https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/b9644c48-4f9c-402a-a029-cfd9ebec171b
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0UNM7lwTlE39IavrhWMaU9
playlist:
1. makeuseofthetime - Knxwledge
2. Super Zodiac - The Comet Is Coming
3. AXXXL - Deantoni Parks
4. Circuits - Chris Potter, James Francies, Eric Harland
5. Fair Chance - Thundercat, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil B
6. do you - Knxwledge
7. RUNNING OUT OF TIME - Tyler, The Creator
8. Planet Earth - Cannonball Adderley
9. Salar - Tete Montliu Trio
10. Mary - Terry's Paradise
11. Hugs On The Beach - L.A. Takedown
12. Blooberg - Mammut
13. Body On The Tracks
14. Prefontaine - Dave Douglas, Uri Cane, Andrew Cyrille
15. Max Brown - Jeff Parker
16. Ascent - Miles Davis
Friday, April 3, 2020
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
#32 - Quarantine Edition #1
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/de38d755-4267-4ae6-a7cb-8caaaad10f4b
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2nBaX2sOPl1AUuBYI1m8TJ
playlist:
1. Hoe Down - Oliver Nelson
2. Marie Antoinette - Freddie Hubbard
3. Frelimo - Dizzy Gillespie
4. Evidence - Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane
5. Know Wonder - Mulgrew Miller
6. Boogielastic - Joshua Redman
7. Cyroette - Amendola vs. Blades
8. Sister Fania - Hugh Masekela
9. U Say - Goldlink, Tyler, The Creator, Jay Prince
10. Soul Decay - Roots Manuva
11. Reflections - Mystik Journeymen
12. Got You - Nappy Nina, Blake Spvde
13. Jah Glory - Alpha Blondy, The Natty Rebels
14. Roll With The Punches - Patrice Rushen
15. The Game Maker - Return To Forever
16. Quimbara - Angelique Kidjo
17. Midnight - Khruangbin, Leon Bridges
18. Black Lipstick - Chicano Batman
19. (Nothing But) Flowers - Talking Heads
20. Na Sane - Noura Mint Seymali
21. sambala - Setona
22. Samra Oya - Salamat
23. Lucille - Waylon Jennings
24. Hometown Hero - All The Real Girls
25. Ready 2 Grow - Whiskey Class
26. Never Will I Marry - Kate Dinsmore
27. Moon Coin - Unwed Sailor
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2nBaX2sOPl1AUuBYI1m8TJ
playlist:
1. Hoe Down - Oliver Nelson
2. Marie Antoinette - Freddie Hubbard
3. Frelimo - Dizzy Gillespie
4. Evidence - Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane
5. Know Wonder - Mulgrew Miller
6. Boogielastic - Joshua Redman
7. Cyroette - Amendola vs. Blades
8. Sister Fania - Hugh Masekela
9. U Say - Goldlink, Tyler, The Creator, Jay Prince
10. Soul Decay - Roots Manuva
11. Reflections - Mystik Journeymen
12. Got You - Nappy Nina, Blake Spvde
13. Jah Glory - Alpha Blondy, The Natty Rebels
14. Roll With The Punches - Patrice Rushen
15. The Game Maker - Return To Forever
16. Quimbara - Angelique Kidjo
17. Midnight - Khruangbin, Leon Bridges
18. Black Lipstick - Chicano Batman
19. (Nothing But) Flowers - Talking Heads
20. Na Sane - Noura Mint Seymali
21. sambala - Setona
22. Samra Oya - Salamat
23. Lucille - Waylon Jennings
24. Hometown Hero - All The Real Girls
25. Ready 2 Grow - Whiskey Class
26. Never Will I Marry - Kate Dinsmore
27. Moon Coin - Unwed Sailor
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
2019
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/98875dd7-e64d-4971-83b4-2450793d6817
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2JM2JLTKo4BZyJrJHu4ntU
Here is my list of favorite releases from 2019. There was surely more music that I enjoyed this year, but I limited the list to 15 tracks to match the format of this blog. Some of these selections represent full albums while some favorites are just the single tracks. One of the musical techniques that I am most drawn to is the use of repetition, which is a prevalent feature in many of the songs chosen for this list.
