Bilal Salaam "Makings Of U'" ft. Steve Smith

Seeing that I'm a HUGE Bilal Salaam, I've been like a kid a candy store with all the hotness he's been blessing the world with these past couple of week & the frenzy continue with this week's release of "Makings Of U". Taking elements from the classic Curtis Mayfield original, Bilal adds DMV based singer Steve Smith to the mix & the two craft this GLORIOUS version with a 60's inspired cinematic beauty that dances & waltz' it way right into your soul before ending with words from Mr. Mayfield.

Meshell Ndegeocello "Petite Mort" (Miguel Migs Moody Downtown Remix)

If you've heard Miguel Migs last album, "Outside The Skyline", you heard the amazing chemistry the producer had with singer, songwriter, musician Meshell NdegeOcello. Now the award winning DJ / producer brings a groovin' midtempo meets 80's 2-step flavor to her song "Petite Mort" from her latest album "Weather". Meshell's voice & Miguel's slight understated funky electro grooves are a match made in heaven. I hope to see more collabs from them in the future. Maybe even a full project. Fingers crossed.

Tall Black Guy Presents Tempo Dreams Vol. 1

Detroit born, Chicago bred & international phenom Tall Black Guy dons the curator cap getting set to release a KILLER compilation on the Bastard Jazz Recordings label on June 19th featuring tracks from up & coming producers & beat crafters including Tensei, MonkeyRobot, Ta-Ku, Evil Needle, Teru, Chief, Jeriko Jackson, Buscrates, Floydcheung, Doc Illingsworth & Schecky's Jazzy Tofu (Apple Jac). Listen to the snippets in the promo vid below & preorder the digital here.

Dean High &The Monopunks "Raw Takes Minimix Vol.1"

Been waiting almost 2 years for some newness from Dutch producer Dean High. A departure from the hiphop electrosoul production, Dean shows his musician side with this awesome minimix of outtakes from sessions with his band The Monopunks. The groove of the mix is steeped in 70's jazz funk & soul that recall the cosmic-ness of bands like Kool & The Gang to some of the jamming acid jazz bands of the 90's. Not sure if this is the beginning of a new project but I'll take it! 

   

Jazzo & Melodiesinfonie “Wasser” EP

The Swiss production duo Jazzo & Melodiesinfonie are back with this nice four tracker. Titled "Wasser" (meaning water), this ep is a true thirst quencher for lovers of jazzy & soulful production with touches of cosmic electro. It's available at a name your price option so don't be cheap!

Dotmatic "Lullabies for Spring"

Philly producer Dotmatic is back on the scene with another edition to his "Lullaby" tributes to the seasons. This time the producer's Lullaby is for the season of Spring. The time when temperature rise, flowers bloom & most come out and play. This soulful ep represents the feeling & the heartbeat of all that is in this glorious season. Cop it below.
 

José James "Do You Feel" @ Le Poisson Rouge

At his first US show after signing to the legendary Blue Note label, velvet voiced Jose James offered his audience at Le Poisson Rouge a glimpse of his highly anticipated fourth album "No Beginning, No End" that's slated to release in the fall. Check out the slow, soulful & bluesy "Do You Feel". With a killer list of players including Ben Williams on bass & Nate Smith on drums, band solos are killer. Check it out.

Fly Moon Royalty "Dimensions EP"

After teasing with a couple leaks the passed month, Seattle based duo Fly Moon Royalty  finally offer their gift to all their fans in gratitude for all the continuous support of their music & shows. The "Dimensions EP" features the duo's ever evolving blend of soul, hiphop & 60's inspired pop with electric touches. Get the free download.

S3 (Miles Bonny & Brenk Sinatra) "Rain"

It just don't stop with singer, musician& producer Miles Bonny. Already enjoying much buzzed for his recent collaboration ep with B. Lewis, now the singer teams up with Austrian producer Brenk Sinatra on this smooth & soulful headnodder. "Rain" is taken from the upcoming compilation "MPM 2012: Where The Wild Creatures Meet" & is available as a free download.

SonnymoonLP

After taking the world by storm in 2010 with the stellar free downloadable album "Golden Age" & a strings of live performances, remixes & a label introductory ep earlier this year, Boston based duo Sonnymoon has now released their official album on the Plug Research label and is filled with all the innovation, chaos & mayhem you've been wanting from them. Cosmic & otherworldy, ambience & lo-fi to jazzy & beautiful. Cop it on iTunes.

