The Step Kids LP is finally available where good music is sold. Below is their new video for the song title " A legend in his own mind" Great video.
WHO ARE THE STEP KIDS????
The Stepkids are three singer/songwriters. “A lot of what excites us about this band is this band itself,” says bassist and keyboardist Dan Edinberg. “It’s not either of us; it’s about creating an entity where the entity itself is what’s important.” As a result, every song on the Stepkids self-titled debut album is written with equal input from each member.
“All three of us write and all three of us sing,” says Jeff Gitelman, who resigned from touring as Alicia Keys' guitarist to concentrate full-time on recording the Stepkids self-titled debut album. Drummer Tim Walsh continues, “There's an equal split in the creative process. Any lyric, any melody, any idea could have been done by any of us.”
This approach comes from more than a decade of musical experimentation and experience. Raised on the East Coast jazz and R&B circuit, individual band members went on to share stages with 50 Cent and Lauryn Hill, tour internationally with indie punk band Zox, score movies and commercials and produce solo albums.
The Stepkids groove is a fusion of punk and jazz, West African and 1960s folk, neo and classic soul, classic funk and 20th century classical. The band produce, engineer and record themselves on a reel-to-reel.
There’s no singular icon, no singular sound, and no singular way of making it happen for the Stepkids. It’s psychedelia for the 21st century, where the focus is on the whole.
Stee Downes 2008 album "All In A Day" is a beautiful soul album, straying away from his more known House tunes. This LP is slept on ranging in a variety genres including Jazz, R&B, Soul, Electronic... Definitely seek out this LP. Below is a lil 411 on Stee Downes
STEE DOWNES - OBVIOUSLY LAZY VERSION (INST) 2008
Soul-boy Stee Downes has been involved in music from a young age playing bass, guitar and keys. Completing his sound engineering studies in 2002, he left Dublin for the Netherlands where he was intent on pursuing his musical path.
While in Amsterdam he began to focus his attention on writing and production. London based outfit “Loose Ensemble” got their hands on one of his demo's and asked him to feature on two tracks for the “Catalyst EP” which was released on Foundation records. Following on from this he later collaborated with Echoplex's Ed Eustace to be part of Vinylvibes first release which received DJ support from people like Dom
Servini, Rainer Truby and Michael Ruetten.
On returning to Dublin in 2006 he was inspired by the positive reaction and was determined to develop his vocal talents, combined with song-writing to create a unique sound. He began to build his repertoire and put together a live show, later supporting Roy Ayers, Amp Fiddler, Herbie Hancock, Bugz in the attic, Fat Freddys drop, DJ Spinna, Money Mark and many more.
In April 2008 he teamed up with old friend and musical counterpart Ishfaq to record his debut album “All in a day”. They settled into the studio in Croatia and recorded the album in two weeks. Coming from the same school of thought and heavily influenced by similar music they formed a solid partnership and played all the instruments on the project.
Being a DJ for over ten years Stee credits much of his influence to a wide range of music including Soul, Jazz, Funk, House, Techno and Latin music hailing artists such as Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Miles Davis, Prince and D'angelo as having the biggest impact on him in his early years.
His debut album was released on Sonar Kollektiv in late 2008 entitled "All in a day". This was a collection of songs he had wrote over a period of two years and the album received amazing reviews across the globe, winning him best single for 'Asunder' in the French radio awards alongside Jazzanova, Mr Scruff, Jose James and Alice Russell. The record is a fusion of all his accumilated influences from Reggae, Soul, Funk, House and Brazilian. Subsequent to his album release Stee delved into his house music roots producing "No retreat" which was released via Alex Barck's (Jazzanova) "Based on misunderstanding" series. He is currently working with Motor city drum ensemble (Four Roses/MCDE) , Lovebirds (Freerange/winding road) and Johnwaynes (Compost) for future album and EP releases in 2009. He has also featured on two tracks for Dublex inc's latest album "Pheonix" on Infracom and also on Diesler's forthcoming album on Freestyle records.
Stee is also a passionate DJ that has played alongside Trus Me, DJ Spinna, Simbad, Rainer Truby, Mark E, Theo Parish and Greg Wilson. His sound ranges from Deep house to Techno, Soul to Funk and Disco to Jazz.
Packing records for Happy Hour last Friday, I was rummaging through stacks and pulled out Deodato's "Happy Hour" LP from 82. The track I'm sharing with you is on the slower tempo and the self titled album says it and all. Random fact, Deodato plays all Synths and Keys on this album
Okay folks here it is, the latest Mix/Podcast for April 2011. Some of my favorite tracks at the moment. All new Modern Funk & Soul bass lines and vocals we've grown to love. If you enjoy this mix check out the Archive for previous mixes.
