Hour 1
Elements Of Life
"This Christmas"
12"
Vega
Positive Flow Featuring Heidi Vogel
"Children Of The Sun"
Flow Lines
Tokyo Dawn
McKoy
"Love Is The Key"
Cut From The Same Cloth
Realmckoymusic
2013 Awards: Best New Act
Personal Life
"One Step Closer"
Morning Light
Expansion
Kon ft. Amy Douglas
"All Night Everybody"
On My Way
BBE
Jody Watley
"Night Life" (Soulpersona Mix)
Night Life Remixed EP
Jody Watley Music
Elements Of Life
"Berimbau"
Eclipse
Vega
Owiny Sigoma Band
"Magret Aloor"
Power Punch
Brownswood
Cola & Jimmu
"I Made Up My Mind"
Enigmatic
Herakles
Snarky Puppy featuring Magda Giannikou
"Amour T'es La"
Family Dinner Volume 1
GroundUp
Gregory Porter
"Liquid Spirit"
Liquid Spirit
Blue Note
Robert Glasper Experiment
"Children Of America" (Featuring Lalah Hathaway)
Black Radio Volume 2
Blue Note
2013 Awards: Best Jazz Album
Jose James
"Come To My Door"
No Beginning No End
Blue Note
Mulgrew Miller
"Dreamsville"
The Sequel
Hour 2
Mario Biondi
"Driving Home For Christmas"
Mario Christmas
Sony
2013 Awards: Best Remix
Milton Nasicmento
"Tudo Que Voce Podia Ser" (Aroop Roy Remix)
Brazil Breakdown EP
GAMM
Kraak and Smaak featuring Sam Duckworth
"Good For The City"
Chrome Waves
Jalapeno
Shea
"Where Did You Go"
Single Release
ThisIsArea7
Alice Russell
"Heartbreaker"
To Dust
Tru Thoughts
2013 Awards: Best Solo ArtistOmar
"The Man"
The Man
Freestyle
Kings Of Tomorrow Featuring April
"Fall For You"
Fall For You EP
Defected
Osunlade
"Dionne"
7"
Yoruba
Cee-Lo Green
"All I Want For Christmas"
Cee-Lo's Magic Moment
Warner Bros
2013 Awards: Best Album
Bluey
"Got To Let My Feelings Show"
Leap Of Faith
Dome
Bluey
"Sky"
Leap Of Faith
Dome
2013 Awards: Best Song
Andreya Triana
"Song For A Friend"
Online Download
Sing It Loud
Blam Jam's Biggest Belter Of 2013
Dames Brown
"Soul Fly"
Online Download
Ampliphonic
Tracy Chapman
"Across The Lines"
Tracy Chapman
Elektra
Where soul and jazz meets tongue in cheek, every Sunday 6-8pm on CSR FM 97.4 and online at http://www.csrfm.com
Sunday 8 December 2013
Friday 6 December 2013
Shape Sunday's Show!
The final Blam Jam of 2013 is waiting in the wings, but needs your
help in the form of votes for two special (aural) awards.
Get your comments written in the light bit near the bottom of the Soundcloud links
or simply the names of your favourite acts in the categories for;
Best New Act
and Best Solo Artist
Get voting, and find out the winners this Sunday at 6pm on Blam Jam,
along with the awards for Best Jazz Album, Best Remix, Best Song,
and Best Album.
Plus a few surprise awards too!
http://www.csrfm.com
help in the form of votes for two special (aural) awards.
Get your comments written in the light bit near the bottom of the Soundcloud links
or simply the names of your favourite acts in the categories for;
Best New Act
and Best Solo Artist
Get voting, and find out the winners this Sunday at 6pm on Blam Jam,
along with the awards for Best Jazz Album, Best Remix, Best Song,
and Best Album.
Plus a few surprise awards too!
http://www.csrfm.com
Monday 2 December 2013
"Jazzed Up In Japan" - The Tales Behind The Tunes
Blam Jam celebrated four years on air at CSR last night
with a stopless selection of amazing tunes from the land
of innovation.
And in the usual manner, here's a dissection of the songs
themselves and their significance.
Jazztronik - "Real Clothes"
The brainchild of musician Ryota Nozaki, and the first
act I would recommend to anyone wanting to discover
the good stuff that Japan has to offer.
