cubikmusik

spectacular

DUJEOUS feat. SHARON JONES - "SPECTACULAR" from Dujeous LLC on Vimeo.

NYC-based hip-hop band Dujeous is back with a sizzling summer collaboration. "Spectacular" features the one-and-only Sharon Jones (of Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings), and is slated to appear on their long-awaited LP Day In Day Out, due in Fall 2010.

And, if you are in Dublin and are ready to check out Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings live you can do so courtesy of Choice Cuts in November.

Buy the single on iTunes

spectacular

DUJEOUS feat. SHARON JONES - "SPECTACULAR" from Dujeous LLC on Vimeo.

NYC-based hip-hop band Dujeous is back with a sizzling summer collaboration. "Spectacular" features the one-and-only Sharon Jones (of Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings), and is slated to appear on their long-awaited LP Day In Day Out, due in Fall 2010.

And, if you are in Dublin and are ready to check out Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings live you can do so courtesy of Choice Cuts in November.

Buy the single on iTunes

heritage

 

It is wholly appropriate that an act seeped in musical history such as Hypnotic Brass Ensemble team up with a group of music lovers that dedicate themselves to delivering quality music, such as Choice Cuts, to release an EP entitled Heritage. This release pays homage to just some the music that has influenced all of their musical output over the years with classic sounds re-interpreted with respect and honor while overlaid with the undeniable sound of Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.

"All band members are the sons of legendary Sun Ra trumpeter Phil Cohran. The group began performing together as children (some as early as 3 years old). In 1999 they formed what is now known as the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and have performed or collaborated with some of the greatest musical stars of the last two decades. From Mos Def to Maxwell, Wu Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah to UK superstar Damon Alburn, Erykah Badu to Fela Kuti's drummer Tony Allen. If you don't know these guys you're missing out.

During one of their many stays in Dublin with ChoiceCuts, Hypnotic decided to shack up in a studio located high in the Dublin mountains to rehearse for a week and write new material. Hypnotic and ChoiceCuts had a bit of down time in between these sessions and with plenty of Guinness and Jameson in tow chose to rework some of their favourite records from other artists that have influenced them both." 

With a free tune, Spottie, given away by Choice Cuts last week as a teaser and the news that the release will be vinyl only, distributed by much respected Honest Jon's I was anxious to get my grubby little paws on the rest of the release and thankfully Mark came through today and I was not disappointed have got to say that Spottie (available below for DL) is my favorite followed closely by the rework of Fela Kuti's 'Water No Get Enemy'.

First off, the video presented to mark the release.

ChoiceCuts presents Hypnotic Brass Ensemble from Loughlin McSweeney on Vimeo.

Next, check the EP snippets for just a hint of what to expect, great sounds.

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble Heritage EP Snippets by ChoiceCuts

Now, check out Spottie, with the gentle headnod to Outkast's Spottieottiedopaliscious.

Spottie - Heritage EP Exclusive Download by ChoiceCuts

A bit about Choice Cuts: When I moved back to Ireland a while back I hadn't heard of Choice Cuts as they had been started after I had left. Upon returning as I started to explore the musical scene in Dublin the Choice Cuts name kept on popping up on my radar and was consistently associated with things that I wanted to see, do and hear. that's impressive when you've returned to a country not having a good feel for whats happening and wondering if the sounds of your city have evolved as you have and then you read an 'about us' page as such...

"Our parties have been blessed with special guests like J-Rocc, Kenny Dope, DJ Krush, Z-Trip, Madlib & Jazzy Jeff. Our concerts have witnessed perfromances by Mos Def, Q-Tip, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Edan, The Poets of Rhythm, Jneiro Jarel, The Breakestra, Build An Ark, Osaka Monaurail to name but few. Labelheads like Gerald Short (Jazzman), Mad Mats(GAMM, Raw Fusion), Rob Luis(Tru Thoughts), Peanut Butter Wolf(Stones Throw), Miles Cleret(SoundWay), Olski(MPM), B+(Mochilla) and Olan(All City) have blessed us with deep sets from their label catalogues and digging escapades.....We also delve a bit deeper into the past and tip our hat to where it all comes from so you may see live shows with artists like Sweet Charles, Marva Whitney, Blowfly, Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul, Candi Staton, Steinski and Qbert."

