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Spanning across a vast array of musical influences lying somewhere between the worlds of jazz, funk and ethnic fusions, virtuoso Andrea Benini AKA Mop Mop takes us on a spiritual journey full of rhythms and flavours. He has a new album in the making, and a remix album that came out recently on Agogo Records. To celebrate the World Music Day, Mop Mop is gracing us with a free limited give-away of his ‘Sun Ra’ rework. This masterpiece already caught the attention of music heavyweights like Gilles Peterson.

Preview and Grab your copy below (Limited time download) :

How was this mix recorded, when and where?

I’ve recorded the mix here in my studio in Berlin last week. Some digital tracks and some tracks from vinyl too. Recorded and mastered on Pro Tools then.

How will you describe it to us?

Well it’s a mix of psychedelic jazz, afro, tropical sounds and bass music i would say. I really love all kind of *good* music. No boundaries.

Which is your favourite jazz album to date and why?

Too many, guys. Too many! But if i have to pick just one could be “Dorothy Ashby ‎– The Rubaiyat Of Dorothy Ashby” on Cadet Records, 1970. Dorothy was an American jazz harpist and composer. Along with Alice Coltrane, Ashby extended the popularization of jazz harp. I dig her music so much. Tracks like “The Moving Finger” are just masterpiece!

How has old music influenced your development as a musician?

I came across into the jazz and afro-american music when I was 15. I’ve studied musicology in Bologna when I was 19 so i’ve always been attracted by “traditional” music. I’ve discovered later the electronic and clubby side of the music. As i told you before there are no boundaries for me. I can play a deep Techno record and a piano solo album from Bill Evans right after.

When did you and the rest of the band come together?

The project Mop Mop is born around 2002 when i was living and studying in Bologna. We were a bunch of young musicians coming from different parts of Italy but living in Bologna for different reasons. We were used to play Jazz music everyday and everywhere from the street to real theatre. It was a very funny period of my life. Later i decided to start a real project with my friends with the aim to record an album. It was 2004. We released Mop Mop first album ‘The 11th Pill’ in 2005. This album is still quite important for us not only because became quite popular in the Japanese underground Jazz scene but also because the director Woody Allen chose the song ‘Three Times Bossa’ for his movie ‘To Rome With Love’ from this album.

Tell us more about the new studio in Berlin?

Well I do my pre and post productions in my home-studio in Berlin. I really love analog gear. I am using the computer too but it’s more easy for me to switch on the the 70’s Space Echo i have rather than load a virtual plug into the session! We always record the band in different studios then. We always have so many instruments to record, from vibraphone to marimba, piano, dbass and so on.

What are you planning next after the sublime Isle Of Magic?

Thank you for the “Sublime” album but yes i have to say that “Isle Of Magic” has been a really successful record. We are on the 4th repress now i guess. Anyway i’ve just finished the pre-production of the new album. It will be a very crazy one! We will record with the band in August. In Italy this time. Moreover i am working on new productions too as well as working on a couple of remixes.

A record you’ve been looking for a while and one that doesn’t leave your record bag?

I would like to buy a copy of “Lou Donaldson ‎– Lou Takes Off”, Blue Note 1951, but its around 400 bucks at the moment. “DJ Nature ‎– Foggy Monday Morning” 12″ on Go...

Beatmaker, multi-serial collaborator and producer, Chief is not just any head but chieftain in the world of beats, hip hop and electronica, having worked with a crazy list of co-musicians you gotta see. Here, he melds his different influences into one steaming melting pot. And wait, you can also enjoy a .wav download of his track, Games!, that will have you leaning over the edge of your seat.

Beatmaker, multi-serial collaborator and producer, Chief is not just any head but chieftain in the world of beats, hip hop and electronica, having worked with a crazy list of co-musicians you gotta see. Here, he melds his different influences into one steaming melting pot. And wait, you can also enjoy a .wav download of his track, Games!, that will have you leaning over the edge of your seat.

Watch Chief – Games!

 

How was this mix recorded, when and where?

I did this mix on my own studio in Lausanne, Switzerland in the end of May 2014.

How will you describe it to us?

