This is a blog used to help promote DJ Kool Emdee and dedicated to GOOD music and those
who love good music, be it old or new school. Any music or links posted are for SAMPLE PURPOSES ONLY. We wish that you would support all artists by purchasing their bodies of work.
Since this is my last post for 2011, I wanted to go out with a banger. Want you all to check out the headnod sounds of Kloud 9th of Outer Limit, who are 19 year old twin brothers from northern Virginia. They are still pretty new to the game, however, after listening to them, i'm sure they are going to shake things up a bit. Enjoy!
Rug Out by Weba is a fantastic NuSoul album with a jazzy, Brazilian feel to it, and it drops tomorrow. I don't know much about the artist, other than they are from the Los Angeles area. I'll give you updates as soon as I get them. For now....Enjoy!
Some of you may know that i'm gearing up for my Sunflower Jazz live set for the upcoming year. Recently I came across a heavy cat named Dandy Teru who hails from France and is the founder, art director and music producer at BCR-Music. One of the projects under his umbrella is the Wonderland EP by Massive Suits Quartet, which is on a Jazz vibe that's excellent to add to my sets. Be sure to support all his projects. Enjoy!
I've been spinning DJ Roddy Rod joints for about 2 1/2 years now and this brother never ceases to amaze me with his styling. I first heard him and the beautiful Muhsinah together and was mind-blown by their collaboration. It's safe to say that I pretty much play their tunes like crazy. Anyway, here's more food for your soul called Oakwood Grain II (Solid English Oak Edition) which dropped only 5 days ago and is the follow-up to Oakwood Grain instrumental LP. There's also bonus material and a PDF art booklet that comes with your digital purchase. Enjoy!
Get "Leviathan" as a FREE download courtesy of DJ Roddy Rod!
I can see Nas' point of mentioning and making music to say that "Hip-Hop Is Dead", however, when you have groups like Blacktivity (MC: Ill-Tone & Producer: Shade Cobain) helping to preserve the culture and sound, I would say Hip-Hop is definitely alive. I came across their music on my usual browsing of Bandcamp. After giving them a listen and liking what I heard, I had to switch from my computer speakers to my studio monitors to get the full sound. This IS a bump worthy album. Hurry up and grab it for FREE on their Bandcamp page while you can. I can imagine what they have in store for the near future. Keep up the good work guys!
Jeremy Ellis continues to step up his game while performing live and in the studio. Hailed as one of the top finger drummers, he shows his skills on Native Instruments' Maschine in this Youtube video that I came across recently. It's a bit old, yet still fascinating. Be sure to visit his website and just vibe.
If you've never heard of Atlanta based DJ Jamad, then you're missing out. This guy tears it up on the Hip-Hop and Soul music scenes with his wicked mixing skills and clever remixes. Now he's how you can get up on what he does. In 2007, he put together this 25 minute mix of the big homie Jneiro Jarel's Shape of Broad Minds that he recently made available for a FREE download. This mix was centered around the Craft of the Lost Art album that was released that same year, which was also the cover mount CD for the Hip-Hop Connection magazine in the UK.
Cesária Évora
(August 27, 1941 – December 17, 2011)
Another legend in music has left us to transition to the ancestral realm. Known all over the world by those who love her rich voice as the "Barefoot Diva", for performing without shoes, and affectionately known by her close friends and family as Cisa. Cesária Évora was born on the Cape Verde islands off the coast of Africa. She got her professional start as a singer by performing on Portuguese cruise ships in the 1960's.
Évora's international success came only in 1988 with the release of her first album La Diva Aux Pieds Nus recorded in France. In 1992, she released her Miss Perfumado album which sold over 300,000 copies worldwide. She garnered broader international success and a Grammy nomination in 1995 with Cesária. n 1997, she won KORA All African Music Awards in three categories: Best Artist of West Africa, Best Album and Merit of the Jury. In 2004, her album Voz d'Amor was awarded a Grammy in the World music category. During her career, she would gain the title of the "Queen of Morna", which is a blues-like style of music and dance native to Cape Verde.
No, this is not the Tensi anime or video game. However, their music is worthy of being featured in either. The united music powers of Simple X and Midas Wells form this duo that will be releasing material on Plug Research in the near future. To give you a taste of what to expect, PR has a podcast available for FREE download on their Soundcloud page, that features some older tunes made by the two.
