Soul Of Brasil

This is a special mix posted to the SOUNDROTATION podcast page dedicated to rich soulful, funkier & jazzier side of Brazilian music from the 70's. Some of the artist saw great success stateside. Some of the tunes have been sampled heavily in the hiphop & dance world & all are some of my favorites.

01. Poluicao / Cesar Mariano & CIA

02. So Many People / Sergio Mendes & Brasil 77

03. Previsao Do Tempo / Marco Valle
04. Back Home (The Innner Cry) / Opa
05. Cascavel / Antonio Adolfo
06. Beat Contemplation / Bong Penera
07. Bananeira / Emilio Santiago
08. Casa Forte / Banda Black Rio
09. Cruzeiro do Sol / Marku Ribas
10. Metropole / Cesar Mariano & CIA
11. Sometime Ago / Flora Purim
12. Los Diez Hermanos / Pedro Ruy Blas - Dolores
13. Berimbau / Jayme Marques
14. Tamborim, Cuica, Ganza, Berimbau / Azymuth
15. Agora Ou Nunca Mais / Ana Mazzotti
16. Salve, Rainha / Claudia
17. Para Chick / Tania Maria

Proh Mic "Turn It Over" "Sleep In Girl" Teaser

If you've been keeping up with this blog, you should be familiar with producer, musician Proh Mic. After all we've posted 2 albums of his that were available as free download. Now the producer is gearing up for his HIGHLY ANTICIPATED album "Rhythm For Days" putting out this KILLER 7" releasing March 1st on the All Natural Inc label. The 1st tune "Turn It Over" features his friend & our fav Coultrain & it is an electro BANGER in an industrial Nitzer Ebb kinda way. The flip side is the glorious "Sleep In Girl" that features the vocals of Tone Trezure who's also been featured several times on this blog. The tune is a smooth electric tune with a beat inspired by 80's Gap Band & Herbie Hancock. I assure you, this single as well as this album is gonna be EPIC!!!!!!!!

Ben Westbeech "Slowly"

It's been a little while since we heard from Ben Westbeech, After his debut album in 2007, side projects & countless collaborations, the UK based singer, producer is gearing up for a new album releasing on Strictly Rhythm in April. "Slowly" is the 1st single & it is uptempo soulful bliss. Check it out below & get a free download of it by signing his mailing list on his website.

Jameszoo "Leaf People" ft. Coultrain

Debut of Dutch producer Jameszoo. An ethereal, experimental journey featuring the vocals of St. Louis based singer Coultrain, whom is a SOUNDROTATION fav. This is available on a 7" with another tune on the flip that's an ode to experimental Brazilian legend Hermeto Pascoal. Purchase the 7" here.
   (a-side) Jameszoo feat. Coultrain - Leaf People by jameszoo

Emma Frank Quintet "Binocular"

So, in search of learning more about the Montreal based band She's Got A Habit, I learned that lead singer Emma Frank recorded a great ep with an all acoustic band blending her soulful & folk inspired vocals blend with jazzier rhythms & it's also a FREE DOWNLOAD!

 

She's Got A Habit "Blindfold Test EP"

Once again I'd like to give thanks to my friends at BamaLoveSoul for turning me on to this. She's Got A Habit is a Montreal based band that got started when lead singer Emma Frank responded to an add on Craigslist posted by guitarist Martin Rodriguez in search of a lead singer. Together with drummer Andy Bauer they produced this KILLER EP, a great blend of soul, folk, indie rock & pop that sits somewhere in between Little Dragon & Stereolab. You probably heard the track "Drama Queen" on the latest mix on the SOUNDROTATION PODCAST. Now get the full EP as a free download.

Mr. Brady "Catch" ft. Aloe Blacc

San Diego based producer, DJ & mc Mr. Brady continue banging it out with the latest single from his stellar Labor Of Love album. This time he paired his classic soulful key laden beat with LA based Aloe Blacc who returned to his roots rhyming effortlessly. Check it out & purchase the entire album on iTunes.

