcher - Now is the time for love (pt 1)
  • Arthur Verocai - Na boca do sol

Download mix

Sunday 17 January 2010

Dick Schory - Jungle Root

This is right up my street - a percussive sound with that big band brassy feel. Obviously I'm into loads of different styles,but as far as a sort of 'Cross-over Jazz Dance track' goes this is it. From the Movin' On LP on the Ovation Records label. 
Need to put up the weird, and rather dysfunctional, sleeve as well. Mr. Schory just looks like a mad old geezer on his train. Check out the track which in this case can't be judged on its cover.


Dick Schory - Jungle Root (320)

Wednesday 13 January 2010

Mayer Hawthorne

I came across this piece of video with Mayer Hawthorne and his story on digging and artistry. Filmed at the Groove Merchant store in San Fansisco which is, as far as I know, a great purveyor of all things vinyl and funky.

Mayer Hawthorne's Dusty Fingers from Yours Truly on Vimeo.
From Yours Truly

Sunday 3 January 2010

It's all gone Pete Tong

Almost finished reading Snowboys' book on the history of the UK Jazz Dance scene. Filled with great stories and anecdotes from the 70's and 80's. The book mainly contains interviews with all (lots!) of relevant DJ's and dancers etc. Occasionally bit repetitious and messy in its outline, but still really interesting read on the origins of black dance music in the UK and eventually (as a prolongation) worldwide. 
Obviously the Northern Soul scene was the beginning of the DJ and Dance culture, but then you had the Jazz Dance/Funk scene, and its relation Soul, Disco and Rare Groove. Further on even with a connection to electro and house music. Actually I wasn't aware of that, the legendary record label Factory was releasing Jazz related records in its early days. The Hacienda was also playing Jazz music mixed with the contemporary electronic music. I did know that Pete Tong used to be a Soul boy and quite involved in the Rare Groove scene in the 80's, though he was also a key player and heavy taste maker in the jazz dance scene.
I can't tell if the Danser's Inferno track - Sombre Guitar was played at the time. I presume there's been quite few findings along the way, even after the scene started to dissapear. Anyway, it's a huge favourite of mine and I try to squeeze it in whenever I can. Thankfully the Creation One LP is available on a nice japanese reissue since quite recently. Still a bit ellusive and limited, so check your Japanese dealers asap. I know Russ Dewbury put it on one of his great Jazz Bizniz comps, because trying to find the original release is not an easy one. We're talking four-figure sums of ca$h. 
So here's one that should fit into the context, at least as far as speed an jazzability goes. Check out the book as well, nice read and essential knowledge on the history.

Danser's Inferno - Sombre Guitar (320)