Bilal "Cake & Eat It Too (Teeko Re-Funk)"

Bay Area electrofunk craftsman Teeko unearthed this lost remix via Fresh Selects this week. Originally created for the now scrapped Bilal remix album on Plug Research, Teeko put the funk down on the opening tune "Cake & Eat It Too" from the album "Airtight's Revenge". Noting that this was one of their favorites of the remix submissions, the label urged Teeko to release the mix. So here we are. Prepare to be funked. Get the free download here.

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Jazz Re​:​freshed Live - Prelude

Without a doubt, the hottest & most progressive soulful jazz event in the UK is Jazz Re:freshed at Mau Mau in West London. Going strong for nine years, Jazz Re:freshed has cultivated itself as a movement challenging the status quo, stiffness & prejudice of the jazz world while supporting & breaking the hottest young talents breathing a new life into the art form. A few years ago, they started recording audio for their shows on very simple equipment. The audio was not necessarily high quality but keepsakes for their personal memories. As a token of their appreciation for all the support of their fans far & wide over the years, the crew at Jazz Re:freshed grabbed some of the better quality tracks for their long list of shows & compiled them in this free download. Some of the recordings may be slightly rough around the edges but it'll give you a taste of the emotions & energy of these performances. Included in these live recordings are performances from Mark de Clive Lowe, Kaidi Tatham, Richard Spaven, Grant Windsor & many more.

Bilal Salaam "Mercy"

SOUNDROTATION fav Bilal Salaam is at it again. Another banger in a week. This time the producer, singer, songwriting conjures up the spirit of Marvin with the hiphop tinged "Mercy" bringing into question the heart & consciousness of a man.

Dotmatic "Lullabies for Spring" (Promo Mix)

Philly producer Dotmatic is getting in gear for another in his tributes to the seasons on May 28th. This time the producer's Lullaby is for the season of spring. The time when temperature rise & flowers bloom. In true Dotmatic fashion, he put together a killer new mix comprised of tunes & moods that inspired the EP. Download it here & get in gear!

  

1. Skyline - dot.|maT!c (from the album "lullabies for summer")
2. Restless Tundra (feat Anneka) - iTAL tEK (from the album "midnight colour")
3. Cause I Need It (dot's just for fun edit) - Dorothy Ashby (original from the album "dorothy's harp")
4. Love Like We Used To (dub instrumental) - I, Ced x dot.|maT!c (unreleased)
5. Privacy, feat. Steve Arrington - MED (from the album "classic")
6. High Hopes (feat. Reggie B) - Onra (from the album "long distance")
7. Ithinkyouwereshining - dot.|maT!c (from the album "lullabies for spring")
8. Joanie - George Roessler (from the album "still life and old dreams")
9. The Healer - Erykah Badu (from the album "new amerykah pt. 1")
10. DevilsPy [kaleries] - Knxwledge (from the album "hexual sealings vol. 2")
11. Wind - Georgia Anne Muldrow (from the album "seeds")
12. drain (rough edit) - dot.|maT!c x p¡lgr!m (from the album "here on
planet earth")

Clay - Flying Lotus (from the album "pattern+grid world")

Where Do I Go (Madlib Remix) - The Free Design (from the album "the
now sound redesigned")

A Yellow Man

I'd like to thank my homie Tall Black Guy & the lady Chaka B. for hipping me to this UK based group A Yellow Man. Comprised of emcees Emmanuel & Sam and singer Demae, the group's name is based on a group of bible scriptures about shining your light. They chose the color yellow for it is the brightest color in the spectrum thus A Yellow Man is shining bright. With that in mind, the trio craft glorious soulful hiphop that inspires as well as grooves. So far they've released two songs via bandcamp as well as videos to accompany them. Check out the videos below & follow them on Twitter @ayellowman3able for updates.

Brandee Younger "He Has A Name (Awareness)

Harpist Brandee Younger released this beautiful & soulful jazz composition, reminiscent of the likes of Alice Coltrane, in tribute Trayvon Martin & other murder victims.   

"This piece was composed in memory of the late Trayvon Martin.  The tragic case that has affected so many of us across the world has been a wakeup call that we need to address racial injustice today.  Entitled "He Has a Name" and subtitled "Awareness," the piece urges us to open our eyes to reality instead of holding to irrational beliefs due to preconceived notions. 100% of the proceeds from this recording will be donated to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. to help the organization continue its fine work in striving for racial justice."