This one from 2008's "JTK" album has a late 70s disco
feel to it, sounding like a mash-up of "K-Jee" by Philly outfit
M.F.S.B., and the formation favourite "Let's Get It Together" by El Coco.
Mondo Grosso - "Life (M.G 2.7 Stepped Mix-Edit)"One of many winners from the fourth album by producer
Shinichi Osawa released in 2000.
Whilst this version has a UK garage feel to it, it's also
worth having a listen to the original latin-tinged version
of which the video can be seen here.
Casiopea - "FrouFrou"Taking it back a few decades, jazz-fusion four piece Casiopea
(pronounced Cash-ee-o-pee-a) who's synth lead rhythms
define what many may not view as a timeless musical era,
but are still worthy of inclusion, continuing to inspire many
future bands from Japan, with their energetic live shows.
Hajime Yoshizawa - "Believe Again"
Taken from the album "Music From The Edge Of The Universe"
a rather delightful collaboration with British vocalist
Vanessa Freeman, and a popular dancefloor favourite around the globe.
Bahia Sunsets - "Somewhere Not Here"
It was going to be a struggle choosing which song from the
amazing Monday Michiru to include in my jaunt through Japan,
but I decided to settle for this nice acoustic offering from a compilation
released by the Kyoto Jazz Massive in the mid 90s.
Monday Michiru Mariano being the daughter of a very talented
musical family...
Toshikyo Akiyoshi - "Manha Do Carnaval"
...including a very talented mother.
The American/Japanese musician and bandleader used her dual nationality
to help explore deeper themes within her music.
This track comes from a compilation compiled by Monday Michiru
showcasing some of her mother's lesser heard material.
Ellen Mcillwaine and Yukihiro Fukutomi - "Born Under A Bad Sign"
Originally recorded by Albert King, (and more infamously interpreted
by Homer Simpson), producer Fukotomi gives the blues standard
the broken beat treatment, with vocals from Ellen Mcillwaine.
United Future Organization featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater -
"Flying Saucer"
A Japanese/French nu-jazz duo formed in Shibuya and key players
in the 90s "acid jazz" scene.
This offering from their 1999 LP "Bon Voyage" features the
vocals of top jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, and unlike a fair
number of tunes I've featured, this one's rather timeless.
DJ Kawasaki - "You Can Make It" (KJM Cosmic House Mix)
Again it was hard to choose just one offering from the Kyoto Jazz Massive
so I've ended up going with one of their many remixes they've
produced over the years.
This one of DJ Kawasaki's house offering "You Can Make It" showcases
the combination of uplifting melodies with inspiring lyrical content
without being too preachy.
Shuya Okino - "Give Your Love a Chance"
Recently, one half of the KJM duo has gone solo and caused
quite a stir with his album "Destiny", the opening track covering
Rose Royce's "Still In Love" can be heard in the introduction
to this musical medley.
The album contains many other gems, including this 80s soul
inspired offering that's caught just as much attention in the UK
as it has in Okino's homeland.
Minako Yoshida - "Town"
I first discovered this via a cover of the tune by DJ Kawasaki
released on his "Black And Gold" covers album last year.
On hearing the original, it reminded me of many jazzy disco offerings
played on the radio whilst growing up in London at a very early age.
It's the memory of hearing the beats whilst being driven through
the bright lights of London late at night combined that started
my crazy obsession with the soulful and jazzy stuff.
Whilst it maybe slightly distanced from Japan, I can imagine this
would sound just as good being driven through Tokyo late at night
and the version I've included features some "additional cityscape"
noises and atmos, which hopefully adds something extra to the
already rousing rhythms.
with a stopless selection of amazing tunes from the land
of innovation.
And in the usual manner, here's a dissection of the songs
themselves and their significance.
Jazztronik - "Real Clothes"
The brainchild of musician Ryota Nozaki, and the first
act I would recommend to anyone wanting to discover
the good stuff that Japan has to offer.
This one from 2008's "JTK" album has a late 70s disco
feel to it, sounding like a mash-up of "K-Jee" by Philly outfit
M.F.S.B., and the formation favourite "Let's Get It Together" by El Coco.
Mondo Grosso - "Life (M.G 2.7 Stepped Mix-Edit)"One of many winners from the fourth album by producer
Shinichi Osawa released in 2000.
Whilst this version has a UK garage feel to it, it's also
worth having a listen to the original latin-tinged version
of which the video can be seen here.