What impresses me most is not just the musical passion with knowledge that has depth and breath but also their ability to create a successful business while doing so. in times like this and from where I am sitting (in my corporate office job) that's inspiring. 

So, enjoy the freebie, support the release by getting the vinyl, check out Hypnotic Brass Ensemble live for a truly great experience and check out your local listings to see if the name Choice Cuts pops up.

stone fox

please join me in celebrating the one and only Mr. James Brown's birthday today. Born in 1933 he became the undisputed godfather of soul with a ream of classics while also attaining legendary status as a black leader during troubled times in the USA. 

this track is an instrumental from 1967 called Stone Fox when James Brown played with the Famous Flames. What a tune. 

Download Stone fox

no tears to cry_paul weller_leo zero remix

 

such a big tune. truly epical. leo zero takes on Paul Weller's 'no tears to cry' and creates an 8 minute Northern Soul belter. now Paul Weller is pretty much a legend in my eyes and is one of the greatest songwriters who has been massively under-rated in many ways which is a shame yet he keeps on coming back and turing out quality. he plays SeaSessions later this year and I'd love to go see him but won't be able to unfortunately.

from Leo Zero:

"A remix for Paul Weller / Island records that was a real honour ( and a lot of fun) to do. I think of this sound as what was going on at Blackpool's Mecca Ballroom on the Northern Soul scene - slightly disco-fied.... but this track also reminds me of Neil Diamond and Glen Campbell - it's a truly great song, and I was literally jumping round the studio with excitement when I first heard it! It was one thing to land a Paul Weller mix after being a fan for so long, but then to find out it was for such a belter of a song was mindblowing."

Also check out the comments to get an idea of what makes up the song. interesting stuff.

Paul Weller - 'No Tears To Cry' ( Leo Zero Remix ) by Leo Zero

mercy mercy me

from Jay Negron (DL below). beautifully done:

When Marvin Gaye originally recorded this groundbreaking LP, he used many different recording techniques.He used 2 sets of vocals and separated them: falsetto on one side and tenor on the other.He also brought the rhythm section to the front with accent on the bongos. Motown bosses (Berry Gordy & Company) did not like the result and remixed it more conventionally for the 1971 release. Thirty years later (2001) they finally released the original mix now called "The Detroit Funk Mix"; (after The Funk Brothers, the Motown rhythm section who played wonderfully in this session)

In 1971 as a 15 year old I made a medley of the songs from this LP on a cassette. Recently I was listening to all the remixes from this LP and decided to re-create the Medley I did but NOW using The Funk Brothers versions and a great Jimmy Michaels mix on "Mercy Mercy Me".

It came out just as I wanted!!

Medley includes:

"What's Going On", "What's Happening Brother", "God Is My Friend", "Mercy Mercy Me", & "Inner City Blues"

Marvin Gaye - What's Goin On Medley (Jski Mix-2010) by Jay Negron

7 day fool

 

got this tasty little re-edit from flavorheard under their Whiskey Baron moniker. this one goes out to Phil Cooper who I know has a liking for Northern Soul so I reckon this might scratch that itch of his. Originally out in 1961 by Etta James it was covered more recently by Jully Black. solid stomping tune.

Download 7 day fool (whiskey barons edit)

follow flavorheard on soundcloud

still bill

Bill Withers is a true legend of not just music but of the wonder of the human spirit.

This documentary, made by Alex Vlack and Damani Baker and acquired by the now defunct B-Side entertainment group,gives us a glimpse into the world of an artist that has influenced so many others while being an integral element in our musical journey and education.

See if there any screenings in your area or maybe organise your own? If you're in Dublin and would be interested in attending a screening leave a comment, drop me an email ([email protected]) or hit me up on twitter as myself and Confused Eclectic are looking into setting up a screening here. thanks to julien at laid back for turning me onto this one.