In case you want to keep up with Tensi, to stay abreast of what's to come, log on to the Plug Research website. In case you don't know, PR is home to Bilal, Quadron, Hawthorne Headhunters, Exile, Sonny Moon, Szjerdene and a few other artists with some great talent.
I'm really diggin' the latest track from Dezaray Dawn titled "B-tween-the-Lines", where she flexes her production skills a little for a laid back, soothing feel. A nifty track in time for winter while you're sitting by....ehhhh...let's just say your favorite source of heat. For those that celebrate this holiday season, she has it for FREE for all to Enjoy! Her way of saying thanks for being fans and listening.
I found out from one of my homies on the west coast that Special One, born Karryl Smith of The Conscious Daughters (TCD) has passed away. I met the both of them in the late 90's and had a real good time hanging out with them, because they were real cool. My condolences to the families and fans affected by her transition. She will be greatly missed.
DJ Maverick banged out this sweet remix of "Streets Won't Let Me Chill" by Diamond District (Oddisee, X.O. & Y.U) on his MPC after Oddisee hooked him up with acapellas. Even sweeter is this being a FREE download. Get it now!
I find using the name Paper Tiger very interesting and intriguing, as so is their music. Earlier today they dropped an electronic gem on us by the name of "Send Me". They say it's a 2 Step type of vibe, but it sounds more like Dubstep to me. Then again, who cares. It's too good to be put in a box anyway. Just peep the snippets below...
Looks like Little Dragon has been putting in overtime, and this time it's with turntablist/producer DJ Shadow, who dropped his The Less You Know, The Better album at the end of September. As I have just gotten light of this release, I had been wondering if anything was in the works by him since it has been 5 years since he released an album.
A couple of weeks ago, he posted the official video for the "Scale It Back" single on Vimeo. It's quite interesting, to say the least. It was directed and produced by Ewan Jones Morris and Casey Raymond. Shadow has employed the help of Talib Kweli, Afrikan Boy, Posdnuos, and Tom Vek, and is also offering a few t-shirt and USB combo bundles centered around the album that features some nifty cartoon characters. Log on to DJShadow.com for more details. Enjoy!
The new duo known as The Internet (featuring Syd The Kyd and Matt Martians) is set to release their debut album titled Purple Naked Ladies on December 20th. Their first single out the gate is "Cocaine" [***NOTE: Parental Discretion Is Advised in watching this video]. The original is pretty sweet sounding, however, the musical skills of Little Dragon were lent for the light and hearty Kåkejn Remix, available as a FREE download. Enjoy!
Disclaimer:Neither DJ Kool Emdee or the Record Realm condones the use of drugs or any behavior that is considered immoral or harmful to the well being of others or any acts of animal cruelty.
The Global Movement simply does music. Not in the sense of only limiting themselves to instrumentals or it's what to only expect from them. I say that because they create soundscapes by defying the need to be labeled in one specific category. Thanks to frontman Jerome Washington (on vocals), I was blessed with a promo copy of The Global Movement EP. After popping it in and listening to a few bars, "hot damn" came out of my mouth. It's another classic example of old school influence meeting new school perspective. It's hard for me to single out one track to say which is best, when they are all equally great.
Respectively, the rest of the crew...ehem...I mean "fraternity" consists of Kareem Goode (cello), Kirk Powers (guitar) and Ricky Getwood (drums). I hate I missed their past release party and performance. From the way their music sounds (and the mastering quality), i'm sure it was a hell of a show. TGM's eclectic mix makes you feel as if you're listening to all your favorite artists rolled into one show. As they are rapidly gaining steam, be sure to show your support for these incredible artists and the movement by logging on to their website to purchase the EP and by attending their shows. I hear a full length album is in the works. Album cover art is by Robert Hodge.
Gilles Peterson a pioneering DJ, producer, founder of Brownswood Recordings and host of his BBC Radio One show "Gilles Peterson Worldwide", will return to KOKO in London town on January 21st for the Worldwide Awards 2012. Days ago he announced the first few acts, via his website, who will be performing live for the show. For the list of acts (so far), log on to Gilles Peterson Worldwide.
I love opening my inbox to get some delicious new flavor, especially from friends. Here's a clever remix by Bobby Tank of "Call 4 Me" by West Londoner Cleo Sol, who's only 20 years old, yet is making noise as if she's been here longer. Her string of singles have been well received by BBC Radio One, 1 Xtra and a host of DJ's.
