With the current heatwave hitting the bay area this week, I thought I would keep things tropical with a funky Latin jazz gem in "Ojai" from saxophonist Joe Lutcher & His Orchestra. This track was recorded around the late forties/ early fifties and released as a 45RPM single by Jazzman Records as a part of the Jukebox Jam Series. A great new reissue that is definitely worth snatching up. Enjoy!
Just as the days begin to be longer and the weather starts to warm up, Soundway has released the perfect compilation to compliment the beginnings of spring with the release of Cartagena! which pays tribute to Curro Fuentes and "The Big Band Cumbia and Descarga Sound of Colombia" during the sixties and early seventies. Very remeniscent of other great Latin Soundway compilations like Panama!, "Palengue Palengue!", and " Tumbele!", Cartagena! is solid from start to finish featuring a collection of extremely rare Latin gems that could easily cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars if you tried to collect the originals separately. The compilation is easily one of the best releases so far this year, therefore I highly recommend snatching up a copy. Is summer here yet?!?!
Shortly after we have lost one the greatest disco singers in Loleatta Holloway, we have now unfortunately lost another great artist in Kurt Hauenstein. Kurt, who passed away on March 20th due to a cardiac disease, founded the Austrian band Supermax, who throughout the late seventies put out some of the best cosmic disco records that have ever been released. Some of amazing cosmic gems written by the group included "Lovemachine", "Musicexpress", "Dance, Dance, Dance", "Push Push (Sexy Chocolate Girl)", "Don't Stop The Music", "Fly With Me", "It Ain't Easy" and many others. On top of working with his band Supermax, Kurt also helped write and produce Bamboo's superb 1979 self-titled album, which included the classic disco cut "Spaceship Crashing". When it comes to seventies era cosmic disco, nobody did it better or was more influential than Kurt Hauenstein. He will surely be missed.
Here is the afro funk gem "Kelen Ati Len" by the Senegalese group Orchestre Du Bawobab. This track was originally released on the group's hard-to-find 1977 album Ndeleng Ndeleng. The track was more recently included on a 45rpm single released back in 2005 by Soundway Records. Overall, a superb does of heavy-hitting Afro funk. Enjoy!
Here is another amazing cosmic gem from Eko's (aka Eko Roosevelt Louis) much hard-to-find album Kilimandjaro My Home. This funky track, titled "Manyaka", tends to fall slightly under the radar due to the high praise the title track to the mid-seventies album generally receives (SEE Kilimandjaro My Home). That being said, "Manyaka" certainly stands on it's own, blending together Eko's electric piano-driven jazz grooves with funky Afro-cosmic rhythmns. Even though there is no deny the brilliance of the album's title track, "Manyaka" is an amazing gem that deserves the some worthy praise. Enjoy!
One of my favorite releases of last year was Space Ranger's cosmic disco twelve-inch single "Nightmoves". This futuristic nu disco gem was one of the many solid singles this German group, which is made up of Felix Stecher , Florian Pflueger , Severino Spadavecchia, released during this past year in preparation for their upcoming debut full-length effort off of the Madrid-based label Lovemonk, which will come out later this year. The song has a nice dancefloor friendly groove supplied with some superb vocals from Captain K that at times is very reminiscent of an early DFA records-sounding track (and that's a good thing). The single features solid remixes by both Blacklodge and Pional, as well as an instrumental and acapella version of the track. On a side note, you have to also love the record sleeves artwork, which portrays a life size image of an astronauts head. With all of that being said, Space Ranger rounded out what turned out to be a very busy year, with a well produced cosmic dancefloor gem.
Many of you have probably already heard the sad news that legendary disco singer Loleatta Holloway passed away last night (3/21) due to a brief illness, according to her manager. The singer, who was 64, was one of the most accomplished disco vocalist during the seventies releasing a number of disco classics on Salsoul Records, which included "Dreamin'", "Catch Me On The Rebound", "Cry To Me", "Runaway", "We're Getting Stronger", "Love Sensation", "The Greatest Performance Of My Life", "Hit and Run" and many countless others. Personally, she is probably my favorite female vocalist and in my opinion, will always be the voice of Salsoul. It's truly hard to find a female vocalist and an artist in general that released as many amazing classics during disco's golden age. I think it's safe to say that last night, disco sadly lost one of it's greatest artists. Thankfully, while she lived on this earth, she provided us with beautifully timeless music that will forever grace generations of listeners. There is no doubt that the late great Loleatta Holloway will surely forever be missed.
Here is the funky spiritual jazz gem "Shakey Jake" by Joe McPhee. This amazing track was included on McPhee's very rare album Nation Time, which was released back in 1971 off of CjRecord Productions. I pretty much fell in love with this track from the first time I heard it. A great track for this that tend to enjoy the more funkier side of spiritual jazz. Enjoy!