Bill Withers - Make A Smile For Me (Trishes Edit) by trishes

Still Bill Trailer from B-Side Entertainment on Vimeo.

bump this

shouts to treesforbreakfast for turning me onto this from HomeMade (Full Crate, FS Green & Grand Jackson) . Love the way this track drops off and picks back up with a little more 'oompf'. A great track to get you moving with some fine bass and horn section accompanied by excellent synth drops. big tune from this trio of talents from Amsterdam. 

for more from Full Crate and FS Green I highly recommend 22Tracks for some of their selections. an excellent site and way to track new tunes and artists to be watching for.

Download 04 Bump This

lee fields & the expressions on tour

one of my favourite albums last year was 'My World' by Lee Fields and the Expressions (Truth & Soul Records) and they're about to hit Europe with their tour. They'll be joined by Charles Bradley & Menahan Street Band. Check out the clip below and tour dates under that. Classic stuff.

dates:

2/04 Paris (Fr) "New Morning"

2/05 London (Uk) "Bloomsbury Ballrom"

2/07 Koln (Ger) "Bogen 2"

2/08 Frankfurt (Ger) "Mousonturm"

2/09 Belfort (Fr) "La Poudrière"

2/10 Ris Orangis (Fr) "Le Plan"

2/11 Nijmegen (Hol) "Doornoosje"

2/12 Amsterdam(Hol) "Paradiso"

2/13 Louvain (Bel) "Kulturama festival"

2/14 Sannois (Fr) "E.M.B"

Please support great music. Go to the show. Buy the album.

buy 'my world: iTunes, Truth & Soul

under the influence with...nicholas kopernicus

A few weeks ago on my 'songs of praise' show over on Space Invader Radio I played the tune, Brisa, and was delighted to receive a comment from the band, Nicholas Kopernicus to say thanks. Was chuffed to say the least and to top it all off Jason (guesting below) told me he had the speakers out  his street in Brooklyn playing my show with folks hanging out and chilling to the sounds. That's the beauty of the internet! Needless to say I was even more chuffed when he agreed to talk about his musical influences for our series.
He came at it with gusto as they say and has delivered an extensive view of the sounds that he grew up with as he made his journey to where he is today. Special.Much thanks to Jason for taking the time out to share these thoughts and feelings. Enjoy.
********************************************************************************************************************************************************Hello Cubikmusik music family, My name is Jason "classicbeatz" Minnis and I'm  producer/pianist/songwriter based in Brooklyn, NY. Thanks for checking me out.  
A little discography? 
My most recent project is an instrumental album with guitarist Seon Gomez. We call ourselves Nicholas Kopernicus and our debut album Audiocentric is in all major digital stores . The music can be described as a mix of afro-beat, soul, jazz and funk (and anything else dope). In 2008 I released an underground hip hop album with MC/Producer Ash Holmz. We call ourselves Smash Brothers and the album is called Fear factor. Why am I talking? 
A couple of days ago Cubikmusik hit me up and was gracious enough to ask me to do a guest post. After reading some of the dope features, I quickly realized that I was out of my league.  I'm not going to even try and compete with some of he dope musicians/producers/Dj's that have been featured. Instead, I'm going to try take you on my own personal musical journey and show how my influences have evolved. I also want to give “musical snapshots” of various periods of my life. Hopefully you like what you read..if not.. well .. kick rocks? 
Where it all started(Florida boi) 
Well first off ,I'm from the South(southern united states for cats outside the US). I was born and raised in South St. Petersburg ,Florida(Tampa bay area). Like most southern American cities 'St. Pete' has its ups and downs. It has a rich cultural heritage, especially in the African American community. But it also suffers from segregation and classicism. In some areas, poverty, drugs and gangs are rampant, while other areas of the city reflect a picturesque view of the American dream. As with most places in the USA, your version of St.pete depends on your paycheck & skin color *best BBQ in the world, grandma's house 
These early influences & contradictions help shape my personality and the music that I listen to. From an young age I had two musical callings, Classical Piano & hip hop. I know it sounds like an unlikely pairing but for me it made perfect sense. It wasn't unusual for me to listen to local mixes of the Jam Pony DJ's, or southern hip hop luminaries like Ghetto Boys & UGK and then turn around and practice Chopin, Debussy or Rachmaninoff on the piano for hours. There was never any differentiation for me. As with the contradictions of my environment, it all seemed normal.  
Southern Contradictions play list12 Player's Ball