Speaking of Bobby Tank, the beat gods must have set up a Shaolin school for producers. The way this guy layers his tracks, along with the many styles he has under his belt, it makes you feel like the sound coming through your speakers are in the form of kung-fu kicks with a dash of Bruce Lee attached. Weeks ago (and I should have posted sooner) he released his Vanquish EP on Vermin Street Records. I'm sure after the preview below you will want to head over to purchase the EP at Additech.
In my busy schedule and half paying attention to some things, I got the heads up from my homie Grandfather Cloc about Radio Galaxy, a local group that consists of King Midas, DJ Cosmos and Khimmy J. I heard a few rumors before about this project being in the works and now it's here. Check the "Feel Trip" video below, then head over to get this Hueston goodness from their Bandcamp page.
I caught wind of this weeks ago, although it slipped my mind to post it then. Anyway, DJ Premier, along with Skrillex, Mark Ronson, Crystal Method and Pretty Lights have joined forces to help in redefining the future of music. I have listened to a few tracks and was rather impressed by what I heard. All I can say is, you will have to stay tuned to find out what goodies are in store. By no means will you be disappointed. For more info, log on to the official RE:GENERATION Music Project website.
Liza Garza is dope on so many levels. An Emmy Award nominated songwriter and vocalist, who has left many mics aflame with her own brand of poetry. She's made appearances on HBO's Def Poetry, The Lincoln Center, The Apollo and stages across the globe. She also hones her talents into making earring art. You can view and purchase from Liza Garza Signature.
Dave Soul is (in my J.J. Evans voice) "DYNOMITE!" indeed. Every single time he touches the wheels and clutches a mic, he kills it. While many of us as DJ's have progressed to using Serato, this brother still packs up his vinyl to cut up for his sets. Get a load of this Hip-Hop mix he uploaded recently. I especially love the intro. Enjoy!
It's that time again where we take the time for more serious matters and to remember those we lost in the battle to AIDS and HIV. If you are reading this post and haven't gotten yourself tested, please take the time to do so and encourage family and friends to do the same. If you know someone who has died from this disease or know of someone in another family, take a moment to remember them and pray or meditate. KNOW YOUR STATUS!
Want to give a massive shout out to a real cool brother and wish Jalil Hutchins of the legendary Whodini, a very happy belated birthday (which was yesterday, Nov. 29th). Be sure to hit up his Facebook page to send greetings and well wishes. ONE LOVE!
I have mad respect for this cat Swede:Art, a DJ and producer from Bravaria who has some certified bangers. He's worked with Mayer Hawthorne and also collaborated with some heavy hitters on the indie circuit via the Red Bull Music academy. He just posted this dope abstract mix he put together that's complimentary. Get it while it's hot!
Don't know much about this cat Melodiesinfonie, however, he is dope with his flavor of production. I was browsing users on Soundcloud (again) and came across this youngster from Switzerland. I listened to a few of his tracks and like his crunchy snares. Also the way he pays homage to golden era Hip-Hop by using classic drums kits and styling to make his tracks. In light of how things are these days, we need some "∆ove". Enjoy!
This is one hell of a heavy combination style from Eric Lau of London town linking up with Guilty Simpson of "The D", Detroit that is....Motown..."The Motor City". Pardon my Beverly Hillbillies mode. Anyway, get ready for this single to drop in two days. For now, preview the stream here...
After posting Omar Lye-Fook's "The Man" video last month, I was contacted by Kriswontwo about a funky fresh group from Denmark who goes by the name of Sweatshop, which consists of members Jonas Rendbo as the lead singer, Kuku Agami on rap vocals and Daniel Fridell on production. Their EP The Getaway just touched down on November 7th and the first single is "Drug". Time to get your neck ready for some serious head nod action by pressing play on the official video below. Enjoy!
DJ Marley Marl posted this mix on his Soundcloud page a few days ago that's a tribute mix to the legendary Heavy D. Be sure to share this with friends as we salute the works and life of a great Hip-Hop artist who influenced and helped nurture the careers of many. Enjoy!