Nicholas Ryan Gant "Promises"

After having the blazing single "Over Us" dominate music blogs, podcasts & radio shows in 2011, Nicholas Ryan Gant has put the finishing touches on his full length album "Promises" and it's releasing Tuesday. With Slimkat 78 (Mello Music Group, 78ers) serving as executive producer, "Promises" features a great batch of heartfelt soulful tunes with a hint of electropop & includes a killer list of guest producers & artist including Bilal Salaam, 00Genesis, Fresh Daily, Amma Whatt, Haydn, Queen GodIs & more. But the true champion of the album is the pure tones that is the voice of Nicholas Ryan Gant. Last week he release the video for the second single "Memory". Check it out below & go to digital stores like iTunes, Amazon as well as physical options with a special promo pack on his bandcamp page.

Picnic "Sirens"

Dallas based producer, emcee Picnic of Badu's group The Cannabinoids, & former member of P.P.T.,  who's also produced joints for Kid Cudi, Kids In The Hall & Devin The Dude to name a few steps front & center with his debut album "Sea Monsters" slated for the end of the summer. To get your mouth watering, Picnic created a series entitled "Sirens", collection of songs he's giving away as free downloads to precede the release of the album.

"In Greek mythology, Sirens were the femme fatales of the sea who lured in sailors with their enchanting voices only to lead them to destruction".

The first in the "Sirens" collection is the bouncy "Then Dust", a tune with a nice blend of soulful electropop & hop hop.

   

Dorsh "Neopolitan"

After blazing onto the scene a few years back, doing remix work for FADERLABEL & performing with a ride range of artist including Talib Kweli & LTJ Bukem, producer, artist Dorsh steps forward with this banging debut album. Engineered in Jamaica & mastered in Japan, the album's aptly named "Neopolitan". Drawing from his Jamaican, English & American heritage, as the album title suggest, "Neopolitan" mixes soul, hip hop, reggae, dubstep & electro. Included in the download is his remixes for Yuna & Szjeredene. Get the free download here!

Baron Retif & Concepcion Perez "Miami" feat Vindahl

Parisian jazzy electrosoul production duo Baron Retif & Concepción Pérez are gearing for the release of their new ep "Cascades" on June 18th. Check out the video for the first single that features Danish singer Vindahl. The video follows a guy along a Parisian beach & pier watching a plane leave that he would have been on but didn't want to leave his "girl" behind. 

Elaquent "The Scenic Route"

Really nice work from Ontario based producer Elaquent. As the album title suggest, "The Scenic Route" takes you on a journey of great imagery with the right amount of soul & electronics. Gritty at moments, smooth at others. Not too heavy on the "neo" & not overdone with glitchiness. This is what makes the difference between a finished album & a beat tape. Although mostly instrumental, the album features collabs with emcee Coincidence, singer Kae, & trumpter Octavio Santos. 

Columbia Nights "Dawn Dusk"

2012 has already begun to be one of the best years for quality music releases. One of the brightest moments is the official ep from DC based group Columbia Nights. After a series of awesome covers, Hayling Price, John E. Diase and Sarai Abdul Malik's come forth with the glorious "Dawn Dusk". Soulfully mellow with right amount of everything. Keys, synths, string arrangements (at times) &  bass coloring in the lines of simple drum patterns with Sarai's jazzy tones & poetic inflection floating beautifully. Fans of Quadron & Muhsinah will definitely sink their teeth into this one. Check out their video for the first single "As You Are" below and for info on all digital & physical copies of the album, go to Record Breakin' Music's website.

Bilal Salaam "Another Chapter"

The enigmatic Bilal Salaam steps forward with this killer tune built from a killer concept; taking inspirations from four different legends of four different genres that he loves & flipping those elements into this short but sweet & bumping track. Clocking in at just under two minute, "Another Chapter" grabs elements, melodies & lyrics from legendary Tony Williams "There Comes A Time" (jazz fusion), Wu Tang Clan's "Tearz" (hip hop), Barbara Streisand's "The Way We Were" (pop standard vocal classic) & Wendy Rene's "After Laughter" (Stax, 60's northern soul). This is why I consider him to be one of the most underrated geniuses of our generation.

She's Got a Habit "Different Directions"

After having the KILLER ep "Blindfold Test" which topped many music critics & music blogs "Best of 2010" list (including mine), Montreal based She's Got A Habit has finally come with the first peak into new material they have brewing. Check out the footage of the live recording of their awesome new tune "Different Direction".