1. I Know You See Me - Kassa Overall, J Hoard, Melanie Charles
Kassa Overall is a drummer/MC/songwriter/producer/artist from Seattle and based in NYC. He is one of my favorite drummers. He brings a potent, genuine style to his playing. This track is one of his first releases after being signed to Gilles Peterson's label Brownswood Recordings. It incorporates his drumming, MC, and production skills to create a flowing, collage-like sound.
2. Goat Head - Brittany Howard
Brittany Howard's solo release "Jaime" was one of my favorite albums of the year. This track in particular drew me, first because of the sample-like instrumental looping that starts the song. It features the impenetrable drumming of Nate Smith under a sparse keyboard line. Howard then enters with heavy lyrics about the intolerance that she and her family faced growing up in Alabama with a white mom and black dad and the identities that people try to force on her for being mixed. The lyrical delivery switches between repeating phrases, holding on one note, and an almost spoken word approach. This switching up of delivery creates a conversational vibe. It also helps convey the emotions of the story.
3. GIOVANNI - Jamila Woods
LEGACY!LEGACY! by Jamila Woods was another of my favorite albums of the year. The dense, drum heavy instrumentals on this album complement Jamila's smooth, soprano voice. Although her voice has that quality, the lyrics are powerful and assertive.
4. Basement Jack - Steve Lacy
Steve Lacy is the guitar player for the band The Internet. Lacy's songwriting on Apollo XXI is skillfully simple and has a similarly playful quality to that of the The Internet but is a little more airy.
5. Babouche - Jidenna, Goldlink
I like this song because it slaps. The beat accomplishes a deep groove using just a snare, hi hat, and sub kick. Everything else on the beat is color. Additionally the koto sample reminds me of a sample approach that I have used in the past, but this song does it better. Jidenna's flow fits right into the pocket. Goldlink's delivery sounds kind of like Kendrick on this track, but it fits well.
6. Statute of Limitations - 2 Chainz
Rap Or Go To The League is one of the albums I listened to the most this year. I like that 2 Chainz is one of the older rappers who is still current and collaborating with younger artists. His flow is simple and he expresses a lot with a little.
7. Fire Is Coming (feat. David Lynch) - Flying Lotus
The newest Flying Lotus album, Flamagra, features dense chords over bouncy funk grooves. Thundercat is a prominent feature throughout. The first half of the track "Fire Is Coming", is just David Lynch telling a feverish, Lynchian story accompanied by sound effects. At the end of the story the beat comes in HEAVY.
8. Thinking (Live Sesh) - Louis Cole
In 2012 I saw Austin Peralta play at the Del Monte Speakeasy in Venice, CA. It was the first time I had seen or heard of Louis Cole, who was playing drums that night. I talked to him after the show and asked him what other gigs he plays. He said he didn't really play out that much. Now he's one the most well known modern instrumentalists within the jazz/funk world, playing with and writing songs for Thundercat, leading the electro-funk band Knower, being featured on the Snarky Puppy family dinner video series, etc. Recently he has been arranging his songs for a large ensemble. The orchestration of his funk songs, like this one, are fat, funky, and feel good.
9. Stop The Tape - Emmavie
I found out about Emmavie from the Fresh Selects Bandcamp page. Her album Honeymoon from this year is soulful and groovy, using largely electronic instrumentals. The electronic sound gives the songs a vaguely retro feel but the album still sounds fresh. I have been having fun playing along to this track, with it's groove switching between an almost DnB style, a slow RnB vibe, and a 3 over 4 polyrhythmic vamp.