Nakia Henry "Love Letter (He Wants Me To Win)"

Detroit born, Brooklyn based singer Nakia Henry debuted her new video for her groovin' tune "Love Letter (He Wants Me To Win) which she released in the fall. If you haven't already get the free download of the single here & check out video below. 

Windimoto "Beauty Within"

Chicago producer Sean Haley & detroit born producer Scorpeze are back as Windimoto with a new project, remixed & reimagined versions from their killer album Sinister Beauty.  Lots of stellar reworking here from some of the cream of the crop of Chicago dance producers including Anthony Nicholson, Glenn Underground, Latin Soul Brothas & many many more. Nice, soulful deepness. COP IT NOW!!!!!!!

The New Wave!

For my 1st mix of the year, I decided to put together a showcase of some of the hottest & most RELEVANT artist & producers of now. Not to say that all of these artist are making their debut, some have been on the scene for quite sometime but this list is of artist that create in forward motion. Artist that own their moment. Artist that keep you on your toes. This mix features the New Wave in music from cosmic jazz, soul with an alternative edge to the New Wave of synth boogie. Check it out!

 

01. Where's Is My Heaven (Rugged Tranquility) / Coultrain ft. Jessica Neal vs.YNQ
02. FWD FWD FWD / Suzi Analogue
03. Prepared /AquariusandJazmine
04. Common Ground /Black Einstein ft. Miss Baby Sol
05. Speed Of Light /Malice & Mario Sweet
06. Think It Over (Exile Remix) /Bilal
07. Love Come Save The Day (Ahmed Sirour Remix) /Yahzarah
08. Final Tide /Jhelisa
09. Dream Of You (Emotionally Yours) /Grillade
10. Drama Queen / She's Got A Habit
11. Carnival /Kimberly Nichole
12. Lost Love (Shecky's Bittersweet Bossa Nova Mix) / Carlitta Durand &Vaughn Garcia
13. A Way - Feel That Music /Slakah The Beatchild
14. Khemetian Temple /Reggie B
15. Teena (Lovergirl Syberized) / MdCL & Sy Smith
16. Reversed / Opolopo ft. Blacktop &Amalia
17. Let's Do It Again (Over & Over) /Great Weekend
18. Scorpio (A Night On The Sun) /Sa-Ra Creative Partners
19. On The Go /Fatima
20. Turn It Over / Proh Mic ft. Coultrain (snippet)
 

 

 

Skymark "Deep Soul Revisited Volume 2"

Spanish producer Skymark (of Soul Sociedad) will the latest addition to his Deep Soul Revisited series. Back to basic, raw and dirty mpc hip hop beats cooked with loops and samples taken from forgotten, independent, and legendary Soul Bands who embellished our world during the early 70’s.& like all of the releases on his imprint Modern Sun Records, there is no digital release. VINYL ONLY OLD SCHOOL STYLE!!!!!

Bilal "Levels"

The man of the decade returns with the premiere of his 3rd video & new single from his Grammy Nominated album. The video is directed by super producer Flying Lotus & has cameos from Erykah Badu, Thundercat & Shafiq Husayn who also produced the song.

The single download of Levels come with the instrumental as well as remixes by Flying Lotus & labelmates Sonnymoon & is available on iTunes. There's also a bonus remix from Ken Bts that's available as a free download on the V Tech website.

FULL SCREENThe Sounds of VTech / Bilal Levels   

Mark de Clive Lowe "Uplifted Vol. 1"

Oh my goodness, Mark de Clive Lowe has been putting in major work in the studio since settling in the states. There isn't an artist that I've featured more on the blog than him & he's back kicking 2011 in full swing with a new 3 track EP of house loveliness releasing on Reel People Music next month. "Uplifted Vol. 1" contains 2 groovin' tunes with amazing vocal performances from longtime collaborator Ovasoul7 & Tosin Tao & a funky synth laden instrumental track. Check all 3 tracks below.