Casiopea - "FrouFrou"Taking it back a few decades, jazz-fusion four piece Casiopea
(pronounced Cash-ee-o-pee-a) who's synth lead rhythms
define what many may not view as a timeless musical era,
but are still worthy of inclusion, continuing to inspire many
future bands from Japan, with their energetic live shows.
Hajime Yoshizawa - "Believe Again"
Taken from the album "Music From The Edge Of The Universe"
a rather delightful collaboration with British vocalist
Vanessa Freeman, and a popular dancefloor favourite around the globe.
Bahia Sunsets - "Somewhere Not Here"
It was going to be a struggle choosing which song from the
amazing Monday Michiru to include in my jaunt through Japan,
but I decided to settle for this nice acoustic offering from a compilation
released by the Kyoto Jazz Massive in the mid 90s.
Monday Michiru Mariano being the daughter of a very talented
musical family...
Toshikyo Akiyoshi - "Manha Do Carnaval"
...including a very talented mother.
The American/Japanese musician and bandleader used her dual nationality
to help explore deeper themes within her music.
This track comes from a compilation compiled by Monday Michiru
showcasing some of her mother's lesser heard material.
Ellen Mcillwaine and Yukihiro Fukutomi - "Born Under A Bad Sign"
Originally recorded by Albert King, (and more infamously interpreted
by Homer Simpson), producer Fukotomi gives the blues standard
the broken beat treatment, with vocals from Ellen Mcillwaine.
United Future Organization featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater -
"Flying Saucer"
A Japanese/French nu-jazz duo formed in Shibuya and key players
in the 90s "acid jazz" scene.
This offering from their 1999 LP "Bon Voyage" features the
vocals of top jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, and unlike a fair
number of tunes I've featured, this one's rather timeless.
DJ Kawasaki - "You Can Make It" (KJM Cosmic House Mix)
Again it was hard to choose just one offering from the Kyoto Jazz Massive
so I've ended up going with one of their many remixes they've
produced over the years.
This one of DJ Kawasaki's house offering "You Can Make It" showcases
the combination of uplifting melodies with inspiring lyrical content
without being too preachy.
Shuya Okino - "Give Your Love a Chance"
Recently, one half of the KJM duo has gone solo and caused
quite a stir with his album "Destiny", the opening track covering
Rose Royce's "Still In Love" can be heard in the introduction
to this musical medley.
The album contains many other gems, including this 80s soul
inspired offering that's caught just as much attention in the UK
as it has in Okino's homeland.
Minako Yoshida - "Town"
I first discovered this via a cover of the tune by DJ Kawasaki
released on his "Black And Gold" covers album last year.
On hearing the original, it reminded me of many jazzy disco offerings
played on the radio whilst growing up in London at a very early age.
It's the memory of hearing the beats whilst being driven through
the bright lights of London late at night combined that started
my crazy obsession with the soulful and jazzy stuff.
Whilst it maybe slightly distanced from Japan, I can imagine this
would sound just as good being driven through Tokyo late at night
and the version I've included features some "additional cityscape"
noises and atmos, which hopefully adds something extra to the
already rousing rhythms.
