Luca Dimoon "Nonsense"

Italian soul singer and musician Luca Dimoon is back with yet another teaser from his long awaited upcoming album "Telescopic". This time it's the infectious "Nonsense", what he calls his "ode to the absurd" but judging from my ears, this groove is anything but. Smooth, feel good jam with a little stutter in the drums that makes you put that extra shoulder in it. Check out the wonderfully shot video filmed in Tokyo below and get a free download of the single via his soundcloud page. The download is for a limited time so you betsta hurry. Now Luca, no more teases lol. We are so ready for the full album.

Heathrow To Kansai: The Class Of '94

 

The year 1994 seemed to be a very transitional year in my life. Didn't return to Columbia College. I was 23 and had to finally face the reality that holding on to my job at McDonald's, where I'd been since my senior year high school, wasn't gonna suffice. Found a higher paying job that paved the way for me to finally get my own apartment and officially join the rat race. This new job came with strenuous hours and even more strenuous work duties that often left me mentally and physically drained resulting in me having little to no time for a social life. Beforehand, I was the nightlife king. All I had for my refuge was my love for music but at this point, music was also going through a transition.

The house music scene that I was pretty devoted to for more than ten years was in disarray thanks in part to stagnation, new zoning laws and tourism. The airwaves were pretty much dominated by new jack swing and the pop side of r&b aimed at the young urban streets with sounds built more around beats first and instrumentation, if any, second. Live bands simply didn't exist. Any of my favorite soul or jazz funk artists from the 70's & 80's classic periods, who were lucky enough to be still recording, found themselves clambering for spots in the crowded field of adult contemporary and smooth jazz. Not to say I didn't like any of it, (well I wasn't a fan of new jack swing much at all lol) but I felt something was being lost in the music. It had become watered down. I was hearing it but not feeling it. What's a soul music lover to do?


A few years earlier upon still buying new dance singles on a regular basis, I stumbled upon the music of two bands from the UK that seemed to be oh so inspired by the soul, jazz and funk I grew up on, Brand New Heavies (whom I first bought thanks to Lil Louis dropping "Dream Come True" in his set at Coconuts) and Jamiroquai. I clung to those two bands with all my might hoping for more from them and often wondered if or when they were coming with sophomore albums. Furthermore, being that they were both from overseas, I often wondered were there more artists out there like them.

Enter Gramaphone Record store and the newly formed acid jazz section. I was unclear what acid jazz was initially but if those two bands were filed there, I wanted know who they were filed next to. Perusing I go. DAMN these albums are expensive lol. All imports from the UK and Japan of artists I'd never seen or heard before. The album covers are speaking to me but how do I decide on who to try?

Enter a magazine called Straight No Chaser. This mag was the holy grail of all good things soulful, funky and jazzy in music. This mag became my bible. It seriously opened me up to a whole new world. Artists, dj's, producers, record labels and soulful culture from all around the globe, from the UK street soul and funk jazz movement ie Incognito, Young Disciples, James Taylor Quartet, Outside, Drizabone etc all the way to the movement in Japan ie Monday Michiru, Mondo Grosso, United Future Organization, Kyoto Jazz Massive etc. I was blown away. I felt this movement was tailored just for me. Music that was progressively nostalgic, drawing heavily from the era that shaped my palate but with a freshness making it timeless. Had me hooked, line and sinker lol. My mission was to buy every release I could find, especially those on the Talkin' Loud, Acid Jazz, Dorado, Idyllic, Lollop or 99 Record labels. Took my paycheck every week LMAO.

The downfall, in a sense, was the community of others who felt this music as I did, in Chicago, was a small one. There weren't many outlets in the manner of nightlife that fed this music and movement so I'm thankful to DJs like G-Most, Daniel Givens, Jesse de la Pena, Tone B. Nimble and a handful of others who took the movement to places like the Elbo Room, Lava Lounge, Liquid Kitty and the early days of Red Dog. This era grew me up musically. Through it, I learned so much more about black music history especially jazz. It's crazy how it took the oversea market to introduce to me to the music of labels like Black Jazz, Strata East, Tribe etc. I learned more about Blue Note and just American jazz and funk as a whole. And if it had not been for this era and Gramaphone filing The Roots "Organix", Guru's "Jazzmatazz" and Digable Planets in the acid jazz section, I would have never given hip hop my ear. This led me to the jazzy boom bap side of hip hop. This era would also serve as the precursor to what would become the neo-soul (side eye) era.

*I should note that there were a few labels, artists and college radio stations like WCLK in ATL, Groove Collective, The Solsonics, Ubiquity & Giant Steps who held the movement down in the states.