I really dig the artists on Project Mooncircle. Don't know how this wonderful goodness slipped past me in earlier months, but i'm glad I caught it. Long Arm, a Orenburg based producer, caught my attention not long ago on the Finest Ego: Russian Beatmaker Compilation and The Moon Comes Closer. More of his keyboard tapping goodness is available on The Branches, which came out early February. Get a load of the official video, then get your copy of the album here. Enjoy!
We bid farewell to another young legend in Hip-Hop. Dwight Arrington Myers, better known as Heavy D passed away earlier today after collapsing outside of his Beverly Hills home. Heavy D started his career with Uptown Records in New York City. Later doing the theme songs for both In Living Color and MADtv television series. He also had recurring roles on other tv shows and played small roles in several movies. His last performance was recently on the BET Music Awards and his last movie appearance was Tower Heist with Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller. Our deepest condolences to his family and close friends. May he rest in power!
Minnie Riperton
(November 8, 1947 – July 12, 1979)
Singer-songwriter Minnie Riperton was best known for her vocal range of five-and-a-half octaves and her 1975 single "Lovin' You". She was married to songwriter and music producer Richard Rudolph from 1972 until her death in the summer of 1979. They had two children - music engineer Marc Rudolph and actress/comedienne Maya Rudolph.
As a child, she studied music, drama, and dance at Chicago's Lincoln Center. In her teen years, she sang lead vocals for the Chicago-based girl group, The Gems. Her early affiliation with the legendary Chicago-based Chess Records afforded her the opportunity to sing backup for various established artist such as Etta James, Fontella Bass, Ramsey Lewis, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, and Muddy Waters. While at Chess, Riperton also sang lead for the experimental rock/soul group Rotary Connection, from 1967 to 1971. In 1969 Riperton, along with Rotary Connection, played in the first Catholic Rock Mass at the Liturgical Conference National Convention, Milwaukee Arena, Milwaukee, WI, produced by James F. Colaianni. Riperton reached the apex of her short, but esteemed, career with her number-one hit single, "Lovin' You," on April 4, 1975. The single was the last release from her 1974 gold album entitled Perfect Angel.
In January 1976 Riperton was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a radical mastectomy. By the time of diagnosis, the cancer had metastasized and she was given about six months to live. Despite the grim prognosis, she continued recording and touring. Riperton was one of the first celebrities to go public with her breast cancer diagnosis, but did not disclose that she was terminally ill. In 1977, she became spokesman for the American Cancer Society. In 1978, Riperton also received the American Cancer Society's Courage Award which was presented to her at the White House by President Jimmy Carter. On Thursday, July 12, 1979 at 10am, while lying in her husband's arms, Riperton died while listening to a recording Stevie Wonder had made for her. She was 31.
Hailing from the Motor City, T-3 was one third of the legendary Slum Village, with the late J-Dilla and Baatin. All three helped bring Detroit Hip-Hop and rap to gain national attention for themselves and to help open the gates for local rap artists as well.
In 2006 he released a solo mixtape titled "The Olio" and finally comes back for 2011 with 3iLLA, that dropped on June 21st.
The "Yes, Yes Y'all" video was actually released a couple of months ago, although I feel like I should have posted it sooner, now is a better time because this tune has picked up a lot of steam. Lately David Sha has been bouncing around the country tearing it up with his energy. Not only can he give an enthusiastic, heartfelt delivery, he can also put on his emcee and poetry hats to keep listeners interested and on their toes.
This tune was done out of the love for Hip-Hop and music in general. Of course looking at its title, it falls under the traditional call and response that's been around forever and carried on through classic Hip-Hop. Mr. Sha will be releasing his UGLY album real soon. Here's another chance for you to see how H-town gets down. Enjoy!
It's been a minute since Atlanta based Brittany Bosco has released an album. Now she's performing and touring with her full band and they have released the Pacer EP for free via her website and their Bandcamp page. To get this ear candy, go here. The majority of the EP was produced by Dog Bite and two tracks were produced by Ira G. While you're on their Bandcamp page, browse around for another goodie. Enjoy!
Mahalia Jackson
(October 26, 1911 – January 27, 1972)
Mahalia Jackson, a woman with a very powerful voice and fondly known as "The Queen of Gospel" was born on this day in New Orleans. Jackson became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world, and was heralded internationally as a singer and civil rights activist; entertainer Harry Belafonte called her "the single most powerful black woman in the United States". She recorded about 30 albums (mostly for Columbia Records) during her career, and her 45 rpm records included a dozen "golds"—million-sellers.