RecordBreakin' Music 5 Year Anniversary Mix

Philly based label RecordBreakin' Music has been one of the most consistent record label to emerge in the last decade putting out stellar release after release & introducing the world to some of the hottest new & forward thinking artist & producers the globe has seen. To get in gear for their 5th year anniversary, they called upon their good friend DJ Lil Dave to put together this great promotional mix from their catalog & a few future gems to prepare you for their forthcoming 5 Year Anniversary cd . Get the free download as well as your pre-order of the upcoming cd here.

   Record Breakin' Music 5 Year Anniversary Mix by DJ lil' dave by Recordbreakin

Mixtape Tracklist:
L.P. aka Lisa Preston intro
Dotmatic – It’s Yours
D n S – GUM (Daz-I-Kue remix)
M64 (Ragen Fykes + Ohmega Watts) – In the Pocket
M64 (Ragen Fykes + Ohmega Watts) – In the Pocket (Grillade remix)
Anthony Valadez – Dawn (Noam Remix)
Mndsgn (aka Mindesign) – Sussexz
J1 feat. Coultrain – Parable
Sir Froderick – Loverazor
I, Ced – Angel (She’s Like Magic)
Anthony Valadez feat. Vivian Perez & Samiyam- Rising Love
Kanu – Leavestaygo
La Melodia – Chemistry
Kissey Asplund – Move Me
Spinnerty – 53 Pickup
Dotmatic – Go
Spinnerty feat. Replife – Foundation
Sir Froderick – Pick&Twist (Sir Karniege)
Mndsgn (aka Mindesign) – Ms. Taken
Joy Jones – The Joy (Daru remix)
Record Breakin’ Ensemble – Flamengo
Coultrain – Balancing Act (Souled Recordbreakin’ Edit)
Spinnerty – Just Listen 2 (DJ Limbs remix inst)
lil’dave – Chips & Salsa
DJ Stylus feat. Ty, Lyric L, & Motet – The Uprock
Tai Allen + Vicelounge – Canned Goods
I, Ced – The Finale (O.G. mix)
I, Ced – The Finale
L.P. aka Lisa Preston outro

Mara TK "Run (away from the valley of fear)"

A BLAZING!! tune & 1st single from the solo debut of singer, musician Mara TK of New Zealand future soul group Electric Wire Hustle. Taken from the ep "Taniwhunk" which releases later this year, "Run" is a bit similar to his work with the group but a little stripped down with evident bluesy guitar, a bassline & an ethnic percussion underlying the whole groove with his Marvin-esque vocals flowing. Every bit of a masterpiece that you'd expect. Get the download at a name your price option below.

Masa Sextet "Deep Cover"

Incredible deep & soulful jazz from sax player Masato Nakamura (formerly of Sleepwalker). "Deep Cover" is a 7 track long player in the tradition of classic jazz albums of the 60's & 70's (check the cool artwork). Each tune is a cover of a classic selected by the creme de la creme including Gilles Peterson, Kyoto Jazz Massive, Jurgen Knoblauch of Jazzanova, Dilip Harris of Two Banks Of Four & Patrick Forge who also produced the album. The cover include compositions from greats Julius Hemphill, Milton Nascimento, Yusef Lateef, Shamek Farrah & more with some of the Sleepwalker rhythm section & cosmic vocalist Bembe Segue on 2 tracks. This collection is ESSENTIAL for every jazz lover.

MC ADaD "Never Let Go"

Chicago's most consistent hiphop label All Natural Inc  is taking the next step towards their 2011 takeover with a new single from super talented mc, producer, director MC ADaD. No clever description needed. Quite simply, IT'S A BANGER!!!!!!!!!!! Get the free download below.