This year, many classic albums from this era turn 20* and I felt it my duty to create this special podcast episode as a tribute to those albums and this era that shaped me fully into the music lover that I am today. Check out the collage of 20 of my favorites released in 1994 and give this episode your ear. I think the music is as fresh today as it was when I first heard it but then again, I have super fond memories attached to it. I hope you don't mind my reminiscing LOL.
(*Outside "Almost In" & Izit "The Whole Affair" were released in '93 but stateside in '94)

Also, this podcast exist and is made possible because of loyal listeners like yourself. To help it continue, if you are able and willing, please send a donation of any amount to soundrotation@yahoo.com on https://www.paypal.com/

01. Weather Storm / Massive Attack
02. Morning Loving / Carleen Anderson
03. Searching / Nobukazu Takemura ft. Dee C Lee
04. Friendly Pressure / Jhelisa
05. Things Will Be Sweeter / Dee C Lee
06. Life So Free / The Federation
07. Magic Wand Of Love / United Future Organization
08. Daybreak / Brand New Heavies
09. Izit Everywhere Pt. 2 / Izit
10. Brightest Star / Drizabone
11. Invisible Man / Mondo Grosso
12. Lucky Fellow / McKoy
13. Interlude - Little Boy / Omar
14. All In Your Mind / Swing Out Sister
15. When You Call My Name / Jessica Lauren
16. Stillness In Time (vinyl version) / Jamiroquai
17. 144 Brooklyn Palace Mansions / Outside
18. What Is Jazz / Monday Michiru
19. Somewhere Not Here / Bahia Sunsets (Kyoto Jazz Massive)
20. Idyllic / Spiritual Vibes

Mark de Clive-Lowe presents Church

Keyboard wizard, producer Mark de Clive-Lowe is back with blowing our minds once again with his new full length inspired by his highly successful L.A. and NYC club night "Church" and like the event, the album finds him doing what he does best; blending cosmic jazz and electric dance grooves through a mix of live instrumentation and electronics creating some of the most soulful and progressive tunes of the 21st Century. And no "Church" experience is complete without a stellar cast of guest singers and musicians including emcee John Robinson, Miguel Atwood Ferguson, Jamire Williams, theeKIDICARUS, first lady Nia Andrews and many more. This album will surely land on my Best Of 2014 list. COP IT NOW!

Sorceress "Dose"

After being blown away by their 2012 debut album "Chequered Thoughts", I have eagerly anticipated a follow up from the unit, once known as Funkommunity. At last, they're back with that follow up under a new name and boasting a deeper sound. Now called Sorceress, the New Zealand based group led by producer Isaac Aesili and singer Rachel Fraser, continue to cast spells and work their music magic with "Dose", their new album that will surely having you overdosing on it all summer. With their style of electrosoul intact, Sorceress take it deeper and more energetic with grooves a bit more melodic and tight. Danceable at times, fun and free flowing throughout. I highly recommend you take a "dose" of this goodness.

Daniel Crawford "The Awakening"

In the fall of  2012, Daniel Crawford got us to swallow the "Red Pill". Reeling from that high, a year later, we felt the "Side Effects". Now, we are prepared for "The Awakening". On this highly anticipated sophomore album, Daniel offers up his most cohesive project to date and that's saying a lot given that his previous releases were stellar. On The Awakening, he draw heavily from jazz, soul and fusion of yester years, like using a rear view mirror. to guide his travels ahead bringing forth a modern classic with hints of ancestral rhythms throughout. Including the much buzzed about single "Home" that features Cleveland P. Jones on vocals, his tribute to the late, great George Duke and appearances from Vikter Duplaix, Amp Fiddler and flautist Monet, this album will definitely land top 10 on my Best Of 2014 list. Did I mention his killer covers of Prince and Fela Kuti? Yeah Daniel did NOT play around. Check it out below and cop NOW!

NEW ARTIST ALERT: James Tillman "Shangri La"

Ever so often an artist seemingly comes out of the woodwork and just blow my mind, and in 2014 that artist name is James Tillman. The D.C native dropped his debut ep this week and my ONLY gripe is that with only four songs, it leaves me wanting more. Built on his love of music and listening to his parents collection that consisted of everything from Joni Mitchell to Afrika Bambataa, his debut ep "Shangri La" is a glorious blend of jazzy soul with a hint of folk with a vocal delivery and tones that flows a like a river. Word on the street is he's working on a full length so get this slice of beauty below and prepare. It's the best four dollars you will ever spend in your life.COP IT NOW!

Zo!: We Are On The Move (Black Coffee Remix) / A Choice of Weapons

Detroit native multi instrumentalist, producer and The Foreign Exchange member Zo! has been riding high since the release of his last album "ManMade", which landed on many Best Albums of 2013 list including ours. Continuing to make the album do what it do, Zo! and +FE label just released some special hotness, a remix to the latest single "We Are On the Move". (You should remember the latest video with him Eric Roberson, Zo and Darien Alexander on some Whispers ish). The remix come courtesy of the king of the South African house movement Black Coffee who adds the right amount of mellow and percussion making it a melodic jazzy affair. And as an added bonus is the non album groover "Choice Of Weapons" featuring SOUNDROTATION fav Nicholas Ryan Gant and Carmen Rodgers. Pure greatness. Check em below and then head on over to itunes to cop.

