Well as the title states this is the first show of the New Year. Doesn’t feel like 2009 to me, however as soon as you turn on the television or radio you are soon reminded of it via various news reports of how deep the credit crunch is going to be.
Anyway the first tune up in regards to the Electric Soul show for this evening was called “Look after my girl”(2008 release from the album called Signature) by Sway featuring Darren B, England. This is a tune that I like. A simply Hip-hop driven tune that features a nice dash of Rn’b music within the composition. I like the lyrics, the storyline and the flow of the rap that is supplied by Sway. The music that is the background is light and mellow enough for the rapper (Sway) and singer (Darren B) to take advantage of this. Instead of me going on please have a listen. I think you will like it.
Went back a few years for my next track. “VIP” by Jamie Foxx, USA (2006 release from the album called Unpredictable). Jamie is a man of many talents, first of all he is a movie star (anyone seen the film called “Collateral” that he was in together with Tom Cruise?); also he is a Stand up Comedian; and lastly he is a fine recording artist and vocalist. This album when released did well for Jamie, and I have to say that this is my favourite cut from the album. Smooth as silk this track; I love the distant and light horns that are in the background, together with the Jazz like chords and the Soulful favours which have been added to make this sound good. It uses a music sample within the composition of this track by the great Herbie Hancock called “Butterfly” which bind everything together. One has to give credit in a big way to Jamie Foxx, and the backing singer who he is with on this track. Vocally they have nailed the tune. They work well together intertwining brilliant between each other vocally to get the best out of each other. Have a listen to the tune below to see what I mean.
Changed the script once again for my listeners. However this time I decided on playing some Soulful Hip-hop music. Yes soulful Hip-hop music. I have played this track for the last 3 outing on t his show, and still it sounds wonderful. The track in question is called “Life is better” by Q-Tip and Norah Jones, USA (2008 release from the album called Renaissance). A light vibraphone like riff greets us on the opening bars of this track, then Norah Jones voice together with the simple Hip-hop drum beats together with Rhodes like piano lines in the background makes us all smile whilst we are only 50 seconds into the tune.I have to say Norah Jones sounds like Jill Scott (Or could it be that Jill Scott sounds like Norah Jones?). The bass line is so funky, and together with the drum line that it does make your head nod. However, I am in love with Norah Jones voice it is so light, and hits all the right spots. Then after 2 minutes into the song Q-tip enters the fray. The speed, delivery and flow of his lyrics are something to behold, and take the song to another level. Wow. Q-tip has got to have probably the most recognisable voices in Hip-hop music. However, the star of the show on this track has to be Norah Jones. Her voice is so soulful. Have a listen to this track by clicking on the link given below. You will be have this on repeat it is that good.
One more tune from the Soulful Hip hop camp. “My Story” by Sy Smith, Nicolay and Kay, USA (Released on the album called “Here”, 2006). This particular tune makes uses one of the greatest harmonic bass lines in history to come good. The explanation is that Nicolay has sampled a portion of the tune called “Portrait of Tracy” which is to found from the 1976 album called “Jaco Pastourius” by Jaco Pastourius. The group called Swv have used this particular sample on a track that they released called "Rain"(1997) and the artists called Chingy featuring Tyreese did the same with the track called "Pulling me back"(2005) It such a wonderful track to use as a sample for Hip hop or Rn’b music. Jaco was considered the greatest bass player who ever lived because of his use of "Harmonics" when playing the fretless bass guitar. He used this Harmonic style of playing to create "Portrait of Tracy"(1976.
As stated above this is a wonderful tune to use in regards to getting soulful vibes for. Sy Smith backing vocals and the rap provided by Kay are nothing short of marvelous. Both of them give top rated performances on this track. The Rap has a get flow to it, and the vocals are so soulful. Please have a listen to this track by clicking on the link below.
Another tune from London to have reached my decks and I have to confess that I have played this tune regularly now for at least 3 weeks on the show and it still doesn’t sound old. “Imagine” by Lei-an, England (2008 release from the album called “Imagine me”) is a tune that I love. To be honest it sounds like it could have been released in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. It has that type of vibe about it. Starts off with a nice guitar riff, then the groove kicks in together with the melody of the track. Lei-an voice finally enters the fray and I must say that it fits this song like a glove. If Uk Soul/Rn’b music is to be taken seriously then tunes like this will not harm its reputation one bit when its comes to making the soulful side of Rn’b music. It’s starting to get good airplay on the up to date Rn’b show’s here in the Uk, and surely it’s only a matter of time that the Usa picks up on this.
Well the next tune up on the platter so to speak was “I told myself” by Dionyza (2008 release from the album called “Quite like me”). The album was released on the 23rd December 2008 to be precise. Already this single has been released as the album first official single, and I from all reports its has done remarkably well for the new Rn’b and soul star. It has a beat and a groove that reminds me of Hip-hop music. However the chords and melody and voice of Dionyza all give it a soul flavour. Hip Hop soul? Yes this is and it works. Have a listen to the track by clicking on the link below. See what you think?
Well, time had reached for me to play the Rare Groove selection part1 of the show. For those of you that listen in each week I need not say anything more. For those of you that is new to this well. Each week I play two sections of the Rare Groove selection. 3 songs in each part. These songs are either bonafide rare grooves, or songs that people have simply forgotten about. (However, if you want to know what was played in this part of the show you will have to listen to the show!)