Sunday 1 December 2013
Show 170: Konnichi-Wow! - 01.12.13
Hour 1
Laura Mvula
"Green Garden"
Sing To The Moon
Sony
Personal Life
"Give Into The Night"
Morning Light
Expansion
The Doggett Brothers
"Reminds Me Of You"
DayLight
Doggett Brothers
Muzart
"Let There Be Harmony"
Muzart
Expansion
2013 Covers
Tracy Hamlin
"Never Too Much"
This Is My Life
DMH
Jamie Cullum
"Love For $ale" (Live At Abbey Road)
Momentum (Deluxe)
Universal
Omar
"There's Nothing Like This" (feat. Pino Palladino)
The Man
Freestyle
Alice Russell
"Retrograde"
WNYC Live Performance
Swingrowers
"Via Con Me"
Do Not Cover Part 1
Freshly Squeezed
Monday Michiru
"Celebrate" (Parabens)
Brasilified
Billboard Japan
Los Colorados
"U Can't Touch This"
Move It
Motor Entertainment
Smoking Cats
"Everyday"
Live Demo
Ahmed Sirour And Cleveland Jones
"Afro Blue"
Soundcloud
Blam Jam's Best Cover of 2013
Jessica Newry featuring Kalani Trinidad
"Butterfly"
Bandcamp
Hour 2: "Jazzed Up In Japan"
Jazztronik
"Real Clothes"
JTK
Pony Canyon
Mondo Grosso
"Life" (M.G. 2.7 Stepped Mix-Edit)
MG4
Sony Jazz
Casiopea
"FrouFrou"
Down Upbeat
Hajime Yoshizawa Ft. Vanessa Freeman
"Believe Again"
Music From The Edge Of The Universe
Geneon
Bahia Sunsets Feautuing Monday Michiru
"Somewhere Not Here"
Kyoto Jazz Massive - Various
For Life
Toshiko Akiyoshi
"Manha Do Carnaval"
Shibuya Jazz Classics
Solid
Ellen Mcilwaine and Yukihiro Fukutomi
"Born Under A Bad Sign"
12"
Routine Jazz
United Future Organization featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater
"Flying Saucer"
Bon Voyage
Mercury
DJ Kawasaki featuring Tasita D'Mour
"You Can Make It" (KJM Cosmic House Mix)
12"
Columbia
Shuya Okino
"Give Your Love A Chance"
Soul Togetherness Deluxe 2011
Expansion
Minako Yoshida
"Town"
Monsters In Town
Alfa
Be listening next Sunday, as Blam Jam reveals it's biggest
tunes of 2013! 6pm, Sunday 8th December, csrfm.com
Laura Mvula
"Green Garden"
Sing To The Moon
Sony
Personal Life
"Give Into The Night"
Morning Light
Expansion
The Doggett Brothers
"Reminds Me Of You"
DayLight
Doggett Brothers
Muzart
"Let There Be Harmony"
Muzart
Expansion
2013 Covers
Tracy Hamlin
"Never Too Much"
This Is My Life
DMH
Jamie Cullum
"Love For $ale" (Live At Abbey Road)
Momentum (Deluxe)
Universal
Omar
"There's Nothing Like This" (feat. Pino Palladino)
The Man
Freestyle
Alice Russell
"Retrograde"
WNYC Live Performance
Swingrowers
"Via Con Me"
Do Not Cover Part 1
Freshly Squeezed
Monday Michiru
"Celebrate" (Parabens)
Brasilified
Billboard Japan
Los Colorados
"U Can't Touch This"
Move It
Motor Entertainment
Smoking Cats
"Everyday"
Live Demo
Ahmed Sirour And Cleveland Jones
"Afro Blue"
Soundcloud
Blam Jam's Best Cover of 2013
Jessica Newry featuring Kalani Trinidad
"Butterfly"
Bandcamp
Hour 2: "Jazzed Up In Japan"
Jazztronik
"Real Clothes"
JTK
Pony Canyon
Mondo Grosso
"Life" (M.G. 2.7 Stepped Mix-Edit)
MG4
Sony Jazz
Casiopea
"FrouFrou"
Down Upbeat
Hajime Yoshizawa Ft. Vanessa Freeman
"Believe Again"
Music From The Edge Of The Universe
Geneon
Bahia Sunsets Feautuing Monday Michiru
"Somewhere Not Here"
Kyoto Jazz Massive - Various
For Life
Toshiko Akiyoshi
"Manha Do Carnaval"
Shibuya Jazz Classics
Solid
Ellen Mcilwaine and Yukihiro Fukutomi
"Born Under A Bad Sign"
12"
Routine Jazz
United Future Organization featuring Dee Dee Bridgewater
"Flying Saucer"
Bon Voyage
Mercury
DJ Kawasaki featuring Tasita D'Mour
"You Can Make It" (KJM Cosmic House Mix)
12"
Columbia
Shuya Okino
"Give Your Love A Chance"
Soul Togetherness Deluxe 2011
Expansion
Minako Yoshida
"Town"
Monsters In Town
Alfa