One of my favorite and influential Skate company's in our time. Stereo knows how to makes Soul and Art a priority. Big up "Stereo" who've been doing it sine the 90's... If you are not into Skate culture but appreciate visual art, you have to watch the video's. 8mm film classics.
Founded in ’92 by renowned professional skateboarders and longtime friends Jason Lee and Chris Pastras, Stereo came as a breath of fresh air during a time that many skaters felt that skateboarding had creatively hit rock bottom.
Stereo’s unique and highly innovative approach to skating, with emphasis on style, originality and plain old fashion fun, was quickly embraced by the skateboard community. By incorporating street art, 50s and 60s design, jazz album cover artwork and ideas pulled from early men’s magazines, Stereo has been credited as revolutionizing skateboard graphics, artwork and advertising. The classic Americana styles Stereo produced -- and continues to produce -- carries with it a lightness and humor that promotes individuality and creativity amongst skateboarders of all ages.
Together, Jason and Chris released two skateboard films: A Visual Sound (’94) and Tincan Folklore (’96). Going against the grain with the use of 8mm film, black and white still photography and avant-garde music -- some of which composed by Chris and Jason -- the two films are now revered as classics within the skateboard community.
In ’96, Jason set skateboarding aside to pursue an acting career and has since appeared in many big screen productions, including Mall Rats, Chasing Amy and Almost Famous, among others. Chris headed Stereo entirely on his own in Jason’s absence. However, despite Chris’ painstaking efforts to keep the company alive, the legacy came to an end in ’00. While continuing to skateboard and work within the industry, Chris went on to pursue other interests outside of the business. He attended college full-time and focused more on his art.
As fate would have it, however, Chris and Jason joined forces again in ’03 to re-launch Stereo under Giant Distribution. With a new team of skateboarders and other influential artists, musicians, actors and individuals dubbed Sound Agents, Stereo quickly gained momentum.
In addition to resurrecting Stereo, Jason and Chris continued to advance their personal careers. Jason landed the leading role on NBC's hit sitcom My Name is Earl, and Chris was beginning to establish himself as prominent figure in the contemporary art world, displaying his work at world-famous galleries all across the globe.
Jason and Chris released their third film, Way Out East, in ’04. Shot exclusively with 8mm and 16mm film, the video documented a three-week long road trip through London, New York and Paris. With the same jazzy feel and innovate approach to skateboarding as the first two Stereo releases, Way Out East was regarded by many as an instant classic.
Stereo parted ways with Giant Distribution in the summer of ’06 to pursue the independent route. The two partners wasted no time setting up shop and were fully operational within a matter of weeks.
Today’s Sound Agents are considered to be some of the most naturally gifted and innovative skateboarders on the scene. The internationally diverse team consisting of Clint Peterson, Danny Supa, Benny Fairfax, Raymond Molinar, Dyson Ramones, Ben Gore, John Lupfer, Josiah Gatlyn, and Tony Karr is a true skateboarding force to be reckoned with.
Amidst ongoing collaborations with well-respected lifestyle brands, the forthcoming release of the highly anticipated film and over 17 years of industry experience, Stereo continues to be an influential skateboard brand and is now on its way to be coming a lifestyle powerhouse.
Omar S A name that comes up quite often around Detroit heads, is a name you should get familiar with. Omar S has a unique style which he calls "psychedelic soul-funk tech-house dubs of the future" and gets plays from Similar producers from Theo Parrish to Kenny Dixon Jr. This particular track just did it for me. The vocals.... that deep warm feeling over simple Rhodes (Keys) screams emotion. Could this be about a loved one? Sometimes the most simple tracks are so hard to create. Experiences in our daily life can create such beautiful pain resulting in great music.
Check this article on Omar S from XLR8R Magazine (2004) which digs deeper into the mysterious man from Detroit.
This is one of my favorite tracks and If you like my taste in music you already know what your in for.
As son of the great Ramsey Lewis, Frayne Lewis likely learned a few things about jazz and R&B along the way. As one of the members of the Urban Knights projects, he also likely learned something about the fusion of smooth jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. On this, his debut album, he goes full force into smooth R&B. The music is deep in the traditions of '90s R&B, quiet storm tip.
Here's my latest podcast (American Culture Edition)
Culture Podcast 15
01. Erykah Badu – Window Seat 02. DJ Center ft. Samia Farah – Tout Passe 03. Jay Electronica – Exhibit C (Astronote Remix) 04. Ty & Kory – The Big Life 05. Sweet Sable – Old Times Sake 06. Erykah Badu – Fall In Love 07. Kanye West ft. Pall Wall – Drive Slow 08. Common – Next Time 09. Erykah Badu ft. Common – Love Of My Life (Shelltoes Remix) 10. The Roots vs. Dilla – Hall & Oates 11. Aloe Blacc – I Need A Dollar
download: here (right click / mac users *control click*)
The dynamic DJ and crew from Chile stir up an intoxicating mix of electronic, funk, hip-hop, Latin, and lounge on their stateside debut. Infectious beats are laced with bilingual lyrics and are sure to make a splash in American dance clubs. Led by DJ Bitman, the band has already won heavy airplay and video play for the clip "Tatita". Bitman & Roban's music was used in several prominent indie films ("Secuestro Express", "Yellow"), and they handled remixes for Grammy-nominated Latin-alternative act Babasonicos. BITMAN AND ROBAN - TATITA
Developing their own sound and twist on modern hip-hop, psychedelic and soul, the music of EWH reaches forward while referencing key points of music's past. Thick drums and percussion layered with synth lines, hints of the Fender Rhodes and nylon stringed guitars have your neck snapping while your ears crane to its soulful vocals.