   Zo! - We Are On The Move (Black Coffee Remix) / A Choice of Weapons by +FE Music

Mar: Form EP

After turning it up a notch with the house oriented single "Man x Woman", Amsterdam based singer, musician Mar is slowing it down a bit and bringing it back to "Form" on this new two track ep. Starting with "A Simple Go" co-produced by his longtime collaborator Full Crate, mellowing out the groove while Mar spell out the (not so) simplicity of couple being where they wanna be. Then the Malin Genie produced "Ode To Her" takes us on a scenic ride down a long road while Mar express his admiration and seemingly infatuation with this heavenly being. And it's available as a free download. Get it below.

   Mar - Form - EP by BDMNR

Jesse Boykins III: Plain (Lyric Dance Video)

Jesse Boykins III is truly the hardest working man on the global underground circuit and she shows absolutely no sign of slowing down anytime soon. Today the soul prince posted a lyric video to a new dance oriented song "Plain" produced by Machinedrum. This tune brings us one step closer to the long awaited release of his second official full length album "Love Apparatus". Plain and simple it's fun, fun, fun. If you need a little pep in your step, a little pick me up, press play on this video and I'm sure you feel a little bounce.

Ruth Koleva: R U T H

Having already made this biggest noise on music scene in Bulgaria including becoming the youngest recipient of GRAZIA's Woman of the Year award and Best Female Singer award at 2012’s BG Radio Awards, Ruth Koleva has her sights on domination of the globe with the worldwide release of her sophomore album "R U T H". The album find the singer working toward that goal as it has already been heralded by the likes of Mark Ranson, Richard Bona and is already threatening to take a position on my Top 10 albums of 2014 list and it's only February. Refreshing modern soul and nujazz accompanying her beautiful light tones with with guest production and co-writing from SOUNDROTATION fav's Diggs Duke, Colonel Red, Richard Spaven and Vincent Helbers of Seravince. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. One listen to the snippets and I'm sure you're going to run to purchase the cd or the digital on itunes.

   R U T H (Album Preview) by Ruth Koleva

Snarky Puppy: We Like It Here

Fresh off a whirlwind of a year with extensive touring, the highest buzz thanks to a video from their live cd/dvd "Family Dinner" going viral resulting in a Grammy win, Snarky Puppy is on top of the world and they are proclaiming "We Like It Here". The latest project finds the collective showing their best side once again, live performance. Recorded with a studio audience over 4 nights in the Netherlands, this cd/dvd combo proves to be another winner as the Snarky crew offer up another fresh batch of experimental and cohesive soulful jazz fusion. Funky most of the time and orchestral throughout. I don't think the fellas will be slowing down anytime soon. Click the link below to purchase in all formats.

The Hue: Heat Gamma

What happens when Houston's most heat seeking progressive soul and hip hop units collide? A sonic explosion. That's just what happened when SOUNDROTATION fav's Radio Galaxy and H.I.S.D. combined to form The Hue and the aftermath of the explosion can be felt worlds away. "Heat Gamma" combines the two forces uniqueness with its otherworldly electric soulful production and skillful lyrical flow. This amount of heat has the capacity level the playing field. You have been warned. Download below.



Also included in the download is more residue from the explosion,  H.I.S.D. "Beta"  

Record Breakin Music presents Sound Traveler Series #2 w/ Columbia Nights

The ever so progressive Record Breakin' label is back with the next installment in their Sound Traveler series. Next up to bat is SOUNDROTATION fav's Columbia Nights. Inspired by their sessions referred to as Vinyls Fridays, a record listening session where they gather to absorb, converse and be inspired, the trio compiled the most impressive mix for the series filled with the baddest soul, jazz funk and fusion ever recorded from the likes of George Duke, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder and many many more. Check the tracklist and download the mix below.