In 1929, Jackson met the composer Thomas A. Dorsey, known as the Father of Gospel Music. He gave her musical advice, and in the mid-1930s they began a fourteen-year association of touring, with Jackson singing Dorsey's songs in church programs and at conventions. His "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" became her signature song.
Her good friend Martin Luther King Jr said, "A voice like hers comes along once in a millennium." She was a close friend of Doris Akers, one of the most prolific gospel composers of the 20th century. In 1958, they co-wrote the hit, "Lord, Don't Move The Mountain". Mahalia also sang many of Akers' own compositions such as, "God Is So Good To Me", "God Spoke To Me One Day", "Trouble", "Lead On, Lord Jesus", and "He's A Light Unto My Pathway", helping Doris to secure her position as the leading female Gospel composer of that time. In addition to sharing her singing talent with the world, she mentored the extraordinarily gifted Aretha Franklin. Mahalia was also good friends with Dorothy Norwood and fellow Chicago-based gospel singer Albertina Walker. She also discovered a young Della Reese. On the twentieth anniversary of her passing, Smithsonian Folkways Recording commemorated Jackson with the album I Sing Because I'm Happy, which includes interviews about her childhood conducted by Jules Scherwin.
The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences created the Gospel Music or Other Religious Recording category for Jackson making her the first Gospel Music Artist to win the prestigious Grammy Award. American Idol winner and Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Fantasia Barrino has been cast to play Mahalia Jackson in a biographical film about her life. The movie will be based on the 1993 book Got to Tell It: Mahalia Jackson, Queen of Gospel. The film is said to be directed by Euzhan Palcy.
Funk bassist, singer, and songwriter William Earl "Bootsy" Collins rose to prominence with James Brown in the late 1960s, and with Parliament-Funkadelic in the '70s, Collins's driving bass guitar and humorous vocals established him as one of the leading names in funk. With his elder brother Phelps "Catfish" Collins, and Kash Waddy and Philippé Wynne, Collins formed a funk band called The Pacemakers in 1968. In March 1970, after most of the members of James Brown's band quit over a pay dispute, The Pacemakers were hired as Brown's backing band and they became known as The J.B.'s. (They are often referred to as the "original" J.B.'s to distinguish them from later line-ups that went by the same name.) Although they worked for Brown for only 11 months, the original J.B.'s played on some of Brown's most intense funk recordings, including "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine", "Super Bad", "Soul Power", and "Talkin' Loud and Sayin' Nothing".
After parting ways with James Brown, Bootsy returned to Cincinnati and formed House Guests with his brother Phelps Collins, Rufus Allen, Clayton "Chicken" Gunnels, Frank Waddy, Ronnie Greenaway and Robert McCullough. The House Guests released two singles on the House Guests label as well as a third as The Sound of Vision on the House Guests label.
Collins next moved to Detroit, following the advice of singer and future Parliament member Mallia Franklin. Franklin introduced both Collins brothers to George Clinton, and 1972 saw both of the Collins brothers, along with Waddy, join Funkadelic. Bootsy played bass on most of Funkadelic and Parliament's albums through 1980, garnering several songwriting credits as well.
In 1976 Bootsy, Catfish, Waddy, Joel Johnson, Gary "Mudbone" Cooper, Robert Johnson and The Horny Horns formed Bootsy's Rubber Band, a separate touring unit of Clinton's P-Funk collective. The group recorded four albums together, the first three of which are often considered to be among the quintessential P-Funk recordings. The group's 1978 album Bootsy? Player of the Year reached the top of the R&B album chart and spawned the #1 R&B single "Bootzilla".
Like Clinton, Bootsy took on several alter egos, from Casper the Funky Ghost to Bootzilla, "the world's only rhinestone rockstar monster of a doll", as parts of the evolving character of an alien rock star who grew gradually more bizarre as time went on. He also adopted his trademark "space bass" around this time.
In July 2010, Collins, in partnership with former child actor Cory Danziger, launched Funk University ("Funk U"), an online-only bass guitar school in which he also serves as curator and lead professor. Funk University offers an intense curriculum tailored for intermediate to advanced bass players as well as anyone interested in a deeper understanding of funk. The curriculum is based on bass theory, history of funk, and Collins' own musical history given by Collins himself, augmented by lessons and exercises in bass and rhythm from guest bassist professors such as Les Claypool, Meshelle Ndegeocello, John B (Williams) and Victor Wooten.