Wes Felton "Worth It" (Video)

DC renaissance man Wes Felton is at it again with this self directed & edited visual for the J. Soul produced tune "Worth It", the second single from his new album "Handle With Care". Check it out.

Portformat "Entropy"

Banging new album from Senegal born, Germany based producer Portformat. "Entropy is a measure of uncertainty leading to a lower level of information. The eighteen stories of love and life featured on Portformat's new album aim for exactly that, asking you to listen closer to your instincts and follow your dreams" The album feature eighteen tracks with a blend of hip hop and r&b heavy on the cosmic electro tip & boast a sick roster of guest features including underground greats like Miles Bonny, Amalia, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Dudley Perkins, Eagle Nebula, TreZure Empire and many more. Official releasing on June 11th on cd & digital worldwide but you can get an early download on Tokyo Dawn's website 

Saux "It Frightens Me"

After having the buzzing, killer EP "Rear Window", Dutch producer Saux is back with this nice midtempo electro groover with his classic keys, synths & bassline with jazzier drums this go round. The vocal in the tune is lifted from a beautiful poem by Dr. Maya Angelou. Check it out & download it for free.

   Saux - It Frightens Me by Saux 

Dilouya - Runnin' Away Feat. Sly Johnson and N'Dea Davenport Live & Unplugged

In March, French producer, composer Dilouya, along with his band and French soul sensation Sly Johnson and acid jazz legend Ndea Davenport, recorded a "Live & Unplugged" session at his Studio Vibestone in Paris. Check out the footage of them performing the tune "Runnin Away" from his killer debut album "Dilouya's Faithful Circus".

Stay Mellow (Freddie Joachim, Question & Yusai | Free Mixtape)

And speaking of Freddie Joachim & Mellow Orange. The camp recently released this KILLER free mixtape featuring new to classic soul & hip hop joints and remixes from artist including Q-Tip, Tall Black Guy, Dilla, Diggs Duke and many many more mixed by Freddie, Question & Yusai.Get the download here.

   

FREDDIE JOACHIM:
- Diggs Duke – Patiently, We Bloom
- Q-Tip – We Fight/We Love Remix feat. Kanye West & Consequence
- Mark de Clive-Lowe – Masina’s World
- Jay-Z – Threat (Kev Brown Remix)
- Roddy Rod – Truly 1Derful feat. Cynthia Hawkes
- Eric Lau – The Mission feat. Guilty Simpson
- J Dilla – Remember Remix feat. Bilal
- Kev Brown – Can’t Stay Away feat. Phonte & Grap Luva
- Dwele – Without You
- Esthero – Thank Heaven 4 U (Calvin Flowers Remix)
- Slakah The Beatchild – Bare Naked (Freddie Joachim Remix)
- Monkey_sequence19 – Pretend feat. Mar (Kan Sano Remix)
- Q-Tip – For The Nasty feat. Busta Rhymes (Freddie Joachim Remix)

QUESTION:
- Question – Milt Break Pt 1
- Tall Black Guy – Dance Forever
- Mar Variation – 2u4u
- Stro Elliot – Soul II Stro
- Panacea – Flashback To Stardom Remix
- The Roots – Eve
- Little Brother – Deeper Ft. Dynas
- Suff Daddy – One for Rawls
- Elzhi – Days And Nights
- Dorothy Ashby – Come Live With Me

YUSAI:
- Oddisee – Beach Dr.
- Fonzworth Bentley – Venice Beaches (Inst)
- Mecca:83 – Make Sounds
- 45 feat. Bulljun – Another Place
- Les Nubians – Makeda (Dj Spinna and Ticklah Remix)
- Hazel – For You
- Zebrahim – Zizzle
- 14KT – The Inside feat. Tiffany Paige
- Versis – Slow Down
- Trey Hemingway- Tokyo Dreaming
- Damu feat. Raw Poetic – Prosper
- Black Sheep – Without A Doubt (Inst)

Freddie Joachim - Keep Lovin feat Carlitta Durand

Producer Freddie Joachim is gearing up for his upcoming album "Fiberglass Kisses" with this first single featuring NC based singer Carlitta Durand releasing tomorrow on his Mellow Orange label. "Keep Lovin" starts with a slow grinding sample before morphing into a straight head banger! The single with also feature a remix from UK producer Eric Lau.