The next track up directly after the Rare Groove Selection of the show was a tune that I had recently heard when I was surfing the Internet myself. “House on a beach”(2008) by Glen Lewis was the track that literally stopped me in my Internet tracks. What a tune this was I thought. I had to get it. Now that I have it I wanted to share it with my listeners. I have now played this tune for the last 3 weeks on this very show. It seems like that they have sampled the track called “Sexual healing” by Marvin Gaye within the very first part of the song. Very light melody, and there seems to be an echoing syth riff line going through the track, which makes it so contagious. The drum pattern is funky and simple, but light and not over powering. Then we have Glen Lewis voice to contend with, and I have to say that its spot on. To be fair he is helped on his way by some back vocalists that add the cherry to this iced dripped cake of a tune. Wow, this is going to be huge. However, there are some concerns that this tune was already put out last year by a group/or artist called “Floss” (and was original made by Ryan Leslie). Anybody knows the truth that’s going on with this track origin? Please have a listen to this track via clicking on the link below.
I have already played one tune from Dionyza here on the show earlier that I liked from her new album called “Quite like me”. This was the second tune from her tonight on the show. This is a really funky cut. I like the bass line and the drums that greets us here. Really funky. Dionyza voice matches well with the groove and the background singers add weight to the song as well. Have listen to this tune by clicking on the link below. Remember the this tune is called “Quite like me” by Dionyza, Usa (2008 release from the album called Quite Like me)
I have previously played this track on and off for the last 3 weeks. This track features more Rn’b flavours then Hip hop bravado. “Innocent man” (2008 release) by Mark Morrison (England) and DMX (USA) have a created a wonderful tune here. A mid tempo tune that has your mind well and truly locked into the groove from the outset. A funky and yet lazy sounding bass line is aided with the whispery sounding Mark Morrison vocals. We also have the help of truly great backing vocals that makes you pay attention within the first 30 seconds of this track and mid way through the track DMX provides a creditable rap. I feel that this is going to be one of the first big tunes of 2009. Have a listen to the tune below via clicking on the link supplied. However, I was racking my brain when I have listen to this before. I’m sure that I have heard this before? I think I’ve heard the artist called Cassidy perform this first. Has anyone got any news on this? Have a listen to the track via the link provided below.
Over the last month or so I had played tracks from the group known to us as the Chestnut Brothers (USA). They have recently released a new album for us called “Retro Soul” which is a 13-tune album, full of different vibes and grooves. This week I decided to play a track from the album called “Whole lotta you in me”(2008 release). "Whole lotta you in me" (2008 release from the album called "Retro Soul") (2008 release) is still my favourite cut from the album. The start or build up of the track is great. Then that voice kicks in reminds me of every so slightly of Ron Banks (The former lead singer of the 1970's Soul group called the Dramatics). A nice mid tempo Soul cut with just a slight tinge of funk within the composition. In my opinion many people on purchasing this album will quickly make this their favourite cut. Reminds me so much of the early 1980's soul/funk music scene as tunes like this was the norm. Played this last week, and this hasn't diminished in my love for this track. More please Chestnut brothers. Please listen to the track yourselves here by clicking on this link given to you below.
Time was now racing ahead for me to play The Rare Groove selection Part 2 of the show. I had 10 minutes left to play this as well. I mentioned earlier on within this report that each and every week I play 3 songs from yester-year or bonafide rare grooves. However, if you want to hear them then please listen into the show so that you can hear them.
I mentioned this before that I believe that tunes that are to feature more soul or soul/funk vibes within their releases this year will be the way to go for the modern day Rn’b market. Its seems as if today’s releases within that market are moving away ever so gradual from the hip hop side of making Rn’b records. Saying that the next record that I played comes from the year of 1986. However, it’s a tune that could have easily have been made today, and wouldn’t have been out of place if dropped within a current modern Rn’b Dj set. The tune that I am on about is called “Read my mind” by Tashan (1986 release from the album called Chasing a dream).
The drums and cowbells start of the track in a real funky but lazy way. And then an equally lazy, but funky yet sounding bass line is added to the mix. Then Tashan’s light and yet soulful voice makes it all comes together. Slow to mid tempo groove that will make you press the replay button again so that you can hear this groove all over again. Was one of the big songs of 1986, and if this were released all over again to a newer young generation they would buy it. Please have a listen to this tune by licking on the link below.
Last tune for the evening comes from the Uk. The tune in question is called “Slow” by Don-E featuring Lornette Ford (2006 release from the album called “Try this”). I still adore this track. I have played this tune frequently on this show to allow anyone who loves soul from the 1960’s and 1970’s only that they missing out if they just listen to soul music only from that decade. Wonderful whispered like vocals from Don-e, and the backing vocals from Lornette Ford are right on the money for this track. The music that is supplied is light and carefree. I have to say that if they can produce a track like this, I want to more. This is delightful. If you are Soul music head you will love this. Please have a listen by going to Don-e My space website by using this website address.
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Well that was it for this week. If you listened to the show for the first time then I hope that you will continue to listen in next week. I’ll have more tunes for you. If you have any comments that you wish to make about anything that I have mentioned in this weeks show; or any of the artist/s that I have managed to put down on this week blog. Please leave your comments down on this site. I would love to hear them. Please don't be shy. Just click on the "Yellow or Blue Comments button" OK? Don't be afraid to have your say here.
If you are an up and coming artists who would like to have their material played on this show. Please get in touch. Just click on the "Yellow or Blue Comments button" OK? Don't be afraid to have your say here.
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