Thursday, January 31, 2013

Orchestre Laye Thiam : Kokorico

Taken from the self-titled album "Orchestre Laye Thiam" superb music from Senegal, the band is related to the Star Band de Dakar and friends of Youssou N'Dour.

Fela Kuti : Sorrow, Tears & Blood (Mr Mendel edit)

Released in 1977 "Sorrow Tears and Blood" was the first of Fela’s self released albums on his own Kalakuta Records, after being dropped by his label following the raid on his commune. Of course he was forced to go to court to get these masters returned, and was eventually successful. Whilst it’s easy to attribute the sentiments expressed in this piece to the violence Fela and his authorities experienced at the hands of the military and government, the tune was inspired by the 1976 Soweto uprising in South Africa in which students rioted against the forced teaching of Afrikaans. It’s Fela’s Ohio, and it’s easy to see how the events in south Africa appealed to his own struggle against authorities. They leave sorrow tears and blood, their regular trademark he offers on a much moodier, more subdued mid-tempo piece that is laden with enough emotion to be one his best works.

Charles Bradley : Strictly Reserved For You

From the upcoming album, Victim of Love. Out in April 2nd, 2013 on Dunham/Daptone Records.
In 1996, Bradley's mother called him and asked him to move back in with her in Brooklyn so she could get to know him. It was there he began making a living moonlighting as a James Brown impersonator in local clubs under the name "Black Velvet." During this time, Bradley experienced more hard times, including almost dying in a hospital after being given penicillin (to which he has an allergy) and waking to the police arriving to the scene of his brother's murder just down the road from his mother's house. While performing as "Black Velvet," he was eventually discovered by Gabriel Roth, co-founder of Daptone Records. Roth introduced Bradley to Daptone artist Tom Brennek, who invited Bradley to his band's rehearsal. Bradley asked that the band simply perform while he made up lyrics on the spot. After writing several songs, with Daptone releasing some of them on vinyl starting in 2002, ten were chosen and released as Bradley's debut album "No Time For Dreaming" in 2011.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Banbarra : Shack Up

If this one doesn't get you moving, than I don't know...
The original was recorded by Washington DC funk band Banbarra in 1975 and remains obscure like the band itself. The only thing we know is the band consisted of Joseph Anthony Carter and Moe Daniels and that's about it. The track is the only released by the band and got a lot of play in Northern Soul clubs at the time. The track's got monster basslines, funky hooks that are totally South Bronx, and a heavily percussive sound that will take you to the bank ! A classic !

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Wganda Kenya : Bayesa





Gems? Diamonds, more like. Sparkling funky diamonds that shine from every guitar, horn, bass and deep belly-driven chants. First up is a 1976 number from Wganda Kenya who actually come from Colombia. You'd never tell; with vast harmonies and a sonic span that's as wide as the Serengeti plains, its heart beats to a strict Kenyan rhythm. M'Bamina add a French African touch to the B on a specially edited version of "Aitde O Sika". Watch out for the deconstructed percussion and bass break. A finer example of an edit you will not find. see + hear+ buy other Mukatsuku releases here www.juno.co.uk/labels/Mukatsuku/