Throwback Thursday
Lo-Key - I Got A Thang 4 Ya
Notes: 1. Mature and sexy...totally appropriate. 2. When Take 6 meets H-town. 3. Video(artistic direction) definitely captures the period a la BBD 4. The outro is bananas! Great vocal dexterity.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Wish of the Day
I really wish I had this button in my office right about now.
Especially after reading your f*ckin' email.
I really wish I had this button in my office right about now.
Especially after reading your f*ckin' email.
But, I guess its best I didn't have it...I have too many Naomi Campbell moments.
f.negro/
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Sound Bite Sunday
I love Timba! So much that, seldom do I go through a day without hearing at least one Timba track. Timba is what many call Cuban Salsa, but its much more than that. I won't go into extreme detail here, but there are a few points of importance. Most know that what is now known as Salsa developed out of Cuban Son. Puerto Ricans in New York are responsible for the giving it the name and bringing it into the mainstream via Fania Records. But while Salsa in the U.S., Puerto Rico and elsewhere was developing, a similar musical style was evolving simultaneously, but independently. Timba developed out a Cuban Son as well, but it has had several other influences. Timba is also strongly influenced by Rumba, Cuban spiritual traditions(Yoruba, Carabali, etc.), Songo(Los Van Van), Latin Jazz(Irakere), Funk and Hip Hop. All of this is heard in the music and seen in the aesthetic of Timba. For all of these reasons and more I dig Timba; musically it is extremely rich, full of incredible polyrhythms, fantastic harmonies, unconventional chord changes.... it is just inspiring and intelligent music! Anyway, one of my favorite bands is Bamboleo. Mostly because Lazaro Valdes(Founder and Director) is funky as hell and has a profound understanding of musica bailable. While the roster has continued to change, like most Timba bands, the sound has remained somewhat consistent--driving, edgy, forceful and melodic. But in my opinion Bamboleo was at its height when they possessed the voices of Haila María Mompié and Vannia Borges, Haila in particular. With a powerful and soulful croon reminiscent of a young Patti LaBelle, Haila has the skill and charisma to match her tremendous beauty. She went on to do several other projects(e.g. Azucar Negra) and is still a relevant artist today. However, I believe her most valuable contributions are found in her Bamboleo discography. Here is a live performance, a brief comeback if you will, singing two Bamboleo classics: Con Un Canto Con El Pecho and Yo No Me Parezco A Nadie. Enjoy!
I love Timba! So much that, seldom do I go through a day without hearing at least one Timba track. Timba is what many call Cuban Salsa, but its much more than that. I won't go into extreme detail here, but there are a few points of importance. Most know that what is now known as Salsa developed out of Cuban Son. Puerto Ricans in New York are responsible for the giving it the name and bringing it into the mainstream via Fania Records. But while Salsa in the U.S., Puerto Rico and elsewhere was developing, a similar musical style was evolving simultaneously, but independently. Timba developed out a Cuban Son as well, but it has had several other influences. Timba is also strongly influenced by Rumba, Cuban spiritual traditions(Yoruba, Carabali, etc.), Songo(Los Van Van), Latin Jazz(Irakere), Funk and Hip Hop. All of this is heard in the music and seen in the aesthetic of Timba. For all of these reasons and more I dig Timba; musically it is extremely rich, full of incredible polyrhythms, fantastic harmonies, unconventional chord changes.... it is just inspiring and intelligent music! Anyway, one of my favorite bands is Bamboleo. Mostly because Lazaro Valdes(Founder and Director) is funky as hell and has a profound understanding of musica bailable. While the roster has continued to change, like most Timba bands, the sound has remained somewhat consistent--driving, edgy, forceful and melodic. But in my opinion Bamboleo was at its height when they possessed the voices of Haila María Mompié and Vannia Borges, Haila in particular. With a powerful and soulful croon reminiscent of a young Patti LaBelle, Haila has the skill and charisma to match her tremendous beauty. She went on to do several other projects(e.g. Azucar Negra) and is still a relevant artist today. However, I believe her most valuable contributions are found in her Bamboleo discography. Here is a live performance, a brief comeback if you will, singing two Bamboleo classics: Con Un Canto Con El Pecho and Yo No Me Parezco A Nadie. Enjoy!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Throwback Thursday
A Tribe Called Quest featuring Leaders of The New School - Scenario
Notes: 1. Inventive and Fresh: Challenged previous notions of video making 2. New Packaging: Redefined the structure and approach to the posse cut 3. Classic and Transformative: All 5 emcees are in rare form(especially Phife), but this is the true introduction of Busta Rhymes to the world. As a result Hip Hop, as we know it, is forever changed.