Be listening next Sunday, as Blam Jam reveals it's biggest
tunes of 2013! 6pm, Sunday 8th December, csrfm.com
Monday 25 November 2013
Show 169: The Trip Of A Lifetime - 24.11.13
Hour 1
Sandra St. Victor
"I Am Better"
Honeycomb Music Volume 1
Honeycomb Music
Herbie Hancock
"Motor Mouth"
Lite Me Up
Blue Note
Album Profile: November 2013
Dianne Reeves
"32 Flavors"
Beautiful Life
Concord
Omar featuring Angie Stone
"All For Me"
Sing If You Want It
Tru Thoughts
Eric Lau featuring Fatima
"Divine"
One Of Many
Killawatt
Incognito
"Rivers On The Sun"
Surreal
Dome
Double Double Jam!: Alison Limerick
"Make It On My Own"
And Still I Rise
Arista
James Taylor Quartet Feauturing Alison Limerick
"Stepping Into My Life"
Extended Play
Acid Jazz
K-Ci and JoJo
"Love Ballad"
Love Always
Geffen
Blam Jam's Back Garage
Adeva
"Respect"
Adeva
Chrysalis
Ed Meme featuring Guests Of Nature
"Golden Years"
7"
Breakin' Bread
Jazzinho
"Papao"
Veludo
Toca Piano
Sachal Studios Orchestra
"You've Got It Bad Girl"
Jazz and All That
Sachal Music
Hour 2
Lord Echo featuring Leila Adu
"Molten Lava"
Curiosities
Bastard Jazz
Ray Harris
"Free As Me"
The Transition
Fusion Music
Retro Reworking
Alkalino
"Floating"
Golden Age Of Editing
Adultery
Drizabone Soul Family
"New York City Nights" (Disco Remix)
Soul Togetherness 2013
Expansion
Thelma Houston
"You Used To Hold Me So Tight"
12" 80s Club Classics
UMC
Double Double Jam!: Doctor Who Companions
Eric Benet
"Harriet Jones"
The One
Jordan House
Bebel Gilberto
"River Song" (Grant Nelson Mix)
12"
Atlantic
Sticky Jam
Billie Piper
"Walk Of Life" (Twister Mix)
CD Single
Virgin
Jamie Cullum
"Get A Hold Of Yourself"
Momentum
Universal
Album Profile: November 2013
Dianne Reeves
"Long Road Ahead" (Featuring Gregoire Maret)
Beautiful Life
Concord
Brand New Heavies
"Turn The Music Up"
Forward
HeavyTone
Corduroy
"Moshi Moshi"
Clik!
Big Cat UK
Sandra St. Victor
"I Am Better"
Honeycomb Music Volume 1
Honeycomb Music
Herbie Hancock
"Motor Mouth"
Lite Me Up
Blue Note
Album Profile: November 2013
Dianne Reeves
"32 Flavors"
Beautiful Life
Concord
Omar featuring Angie Stone
"All For Me"
Sing If You Want It
Tru Thoughts
Eric Lau featuring Fatima
"Divine"
One Of Many
Killawatt
Incognito
"Rivers On The Sun"
Surreal
Dome
Double Double Jam!: Alison Limerick
"Make It On My Own"
And Still I Rise
Arista
James Taylor Quartet Feauturing Alison Limerick
"Stepping Into My Life"
Extended Play
Acid Jazz
K-Ci and JoJo
"Love Ballad"
Love Always
Geffen
Blam Jam's Back Garage
Adeva
"Respect"
Adeva
Chrysalis
Ed Meme featuring Guests Of Nature
"Golden Years"
7"
Breakin' Bread
Jazzinho
"Papao"
Veludo
Toca Piano
Sachal Studios Orchestra
"You've Got It Bad Girl"
Jazz and All That
Sachal Music
Hour 2
Lord Echo featuring Leila Adu
"Molten Lava"
Curiosities
Bastard Jazz
Ray Harris
"Free As Me"
The Transition
Fusion Music
Retro Reworking
Alkalino
"Floating"
Golden Age Of Editing
Adultery
Drizabone Soul Family
"New York City Nights" (Disco Remix)
Soul Togetherness 2013
Expansion
Thelma Houston
"You Used To Hold Me So Tight"
12" 80s Club Classics
UMC
Double Double Jam!: Doctor Who Companions
Eric Benet
"Harriet Jones"
The One
Jordan House
Bebel Gilberto
"River Song" (Grant Nelson Mix)
12"
Atlantic
Sticky Jam
Billie Piper
"Walk Of Life" (Twister Mix)
CD Single
Virgin
Jamie Cullum
"Get A Hold Of Yourself"
Momentum
Universal
Album Profile: November 2013
Dianne Reeves
"Long Road Ahead" (Featuring Gregoire Maret)
Beautiful Life
Concord
Brand New Heavies
"Turn The Music Up"
Forward
HeavyTone
Corduroy
"Moshi Moshi"
Clik!