Anita O'day
(October 18, 1919 – November 23, 2006)
Born Anita Belle Colton, O'Day was admired for her sense of rhythm and dynamics, and her early big band appearances shattered the traditional image of the "girl singer". Refusing to pander to any female stereotype, O'Day presented herself as a "hip" jazz musician, wearing a band jacket and skirt as opposed to an evening gown. She changed her surname from Colton to O'Day, pig Latin for "dough," slang for money. (Read more...)
Chuck Berry
Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry (born October 18, 1926) is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter, and one of the pioneers of Rock and Roll music. With songs such as "Maybellene" (1955), "Roll Over Beethoven" (1956), "Rock and Roll Music" (1957) "Johnny B. Goode" (1958), and "My Ding-a-Ling" (1972). Chuck Berry refined and developed Rhythm and Blues into the major elements that made rock and roll distinctive, with lyrics focusing on teen life and consumerism and utilizing guitar solos and showmanship that would be a major influence on subsequent rock music. (Read more...)
Wynton Marsalis
Wynton Learson Marsalis, born October 18, 1961 in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a Jazz and Western classical virtuoso trumpeter and composer. He is Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center. He has promoted the appreciation of Classical and Jazz music, often focusing on young audiences. (Read more...)
Giving you a taste of Africa via France from an artist by the name G'Ny I just got hip to with the help of MeeMee Nelzy. Although I can't understand everything in the lyrics, it's still a great song that moves me. From what I understand, this is the first single from her upcoming album that's dropping on October 27th. I hope to learn more about this artist and post more music from her in the near future. Enjoy!
Contro' Versy
(September 10, 1977 - October 14, 2011)
The Hip-Hop community mourns the loss of another powerful activist in the community who's work spoke volumes. Contro' Versy (also known as Miss Electric Blue) was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa and eventually made her move stateside to Bronx, NY. For a more extensive bio and her contributions, read more on her Contro' Versy Facebook page.
Born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, "Fela" is the father of "Afro-Beat", a human rights and political activist, and also a composer who's music was later influenced by James Brown and the Black Power movement after a visit to the United States in 1969 with his band Koola Lobitos. Fela would later change the name of the band to Nigeria '70. After the Immigration and Naturalization Service was being tipped off by a promoter who said Fela and his band were in the U.S. without work permits, the band then performed a quick recording session in Los Angeles that would later be released as The ’69 Los Angeles Sessions. (Read more...)
Dr. Natesan Ramani, also known as "Flute Ramani" was born on October 15, 1934 in Tiruvarur in Tamil Nadu, India. Aside from the influence of his place of birth, Ramani was born into a musical family. Ramani's grandfather, Sri Aazhiyur Narayanaswami Iyer, was his first guru and was a well known flute artist and singer himself. Aware of young Ramani's keen interest in the Carnatic flute, Ramani's initiation to Carnatic music began at the age of five. He is a disciple of the legendary T. R. Mahalingam, known more commonly as "Mali," who first popularized the Carnatic flute in Indian music. The birthplace of Ramani is symbolic in that Carnatic musicians consider Tiruvarur the sacred sanctuary of Carnatic music, being the birthplace of the "trinity" of Carnatic composers, Saint Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Shastri who laid the foundation for the tradition.
As a regular performer and an 'A top' grade artist on All India Radio (AIR), his style and improvisations in the rendition of many compositions of Carnatic music brought him instantaneous fame from state level to national level and famous musicians from all walks of classical Indian music praised his genius including the world famous sitar player Ravi Shankar, who was so impressed and mesmerised with Ramani's unique and brilliant control of sruthi and laya made a personal visit all the way to Ramani's home in South India the very next day to praise Ramani and requested Ramani to stage the world's first Carnatic flute jugalbandhi concert (a North-South collaboration of Indian classical music). Such concerts continually received international popularity and demand with the Carnatic flute, and with Ramani rendering both Carnatic and Hindustani ragas, he was the first Carnatic flautist to create the transparency between Hindustani and Carnatic music across India and in the world.