A Tribe Called Quest featuring Leaders of The New School - Scenario
Notes: 1. Inventive and Fresh: Challenged previous notions of video making 2. New Packaging: Redefined the structure and approach to the posse cut 3. Classic and Transformative: All 5 emcees are in rare form(especially Phife), but this is the true introduction of Busta Rhymes to the world. As a result Hip Hop, as we know it, is forever changed.
Monday, April 07, 2008
The Lush Life
I live in the middle of no where. So there are moments when I wonder what the hell I'm doing here, and when the hell am I gonna liberate myself from this dysfunctional-ass, barren wasteland. Then I remember that (as always the case) this experience has purpose and that I should make the most of it. I learned long ago that even the most difficult and unlikely situation can be turned into a paradise of cultural and social intersection, and I've developed a knack for pulling it off (thanks Stillwater/House of Nubians). So, in honor of the (Social)Lush Life I thought it would only be fair for me to celebrate the success we've been experiencing.
A close friend (ethnomusicologist, fellow music enthusiast and astrological compliment, Flaco) and I would sit and rant about the need for an alternative social space which not only brought together a diverse group of folks, but also provided an outlet for an experimental musical experience. We would discuss the possibilities for a year with no result. Then I met another young professional( Emily) in the area who was on the same wavelength. We both had been building community, hosting random parties and functions, but we were also looking for some way to consolidate our respective networks. After brief discussion and a little footwork, we arranged to host a gathering at a local bistro & bar. The irony is that some 15 years ago a similar movement occupied the same venue, so it seemed timely and appropriate that we would resurrect that energy. With Flaco at the helm as DJ and the advertising efforts of Emily and myself, the first function(AfroFunk) was a success-- with a significant turn-out and phenomenal participation. So much that, the management of the bar wanted to have the events monthly. The next function(AfroReggae) grew in numbers and left an equally significant impression on attendees, which has brought us to date.
Now, I've always loved Stevie Wonder, and it turns out so did Emily and Flaco. As the musical director for these functions, I knew that eventually I wanted to do a tribute to the Wonder of Stevie. March would have been the ideal time being that that's the month of his birth, but it just didn't work out that way. This weekend is the Billsville Jazz Festival and really the first sign of Spring, so we thought it would be a great time to bring Mr. Wonder to the fore. I know that DJ Spinna & Bobbito have being doing these "Wonderfull" parties for some time(in NYC, LA, every-damn-where) and I've never been, but I've always imagined that it would be a sight to behold. Inspired partially by their genius, I decided to title our function, "Wonder-ful," my own cheeky way of respecting their creativity, but stating the obvious: the world has been transformed by this man, so a tribute party is not really all that original. I just wanna do my part in honoring his legacy, while trying to maintain the sanity of myself and others. If you're in the area, feel free to drop by(check flyer below). Or better yet do your own tribute to Stevie! I'm sure your neighbors/co-workers/children/friends or whoever is in the vicinity when you're paying homage will appreciate the beauty and funk(see: Tricia Rose)! Otherwise just enjoy this clip of Stevie live--at his best! This is my mantra for the upcoming week...I'm gonna need it.
Stay Suck Free- f.negro
Party Flyers:
I live in the middle of no where. So there are moments when I wonder what the hell I'm doing here, and when the hell am I gonna liberate myself from this dysfunctional-ass, barren wasteland. Then I remember that (as always the case) this experience has purpose and that I should make the most of it. I learned long ago that even the most difficult and unlikely situation can be turned into a paradise of cultural and social intersection, and I've developed a knack for pulling it off (thanks Stillwater/House of Nubians). So, in honor of the (Social)Lush Life I thought it would only be fair for me to celebrate the success we've been experiencing.
