Jazz Matters

This month's show starts on a hip hop tip and takes us through soul, reggae and Brazilian music. I hope you enjoy it

Tracklist

J Rocc - don’t sell your dreams

Handsome Boy Modelling School - I’ve been thinking

Camp Lo - Luchini

Joubert Singers - stand on the word (Larry Levan mix)

Plantlife - we can get high

Robert Glasper - worries feat Dwele

St Germain - sure thing

Coleman Brothers - El Niño

Mr Hermano - Como um Sol

Ive Mendes - A Beira

Mar Sonia Rosa and Yuji Ohno - Casa Forte Banda

Black Rio - Magia (Faze Action horny mix)

Radio Citizen - the hop

Carl Bradley - Slipping into darkness

Lloyd Chalmers - Darker than blue

Al Brown - Aint no love in the heart of the city

The Chosen few - Collie stuff

Freddie McGregor - Get involved

Nina Simone - Blacklash blues

Betty Wright - clean up woman

Charles wright - Express yourself

Zapp and Roger - California Love

D’angelo - Africa Umod - Trombone  

Tony Oladipo Allen (20 July 1940 – 30 April 2020) was a Nigerian drummer, composer, and songwriter who lived and worked in Paris, France towards the end of his life. 

Tony Allen was the drummer and musical director of Fela Kuti's band Africa '70 from 1968 to 1979 and was one of the founders of the Afrobeat genre. Fela once stated that "without Tony Allen, there would be no Afrobeat".

He was described by Brian Eno as "perhaps the greatest drummer who has ever lived" 

Around 1972/73 I went to a pub (Bar) in Peckham SE London and the DJ was my friend's cousin who was playing Blue-beat/Ska/African Salsa/Highlife - I was there – head spinning and heart pounding with the sounds I love – Then I hear my very first Fela Kuti, Tony Allen and Ginger Baker `music ‘’Why Black Man Dey Suffer’’ with

• Fela Kuti – Electric Piano, Vocals
• Tonny Njoku – trumpet
• Igo Chico – saxophone
• Tony Allen, Ginger Baker – drums

That was it, instantly hooked with Afrobeat and have been ever since – many years later I had the good fortune to meet Tony Allen one of my music idols – we spoke for several hours about music, life and the things we love.

The Conception of Afrobeat was the Album Fela Fela Fela recorded in 1969 in the USA, having recently been schooled in the American black power movement and having taken on a new Pan-African world-view, this album served as one of Fela’s first musical soapboxes on which he challenged the colonial injustices and corruption of the ruling elites of his time. 

Fela’s second two-track album was really the Birth of Afrobeat, the album ‘’Black Man Dey Suffer’’, recorded in 1971, was originally deemed too controversial for release by EMI, his label at the time. 

The album is a history lesson on the oppression of the African man. It details the litany of abuses the black man has suffered — from being taken as slaves, to having an alien people impose a new culture upon them, take their land, fight them, and set them against one another. 

  The following track, “Ikoyi Mentality”, firmly expresses Fela’s identification with the downtrodden masses and his rejection of the ways of the ruling class inhabitants of the Ikoyi neighbourhood in Lagos. 

Another major development of Afrobeat that is often overlooked was the input from Ginger Baker (ex Cream/Blind Faith drummer), Ginger Baker met Fela in London and there they became friends, several years later after the disbanding of Cream and Blind Faith, Ginger Baker travelled to Africa and eventually arrived in Nigeria in 1970 and he met Fela again - this led to meeting Tony Allen who was Fela's drummer/bandleader and they soon formed a lifelong friendship. 

During the several years Ginger Baker stayed in Nigeria he set up west Africa’s first 16-track recording studio.

MCR

Playlist

Fela Kuti - Water No Get Enemy (part)

Fela Kuti - My Lady Frustration

Fela Kuti - Why Black Man Dey Suffer

Sébastien Tellier - La ritournelle

Wareika Hill Sounds - Jamaica is Reggae Land

Rocket Juice & The Moon - Manuela feat. Erykah Badu

Tony Allen Feat. Damon Albarn & Ty – Every Season

Fela Kuti, Ginger Baker, Afrika 70 - Ginger Baker and Tony Allen Drum Solo,

Common – Heat

Fela Kuti - Shakara (Oloje)

B Side - So Hot

Tony Allen, Res,Ray Lema, Baaba Maal, Positive Black Soul, Archie Shepp – No Agreement.

Oumou Sangaré, Tony Allen, Natureboy Flako - Yere Faga - Natureboy Flako Version.