10. Tarhatazed - Mdou Moctar
I had the privilege of opening for Mdou Moctar in 2018 with the band Beyond Captain Orca. His band rocks out hard over Saharan rhythms. Moctar is heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix. His album from this year, Ilana (The Creator), is heady and beautiful. The band really goes for it on this song and Moctar lets loose on guitar.
11. Highwomen - The Highwomen
This group took a good, classic country song and made it really good. The original song featuring Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, told the fictional stories of adventurers and laborers who died during their work, but whose spirits live on. Highwomen, sung by Brandi Carlisle, Natalie Hemby, Yola, Amanda Shires, and Maren Morris, uses the same format but tells the stories of women throughout history who were killed for defying the roles that their societies imposed on them. I get the chills every time I listen to it. Although I love the original tune, this update is a lot more meaningful.
12. Can't Believe The Way We Flow - James Blake
Assume Form, by James Blake was another one of my favorite albums this year. The murky, moody production and reverb-heavy vocals create a uniquely beautiful statement. Blake's music can't really be categorized. He incorporates techniques from different musical traditions, but the end product is his own.
13. Not - Big Thief
The beauty of this song is that it never resolves lyrically or musically. When you think the song may be about to resolve, it just keeps building, creating more tension.
14. Due West - Kelsey Lu
Due West is a beautiful pop song about leaving to pursue one's dreams. The lyrics on the chorus fall across the bar line pushing the song forward.
15. Bass Attack Bap - Georgia Anne Muldrow
Georgia Anne Muldrow is one of my favorite producers of all time. She has one of the dopest feels and her arrangements are always new and interesting. She has a style rooted in old school, 90's neo-soul and hip hop but it always feels fresh as well. This track combines a fat bass line with an expansive piano chord vamp and slapping drums.
bonus:
16. Trail Mix - Terrace Martin, Buddy, Rose Gold
Terrace Martin is one of my favorite artists. Known for producing Kendrick's To Pimp A Butterfly album, he also plays alto saxophone and vocoder with Herbie Hancock and is producing Hancock's next album. In addition to those big projects, he has been releasing soul music side projects and collaborations for the past few years. Highlights include "Velvet Portraits" and "The Pollyseeds". This year he has been releasing a string of singles including this one. It's a simple song that creates a vibe more than anything else. Terrace is great at creating vibes.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2JM2JLTKo4BZyJrJHu4ntU
Here is my list of favorite releases from 2019. There was surely more music that I enjoyed this year, but I limited the list to 15 tracks to match the format of this blog. Some of these selections represent full albums while some favorites are just the single tracks. One of the musical techniques that I am most drawn to is the use of repetition, which is a prevalent feature in many of the songs chosen for this list.
1. I Know You See Me - Kassa Overall, J Hoard, Melanie Charles
Kassa Overall is a drummer/MC/songwriter/producer/artist from Seattle and based in NYC. He is one of my favorite drummers. He brings a potent, genuine style to his playing. This track is one of his first releases after being signed to Gilles Peterson's label Brownswood Recordings. It incorporates his drumming, MC, and production skills to create a flowing, collage-like sound.
2. Goat Head - Brittany Howard
Brittany Howard's solo release "Jaime" was one of my favorite albums of the year. This track in particular drew me, first because of the sample-like instrumental looping that starts the song. It features the impenetrable drumming of Nate Smith under a sparse keyboard line. Howard then enters with heavy lyrics about the intolerance that she and her family faced growing up in Alabama with a white mom and black dad and the identities that people try to force on her for being mixed. The lyrical delivery switches between repeating phrases, holding on one note, and an almost spoken word approach. This switching up of delivery creates a conversational vibe. It also helps convey the emotions of the story.
3. GIOVANNI - Jamila Woods
LEGACY!LEGACY! by Jamila Woods was another of my favorite albums of the year. The dense, drum heavy instrumentals on this album complement Jamila's smooth, soprano voice. Although her voice has that quality, the lyrics are powerful and assertive.