Big Cat UK
Sunday 17 November 2013
Show 168: Jazzing Up For London - 17.11.13
Hour 1
JTQ featuring Noel McKoy
"Love The Live" (Revisited Edit)
Hammond-Ology
Sanctuary
Amy Winehouse
"You Know I'm No Good" (Skeewiff Mix)
Soundcloud
Album Profile: November 2013
Dianne Reeves
"Unconditional Love (For You)"
Beautiful Life
Concord
London Jazz Festival Preview
Cecilia Stalin
"One"
Step Like A Giant
Bandcamp
Jacob Collier
"Isn't She Lovely"
Bandcamp
Tony Momrelle
"Spotlight"
Fly EP
Reel People Music
Sticky Jam
Corona
"I Don't Wanna Be A Star"
The Rhythm Of The Night
Extravaganza
Brownstone
"Grapevyne"
From The Bottom Up
MJJ
Harleighblu
"This Way"
Forget Me Not
Tru Thoughts
Blam Jam's Back Garage
Doolally
"Straight From The Heart"
CD Single
XL
Jacqui Dankworth
"Palladium"
Live To Love
Specific Jazz
Alex Malheiros
"Papaia"
Atlantic Forest
Milestone
Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra
"Mission Impossible"
The Benevolence Of Sister Mary Ignatius
Axe Attack
Hour 2
Delegation
"In The Night"
Delegation II
Sony
Samir Maslo featuring Keith Thompson
"Tonight"
12"
IMH
Retro Reworking
Barbara Pennington
"24 Hours A Day" (Almighty Definitive Mix)
CD Single
Almighty
The Fontanelles
"Criminality"
Horns Of Freedom
First Word
Ed Meme featuring Paulo Apollo Negri
"Young Scene"
7"
Breakin' Bread
Valentine Brothers
"A Taste Of Your Love"
Single Release
Boogie Back Records
Sandra St. Victor
"Another Kind Of Diva" (Success Hooker)
Oya's Daughter
Shanachie
Double Jam: Alexander O'Neal
"Fake"
Hearsay
Tabu
Walk Don't Run (Featuring Light Of The World)
Anthology: Addicted To Funk
EMI
London Jazz Festival Preview
Alice Russell
"Let Go (Breakdown)"
To Dust
Tru Thoughts
Dianne Reeves
"Wild Rose" (Featuring Esperanza Spalding)
Beautiful Life
Concord
Tracy Hamlin
"Home"
Home
Quantize
Sapphire
"Thank You" (I'll Be Around Mix)
Get This Party Started!
Expansion
JTQ featuring Noel McKoy
"Love The Live" (Revisited Edit)
Hammond-Ology
Sanctuary
Amy Winehouse
"You Know I'm No Good" (Skeewiff Mix)
Soundcloud
Album Profile: November 2013
Dianne Reeves
"Unconditional Love (For You)"
Beautiful Life
Concord
London Jazz Festival Preview
Cecilia Stalin
"One"
Step Like A Giant
Bandcamp
Jacob Collier
"Isn't She Lovely"
Bandcamp
Tony Momrelle
"Spotlight"
Fly EP
Reel People Music
Sticky Jam
Corona
"I Don't Wanna Be A Star"
The Rhythm Of The Night
Extravaganza
Brownstone
"Grapevyne"
From The Bottom Up
MJJ
Harleighblu
"This Way"
Forget Me Not
Tru Thoughts
Blam Jam's Back Garage
Doolally
"Straight From The Heart"
CD Single
XL
Jacqui Dankworth
"Palladium"
Live To Love
Specific Jazz
Alex Malheiros
"Papaia"
Atlantic Forest
Milestone
Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra
"Mission Impossible"
The Benevolence Of Sister Mary Ignatius
Axe Attack
Hour 2
Delegation
"In The Night"
Delegation II
Sony
Samir Maslo featuring Keith Thompson
"Tonight"
12"
IMH
Retro Reworking
Barbara Pennington
"24 Hours A Day" (Almighty Definitive Mix)
CD Single
Almighty
The Fontanelles
"Criminality"
Horns Of Freedom
First Word
Ed Meme featuring Paulo Apollo Negri
"Young Scene"
7"
Breakin' Bread
Valentine Brothers
"A Taste Of Your Love"
Single Release
Boogie Back Records
Sandra St. Victor
"Another Kind Of Diva" (Success Hooker)
Oya's Daughter
Shanachie
Double Jam: Alexander O'Neal
"Fake"
Hearsay
Tabu
Walk Don't Run (Featuring Light Of The World)
Anthology: Addicted To Funk
EMI
London Jazz Festival Preview
Alice Russell
"Let Go (Breakdown)"
To Dust
Tru Thoughts
Dianne Reeves
"Wild Rose" (Featuring Esperanza Spalding)
Beautiful Life
Concord
Tracy Hamlin
"Home"
Home
Quantize
Sapphire
"Thank You" (I'll Be Around Mix)
Get This Party Started!