Tony Allen Plays with Africa 70 – Hustler

Tony Allen and Jeff Mills - The Seed

Tony Allen, Damon Albarn, Ty - Every Season

Jimi Tenor, Tony Allen - Selfish Gene

https://www.theafricareport.com/27530/tony-allen-the-master-drummer-who-gave-the-beat-to-afrobeat/

https://www.openculture.com/2020/06/when-afrobeat-legend-fela-kuti-collaborated-with-cream-drummer-ginger-baker.html

The coolest bar in Manchester, BIG HANDS, is where I feel privileged to have been part since I started to DJ in September 2002. Only one year after it opened its doors. Big Hands has attracted the numerous student population in Manchester and the local bohemian-like minded people. Now is one of the most treasured Nightlife venues in Manchester.

I dedicated this Mix to Miguel, Jarek, the cool staff at Big Hands and all the regulars to this shelter for the bohemian souls of the North of England. Last but not least, in memory of Scott Alexander, the Australian dude who opened probably the best and most friendly bars in Manchester (if not the UK)

Under the Big Hand Special Mix is some of the music I have DJ’d through my twenty years at big hands bar in Manchester.

PLAYLIST

1-Taxi - LOS MISMOS

2- Bics & Blocs - GUATEQUE ALL STARS con ELPHOMEGA

3- Cerebro, Orgasmo, Envidia y Sofía - MARTIN BUSCAGLIA featuring ARNALDO ANTUNES

4- Funk 4Peace - FORT KNOX FIVE

5- Mathar (Discovery of India Mix) (V.KRIEGER) - INDIAN VIBES

6- Amarillo - MUKTA

7- Taxici -EASTENDERS

8- Es Yamal - YAMAL

9- Zobi La Mouche (WILLIAM ORBIT remix) LES NEGRESSES VERTES

10- Rejoice and Sing - HERMANO L, TURBULANCE y JAH REUBEN MYSTIC (KIKI Sound Mix)

11- Musical Blaze-Up - WILD RUMPUS

12- Satisfied - J LIVE

13- Mama Tierra - MACACO

Mestizo Sounds presents Where Do You When You Dream This mix is about songs. In previous mixes, I emphasized the dancing aspect of the music. Now I focus on singing and melodies. Tunes!!!

Where Do You Go When You Dream is a timeless selection of songs with an inclination toward the pop-rock genre. Songs about love, dreams, infatuations, breakups, depression, addiction, places and even on economics!! All that matters to us as humans. These top tunes show both our vulnerabilities and hopes. At the same time, our strength to voice our feelings and concerns in a musical form. 

Playlist

Invitation - THE FEELIES

Sitting Still - REM

When I’m Not - THE MAGNOLIAS

If I Can’t Change Your Mind (solo mix) - SUGAR

Laura - LIMOUSINE

Ping-Pong - STEREOLAB

Falling Thunder - ROLLIN BLACKOUT C.F.

Where Do You Go When You Dream - WOODS

When The Rain Comes - THE JACOBITES

Reach - THE PALE FOUNTAINS

Friday Night Is Killing Me- BASH & POP

Whale Bones - PRESTON SCHOOL OF INDUSTRY

Chilsana hana Ga Michibatani - TOKEDASHITA GARASU BAKO

My Autumn’s Done Come - LEE HAZLEWOOD

Sweet Jane - COWBOYS JUNKIES

September Gurls - BIG STAR

Things We Need - THE SKELETONS

Ainsi Soit-Il - LOUIS CHEDID  

Metadona - LOS PISTONES

Antarctica - THE HELLCATS

Song For The Dreamers - DANNY & DUSTY

 Daevid Allen, A musical tribute to one of my musical heroes and a unique creative spirit, Daevid Allen. A founding member of Soft Machine in the mid 60's, leaving when he was refused entry to the UK after a French tour in 1967.

He is best known for founding the band Gong. Throughout all his music, poetry, art and indeed his lifestyle he incorporated his philosophy of spirituality, love, psychedelic enlightenment and playfulness. A writer of great songs.