It’s a mix of different influences and other types of music that I currently like. It goes from beat, to hip-hop, to deep house. When I do a mix the result always really depends of my mood, so it can be different from a mix to another.

Which is your favourite album to date and why?

Quasimoto “The Unseen”. This album is over 10 years old and still sounds amazing, and has been a great influence for me.

Sunrise or sunset?

Sunrise, because I wake up early, I like starting to do music early, so I have a clear mind and it helps me to be more creative.

Festival or house party?

House party. The toilets are much cleaner!

A magical moment in the studio?

When I can do a solid beat in a very short time. Sometimes things just “click” and you get the right sample, right drums, right vibe…but it’s not always like that!

What are you looking forward to for the rest of the year?

I haven’t released new official stuff in 2013 as I’ve been busy touring and working on new project. This fall/winter I’m releasing an album with rapper John Robinson, an album with beatmaker Deheb, and I’m working on new stuff, collabos, etc… to be released in early 2015.

quote to live by?

I don’t really have something deep to say! But for music, the most important for me is to have your own style, and persist in this way, without any compromise.

Tracklist:

1.TLBG – The Motor Is Running

2.Ambassadeurs – M.O.P.E

3.Keallin Ellis – Flute Song

4.Chief & Deheb – Heatwave

5.Chief – Count in

6.Chief – Restart

7.Deheb – Basics

8.Monk – Chill

9.Morning Mist Feat. DJ Krooger – Glorial Hall

10.Le Serveur – Mademoiselle (Noza Rmx)

11.Anthony Valadez – Under Water Feat. Mar The Park (Full Crate Rmx)

12.Low Limit – Antigravity (Rmx)

12.Kaytranada – If (Rmx)

13.Toro Y Moi – Rose Quartz

14.Max Greaf – Pedro

15.Iron Galaxy – Attention Seeker

16.Motor City Drum Ensemble – Raw Cut

17.Flying Lotus – Do The Astral

18.Kozy – Nices Wölkchen

19.BBNG – Hard In Da Paint

20.Dexter – You & I

21.Chief – Tribute To ?

22.Jeebrahil – Elle Veut

More Chief:

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Rainer Trüby (Trüby Trio) sends us a Spring is in the air mix and it’s instant love. Bursting with brightness, sunshine, quick cuts and good vibes, this mix from the electronic jazz veteran is a call back to greatness as true as Trüby does.

Rainer Trüby (Trüby Trio) sends us a Spring is in the air mix and it’s instant love. Bursting with brightness, sunshine, quick cuts and good vibes, this mix from the electronic jazz veteran is a call back to greatness as true as Trüby does.

When and where, how was this mix recorded?

It was actually recorded during my easter skiing holidays in switzerland…some recent tunes came to mind and it was done with a computer…;)

How will you describe it to us?

Upfront & soulful to the max!

The best part of doing what you do?

Travelling, meeting good people, being introduced to local food & sometimes local wines and being able to introduce my definition of “good music” to open-minded people all over the world….

And the least favourite?

A big impersonal rave and you don´t know anyone…but at least you may become friends with the “light jockey” and they are generally nice people!

In your A&R function at Compost, how do you single out the wheat from the chaff?

Well, just via a proper listen…if it sounds inspired to my ears and if I think it fits to the current Compost vibe I will happily forward it to Michael Reinboth & Thomas Herb, who are the final peeps to make a decision at the label headquarters in Munich. If they dig it, a release is most likely to happen! it happened quite a few times…

An underrated track you wish more people played out?

Hmm,there are plenty of those, risks to be taken are always welcome, simply because if you have the public on your side they would appreciate so much more of an effort! 2 tunes came to mind, Ingram´s “Mi Sabrina Tequana” or Martin Patino´s “Hommage A la Sodomie” for those who want to keep it within the house bpm´s….

At what point would you say you are in your career now?

Peak level, considering my veteran status….;)

What are you looking forward to in 2014?

