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.
A very happy birthday to Rain Fingerhut, a lovely folk artist who writes and plays guitar that moved here to Houston from California a few months ago. Although i've only seen her about three times, she seems to have a really good attitude. Cheers to you on your celebration of life.
English producer Krafty Kuts takes us on a blast to the past by recreating a rap version of Freedom's "Get Up & Dance" that was originally released in 1979 and sampled by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five. Veteran jungle/drum n' bass emcee Dynamite MC does his thing on the vocal end. Download and do as the track says. ENJOY!
Happy birthday to Dezaray Dawn, an Atlanta beauty who sings, is a songwriter and produces some of her own material. You have heard both her voice and production in several mixes that I have done and live DJ sets. She an indie favorite of mine who I keep in heavy rotation. She often gives some of her music for the love and appreciation of fans, however, like any other artist, the lights need to be kept on so they can continue to do what they do. Hit her up and send well wishes.
This week we take you back to rock with the Los Angeles based all girl band KLYMAXX who made the "Men All Pause" while having a "Meeting In The Ladies Room". "I Miss You" was their biggest single that had a 29 week long run on the Billboard Top 10 charts in 1985, helping to boost their Meeting In The Ladies Room album to gold status.
Cheryl Cooley is blessed to be here for another year to celebrate life. Cooley is an original member and "axe murderer"(that's guitarist folks, because she kills it) of the all girl band KLYMAXX that rose to prominence with their hits "Meeting In The Ladies Room", "I Miss You", "The Men All Pause" and other classics. We wish you the best on this day and hope you have many happy returns.
Sadly, they didn't have platinum status so many years back. The highest level of record sales was gold for selling one million records (at wholesale price) up until 1976, when they changed it to platinum. Dennis Coffey's "Scorpio" (1971) is a million selling instrumental from his Evolution LP that was sampled by many Hip-Hop and Acid Jazz producers. "Scorpio" features bassist Bob Babbit (November 26, 1937 – July 16, 2012), who along with Coffey are both former members of the legendary Funk Brothers, the studio band who played on numerous Motown recordings.
I just got word that femcee Ms. Melodie (born Ramona Scott), who was married to KRS-ONE, the older sister of singer/emcee Harmony and part of the Boogie Down Productions collective has passed away from a cause that's currently unknown. She made an appearance in Keenan Ivory Wayans' movie I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988) with BDP, as well as releasing her "Hype According to Ms. Melodie" 12 inch single that same year, which was produced by KRS-ONE. In 1989 she released her only album titled DIVA that had the chart topping singles "Wake Up, Wake Up" and "Live On Stage", with the latter being popular with video airplay.
We send our prayers and condolences to her two sons, her family and friends. I was fortunate to have met her once in the early 90's for a brief time and she had a great spirit.
Here we are with the new single from David Sha who gives you the best of both worlds merging Soul and Hip-Hop together as he takes the controls of both the singer and the emcee. "Her Hair" is a dedication and anthem for all those who have chosen to wear their hair natural. Video is shot and directed by Robert Jordan of Third Vision Media. The cover art is done by yours truly. Watch and enjoy!
I have no idea who this guy is, but he sure sounds funky. The only drop of info on Maz is that he's located in Brooklyn. The soul in "Come On Sista" brought a smile to my face and I can hear the hints of Earth, Wind & Fire, 1970's rhythm and blues and funk, also a splash of rock in his music. I'm willing to bet this guy would have incredible, high energy live shows. Hopefully i'll get more information on him real soon to let you know when and where he'll be performing. Stay tuned!
We're going to take a relaxing moment and put you in a mellow mood with the sounds of pianist Joe Alterman's "The First Night Home". Give Me The Simple Life is a wonderful Jazz album that features the legendary Houston Person on sax for a few tracks. For Jazz enthusiasts, this is one that doesn't disappoint.
Diggs Duke is participating in the Indaba Music remix contest that's currently giving producers a chance to remix songs from New Zealand singer-songwriter and guitarist Kimbra. Mr. Duke has a very distinct style that's uplifting and soulful, so check out his entry below then give him some votes.
It's been 87 years today since the day of his birth and a career spanning 65 years for Jimmy Scott, a Jazz singer who influenced the likes of Ray Charles, Nancy Wilson, Billie Holiday and a host of other music greats, also performing with artists from multiple genres. He first rose to prominence as "Little Jimmy Scott" in the Lionel Hampton Band when he sang lead on "Everybody's Somebody's Fool", which became a top ten R&B hit in 1950 after being recorded in 1949.