Mazurka in a minor

Growing Up 
As I got older, my musical pallet go wider. Also things were changing around me,due to continued police brutality in the black community, South St.pete had major riot. This event(as well as other factors) influenced my family's decision to move 10 miles north. While 10 miles may not seem far to most, it might as well have been the moon to me. It was a huge culture shock. All of a sudden I was introduced to grunge and alt rock from kids at my high school. Sonic youth, Green Day and Sound Garden stayed in my play list right along with 8ball& MJG, Jay-Z & Biggie.   
Jason's teenage grunge list  
pearl jam - jermy
Green-day - basketcase Soundgarden - black hole sun Stone Temple Pilots-Vaseline 
Around this time I discovered my dads old records and became "aware" of how dope soul music is. I've heard the soundtrack of the 60's & 70's in my household my entire life but I had never really paid it much attention. Aretha, Curtis, Marvin & Stevie, as well as  Black Urhu ,Bob Marley. seemed to be talking to me. They all seemed to understand the turmoil and identity crises that I was going through This new discovery along with the "Dead Presidents" movie soundtrack awakened the inner 70's revolutionary inside of me. While my boys were rocking to P-diddy and getting jiggy. I was listening to the originals 
 
Jason's Militant playlist 
James brown- Big payback 
Black Urhu -Sponji Reggae Nina -Young gifted and black LIVE Issac Hayes – walk on by   
 
College 
When I attended to Florida state University yet another world opened up. I joined an historically black fraternity named Phi Beta Sigma. One of the things that all historically black fraternities and sororities do is stepping which is a form of rhythmic dancing that dates back 80 years. Stepping taught me the value of "feeling" the rhythm as well as performance. Nothing compares to performing on stage in front of thousands of people We were nice!!! and we toured the entire south rocking shows (here is a video clip of a show from NYC) *strolling with my fraternity brothers, Step show outfit 
I also began expanding my hip hop tastes as well. I discovered the genius that is J-dilla when I was a sophomore in college. I was always aware of his work(pharcyde, The Ummah)  but Slum village vol 2, and Common's  like water for chocolate really opened up my ears. Freaky drums, Yes! Jazzy Rhodes YES. To me Dilla took the richness of  old soul and modernized it while maintaining its original flava. 
At Florida State your pretty much forced to interact with different types people. I was fortunate to be around folks that put me on to Good alternative music . A roommate put me on to Radiohead (kid-A), and Ive been hooked ever since 
 
Jason's College playlist 
 
Outkast-BOBDownload 08 B.O.B. Cee-lo -Evening news 
>Common/slum village - theolonious 
>Radiohead-Everything in its right place D'Angelo- Africa  
 
Alone in West Baltimore  
After  I finished college at Florida state I moved to Baltimore for graduate school. This is point in my life  where I  began to take music seriously. I had always kept up with my piano playing and dabbled in songwriting, but the isolation of graduate school and the grittiness of Baltimore forced me inwards. After rocking ATliens until the wheels feel off, I finally bit the bullet bought an MPC2000xl and began the crazy journey that is production. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing at the time(i still don't ) and looking back I think that was one of the definitive experiences of my life. Figuring out stuff on my own with no guidance forced me be creative and develop a unique process as well as confidence. When you're in those situations you either become frustrated and give up or find away to make it work. *west Baltimore beginner setup 
With that being said there there was always one group of producers I always admired and looked to for guidance.  Organized noise!! These dudes have produced so many hip hop gems. From Outkast -ATliens(which is my fav hip hop album of all time) Goodie mob,TLC to other Dungeon Family acts like Cool Breeze, Slim Cutter Calhoun and Witch Doctor.  As far as hip hop production is concerned , these guys are my biggest influence. 
Jasons favorite Organized noise/DF songs Dungeon Family - Follow the lights Outkast-Mainstream cool-breeze-watch for da hook Goodie Mob- Still standing Outkast, Erkyah Badu, cee-lo- In due time 
 