Daevid also experimented tirelessly in more abstract and ambient music forms, often with a deeply spiritual undercurrent, collaborating with many different artists across the globe. Daevid Allen died in March 2015 but for many his legacy lives on in many ways

Music

1 Magick Brother, Mystic Sister : Daevid Allen & Gilli Smyth

2 Rational Anthem : Daevid Allen & Gilli Smyth

3 Zero The Hero & The Witch's Spell : Gong

4 Love Is How Y Make It : Gong

5 The Isle Of Everywhere : Gong

6 You Never Blow Yr Trip Forever : Gong

7 You Can't Kill Me [BBC Radio Session 1973] : Gong

8 Dynamite / I Am Your Animal [Live At Club Arc En Ciel, Roanne, France / 1973] : Gong

9 Poet For Sale [Live Floating Anarchy 1991 Tour] : Daevid Allen and Here & Now Band

10 Deya Goddess: Daevid Allen

11 Resurrection Of The Sun God: Daevid Allen & Microcosmic [Sacred Geometry]

12 Garden Song : Daevid Allen

More information

https://planetgong.co.uk/

http://www.daevidallen.net/daevidallen/index.html

For me John Coltrane is one of the few musicians that stands head and shoulder above all the others, (https://www.quora.com/Why-is-John-Coltranes-Giant-steps-considered-the-most-feared-song-in-jazz ), I was lucky enough to be introduced to jazz in the early ’60s by my grandfather and for that, I’m eternally grateful – especially as I was listening to Miles Davis, John Coltrane and others from the age of 10 onwards, and that went on to mould my life long musical interest, taste and passion taking John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Joe Zawinul as my companions.

If you have not listened to John Coltrane's music before, take time out and listen to this mix in its entirety, there are cover versions and music inspired by John Coltrane, also ending the mix is John Coltrane’s powerful Love Supreme.

Please check out - https://www.jazzdisco.org/john-coltrane/discography/ ) Although John Coltrane did not make old bones, his body of work is just astounding, in both quantity and quality. 

I hope you enjoy.

MCR

Playlist

Dwight Trible - John Coltrane

4Hero – Naima

Billy Gault - Mode for the Trane

Mark De Clive-Lowe feat Bembe Segue - Naima

Dwight Trible & members of Build an Ark - John Coltrane

John Coltrane Project - Peace go with you Brother - Voice of Gil Scott Heron.

Carlos Santana - Love Supreme

Dwite Trible - Love Supreme (CG refix)

Pharoah Sanders - Prince of Peace

John Coltrane - A Love Supreme, Pt. II - Resolution

This month's show starts with Tanka and the Bangas new track Black Folk. We touch on Northern Soul, 80s soul, nu-soul and some jazzy hip hop with some Fela Kuti thrown because who doesn't love Fela. Also a track from Jazzanova's new project and one of their tracks from back in the day. Enjoy.

Tracklist

1. Tanka and the Bangas - Black folk

2. Adi Oasis – Stages

3. Michael Kiwanuka - I'm a black man in a white world

4. Marvin Gaye - this love starved heart of mine

5. Luther Ingram - Exus Trek

6. Lou Ride - I'm com'un home in the morning

7. Larry Williams ad Johnny Watson - Too late

8. Kleeer - Open your mind

9. Ned Doheny - to prove my love 1

10. Roy Ayers - Love will bring us back together

11. The System - You're in my system

12. Loose Ends - Love controversy

13. Suff Daddy - Gamma squeeze

14. Mouse Outfit feat Dubbul O, Sparkz and Ellis Meade – repeat

15. Pumpkin - Bye bye Madeleine

16. Shawn Lee feat Ohmega Watts - We got the jazz

17, Skyzoo - Bed Stuy is burning

18. Quakers feat Sampa the Great - approach with caution

19. Jazzanova - Creative musicians

20. Fela Kuti - Jeun Ko Ku (chop n drench)

21. Donny Hathaway - The Ghetto

22. The Crusaders - Keep that same old feeling

23. The Cosmic Echoes and Lonny Liston Smith – Expansions

24. Jazzanova - Belle et Fou

25. Cameo - Flirt 

26. Maze - Before I let go

27. MFSB - Mysteries of the world

This month's Balance I have been a bit self-indulgent, many strong tunes with a broken beat (BRUK) feel to the show as well - also with some of my recent discoveries such as Miles Mosely & Anthony Joseph – with one of my favourite female voices (Valerie Etienne) on two tracks - Citrus Sun's (Bluey of Incognito) take on Lonnie Liston Smith's Expansions and Two Banks of Four's Queen of Crows.

Another of my favourite female voices is on 4 Hero's mix of Nuyorican Souls I am the Black Gold of the Sun, which was originally recorded in 1971 on Rotary connections classic psychedelic soul LP, Hey Love, featuring the stunning vocals of Minnie Riperton.

Sprinkled in the show are the talents of Kahil El'Zabar Quartet, Kyoto Jazz Massive, Eu Quero Ser - New Sector Movements Remix, Culross Close, Jon Lucien & SidestepperMas to name a few,

Enjoy the music.

