Freitag, 29. August 2014

Rast RFC - Across West 3rd Street


It's too bad that quality Hip Hop labels like Dope Folks Records usually have to go back in time to find authentic and real Rap music. New York MC Rast RFC is the exception to the rule. When the label came across his 2014 mixtape "Across West 3rd Street" it left them only one choice: distribute it on vinyl.

There is a very raw and honest aspect about this album. Actually its just simple Beats and rhyming like back in the days or how it should be today. Talking and rapping about his past days and crimes the NY Hip Hop spirit still lives on in Rast RFC and his honest and gritty tracks. He also collaborated with Your Old Droog who also dropped a pretty impressive album recently for a dark interpretation of  a Hip Hop classic.

If you're in for the cheaper digital version you can find the album on Audiomack. Or go ahead and get the vinyl at Dope Folks Records.

The Dionne Farris Charlie Hunter Duo - DionneDionne


I usually don't post any albums that are only considered with covering songs by a different artist but for this one I'll have to make an exception. Guitarist Charlie Hunter who already has a nice reputation for his works with his jazz trio teams up with soul singer Dionne Farris to celebrate tunes by Dionne Warwick.

You will find only vocals and clean guitar sounds on this record. This speaks very much for the talent and quality of the personnel working here. Especially the rhythms that Hunter puts in the tunes are quite remarkable. So "DionneDionne" leaves us with a package of simple and beautiful interpretations of tracks by one of soul's greatest singers.

Stream some tracks before the release in early September on Atlanta Records' Bandcamp.

Donnerstag, 28. August 2014

River Of Snakes - Black Noise


River of Snakes is a three piece rock band from Melbourne consisting of musicians you might know from other australian groups like like Magic Dirt, The Loveless or Hotel Wrecking City Traders

July saw the release of their debut record "Black Noise" and what you can hear on this album is an excellent mix of noisy rock sounds and very precise songwriting. What sounds at first like a very fuzzy and feedback laden LP quickly turns out to be hiding some pretty catchy hooks and entertaining rock music. Its the blend of rough riffs, heavy instrumentation and a certain punk character that makes River of Snakes a stand out band on "Black Noise". Definitely not your average punk band but one that moves in the spheres of 90's Grunge Rock, heavy influences and the dirty sounds that create their very own and genuine moods.

Get the full stream on Bandcamp.

Mittwoch, 27. August 2014

Peru Bravo: Funk, Soul & Psych from Peru's Radical Decade


In one of the best Compilations of the last years, Tiger's Milk Records' "Peru Maravilloso" already took us on a fascinating journey through Peru's rich sounds. Even though its focus was on latin and cumbia vibes you could still hear some decisive psychedelic rock elements in those tunes - the new and upcoming Compilation "Peru Bravo" is setting its focus directly at those sounds while it celebrates Peru's 60's decade. 

In doing so this sampler will take you to another trip through the country's musical history which is not structured by the search for exotic sounds but for original and honest tracks recorded in a radical decade. Elements of Funk, Soul and Rock blend with latin rhythms and instrumentation in an exciting and raw sound you will only find on "Peru Bravo".

Check the label's Bandcamp for more information. Release will be early October.

Dienstag, 26. August 2014

Ben Hedibi Album Preview


It's been a while since I introduced you to the stunning Hip Hop Remixes by Ben Hedibi from Tunisia. A glimpse at his Soundcloud shows that he stayed productive and that there's even a brand new album entitled "The Next Level" on its way.

So what we are about to witness soon is not only the incredible beat skills by the talented producer but also some original verses by some of the finest MCs out there. Thinking of the reputation Hedibi built through his remixes, who wouldn't want to be a part of this new album? One track featuring Cuts by DJ Technic and rhymes by MC Baz and Unseen already leaked and is up for free on his Soundcloud. If you still haven't heard of this man, this track should pretty much explain what I'm talking about and why this album will be one of the Hip Hop albums you better not miss.

Montag, 25. August 2014

Contemporary Jazz Mix




This Mix focusses on recent tracks by some of the finest contemporary jazz artists.Find out more about them in the Jazz section of the blog.

Tracklist:
The North - Great Ocean Road
Matthew Halsall & The Gondwana Orchestra - When The World Was One
Jeb Loy Nichols - Strange Faith And Practice
Get The Blessing - Antilope
Andrew Hadro - For Us, The Living
Kekko Fornarelli - The Big Bang Theory
Tumi Mogorosi - Thokozile Queen Mother
Gogo Penguin - Hopopono
Emil de Waal, Gustaf Lunggren & Søren Kjærgaard - Goodbye Pork Pie Hat

Sonntag, 3. August 2014

August Recommendations

I won't be able to share any music with you this month. Still, there's lots of stuff on my desk that needs to get out there. So here's a short list of some releases you should definitely look out for in August:


Kista & Glad2Mecha - Collecting Dust: 
The first single already dropped some days ago. Here's the complete stream and free download on Bandcamp. Listen to Producer Kista and MC Glad2Mecha doing a great job on this one.




The Shaolin Afronauts - Follow The Path
More than just another Afrobeat Band. The Shaolin Afronauts' new Album "Follow The Path" is a perfect blend of Jazz, Funk, Afro and lots of positive vibes. The first single "Ojo Abameta" was great - the whole album is even better.





Once & Future Band - Brain EP
This band from Oakland will take you some 30 or 40 years back in Progressive Rock history. Riffs, synthesizers and interesting song structures. Trippy rock music that is not about showing off but doing some honest tracks, just like back then.




The Isolation Tapes - The Isolation Tapes
Acoustic project by Lachlan R. Dale, who teams up with his singing bandmate from Adrift For Days. Quiet and dark atmospheres carried by a guitar, violin and vocals. Probably not for everyone but I can tell you that there are some pretty intense and powerful moments in these minimalistic recordings.






Has-Lo & Castle - Live Like You're Dead
More Rap. The ever productive MC Has-Lo teams up with Castle to release this incredible record on Mellow Music Group. Both skilled on the mic and on productions makes this album a very interesting and versatile Hip Hop release.




Mitch Shiner - Fly!
Percussionist and vibraphonist Mitch Shiner is about to release this swinging Jazz record with the BloomingTones Big Band. Lots of different moods, rhythms and melodies on this one. To be released on August 19th.





Henri-Pierre Noel - One More Step
Reissue by Wah Wah 45s who are releasing another album by probably the funkiest man to ever play the piano. You will find Blues, Funk, Jazz and even Latin vibes on this great selection.




Pale Horseman - Mourn The Black Lotus
Some heavy Sludge from Chicago. Brutal Vocals and more riffs than you could ask for. The slow marching rhythms of this monster will suck you in and will cause your neighbors nightmares.