I'm very excited because the San Francisco weekly party No Way Back will tonight feature a special guest deejay set from Norwegian re-edit king Todd Terje. Over the past decade, Todd Terje has become a "nu disco" pioneer, releasing a number of notable re-edits, remixes, and original works. As of very recent, he has been releasing a string of superbly clever re-edits of tracks like Canned Heat's "On The Road Again", Stevie Wonder's "All I Do", Chic's "I Want Your Love", and Guns N' Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle" to name just a few, often under aliases Wade Nichols and/or Tangoterje. This will be the first time that I will see him deejay, and from what I've heard from others, he certainly won't disappoint. This event, due to an anticipated large showing, will be held at SOM Bar (2925 16th Street). Overall, tonight's No Way Back party should be a great way to start the weekend!
Here is the funky 1981 boogie classic "Evening of Love" by The Main Ingredient. This track was included on the group's early eighties album I Only Have Eyes For You, which features lead vocals by Cuba Gooding. Unlike many of the other albums by this group, I don't come across this record quite that often. Regardless, I can't seem to get enough of what I find to be the LP's best track in "Evening of Love". A true gem!
With Detroit guitar legend Dennis Coffey guest appearing tonight along side The Adrian Younge Sound Orchestra at Waxpoetics Records SXSW Showcase, I thought it would be appropriate to feature a track off of Coffey's upcoming new self-titled album in "Don't Knock My Love PT.1". The track is a cover of Wilson Pickett's psych-soul jam from the early seventies and features Fanny Franklin from Southern California's funk outfit Orgone. The album, which will be released on April 25th off of Strut Records, will include both original compositions and new interpretations of tracks he originally first appeared on back in the day like Pickett's "Don't Knock My Love", The Parliaments' "All Your Goodies Are Gone", and Funkadelic’s "I Bet You". Coffey has enlisted a number of special guests on this record besides Franklin, which include Kings Go Forth, Mayer Hawthorne and many others. Outside of tonight's special guest performance, the guitarist will play twice this Saturday (Check www.denniscoffeysite.com/ for more details). Overall, it's nice to see this guitar legend performing and recording once again. Enjoy!
Here is one of the funkiest tracks I have ever heard in Sarah Webster Fabio's 1976 spoken-word gem "Sweet Songs". This funky cut was featured on the poet's incredible album Jujus/Alchemy Of The Blues, which brilliantly brings together forward-thinking poetry and funky rhythms, much in the same way as Gil Scott-Heron's classic spoken-word gem "Revolution Will Not Be Televised", in producing an amazing album that is heavy on message and groove. The impressive backing music to the record was written and recorded by many members of Sarah's family. The original pressing of this record has been known for costing up to a few thousand dollars, however Folkways Records which originally released the album, has recently released a reissue of the record. The superb German label Tramp Records has also released a 7" record that features two of the albums most impressive tracks in "Sweet Songs" and the instrumental version of the title track "Jujus/Alchemy Of The Blues". I highly recommend picking up any of these reissued releases, as they probably won't last a long time on record shelves. Overall, it's nice to see one of the funkiest albums ever recorded available again for all the masses to hear. Enjoy!
I was very excited to learn that later this month, BBE Records will be releasing the second volume of Al Kent's compilation series Disco Love. Much like the first release, which came out last year, the man behind those amazing Million Dollar Disco edits has once again dug deep into his vinyl collection and put together a well-crafted compilation full of an impressive selection of funky disco and soul gems. The compilation compiles both original disco rarities, as well as new unissued re-edits by Mr.Kent himself. The compilation will be released March 29th and it's probably safe to say that it won't last long on record shelves, therefore once it's released, I recommend people snatching this one up quickly. Here is a little taste from Disco Love 2 in Aged In Harmony's very rare disco cut "I Feel Like Dancin'. Enjoy!
In mid April, Strut Records will be releasing the first studio album by the legendary Afro funk band Orchestre Poly-Rythmo in over 20 years. This exciting new album titled Cotonou Club, will feature both new versions of the group's classic songs like "Gbeti Madjro", as well as new compositions. This new recording features five original members from the very first sixties incarnation, as well two members from the seventies line-up and three new members to help round out the group. The band, which has recently gained a lot of attention due to the more recent releases put out by Soundway and Analog Africa highlighting the group's Afro funk classics, plans on touring worldwide later on this Spring. It's very exciting to see a group that has helped influence other legendary artists like Manu Dibango, Gnonnas Pedro, Bembeya Jazz, as well as African music itself, has decided to come together and release a new album. Here is one of the many great tracks from the upcoming album in "Pardon". Enjoy!