   Mc ADad "Never Let Go" by allnaturalinc

Reel People present Golden Lady

After taking the world by storm with their releases Second Guess in 2003,  Seven Ways To Wonder in 2008 & launching their label in 2009, UK crew Reel People is getting prepared to take our breath away again with this brilliant collection "Golden Lady". The title track of course is taken from the Stevie Wonder classic & who better to handle the vocals but their friend & collaborator Tony Momrelle. The collection contains 5 new & exclusive tunes from them featuring Tony, Shezar & Darien who also was a feature on their last album. The collection also include a variety of amazing tracks from label artist & friends including Seattle soul star Choklate, Chicago band BSTC, Simon Grey, Renn & longtime friend Phil Asher with his new project Restless Soul Fun Band. Check out a preview of a few of the tunes below & get prepared to receive it Feb. 28th.

   Reel People present Golden Lady (Album Preview) by Papa Records

JSoul "Black Sinatra"

Baltimore's soul brother #1 JSoul is back in full effect with the release of his 3rd album. "Black Sinatra" shows his growth as he continues in the journey of his previous work, smooth edged soul base grooves that draw influence from the greats of the 70's but modern & fresh. A hint of hiphop in the beats with his velvety voice flowing. The album also has a stellar line up of guest including Julie Dexter, Natalie "Floacist Stewart, Eric Roberson & off course you remember the BLAZING 1st single with Carol Riddick. The hard copy cd released in Dec. & now it's available digitally worldwide on iTunes, Amazon & CD Baby.  COP IT NOW!!!!!!

Kev Choice "The Power Of Choice"

After touring the world with a diverse list of the music industry elite including Lauryn Hill, DJ Quik, Zion I & Goapele, Bay Area based mc, pianist Kev Choice steps into the forefront with his own full length project. "The Power Of Choice" is a fresh & audacious album that sees Kev blending his classical trained textures to world of hiphop, soul & pop with clever lyrical content reflecting struggle & then triumph. Check it out & purchase it below. The album features collaborations with some of the Bay Area's finest including Uriah Duffy, Mykel & longtime collaborator & band mate Rebel Soul Star Martin Luther. Check out the project & purchase it below.

 

Annabel Lee "1849"

A haunting, melancholic & awesome composition from Further Out Recordings duo Richard E & Annabel Lee crafted in jazz, folk & classical.

"The duo project, from Annabel (lee) and Richard E, invokes the haunting classicism of Claude Debussy and Erik Satie, intermingled with the quiet folklore of Nick Drake and Joni Mitchell, drenched with the classic jazz of Miles Davis and Billie Holiday."

Check out the official video below. To find out much more about the duo & to hear more of their GREAT music check out their profile.

 

Soul Evidence EP

Soul Evidence is a collaboration between global mc Replife & UK production team MIST (Si Tew & his former label boss, famed producer Martin "Atjazz" Iveson). Together they put together this INSANE gritty BANGER!!!

"Dark, Moody & Deep, Three words that grasp the atmosphere of this EP, a collection of tripped out low-slung Hip Hop drops for the heads. Main men Atjazz & Si Tew step up to the production bench where they find the incredible Replife waiting to go on the field! Dirty beats and subtones roll out as Replife’s cutting edge vocals slice through the remaining dust. If you like beats, you’ll love this!" 

Roane Namuh "OKhandsignal"

Production debut of Portland based DJ Roane. "OKhandsignal" is a cosmic voyage of laid back instrumental boom bap sourced from old wax & entirely produced on an MPC2000XL. This 31 track album flows as if it were a carefully crafted vinyl mixtape, never taking you out of the groove without being monotonous. There's also a killer boogie-esque track exclusively on the vinyl release. Order the 12 track vinyl here.

 

    Up Off It (Vinyl Exclusive Bonus Jam) by Roane Namuh

New w/ Especial - "ISoul8 ft. Paul Randolph" & "Shuya Okino - Still In Love EP"

After a brief hiatus, the Okino Brothers aka Kyoto Jazz Massive are getting back in the groove with their stellar label Especial Records. Up next is these 2 KILLER releases. The 1st, releasing at the end of January,  is the awesome new project from Italian producer ISoul8 & Detroit funk soul artist Paul Randolph who recently toured supporting Jazzanova's "Of All The Things" album. On this 12" is the smooth groovin' soul tune "Stay Stay Stay" & the modern disco-esque "Waves Of Love" with the original & a more electric house deeper mix.
 