In 1963, Scott was signed to Ray Charles' Tangerine Records label, under the supervision of Charles himself, creating what is considered by many to be one of the great jazz vocal albums of all time, Falling in Love is Wonderful. Scott performed at President Dwight Eisenhower's (1953) and President Bill Clinton's (1993) inaugurations, where he sang the same song, "Why Was I Born?".
Awards:
2007 NEA Jazz Master Award Scott
Kennedy Center's "Jazz In Our Time" Living Legend Award
N.A.B.O.B.'s Pioneer Award
Vince Guaraldi (July 17, 1928 – February 6, 1976) was an Jazz pianist noted for his innovative compositions and arrangements and for composing music for animated adaptations of the Peanuts comic strip.
Inspired by the French/Brazilian film Black Orpheus, Guaraldi composed and released Jazz Impressions of Black Orpheus in 1962. Fantasy Records released "Samba de Orpheus" as a single, trying to catch the building bossa nova wave, but it was destined to sink without a trace when radio DJs began flipping it over and playing the B-side, Guaraldi's "Cast Your Fate to the Wind". A gentle, likeable tune, it stood out from everything else on the airwaves and became a grass-roots hit. It also won the Grammy for Best Original Jazz Composition.
While searching for just the right music to accompany a planned Peanuts television documentary, Lee Mendelson (the producer of the special) heard a single version of "Cast Your Fate to the Wind" by Vince Guaraldi's trio on the radio while traveling in a taxicab on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. Mendelson contacted Ralph J. Gleason, jazz columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle and was put in touch with Guaraldi. He proposed that Guaraldi score the upcoming Peanuts Christmas special and Guaraldi enthusiastically took the job, performing a version of what became "Linus and Lucy" over the phone two weeks later. The soundtrack was recorded by the Vince Guaraldi Trio, with drummer Jerry Granelli, and Puzzy Firth standing in for bassist Fred Marshall, who was ill at the time. Guaraldi went on to compose scores for seventeen Peanuts television specials, plus the feature film A Boy Named Charlie Brown as well as the unaired television program of the same name.
To show that I need to keep better track of things, I got home to read my email alerts from Soundcloud to see this chill, all vinyl DnB mix from DJ/producer Mira Nova of Edmonton, Canada. I had no idea she was following me, but she sure as hell has a follow from me now. I'm currently listening to this mix as I type and it sounds like she has a good ear for music. Be sure to check out her side project by the name of Tyto_ to get another dose of chill grooves. I'm looking forward to future projects from her. So let's all hit her up and ask for more. ENJOY!
As the sun sets on this lovely Sunday summer evening, this is the perfect soundtrack from Swiss producer Melodiesinfonie for the occasion. He's uploaded his "Bathroomdance" bump for free by way of his Soundcloud page. Pay him a visit, follow and say thanks. Don't forget to support!
DJ Wonji has become one of my favorite House producers. I listen to plenty of producers in the different facets of the genre, Wonji is that polished gem who proves that he can go in any direction with his own creativity. For a limited amount of time he's offering two free tracks to appreciative fans and followers on his Soundcloud page. "Hold It Down" is a deep warm up track to do some Disco style two-step, then get the party pumpin' and work up a sweat with "Convince Me". Drop him a line to say thanks and become a supporter.
It's been a minute since i've posted anything from Pittsburgh producer Shade Cobain. I keep many of his tracks and remixes in constant rotation when I spin. His latest is this bangin' remix of "Pretty Bum" by DRES of the Black Sheep, that features the vocals of the lovely Jessica Mayers. This is a freebie, so jump all over it while it's available.
"Meri Ankhon Mein Ek Sapna Hai" from the Hindi movie Videsh (1977) is probably the funkiest tune out of India that i've ever heard, sang by the greatest playback singer of all time, the late Mohammad Rafi (December 24, 1924 – July 31, 1980). When I first heard this some years back, listening to the guitar riff and drums, I mistakenly took it to be Kool & The Gang. If you've never heard this song, press play and try not hurt your face muscles from twisting it up by taking in all this heavy funk. It's THAT serious.
I think I may be the biggest Bill Cosby fan walking the planet. I own several of his albums on vinyl, have a collection of his various shows on DVD and so on. Outside of the many hats he wears for television and comedy, many people have no idea that Mr. Cosby is also a musician who plays drums, piano and bass. He's also produced and collaborated for several music albums with Quincy Jones. Here's "Martin's Funeral" off the 1971 release titled Badfoot Brown & the Bunions Bradford Funeral & Marching Band where he's playing electric piano. The Record Realm salutes you on your 75th Mr. Cosby!