Tracklist:
George Duke - From Me To You
Jaco Pastorius - Kuru/Speak Like a Child
Dexter Wansel - The Sweetest Pain
Norman Connors - Captain Connors
George Duke - Rashid
Yusef Lateef - Eastern Market
Cortex - L'Enfant Samba
Bob James - I Want To Thank You (Very Much)
Patrice Rushen - What's the Story
Les McCann - Sometimes I Cry
Herbie Hancock - Trust Me
Jon Lucien - Gaku
Sly & The Family Stone - Africa Talks To You "The Asphalt Jungle"
Shuggie Otis - Not Available
Miles Davis - Call It Anything
Band of Gypsies - Who Knows
Weather Report - Manolete
Weather Report - Boogie Woogie Waltz
The Controllers - Hello!
Ed Green - My Love For You And The Ugly
Ronnie Laws - All For You
Darwin Jones - On A Lovely Night Like This
Steve Arrington - Beddie-Biey

Stevie Wonder - Race Babbling
I-Level - Give Me
Columbia Nights - All In

   Sound Traveler series #2 ft. Columbia Nights by Recordbreakin

Daniel Crawford: Home (Africa) ft. Cleveland Jones

Daniel Crawford is steadily building the buzz for his highly anticipated sophomore album "The Awakening". Today the L.A. based musician, producer offers us another peak into the project, the tribally jazzy "Home (Africa)". Channeling the energy of ancient ancestry, this track dig deep into the soil of self discovery as its tribal groove frantically search and yearn to return to the state of natural being. The state of true awareness, with the message sung eloquently by Cleveland Jones, who's orchestral voice just soar into the heavens. Truly can't wait for the album to release but for now, savor this winner of a single and cop it below.

NEW ARTIST ALERT! Zetroc: Atrophy

Shout out to my homie, graphic designer Graham Haynes for turning me on to this talented producer and singer Zetroc. Hailing from Louisiana  Jamey Brown aka Zetroc started in the studio back in 08 just experimenting. Six years later, that experimenting has turned into this glorious debut ep. Dealing with the ups and downs of life including the loss of his mother, Zetroc dug deep into his soul and "Atrophy" was born.

"Atrophy is somewhat of a running joke I had with myself about this record (sorry it took so long) and the title also serves as a testament to what I've learned and applied as a producer and individual. At the time I started working on this I had a limited amount of resources to create, However I felt that these compositions were born out of necessity rather than the luxury of having various tools at my reach. With every sound you may hear in this music; Every single one was a learning process. Which often times left me with mixed feelings of excitement and resentment towards this learning curve and the project in general. In "Atrophy", I wrote about experiences of mine within a particular six year period of my life. From losing my mother, to Deconstructing hopelessness, and finding love in someone who mirrors the worst parts of you as a person...and resenting them for it. Atrophy is my reaction to what could happen if I were to not use my creativity and expression as a means to actually feel alive. No matter how challenging or foreign the process may be, The most frightening thing is always is not knowing what could have happened"

Check out this amazing debut filled with experimental soulful goodness and I'm sure he'll stay on your radar.

Max Kane: Out Of My Mind / Ebb & Flow

Bay Area producer Max Kane brought the heat with this double sided release.The first joint will certainly have you "Out Of Your Mind" and into the cosmos with its infectious electrofunk groove featuring fellow funksters Zackey Force Funk and Teeko on vocals and talk box.

The second track will take you from the cosmos to higher levels in the stratosphere. Featuring the killer vocals of SOUNDROTATION fav, St.Louis soul prophet Coultrain, "Ebb & Flow" is pure jazzy goodness with a heavy dose horns and live instrumentation added to the synth production. This double sided release was available last year on 7" vinyl via CrossTalk and now it's available digitally along with the instrumentals via itunes. A MUST HAVE!

Reva DeVito: Kisses (Prod.by B. Bravo)

Nice new track from Portland based singer Reva DeVito. Teaming up with Bay Area electrofunkster B. Bravo, the duo bring the sunshiny and bright "Kisses". And thanks to the good people at HW&W Recordings, this kiss of heaven is available as a free download. Get on it.

Ego Ella May: Breathing Underwater

Uk singer Ego Ella May is back with the follow up to her 2013 debut ep "The Tree" that landed in my Best EP's of 2013. On "Breathing Underwater" there is no sophomore jinx as she continue to push the boundaries of r&b with her brand of electronic future soul mostly produced by Mini-D and two tracks by Soulection labelmate IAMNOBODI. She surely will become a staple on the global scene. Check it out and download.

Expansion Sound Vol. 1

To celebrate the relaunch of the Expansions Collective, UK beat craftsman Mecca:83 compiled 30 hip hop, abstract, soulful and jazzy heaters from the some of the hottest producers and fellow beat craftsmen on the global scene including Dutchy, Kan Sano, Spinnerty, Question and many more. This comp can be purchase on a limited edition cassette or at a name your price option below. All proceeds will go to the fundraising campaign of ATL based producer BusCrates whom last week suffered bodily damage in an accident while riding his bike. So give from the heart.

Jairus "J Mo" Mozee: Bridge Through Time

Grammy nominated producer, musician Jairus "J Mo" Mozee (Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott) uploaded his nice and smooth cover of Lonnie Liston Smith's lesser known song "Bridge Through Time" to his soundcloud page. Playing every instrument in the production, J Mo has put a nice 21st century polish on the joint. Check it out.