The 2nd, releasing in February, is a MURDEROUS ep from Shuya Okino. It's been awhile since he releasing his breath taking album "United Legends", now he's back kicking it in high gear with the "Still In Love EP". The 1st side features the sultry voice of Navasha Daya (of Fertile Ground fame) doing an awesome cover of an early 80's tune by Rose Royce "Still Is Love & an uptempo club jazz inspirational groover "Love & Live". Side 2 features the oh so missed voice of N'Dea Davenport (of Brand New Heavies fame) killing it on an 80's boogie inspired tune "Destiny" produced by KJM & Mark de Clive Lowe and ending the 12" with a killer modern version of "Look Ahead" originally recorded by Norman Connors' group Aquarian Dream. Check the samples & be prepared to groove.
  

Marvin Gaye "Ain't That Peculiar (Ambassadeurs Reconstruct)

A fresh remix of one of the Prince Of Soul's 60's classic from UK dj, musician Mark Dobson aka Ambassadeurs done in a drum & synth smooth edged electro hiphop vibe. If you're not familiar with Mark, you definitely should check out some more of his production on his Bandcamp page.
   Marvin Gaye - Aint That Perculiar (Ambassadeurs Reconstruct) by Ambassadeurs

Miss Baby Sol "Before I Begin (The Journey)"

If you've been keeping up with the UK soul scene the past few years, you should be familiar with the name Miss Baby Sol, having collaborated with some of underground UK's finest producers & hiphop artist, singing background in a band backing the likes of Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse & Alexander O'Neal, having a killer cover of "It's Whatever" on an Aaliyah tribute cd which she did with producer Colin Emmanuel & also went on to have a KILLER tune on his Black Einstein project (which we featured on the blog). Now she has finally made her way to releasing her solo debut. "Before I Begin" is a wonderful 7 track EP of warm soul with blends of jazz, reggae & pop with lyrics that give the listener an honest view into the ups & down of her life. At this point the EP is only available in cd form thru her website. Hopefully there will be a worldwide digital release soon. Either way PLEASE SUPPORT THE ARTIST!

Nodzilla Remixes (Black Spade & Little Brother)

DJ Needles dons the cap of producer once again dropping 2 killer remixes within a week & the promise of a full remix project to come. He turned the underground classics of his hometown compadre Black Spade & underground kings Little Brother into grittier boombap gems. Get the free downloads on his Bandcamp page.

Vikter Duplaix "Morning Fun" ft. Common

The Grammy nominated electric soul king is bringing in the new year with a bang with another peak into his upcoming release. "Morning Fun"  is truly a fun 2 step electric groover & features the poetic rhymes of Grammy Nominated artist Common. Check it out & get the free download below.
 

 

Thaione Davis "Ecouter"

And it don't stop when it comes to the hardest working cat on Chicago's hiphop scene. When he's not producing his radio show, his TV show or engineering & collabing on countless projects with artist from all over, Thaione Davis find time to crank out bangers like this one. MC's & singers you really should be getting at this dude.

 

SAVE YOUR SOUL : THE BADU MIX

ATL based soulful DJ Larmarrous put together this awesome 46 minute mix of unreleased house & beyond versions of some of Erykah Badu's biggest hit tunes & underground goodies including the Ron Trent remix of Honey, the Guy Robin remix of Window Seat & much much more. HOTNESS!