Although Palladam Sanjeeva Rao was Sharaba Shastri's successor, it was "Mali" and N. Ramani as well as K.S Narayanan (the first disciple of Mali), who brought international attention to the Carnatic flute both in their own distinct flute playing techniques, with the latter two improving on the former's methods. He did so by studying the long bass flutes of the North Indian bansuri genius, Pannalal Ghosh which the later had incorporated successfully in Hindustani concerts. To further enhance tala dynamics, he followed the "GNB" style which was developed by the legendary G. N. Balasubramaniam.
The "Mali" bani encompassed facial expressions such as slight tilting of the head, varied movement of the lips which produced the vocal effect in the Carnatic never explored before by Sharaba Shastri or Palladam Sanjeeva Rao. Bringing out more of the tradition Mali introduced in the playing of the Carnatic flute, Ramani's distinctive style is the transformation of the Carnatic flute into the voice of a proficient Carnatic vocalist. Stressing such importance on the emphasis of vocal style of playing, he displayed characteristics of the human voice in his concerts often observed in his fast paced yet melodious performances. According to Ramani, "Mali's teaching methods were worth emulating. "A good teacher should be open to learning from his students too."
Considered an ace jugalbhandi flautist in the local and international arena, Ramani's contributions to the world of the Carnatic flute are immensely popular, especially the introduction of the duet flute concerts which have gained popular appraisals. He also introduced the long bass flute to increase the reach in the lower octaves. In addition, he introduced the 2.5 pitch flute, which is ideal for violin and veena concerts, keeping the strict tradition of Carnatic music.
At present, Ramani is also actively involved in improving flute playing techniques by experimenting with the sizes of the instrument's finger holes and the length of the flutes, especially in the area where fast tempo ragas can be delivered with ease and ultimately improving the quality and diversity of Carnatic music pieces delivered by the flute.Beyond Carnatic music, his proficiency in Hindustani classical music pioneered the playing of the North Indian bansuri flute in Carnatic music concerts.
Scientifically, he is involved in music research, especially in the effects of Carnatic music on improving the quality of new flutist by exposing the music to the young, and also the possibilities of curing diseases or improving immunity against diseases in humans by exposing to Carnatic music.
Dr. Ramani's performances in All India Radio (AIR) have received numerous praises from renonwned Hindustani and Carnatic musicians alike and his performances overseas had been recognised with numerous awards. Some of the highlights include the Sangeetha Kalanidhi, awarded by the Music Academy in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, the Sangeetha Acharya award from Wasser College, U.S., the honorary citizenship status in Maryland, Ohio, U.S., and the Padma Shri Award from the President of India. He holds an honorary Cultural Doctorate from The World University of Arizona.
Dr. Ramani is also an innovative teacher. He founded the Ramani Academy of Flute to promote the Carnatic flute to anyone who is interested in learning, regardless of age. As a teacher, Ramani believes that the practical mastery of any art is more important than receiving certificates. As a result, Ramani Academy of Flute does not offer certificates to students except with the rare opportunity to learn under the tutelage of Ramani. This learning policy has made his students well versed in the proficiency of the Carnatic flute and some of them being famed individuals and teachers located around the world.
Although this is a cool cat from Miami, this is nothing like the Miami bass debauchery that "Uncle Luke" released. There's only very slight debauchery in this case in a fun packed funky House mix by Nikolais Javan. And before I exit this post, I HAVE to re-post the hilarious quote from his Soundcloud page, which also has a full tracklist. Time to go to work!
"Hi. My name is Finessa, and I like to booty clap. This is what I like to listen to while I get my booty all sweaty."
For my drum n' bass heads, this is a massive tune from veteran producer Alix Perez and features Foreign Beggars. This will make you lose your mind and is a guaranteed rewind. I'm sure this big tune is tearing up the airwaves in the UK. Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride. You may run in to Batman along the way. Big ups to Shogun Audio!
Having been voted as "best album of 2010" by Chicago based A.V. Club entertainment newspaper with her debut solo album A Badly Broken Code, rapper/singer/poet Dessa returns with Castor, The Twin to follow up. Before releasing her own material, Dessa (also known by Dessa Darling) has appeared on several Minneapolis based Hip-Hop projects with the likes of P.O.S., Paper Tiger and the Doomtree Hip-Hop Collective.
If you're looking for that laidback acoustic type feel with a soulful vibe, this is an album to have as part of your music collection. Check out "Dixon's Girl" below. It has a real nice swing, even with her vocal delivery as she switches seamlessly back and forth from singing to a poetic flow. Enjoy!