A close friend (ethnomusicologist, fellow music enthusiast and astrological compliment, Flaco) and I would sit and rant about the need for an alternative social space which not only brought together a diverse group of folks, but also provided an outlet for an experimental musical experience. We would discuss the possibilities for a year with no result. Then I met another young professional( Emily) in the area who was on the same wavelength. We both had been building community, hosting random parties and functions, but we were also looking for some way to consolidate our respective networks. After brief discussion and a little footwork, we arranged to host a gathering at a local bistro & bar. The irony is that some 15 years ago a similar movement occupied the same venue, so it seemed timely and appropriate that we would resurrect that energy. With Flaco at the helm as DJ and the advertising efforts of Emily and myself, the first function(AfroFunk) was a success-- with a significant turn-out and phenomenal participation. So much that, the management of the bar wanted to have the events monthly. The next function(AfroReggae) grew in numbers and left an equally significant impression on attendees, which has brought us to date.
Now, I've always loved Stevie Wonder, and it turns out so did Emily and Flaco. As the musical director for these functions, I knew that eventually I wanted to do a tribute to the Wonder of Stevie. March would have been the ideal time being that that's the month of his birth, but it just didn't work out that way. This weekend is the Billsville Jazz Festival and really the first sign of Spring, so we thought it would be a great time to bring Mr. Wonder to the fore. I know that DJ Spinna & Bobbito have being doing these "Wonderfull" parties for some time(in NYC, LA, every-damn-where) and I've never been, but I've always imagined that it would be a sight to behold. Inspired partially by their genius, I decided to title our function, "Wonder-ful," my own cheeky way of respecting their creativity, but stating the obvious: the world has been transformed by this man, so a tribute party is not really all that original. I just wanna do my part in honoring his legacy, while trying to maintain the sanity of myself and others. If you're in the area, feel free to drop by(check flyer below). Or better yet do your own tribute to Stevie! I'm sure your neighbors/co-workers/children/friends or whoever is in the vicinity when you're paying homage will appreciate the beauty and funk(see: Tricia Rose)! Otherwise just enjoy this clip of Stevie live--at his best! This is my mantra for the upcoming week...I'm gonna need it.
Stay Suck Free- f.negro
Party Flyers:
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Sound Bite Sunday
As with most folks, my love affair with music is organized around memories: people, places, pain, joy, anger, genius, etc. I remember one of the first time's I feel in love with a band because of a woman. There was this sister named Fenyx who I was interested in at the time, and on her outgoing voicemail message was this song that always made me want to leave a message. The track was lush, jazzy, soulful and thematically rich. The lead singers' voices had such gravity that you couldn't help but listen and hope for more. I later found out that the group's name was Incognito. That was almost 10 years ago, to this day I'm still thankful for that sister's sophisticated musical tastes as they have continued to influence my listening choices and consumption.
This band has always touched me in very complicated and diverse ways, challenging and developing my emotional intelligence along the way. Hopefully, this introduction will open a similar portal for you. Please enjoy Still a Friend of Mine, one of my favorite tracks and in my opinion, Incognito at their finest--with Maysa Leak singing lead.
*Incognito are a British band, widely regarded as one of the key members of the English acid jazz movement. Throughout the band's history, it has been led and driven by composer, record producer, guitarist and singer, Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick.
Incognito - Still A Friend of Mine
Stay Sucka Free,
f.negro
As with most folks, my love affair with music is organized around memories: people, places, pain, joy, anger, genius, etc. I remember one of the first time's I feel in love with a band because of a woman. There was this sister named Fenyx who I was interested in at the time, and on her outgoing voicemail message was this song that always made me want to leave a message. The track was lush, jazzy, soulful and thematically rich. The lead singers' voices had such gravity that you couldn't help but listen and hope for more. I later found out that the group's name was Incognito. That was almost 10 years ago, to this day I'm still thankful for that sister's sophisticated musical tastes as they have continued to influence my listening choices and consumption.
This band has always touched me in very complicated and diverse ways, challenging and developing my emotional intelligence along the way. Hopefully, this introduction will open a similar portal for you. Please enjoy Still a Friend of Mine, one of my favorite tracks and in my opinion, Incognito at their finest--with Maysa Leak singing lead.
*Incognito are a British band, widely regarded as one of the key members of the English acid jazz movement. Throughout the band's history, it has been led and driven by composer, record producer, guitarist and singer, Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick.
Incognito - Still A Friend of Mine
Stay Sucka Free,
f.negro
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