BamaLoveSoul present Wilson Pickett -A Funky Situation [the remixes]

The good people at BamaLoveSoul are kick starting the new year in high gear with their latest project Wilson Pickett - A Funky Situation [the remixes]  paying homage to the legend & Alabama native & his 1978 album with KILLER remixes, remakes & flips from some of the global underground's best & up & coming producers including FreshNerd, Tall Black Guy, SHEN 07, Byron The Aquarius, DJ Rahdu & more. Wilson Pickett  was so influential in the music business, even James Brown was a fan. Now with this release, his legacy will live on in a new generation.

YouSendIt Download
here 

Flash Player Full Project
here 

01. FreshNerd - The Night
02. Byron The Aquarius - The Wicked
03. Illastrate, Amdex, Boog Brown - It's Fine
04. DJ Rahdu, Thed Weller - I'm Ready
05. SHEN O7 - Dancewitme
06. J Finesse - Call It A Day
07.. Tall Black Guy - She Too Nice 
08. Sawandi - Groovin' (Sawandi Rework) 
09. King Boom - Disco Groovin'
10. Junior Star - Dance With Me (Junior Star Rework Part 1)
11. Average Thought - So Loose
12. SoFoReal - Time To Let The Sun Shine (SoFoReal Remix)
13. SHEN 07 - Outro
14. Tall Black Guy & Shaheed - Blastmatazz (Bonus)



     

John Legend & The Roots "Shine" (Ahmed Sirour Remix)

Grammy award winning artist John Legend & The Roots teamed up last year & released one of the most talked about albums of the year. Gearing up for their next Grammy ride, they put together a remix contest for their song "Shine". The winner of the contest receives $1,000 & of course, the ultimate in exposure. I heard a few of the submissions on the contest page & I must admit that the Ahmed Sirour remix really stood out the most for me. Some may think that this opinion is biased seeing that I featured Ahmed's remix for Yahzarah on the blog, but I assure you me being familiar with his previous work didn't influence my opinion that much. I simply love how he really kept the integrity of the original & expanded it with a great lush orchestral soundscape of string arrangements & fresh new basslines & chords progression all played live. Many think that remixing means you take a song & turn it into a dance tune or into a different genre. This remix PROVES different. Check it out below. Voting for the contest takes place on Friday, January 14th. If you are feeling this mix as I am, PLEASE VOTE FOR IT HERE!!

Jose James "Vicadin"

Jose James, the quintessential vocalist of our generation, unleashed this KILLER unreleased joint from the BlackMagic recording sessions produced by Flying Lotus who's also one of the most insane producers our generation has ever heard. Like their previous tunes Visions Of Violet, Made For Love & Code, "Vicadin" is magic. Jose's smooth tones over a slow & haunting heavy drum track Makes you wonder if the duo is gonna collab again for Jose's  upcoming album scheduled to release later this year. (Fingers crossed),

Malice & Mario Sweet "Speed Of Light"

A "sweet" bit of funky hip electric soul from the Seattle scene. After doing their thing on Seattle's hiphop & being contributing members of the local group The Physics, husband and wife duo Malice & Mario Sweet is getting set to burst out on their own with their debut EP "Happy 2 Year". "Speed Of Light" is the 1st glimpse into the project & it is FUNKY thanks to the great production of Detroit/Chicago/L.A. producer Tall Black Guy who's popularity as a producer has grown tremendously (& rightfully so) in the past year. I must say that he out did himself with this drum laden uptempo track. Check it out  sweetness below.

J*Davey "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

The genre bending dynamic duo J*Davey offer another peak into their upcoming project Evil Christian Cop: The Great Mistapes with this killer cover of the Nirvana classic.

J Laine "Love Daze Instrumentals"

Killer instrumental project from DC drummer, producer Jon Laine. These tracks were the beats from the release "Love Daze" by Antithesis which was a collab between Laine, Wes Felton & T Fox. Download both versions on his bandcamp page.

 

PiKaHsSo "VERB: BrainNewPhunk"

BANGIN' flip on the School House Rock classic done in a PHUNKY style that can only come from Dallas, TX by mc, producer PiKaHsSo formerly of PPT.  Look out for the official video sometime in Jebruary & get the download of the joint here.