4. Basement Jack - Steve Lacy
Steve Lacy is the guitar player for the band The Internet. Lacy's songwriting on Apollo XXI is skillfully simple and has a similarly playful quality to that of the The Internet but is a little more airy.
5. Babouche - Jidenna, Goldlink
I like this song because it slaps. The beat accomplishes a deep groove using just a snare, hi hat, and sub kick. Everything else on the beat is color. Additionally the koto sample reminds me of a sample approach that I have used in the past, but this song does it better. Jidenna's flow fits right into the pocket. Goldlink's delivery sounds kind of like Kendrick on this track, but it fits well.
6. Statute of Limitations - 2 Chainz
Rap Or Go To The League is one of the albums I listened to the most this year. I like that 2 Chainz is one of the older rappers who is still current and collaborating with younger artists. His flow is simple and he expresses a lot with a little.
7. Fire Is Coming (feat. David Lynch) - Flying Lotus
The newest Flying Lotus album, Flamagra, features dense chords over bouncy funk grooves. Thundercat is a prominent feature throughout. The first half of the track "Fire Is Coming", is just David Lynch telling a feverish, Lynchian story accompanied by sound effects. At the end of the story the beat comes in HEAVY.
8. Thinking (Live Sesh) - Louis Cole
In 2012 I saw Austin Peralta play at the Del Monte Speakeasy in Venice, CA. It was the first time I had seen or heard of Louis Cole, who was playing drums that night. I talked to him after the show and asked him what other gigs he plays. He said he didn't really play out that much. Now he's one the most well known modern instrumentalists within the jazz/funk world, playing with and writing songs for Thundercat, leading the electro-funk band Knower, being featured on the Snarky Puppy family dinner video series, etc. Recently he has been arranging his songs for a large ensemble. The orchestration of his funk songs, like this one, are fat, funky, and feel good.
9. Stop The Tape - Emmavie
I found out about Emmavie from the Fresh Selects Bandcamp page. Her album Honeymoon from this year is soulful and groovy, using largely electronic instrumentals. The electronic sound gives the songs a vaguely retro feel but the album still sounds fresh. I have been having fun playing along to this track, with it's groove switching between an almost DnB style, a slow RnB vibe, and a 3 over 4 polyrhythmic vamp.
10. Tarhatazed - Mdou Moctar
I had the privilege of opening for Mdou Moctar in 2018 with the band Beyond Captain Orca. His band rocks out hard over Saharan rhythms. Moctar is heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix. His album from this year, Ilana (The Creator), is heady and beautiful. The band really goes for it on this song and Moctar lets loose on guitar.
11. Highwomen - The Highwomen
This group took a good, classic country song and made it really good. The original song featuring Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, told the fictional stories of adventurers and laborers who died during their work, but whose spirits live on. Highwomen, sung by Brandi Carlisle, Natalie Hemby, Yola, Amanda Shires, and Maren Morris, uses the same format but tells the stories of women throughout history who were killed for defying the roles that their societies imposed on them. I get the chills every time I listen to it. Although I love the original tune, this update is a lot more meaningful.
12. Can't Believe The Way We Flow - James Blake
Assume Form, by James Blake was another one of my favorite albums this year. The murky, moody production and reverb-heavy vocals create a uniquely beautiful statement. Blake's music can't really be categorized. He incorporates techniques from different musical traditions, but the end product is his own.
13. Not - Big Thief
The beauty of this song is that it never resolves lyrically or musically. When you think the song may be about to resolve, it just keeps building, creating more tension.
14. Due West - Kelsey Lu
Due West is a beautiful pop song about leaving to pursue one's dreams. The lyrics on the chorus fall across the bar line pushing the song forward.