While the EWH moniker is a fresh name on the scene this Wellington based production trio is no stranger to the music game. Each member of EWH brings a wealth of experience and skill to the table to create a future soul sound that fuses Marvin Gaye, Charles Mingus and Funkadelic with the likes of J-Dilla, PPP and Sa-Ra. Having already worked directly with some of their contemporary influences such as Om'Mas Keith (Sa-Ra) , Waajeed (Platinum Pied Pipers/Bling47) , Steve Spacek (Sound in Colour) and Recloose (Loop Recordings) the trio bring a unique perspective to their music.
Since forming in 2006 EWH have accrued a strong reputation for their live performance and have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with international artists Benji B and Steve Spacek, Alice Russel, Kid Koala and DJ Krush.
EWH’s fist vinyl 12” EP featuring the tracks ‘Perception’ and collab with Steve Spacek ‘Longtime’ has been released through Wonderful Noise Records Japan distributed by Jazzy Sport with another 7” and 12” in the pipeline.
Also keep an eye out for the debut self titled EP to be released through EWH’s own label ‘Every Waking Hour’ 9.9.09 in NZ!!!
His debut album, Bridge Over Troubled Waters was reissued in 2004 with bonus tracks as A Little Love, the track "A Little Love" also being chosen to promote London as part of Mayor Ken Livingstone’s "Totally London" campaign.
FYI: THAT'S NOT JIMMY LONDON. I JUST THOUGHT THE PHOTO WAS COOL
Rest In Peace James Brown - May 3, 1933 - December 25, 2006. The Godfather of soul has been laid to rest for 3 years today, yet his music lives on. Light up the la & put it in the air for JB.
This album hit really hard at Jazz Radio Stations and Discos from 1982 to 1986-1987 because of its superb fusion of Jazz-Funk-Soul with their huge Brazilian twists, making this one, one of those "Old and Forgotten Brazilian" albums that DJs in England and Japan dig so much, but because of whatever bizarre reason, they haven't found this one yet, and they're still missing out BIG TIME.
This great album's sounds, share the same Brazilian Jazz structures of the era; sounds like Azymuth, like Banda Black Rio, like Eumir Deodato like Jorge Ben (actually in my personal opinion I consider this album waaay better and funkier than Africa Brasil by Jorge Ben).
Lincoln was at that time a highly sought-after producer, keyboardist and arranger for pretty much everybody in Brasil, from MPB artists to Brazilian Jazz; some highlight names he worked with, include: Emilio Santiago, Gilberto Gil, Marina Lima and hundreds more; and this, his album in joint-venture with virtuoso Guitarist-Bassits Robson Jorge could not be any different; full of Funk, full of wonderful arrangements, full of multiple-recording (dubbing), full of Soul and plenty of immagination. ROBSON JORGE & LINCOLN OLIVETTINO - BOM SENTIDO
New Uptempo mixtape from DJ SmoovGroovs outta San Jose, he recently graduated SDSU and headed back up north to the bay. Check his new mix (link after the tracklisting)
Track Listing:
1. Lisa Shaw/Mercury/Nuspirit Helsinki – Trying [Butti 49 Nu Niveau Mix] 2. Samantha James – Living Without You 3. Linn – Available [Ramsus Faber Mix] 4. Tortured Soul – Home To You 5. Lisa Shaw – Grown Apart 6. Bembe Segue/Beme Segue/Capitol A/Mark de Clive-Love – Travelling 7. Colette – Didn’t Mean to Turn You On [Chuck Love Mute Force Mix] 8. Tortured Soul – Enjoy It Now 9. Jazzanova – Fat Freddy’s Drop/Flashback [Jazzanova Breathe Easy Mix] 10. Freddie Joachim – Flybirds 11. Fertile Ground – Live In the Light 12. Reel People – Butterflies 13. Miguel Migs – The Night 14. Lisa Shaw – Born to Fly 15. Jazzanova – Look What You’re Doin’ to Me ft. Phonte 16. Samantha James – Angel Love 17. Aya – Uptown 18. Amp Fiddler/Only Child – U Bring Me Vibes