Playing out & meeting nice people all over…

Tracklist:

1.S3A – Classy MF

2.Chroma Keys – Tonight

3.Dego & Kaidi – Don´t Remain The Same

4.Jazzanova – Now There Is We (Kuniyuki Remix)

5.Egyptian Nipples – L.A. Melody (Session Victim Remix)

6.Glenn Astro – Acid Tears

7.Moonstarr – Starlight

8.Vax 1 – Oh Lord

9.DJ Schwa & Cameron Cooper – Analog Love

10.Soul Phiction – MInd & Body

11.Corrado Bucci – Open Your Eyes

12.Deejay Kul – Feeling Good (Deejay Kul meets Soultechnic deepa Mix)

More Rainer Trüby:

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Out of Flatbush Brooklyn, none other than Fred P aka Black Jazz Consortium (Soul People Music) graces this electrocaïne podcast edition, channelling the deep spirit that he is known for in every nuance and transition. Feel it and stay close to the source. Soul people indeed.

Out of Flatbush Brooklyn, none other than Fred P aka Black Jazz Consortium (Soul People Music) graces this electrocaïne podcast edition, channelling the deep spirit that he is known for in every nuance and transition. Feel it and stay close to the source. Soul people indeed.

How was this mix recorded, when and where?

I recorded this mix at a friends studio in Brooklyn, NYC.

How would you describe it to us?

This mix is Energy Soul thats heavy on the party element.

Tell us a story behind one of your records?

New Horizon from the structure EP/album was written at a pivotal point in my life. It was the make it or break it moment and I was not sure if i was going to make it at anything. Tears flowing and heart broken i wrote that song and it changed my life. I have not looked back since and I keep spirit of humility close.

Something not many people know about you?

I am from Flatbush brookyn and not Queens.

First thing you do in the morning?

Open my eyes.

Last thing you do at night?

Close my eyes.

What’s next for you in 2014?

* Portuguese Soul by Groove Holmes

* Sextant By Herbie Hancock

* I want You By Marvin Gaye

* Go For Your Guns By The Isley Brothers

* Scary Monsters By David Bowie

* Joshua Tree By U2

* 21st Century Soul By As One

* The Philadelphia Experiment By King Britt

* Jacobs Optical Stairway By Dego, Mark Mac

* Two Pages By $ Hero

Best music advice you’ve heard?

Let the music speak for you.

What’s coming up for you next?

A new Anomaly record for this fall on Soul People. Prepping a new live show. Compiling the Selected series. Touring the world spreading the music. I want to thank everyone world wide for all your support I am truly grateful… Stay close…

Tracklist:

N/A

More Fred P:

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Photograph By: Seze Devres

www.sdphotography.net

From new material by Moodymann to his own ‘I Thought I had You’ from his soon-to-be-released 5th album ‘B.L.U.E’ on Skylax Records (Feb 2014), Scotsman Carlos treats us to a friends-and-favourites set. A musical and upbeat drive offering a peek into the soul of this man of many hats and talents.

Tracklist:

1. Kenny Dixon Jnr – Lyk U Used 2 – Mahogani Music

2. Ciara – Love, Sex and Magic (Paul Johnson Remix) – White Label

3. Gene Farris – The Big Doobie – Fluential

4. Underground Resistance – Hardlife (Aaron Carl Remix) – Underground Resistance

5. Frankey, Sandrino – We are all dust – Moodmusic

6. Deepsoulboy Project – Les Belles Paroles (Carlos Master) – White Label

7. Michael Zucker – Foundation Pt 1 – Finale Sessions

8. Paul Mac – Its not a game (Jorge Zamacona Remix) – Unknown Label

9. Art Of Tones – The Same Thing – Local Talk

10. Freelance Science – Aye Karrumba – Freelance Science

11. Unknown

12. Kaspar – Freedom Dance (Edit) – 4lux black

13. Carlos Nilmmns – I thought I had you – Skylax classics

More Carlos Nilmmns:

soundcloud.com/ross-solab

One of the spearheads of French band Troublemakers, Oil blesses this season with not one but two mixes. Read more to find out about this intriguing subject who in his ‘Ashes To Machines‘ project with Jeff Sharel visited 39 countries, worked with hundreds of musicians, had kilometres of music recorded and tons of good vibrations. His ‘Black Notes‘ record is a masterpiece of black narrative, combining politics, conversation, field recordings, spaces, places and faces.