 
The Africainzation of jason? 
In 2005 I took the first of 2 trips to Africa(Kampala, Uganda). Needless to say , this was a big deal. When I stepped off the plane in Kampala Uganda, I was the first person in my family to set foot on the African continent since my forefathers were brought over on slaves. This had a huge impact on my psyche. The music, environment and culture were amazing.  Upon my arrival my senses were overwhelmed with the rhythms and sounds of African music. While there are huge cultural differences between Africans and African Americans, the rhythm in our music has managed to stay consistent throughout the generations. Because of this, the music that I heard while in Uganda  was  strangely familiar and new at the same time. When I got home I immediately dove head first into the vast ocean that is African music, old and new. *Nile river, Lake Victoria, Ugandan dancers 
Africanized playlist... 
Fela kuti – Expensive sh*t 
Siji -yearning for home Cheikh lo- sou Cedric IM brooks- Ethopia Karl Hector & the malcouns - sahara swing 
Wrap up 
I can't front, Ive been blessed with a wide range of life experiences.  Due to time constraints I've had to leave a lot off stuff out. (Band camp, piano lessons, Brooklyn,saxophone practice) But  hopefully I given some insight into the major experiences that have shaped the music I make. Personally  I think you can hear a lot of my “world” influences on Audiocentric album and you can hear more of my southern hip hop influences on the fear factor album . These experiences are working their way into my new project as well. Who knows how that will end up ;) 
Either way, Thanks for taking the time to check me out. 
Jason “classicbeatz”  Minnis 
  ********************************************************************************************************************************************************

 Check out just one tune as influenced by the above sounds and feelings. Impressive stuff.

Download 04 brisa     

buy: iTunes  Amazon

Contact Hit me up 
Nicholas Kopernicus www.facebook.com/nkopernicus  (<--stays updated) www.myspace.com/nkopernicus www.twitter.com/nkopernicus [email protected] 
My personal www.myspace.com/classicbeatz classicbeatz@gmail.com 
Smash Brothers www.myspace.com/smashbrothersmusic [email protected] 
 

winley

this goes out to paul over at northern by nature who showed great patience as he awaited this post.

i love it when you have a tune that you adore and then find the original that was sampled. special. then you start reading on both tunes to figure who's who and the stories behind them. a lot of the time there is no connection at all. but sometimes, special times, you find out great connections. love that.

tonight i was putting together a mix for the mint collective (out of my old hometown San Diego) and put in the tune 'watchdog' by Ann Winley. I hadn't heard it before last night and recognized that it was sampled by 'rhymin' & rappin' by Paulett & Tanya Winley (With Harlem Underground Band). It only clicked then that the last names were the same. off i go to wikipedia to find that Ann produced the tune and was their (step?) mother, married to Paul Winley who had started Winley Records as a doo-wop label in 1956 that evolved into one of the first hip-hop labels that was the first to release afrika bambata.

first got 'rhymin & rappin' on this party keller compilation a few years back. both are class tunes.

Download 02 Rhymin' & Rappin

Download 05 Watchdog

call me

i dunno what to say.

call me.

Download 16 Call Me

mechanical body

was ripping some vinyl the other day and played the b-side of an edit out of Italy from the Super Value label. the intro beat reminded me of 'how sweet it is' by mr.scruff and mark rae which is a favorite of mine so of course i sat up. needless to say as the tune evolved i was blown away with the soulful sounds enveloped by this solid beat. after some digging, and consulting with @paulriley1982 on twitter we found it.
'mechanical body' by George and Gwen McCrae released in 1975 on cat records.
its a beautiful thing.