   

B'Nai Rebelfront "Overcast World"

It's been quite awhile since we heard a solo joint from The Coup & Lyrics Born guitarist B'nai Rebelfront. Now the Bay Area secret weapon steps forward once again with this amazing electrofunk meets 80's new wave groover "Overcast World". I often refer to Rebelfront as "Punxsutawney Phil" as he doesn't come out of his hole often lol so this was an exciting surprise. Hopefully he'll come out with a project in the near future. (Fingers crossed).

Soia "Lost In Memory" (prod.by Mez)

Vienna based singer Soia & producer Mez continue to work their magic with yet another winner. This is the couple's fourth collabo & they keep it consistently good. "Lost In Memory" has a gritty & somewhat melancholic electrosoul flavor with a little jazzy headnodding- ness in the mix. Currently the couple are working on material for their upcoming EP which is planned to release later this year and if their previous efforts are any indication, I can't wait to hear the full release.

   

The Endangered

Really great debut ep from LA based band The Endangered. Comprised of vocalist Maiya Sykes, drummer Gene Coye, guitarist Nick Block & bassist Frank Abraham, the quartet naturally craft songs steeped in vintage soul with a hint of jazz, r&b and rock. Produced by Steven Miller, schedule to release sometime this month. Purchase the single "Calling On You" on iTunes.

Hidden Jazz Quartett feat. Omar "High Heels"

German based collective Hidden Jazz Quartett have teamed up with UK soul king Omar for this single "High Heels" a superb sax & organ groove with a staccato drum pattern that adds the right amount of funk. Available as limited edition 7" in June, the single also features a 60's piano dance influenced remix from Lack Of Afro. Check it out!

Kwes "Bashful" (Video)

Warp Records new signing, producer-singer Kwes released his first video for his soulful electro tune "Bashful" from his upcoming "Meantime EP". The video follows him in an awkward elevator ride where eyes cut away & uncomfortableness takes over.

Mai, Mai Variations #1

So in checking out the Portland band Jaw Gems' page on Facebook, I stumbled across this awesome gem from another Portland based artist. Mai, Mai is a musical project fronted by composer/multi-instrumentalist Sean Morin, dedicated to marrying chamber and popular-based music. The sound of course is very lush, warm & beautiful as he's influenced by artist like Debussy to Steve Reich to Stereolab & Radiohead. Check out the splendor & get the free download.

Jaw Gems "Take A Sip Of My Wish"

Really feeling this project from Portland based Jaw Gems comprised of DJ Moore on drums, Andrew Scherzer on bass, Ahmad Hassan Muhammad on wurlitzer & Tyler Quist on keyboards/synthesizers. The grooves are funky & cosmicly jazzy with a hip hop finish. Get the free download below.

Szjerdene "Turn" (Official Video)

UK singer Szjerdene offers the second visual from her latest "Patchworks EP". The video is from her self produced turn & follows a couple in despair. She panicked, attention & affection starved and he withdrawn & visibly annoyed at times. Check it out & if you haven't, purchase the ep here!

Angela Johnson "Revised, Edited & Flipped"

Om May 22nd, in Celebration of her 10th year as a solo recording artist, Angela Johnson will be releasing "Revised, Edited & Flipped" a collection of some of her very best songs, that have been revised, edited & flipped, as the title suggest. She has enlisted the help of some of the very best producers, remixers and dj’s from around the globe. World renown DJ Spinna, Makoto, DJ Kemit & Jalon, Micky More, MasSheen, Souldynamic, Ananse Scales Rebellion and Blu-Swing have all contributed. Nice mixture of soul, acid jazz, electro & house.

   

Anthony Valadez "Under Water"

Producer, DJ Anthony Valadez is gearing up for the release of his second album "Just Visiting", releasing June 5th on the Plug Research label. He released this groovin' & mellow track "Under Water" that started out as a jam session with SF based band The Park who colored the groove beautifully with the right amount of rhodes, bass & drums. Then add the warm voice of Dutch singer Mar and voila....masterpiece. Included in the download is an uptempo electro mix from Dutch producer Full Crate as well as a stripped down 3am mix from Valadez himself. Purchase on iTunes.

Anthony Valadez - Under Water (Single) by Plug Research

Hawthorne Headhunters "If You Were My Baby" (Video)

St. Louis' dynamic duo is back on the screen with their second video from their full length album "Myriad Of Now". The video is for the tune "If You Were My Baby" & follows Coultrain along as he deals with the frustration of his girl snapping over him chatting with a female friend all the while his homie Black Spade is in the back seat. Again, have you been there fellas? Beautifully shot in black & white (except for the poetry breakdown)  and directed by the duo themselves. Check it out!