Santigold takes us back to the future with her second video "The Keepers" off her Master of My Make-Believe album which came out this past April. Sounds like she got much inspiration for this tune a la "Little Red Corvette", by none other than his royal badness Prince. I personally would like to take the time to thank her for a moment of reflection to a time in my life that I really enjoyed.
Happy 53rd birthday to singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega, who has the distinguished honor of being referenced as the "Mother of the MP3" after her 1987 hit single "Tom's Diner" was the first tune to be compressed to that format. Originally an a cappella, "Tom's Diner" was remixed as a bootleg by British production duo DNA and became a dance hit after Vega allowed the remix to be released through her record label.
If I were to pick two words to describe the sound of Bibi Tanga & The Selenites, they would be feelgood funk. The Parisian crew dropped their 40° of Sunshine album just last month, and after listening to a few of their tracks, their tunes put me in a good mood quickly. With the summer already sizzling from the heat (no doubt) and some amazing artistry by our indies, this is a perfect addition to your playlist for your cookout or party. Order your package of big tunes via their website and stay in the loop for upcoming shows.
Birthday wishes reaching out to the dynamic Stacy Epps. Looking forward to many more years of her doing her special thing and a continuous fruitful career. I'm sure it would be a special gift to her, as well as our world family in Japan for you all to purchase the iHeart Japan Mix to help with the efforts to rebuild and restore. Here's the ...now single that leads off the mix. ENJOY!
Over the weekend we lost three of our loved ones in the music world. We send our condolences and prayers to the families, friends and fans of these artists.
Michael "Mighty Mike" Jones, disc jockey and a 20 year veteran radio personality of Irie-FM in Jamaica. Passed away after a lengthy illness.
KMG of the gangster rap group Above The Law who released two albums that went gold.
Jose' Roberto Bertrami, keyboardist and composer of Brazilian Jazz trio Azymuth.
Happy Birthday to a pioneer in Hip-Hop, DJ Lady Love! She's been rockin' beats non-stop from way back and continues to blaze it on the 1's and 2's with her radio shows on Fonye Radio (Sundays), Flex 103 FM (Fridays) and plenty of parties and live shows. Time to grab your headphones or turn up your speakers for her Strictly Hip-Hop podcast. ENJOY!
It's been nearly a month since Stones Throw released this podcast. I just caught wind of it and decided to post it because it's definitely some head nod ish. Karriem Riggins goes beyond the call of duty of being called a "beat junkie" by being a gifted Jazz drummer who's backed Hank Jones, Oscar Peterson, Milt Jackson, Donald Byrd, Ron Carter and tours with Diana Krall, he was also a good friend of the late great J-Dilla, producing quite a few tracks with him in the lab. Get a heavy dose of his musical medicine by getting this free download.
Tracklist:
Intro
Take It Back - Kweli & Marsha Ambrosius
Walk On By - Karriem Riggins
Soldier - Badu
Walkin'
Step It Off - Dwele'
Pete Rock
E And 1 Equals None - Proof
Uncle Raheim - Consequence
T3
Tainted - Slum Village
Tainted - 50 Cent
Aerodynamic (Remix) - Daft Punk
Elzhi
We B Dem - Slum Village
Music Kaleidoscope - Karriem Riggins
M.E.D.
Classic - M.E.D. & Kweli
Jump Up - Kweli
Vip In - Phat Kat
The Clapper - J Dilla
Common
7 - 8 Karriem - Poyser - Hodge
Next Time - Common & Queen Latifah
Interlude
Hustle - Common
Play Your Cards Right - Common & Bilal
Virgo - Karriem Riggins
Erykah Badu
Fall In Love - Erykah Badu
Love - Karriem Riggins
Actin Normal - Baatin
S.O.U.L - Slum Village
Quills Intro - The Roots
Quills - The Roots
Mona Lisa - Black Thought
Outro
My best friend and brother D-BO has been on this old school funk kick for the last day or so on Facebook, especially to post quite a few Go-Go videos. Since he gave the inspiration for this week's Friday Flashback, i'm posting one of my favorite tunes from Trouble Funk off the Drop The Bomb album on vinyl I got some years back in Philly.
I'm taking a shot in the dark to guess that Sunclef is a new artist on the scene, as well as a new addition to the Soulection family. Either way, this guy sounds good. I'd like to welcome this brother to new supporters, so make your way over to Bandcamp and grab the Attoseconds EP for a $5 holler. ENJOY!
Not much has to be said about this video. However, it's great that Music & Memory finally took on a task such as this to show the true power that good music has on us all. This is one of the greatest examples of the title of this post. Have you fed your soul today?