03 Mechanical Body

so after checking that little beauty out you should tune into my radio show over on space invader radio from last sunday. really enjoyed this one so check it out below along with the track-listing for all you diggers that need a fix. oh, the edit as mentioned above is there so you gotta check it.

tracklisting:

intro: dj mitsu
lazy lagoon: anjali
brisa: nicholas kopernicus
mad world: baba brooks band
message to the nation: shirley caesar
UMI Says: Mos Def
Where Have They Gone?: Harmonic 33
Soldier: Erykah Badu
The Truth: Handsome Boy Modeling School
Crazy Rhymin: Only Child Featuring Kriminul
u can't escape the hypeness: blvd mosse
phatty's lunchbox: mekon
you can't fool me again peter tosh
Atlantic One (Part 2): Ansell Collins & G.G. All Stars
19/2000: gorillaz
dunce cap: herman and the aquarians
swing easy: soul vendors
ride on: big youth
Sweet Sensation: The Melodians
Mun-Dun-Gu: Cedric Im Brooks
Dreader Than Dread: Honey Boy Martin
Congo Man (Carl Craig Edit ): The Congos
Cant stand the rain edit
Just Passin Through: AiM
How Sweet It Is: Mr Scruff & Mark Rae
b2: super value
Leave It In The Hands Of Love: Fontella Bass
Brown Baby (Onur Engin Edit): Diana Ross
People Get Ready: Minstrels
Higher (Editnot): Creative Edits
He's Not Dead Skit: Mark Rae

Songs Of Praise Oct 04 09 by cubikmusik

over like mcgyver

Really looking forward to check out the October 9th release of the album 'interview' by Brian Deady from Cork.
This tune, 'over like mcgyver' , is such a strong starter and intro. to the sounds we can expect: slow boogie soulful sounds. Impressive name to watch as the album comes out and no doubt some great live shows to support the release.
'While currently putting the finishing touches on 'Interview' he has joined forces to produce a 9 piece live outfit ;a hugely talented cast including the highly acclaimed Niwel Tsumbu on guitar ,Tomas Gall on drums. The live set has been wowing crowds; debuting at the Cork Jazz Festival '08 supporting the Poets Of Rhythm and more recently opening for soul queen - Candi Staton. The reputation of this soulful pop/funk act is really gaining momentum and with fresh new singles due for release over the course of the summer Brian Deady's unique meshing of styles is set to catch fire."

Download 02 Over Like Mcgyver (ext edit)

i got caught in your whirlpool of love...

picked up a hearing of this over on dilated choonz and music like dirt (no.99) or headphonesex has the version here. the extended pilooski edit of edwin starr's get up whirlpool

Download Get Up Whirlpool (Extended)

5 Audio Track: know what this track is?

 

just came on shuffle, track name '5 Audio Track'. no artist. gotta know this is.
if you know the tune, artist, etc. please lemme know please leave a comment or @twitter

Download 01 5 Audio Track

dedicated to my music posse on twitter:
@spigotZ @creamteam @ZoeAnna @sheenbeaston @nialler9 @songbytoad @bodytonic @jaycee001 @guinnessdj @laidbackradio @spaceinvaderfm @on_point @ondasonora @JulieGong @FreshSelects @phil__cooper @kamisir @alex_chase @mrbeatnick @greymatterbeats @demosuzki, @d_e_v

wow: got an answer in about 4 mins, on twitter. nice. from @b_chamberlain

@Cubikmusik Soldiers of Twilight - Believe (New Mastersounds Remix)

i am what i am

Download 01 I Am What I Am (Parts 1 & 2)

marva whitney.
legend!

buy: iTunes, amazon (UK), (US)

space invaded

through the power of twitter i came across space invader radio via guinnessdj (live right now with a massive suited/booted drum/bass set.). great station with lots of top tuneage from bristol and london (perhaps elsewhere?).
has become a regular in my listening schedule the last week. all shows available for download.

also caught this show a few days ago by carriage clock. great set.

this tune comes from the loose groove set last week.
smoove & turrell take us back to a different era with this pure soulful tune 'you don't know'. pure wow.
have had this blaring from my car speakers all week and played it last week at my first ukiyo bar sunday afternoon set. great reaction to it.
Download 01 You Don't Know

buy: jalapeno records (label), clickgroove, emusic, jalapeno records (label), iTunes

i want to be loved by you...

Download 16 I Want To Be Loved 1 1