15. Bass Attack Bap - Georgia Anne Muldrow
Georgia Anne Muldrow is one of my favorite producers of all time. She has one of the dopest feels and her arrangements are always new and interesting. She has a style rooted in old school, 90's neo-soul and hip hop but it always feels fresh as well. This track combines a fat bass line with an expansive piano chord vamp and slapping drums.
bonus:
16. Trail Mix - Terrace Martin, Buddy, Rose Gold
Terrace Martin is one of my favorite artists. Known for producing Kendrick's To Pimp A Butterfly album, he also plays alto saxophone and vocoder with Herbie Hancock and is producing Hancock's next album. In addition to those big projects, he has been releasing soul music side projects and collaborations for the past few years. Highlights include "Velvet Portraits" and "The Pollyseeds". This year he has been releasing a string of singles including this one. It's a simple song that creates a vibe more than anything else. Terrace is great at creating vibes.
Thursday, December 26, 2019
30
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/3c03bc1d-e941-404c-b5ab-da177a12bdc8
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/55xBbGPqvFIMFmfeQJWboq
playlist:
1. Acceptance - MAE.SUN
2. Calm Like A Bomb - Rage Against The Machine
3. Kids in '99 - Death Cab For Cutie
4. Day In Day Out - Noel Brass Jr.
5. Manic Monday - The Bangles
6. Skeleton Painting - Avi Buffalo
7. Hotline Bling - Quantic, Los Miticos del Ritmo
8. I Know You See Me - Kassa Overall, J Hoard, Melanie Charles
9. III - Maxwell
10. Julian's Dream (ode to a bad) [feat. The Shogun Shot] - Shabazz Palaces
11. Magic Spells - Crystal Castles
12. Texas Sun - Khruangbin, Leon Bridges
13. Diamond Cutters - Roc Marciano, Black Thought
14. The Deuce - Terrace Martin, The Martin Family Trio
15. Dance The Night Away With You - Dr. John
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/55xBbGPqvFIMFmfeQJWboq
playlist:
1. Acceptance - MAE.SUN
2. Calm Like A Bomb - Rage Against The Machine
3. Kids in '99 - Death Cab For Cutie
4. Day In Day Out - Noel Brass Jr.
5. Manic Monday - The Bangles
6. Skeleton Painting - Avi Buffalo
7. Hotline Bling - Quantic, Los Miticos del Ritmo
8. I Know You See Me - Kassa Overall, J Hoard, Melanie Charles
9. III - Maxwell
10. Julian's Dream (ode to a bad) [feat. The Shogun Shot] - Shabazz Palaces
11. Magic Spells - Crystal Castles
12. Texas Sun - Khruangbin, Leon Bridges
13. Diamond Cutters - Roc Marciano, Black Thought
14. The Deuce - Terrace Martin, The Martin Family Trio
15. Dance The Night Away With You - Dr. John
Sunday, November 10, 2019
#29
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/6d864805-5dc4-4c33-9936-f585f3ecb8ba
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3joVpGSi2Qh1CUwWVfwLHT
playlist:
1. Delta Lady - Leon Russell
2. Around The World In A Day - Prince
3. NVR - Select Level
4. Trail Mix - Terrace Martin, Buddy, Rose Gold
5. Dusted 'N' Disgusted - E-40, 2pac, Mac Mall, Spice 1
6. Blizzard (Gusty Winds Graceful Mix) - Damu The Fudgemunk, & Roc Marciano
7. Basement Jack - Steve Lacy
8. Hang On To Your Love - Sade
9. Disco Bhangra - Prakash Band
10. Little Japan - Los Lobos
11. Today - Talk Talk
12. The Calvary Cross - Richard Thompson, Linda Thompson
13. She Moved Through The Fair - Van Morrison, The Chieftains
14. Carrickfergus - Van Morrison, The Chieftains
15. The Swimming Song - Loudon Wainwright, III
