Forgotten Treasures: Bobby Bland (1930 – 2013)
Another soul giant passed away recently, but Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland was more than a tear-jerking blues man. In his obituary he was described as “among the great storytellers of blues and soul music… [who] created tempestuous arias of love, betrayal and resignation, set against roiling, dramatic orchestrations, and left the …
Future Classic: Jessy Lanza “Kathy Lee” (Hyperdub Records)
As I’ve stated before, I am always enthralled when a Canadian artist breaks into the UK underground scene that rules my every being. And it has happened yet again! This time with the mysterious Jessy Lanza, an Ontario based songstress via the ever-powerful label Hyperdub, run by the mighty Steve …
Forgotten Treasure: Sade “By Your Side” (Naked Music Mix #2)
My ears were first graced by the smooth and sultry voice of Sade at a very early age. My mother used to play “Diamond Life” on tape to lull me to sleep, and ever since, goosebumps rise whenever those vocal chords are struck. So when I heard Bowly of Montreal’s …
Future Classic: Elaquent “Believing”
Our good friend – and very talented producer from Guelph, Ontario – Elaquent’s music stands out compared to the infinite number of beat tapes, including those from fellow Canadian producers. There’s just something about the swing of his beats and classic approach to production that is grounded in the golden era …
Forgotten Treasure: Nina Simone “House Of The Rising Sun” (1968)
No lengthy introduction needed; the recording speaks for itself: Nina Simone performing “House Of The Rising Sun” live at The Bitter End in NYC in 1968. This is one of those songs whose mythos is as dense as the register of artists performing it. From Andy Griffith to Dylan, the …
Future Classic: Doc Delay “Morgan”
NYC producer and DJ Doc Delay has always had his own style. His ‘‘Galactic” mix series will give you a taste of where his producer ear is at now and his REM Sleep psych mixes are how I got introduced to him as a DJ. Well, he has finally released …
Future Classic: Ta-ku “Dowhatyoulove”
No stranger to delicate mixes of boom-bap and future sounds, Australia’s very own Ta-ku treats us to a new release, Dowhatyoulove. The 18 instrumental tracks of the records illustrate how little it now matters where in the world people are located, music will still find its way through borders and …
Future Classic: Booty Based Mob “Volume 2”
With their second installement, the Booty Based massive brings a boatload of based beats that resound through your sound system with the unmistakable thump they’ve made their name on. Showcasing some of MTL’s brightest beatmakers, local GAWD KenLo Craqnuques is given the honor of opening/closing the ceremony with a molten, …
Future Classic: A K U A “Gravity”
Last year, right around this time actually, I was introduced to the wonderful A K U A. I was invited to one of her shows, which I didn’t actually get to go to, but all the raving reviews from her performance sparked my interest so I looked her up and …