Here is a funky Afro-flavored jazz gem that I've really been getting into lately in Ode to Ethiopia by The John Betsch Society. This funky spiritual gem was featured on the 1974 album Earth Blossom, which was released by the legendary jazz label Strata-East. The group is nicely led on this record by jazz drummer and percussionist John Betsch, who is accompanied on this album by Ed "Lump" Williams (Bass), Phil Royster (Congas, Percussion), Billy Puett (Flute, Saxophone), Jim Bridges (Guitar), and Bob Holmes (Piano, Electric Piano, Percussion). Overall another superb track and album from the vaults of Strata-East's impressive catalogue of brilliant releases. Enjoy!
Over the past decade Gerardo Frisina has been releasing a number of great funky crossover jazz records off of Schema Records which have included albums like Hi Note (2003), The Latin Kick (2005), and more recently Join The Dance. His releases, which are mostly produced and arranged by Frisina, generally include a wide host of new-school jazz musicians, many from Europe, and tend to appeal to both jazz lovers and the dancefloor. Frisina nicely blends Afro-Latin jazz rhythms with modern day electronic-style production techniques and effects. Overall, it's probably safe to say that Gerardo Frisina is quickly becoming one of the most innovative and leading jazz producers of the 21st Century. Enjoy The Dance!
Some of Webster Lewis' earliest work can be found on a live recording release titled Webster Lewis In Norway: The Club7 Live Tapes. This collection of live recordings came when the keyboardist and his short-lived group at the time, The Post-Pop, Space Rock, Be-Bop, Gospel Tabernackle Chorus and Orchestra BABY!, performed a couple of dates in Norway during the summer of 1971. This nicely recorded live album marks the only material this group released during their very short existence as a group. The entire record has a very funky spaced-out groove throughout, which is led by the electric piano and organ playing of Lewis. The album definitely sounds like something that would have been released off of Strat-East or Black Jazz Records. Other musicians include Bobby Greene on alto and Stan Strickland on tenor, along with the deep soulful vocals sung by Judd Watkins. Overall, the album is a nice look into the early days of Webster Lewis, who went on to release a number of funky soul jazz records. Enjoy!
SFJAZZ opens their 2011 Spring Season tonight with Hugh Masekela, an artist I have been wanting to see live for quite sometime. With his signature sound of blending together both funky African rhythms alongside his superb flugelhorn solos, Masekela became one of the first jazz artists to every grab my attention. Over the past 40+ years, the South African musician has released a number of great songs including "Grazing in the Grass", "Stimela (Coaltrain)", "Ashiko", "Do't Go Lose it Baby", "Jungle Jim", and many others. Some of my favorite albums by Masekela came during the mid-seventies when he released I Am Not Afraid (1974) and The Boy's Doin' It (1975), as well as when he collaborated in 1973 with the Hedzoleh Soundz to release the funky Afro jazz record Masekela Introducing Hedzoleh Soundz. Overall, Masekela has had a huge influence on both African and jazz music, and I am very excited that I will finally have the opportunity to see this legend perform this evening.
With Grow Up being tonight, I thought I would feature a feel-good boogie gem in Bionic Boogie's "Hot Butterfly". This track was the title track off the group's 1978 album, which was entirely written and produced by Gregg Diamond. The lead vocals on the track were sung by none other than R&B/Soul legend Luther Vandross. This was slightly before Luther had gone out on his own and released his own solo work. Even though I find that this late seventies album was mostly known for the disco classic "Chains", I tend to prefer the funky soulful cut "Hot Butterfly". Enjoy!
This Thursday (TONIGHT), Grow Up is on the move, throwing a "one-off" party at The Milk Bar (1840 Haight Street, between Shrader/ Stanyan). This special event will feature Grow Up residents Hotthobo, Fenstar, and myself (Pat Les Stache), alongside special guests Cool Chris (Owner of the legendary record store Groove Merchant) and San Francisco cosmic-rockers Jonas Reinhardt, who will be putting on a special deejay set. With a superb line-up, this will surely be one party you don't want to miss. I look forward to seeing everyone as Grow Up invades The Milk Bar for a great night of disco, boogie, italo, and what every else we can come up with!
Here is another one of my favorite tracks by Kurt Hauenstein's cosmic disco group Supermax in "Push, Push (Sexy Chocolate Girl)". This track was featured on the band's 1978 self-titled album, which features a number of other great tracks including "Dance, Dance, Dance", "Watch Out South Africa, Here We Come", and "Don't Stop The Music" to name just a few. The track "Push, Push (Sexy Chocolate Girl)" is a funky mid-tempo cosmic gem that has plenty of erotic undertones. Overall it's just one of the many great songs written by this classic cosmic group. Enjoy!