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3joVpGSi2Qh1CUwWVfwLHT
playlist:
1. Delta Lady - Leon Russell
2. Around The World In A Day - Prince
3. NVR - Select Level
4. Trail Mix - Terrace Martin, Buddy, Rose Gold
5. Dusted 'N' Disgusted - E-40, 2pac, Mac Mall, Spice 1
6. Blizzard (Gusty Winds Graceful Mix) - Damu The Fudgemunk, & Roc Marciano
7. Basement Jack - Steve Lacy
8. Hang On To Your Love - Sade
9. Disco Bhangra - Prakash Band
10. Little Japan - Los Lobos
11. Today - Talk Talk
12. The Calvary Cross - Richard Thompson, Linda Thompson
13. She Moved Through The Fair - Van Morrison, The Chieftains
14. Carrickfergus - Van Morrison, The Chieftains
15. The Swimming Song - Loudon Wainwright, III
Monday, October 21, 2019
#28
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/d6961963-09d3-4105-84af-1d2020066202
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0LQbzJmTHxgSJSjlbtJxLS
playlist:
1. Salvages - The Bad Plus
2. Goat Head - Brittany Howard
3. Stand By Me - Ry Cooder
4. Tenderness On The Block - Warren Zevon
5. Temporarily Blind - Built To Spill
6. Harvest Moon - Neil Young
7. Oshún - Daymé Arocena
8. As Your Are - Taylor Mcferrin, Elena Pinderhughes
9. Atlantic Black - Makaya McCraven
10. Slyish (Running Away Cover) - DJ Harrison
11. Be Nice - Thees Handz, Murs, The Grouch
12. Get Nice - Dex Amora
13. Dolphy - Crystal Beth
14. Nerve - Anna Wise
15. In Case You Forgot - Robert Glasper
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0LQbzJmTHxgSJSjlbtJxLS
playlist:
1. Salvages - The Bad Plus
2. Goat Head - Brittany Howard
3. Stand By Me - Ry Cooder
4. Tenderness On The Block - Warren Zevon
5. Temporarily Blind - Built To Spill
6. Harvest Moon - Neil Young
7. Oshún - Daymé Arocena
8. As Your Are - Taylor Mcferrin, Elena Pinderhughes
9. Atlantic Black - Makaya McCraven
10. Slyish (Running Away Cover) - DJ Harrison
11. Be Nice - Thees Handz, Murs, The Grouch
12. Get Nice - Dex Amora
13. Dolphy - Crystal Beth
14. Nerve - Anna Wise
15. In Case You Forgot - Robert Glasper
Sunday, October 13, 2019
#27
https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/ce0a43a8-d9f6-4286-817b-e3629ec1193e
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6RkowujyVUT8MJvBhMI5cj
playlist:
1. Wanna Be A Baller - Lil' Troy
2. BlkSknn - Control
3. Days Of Our Lives - G Perico
4. Thinking(Live Sesh) - Louis Cole
5. Superstar - Fat Pat
6. Friends We Know - Fat Pat
7. Best Life - Danny Brown
8. I'm Feeling Love - Raphael Saadiq
9. One Blood, One Cuzz - Snoop Dogg, BattleCat
10. Burning Up - The James Blood Ulmer Blues Experience
11. Boo'd Up - Ella Mai
12. All I Own - Terrace Martin
13. Stained Glass Fresh Frozen - Julien Dyne, Mara Tk
14. Every Tub - Count Basie
15. A Long Time Ago - Yusef Lateef
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6RkowujyVUT8MJvBhMI5cj
playlist:
1. Wanna Be A Baller - Lil' Troy
2. BlkSknn - Control
3. Days Of Our Lives - G Perico
4. Thinking(Live Sesh) - Louis Cole
5. Superstar - Fat Pat
6. Friends We Know - Fat Pat
7. Best Life - Danny Brown
8. I'm Feeling Love - Raphael Saadiq
9. One Blood, One Cuzz - Snoop Dogg, BattleCat
10. Burning Up - The James Blood Ulmer Blues Experience
11. Boo'd Up - Ella Mai
12. All I Own - Terrace Martin
13. Stained Glass Fresh Frozen - Julien Dyne, Mara Tk
14. Every Tub - Count Basie
15. A Long Time Ago - Yusef Lateef
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