MCR

Playlist

Culross Close - To Belong

Miles Mosley – Abraham

Citrus Sun, Valerie Etienne – Expansions

Eu Quero Ser - New Sector Movements Remix Lenna Bahule New Sector Movements

Laroye, Abi Flynn - Rise - Exteneded Version

Eye of the High - Elevate - Let Me Rise Remix - released November 26, 2021

Kyoto Jazz Massive - Visions Of Tomorrow -Release date - 22 December 2021

Sons Of Kemet - To Never Forget The Source

The Kahil El'Zabar Quartet - A Time for Healing

Atjazz, Dominique Fils-Aimé - See-Line Woman - Extended Mix

Nicola Conte, Gianluca Petrella, Joaquin Joe Claussell, Raashan Ahmad - Inner Light Joaquin Joe Claussell Sacred Rhythm - Cosmic Arts Version

Jon Lucien - Creole Lady

Two Banks Of Four - Queen Of Crows

SidestepperMas – Papaya

Mulatu Astatke, Black Jesus Experience – Mulatu

Nuyorican Soul - I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun - 4 Hero Remix

Saib, Bluestaeb – Jordans

Rosie Frater-Taylor, Kaidi Tatham - Better Days - Kaidi Tatham Remix

Momo Wandel Soumah - Afro Blue

Anthony Joseph - Calling England Home 

THE BLUES AND FOLK OF ANDALUCIA

Flamenco is a blend of many cultural traditions that inhabited Andalucia, the birthplace of flamenco, situated in southern Spain at Europe's closest proximity to Africa. You will hear old and modern flamenco and some of its different styles.

Flamenco can be breakdown into different rhythms and styles such as bulerías, fandangos, tangos, tientos or rumbas (and many more). Rumba flamenca is a genre more recognised abroad with the international fame of the French nationals Gipsy Kings. Their music comes from a style developed in Catalonia (Catalan Rumba) in the 1950s by the gipsies communities who emigrated from Andalucia to Catalonia to work in the most industrial part of Spain. In the working-class areas of the industrial towns of Catalonia, the young gipsies felt more open to mixing their musical tradition with the rhythms of Cuban music and, interestingly, rock & roll coming from the US. I have also included some other forms of flamenco fusion.

The only intention is to introduce some of the music and some of the most reputed musicians of flamenco. It is not a complete guide at all. The list of the greatest singers and musicians of flamenco is enormous. As for the curious listeners can be a starting point to search into a musical art form that sure will provide them great discoveries and musical enjoyment.

Playlist

Almoraima - PACO DE LUCIA

El Cantaor - JUANITO VALDERRAMA

En el Cafe de Chinitas - ENRIQUE MONTOYA

Yo canto a Huelva - PERLITA DE HUELVA

La Pureza - JUAN HABICHUELA

Quiero ser libre - FOSFORITO accompanied in the guitar by JUAN HABICHUELA

Na es eterno - CAMARON DE LA ISLA accompanied in the guitar by PACO DE LUCIA and TOMATITO

No me cuentes penas - FOSFORITO accompanied in the guitar by PACO DE LUCIA

Embrujo - FELIPE CAMPUZANO

Zaralmondi - ENRIQUE DE MELCHOR

Caminando - CAMARON DE LA ISLA

Rumba escabrosa - MANZANITA

Levantate- ANTONIO GONZALEZ

Aven Aven - GIPSY KINGS

Nuevo Día - LOLE Y MANUEL

Como te extraño - PASIÓN VEGA

Nanas - ENRIQUE MORENTE (featuring ESTRELLA MORENTE)

El anillo (chibuli) - JUAN PEÑA “LEBRIJANO” with ORQUESTA ANDALUSÍ DE TANGER

Yerbaguena - PEPE HABICHUELA & THE BOLLYWOOD STRINGS

Djamana Djana - KETAMA, TOUMANI DIABATE AND JOSE SOTO

Fiesta Gitana - MANOLO CARACOL

The music background to the presentation of the last track is campanillas by MANITAS DE PLATA

In this new episode of Music4takingOff I have the pleasure to present South American Rock from very influential bands in the Latin American music scene. 

Los Prisioneros - We Are Sudamerican Rockers 

Las Pelotas - Que Podes Dar

Sumo - Hola Frank

El Mato a un Policía Motorizado - El Tesoro

Sumo - Heroina 

Skay Bellinson - Oda A La Sin Nombre

Soda Stereo - Camaleon 

Leon Greco - Solo Le Pido a Dios

Divididos - Sisters

Las Pelotas - Dicen Que La Distancia 

Soda Stereo - Angel Electric 

Los Piojos - Bicho de Ciudad

Charly Garcia - Rezo por Vos

Pedro Aznar - A Primera Vista