Expansion
Sunday 10 November 2013
Show 167: "A World Of Pure Imagination" - 10.11.13
Hour 1
Blam Jam Belter!
Jody Watley
"Night Life" (Soulpersona Mix)
Night Life Remixed EP
Jody Watley Music
Rose Royce
"Is It Love You're After"
Rose Royce IV: Rainbow Connection
Warner Bros
Album Profile: November 2013
Dianne Reeves
"Satiated (Been Waiting)" featuring Gregory Porter
Beautiful Life
Concord
Omar featuring Caron Wheeler
"Treat You" (Opolopo Remix)
Online Download
Freestyle
Youngblood Brass Band
"Ain't Nobody"
Pax Volumi
Tru Thoughts
Sticky Jam
Madonna
"Don't Cry For Me Argentina" (Miami Mix Edit)
CD Single
Warner Bros
Count Indigo
"My Unknown Love"
This Is Easy (Compilation)
Virgin
Level 42
"Mind On You"
Sirens EP
Mark King
Blam Jam's Back Garage
Urban Soul
"Alright" (Sasha Remix)
Back To Love 03.03
Hed Kandi
Richard Earnshaw Featuring Imogen Ryall
"Cry Me A River"
In Time
Groovefinder
The Tequila Brass
"Uptight"
Tamla Meets Tijuana
EMI
Hour 2
Mistura
"Sweet Magic" (Joey Negro Club Mix)
The Mystery Of Mistura
Z
Sheila Ford
"The Best Of My Love"
12"
Quantize
Retro Reworking
Jacob Collier
"Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing"
Bandcamp
Kraak and Smaak featuring Joi Cardwell
"Just Wanna Be Loved"
Chrome Waves
Jalapeno
Nick Pride and The Pimptones
"Take Care Of My Love"
Reduced Phat Shake
Record Kicks
Carl Hudson
"Sea Snake"
Zoology For Martians
Digisoul
"Triple" Jam: Joni Mitchell
"Help Me"
Court And Spark
Asylum
"The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines"
Mingus
Asylum
"You Turn Me On, I'm A Radio"
For The Roses
Asylum
Cody ChesnuTT
"I've Been Life"
Landing On A Hundred
One Little Indian
Dianne Reeves
"Dreams" featuring Robert Glasper
Beautiful Life
Concord
Gwen Guthrie
"Sweet Bitter Love"
Hot Times
Reprise
Jacob Collier
"Pure Imagination"
Bandcamp
Blam Jam Belter!
Jody Watley
"Night Life" (Soulpersona Mix)
Night Life Remixed EP
Jody Watley Music
Rose Royce
"Is It Love You're After"
Rose Royce IV: Rainbow Connection
Warner Bros
Album Profile: November 2013
Dianne Reeves
"Satiated (Been Waiting)" featuring Gregory Porter
Beautiful Life
Concord
Omar featuring Caron Wheeler
"Treat You" (Opolopo Remix)
Online Download
Freestyle
Youngblood Brass Band
"Ain't Nobody"
Pax Volumi
Tru Thoughts
Sticky Jam
Madonna
"Don't Cry For Me Argentina" (Miami Mix Edit)
CD Single
Warner Bros
Count Indigo
"My Unknown Love"
This Is Easy (Compilation)
Virgin
Level 42
"Mind On You"
Sirens EP
Mark King
Blam Jam's Back Garage
Urban Soul
"Alright" (Sasha Remix)
Back To Love 03.03
Hed Kandi
Richard Earnshaw Featuring Imogen Ryall
"Cry Me A River"
In Time
Groovefinder
The Tequila Brass
"Uptight"
Tamla Meets Tijuana
EMI
Hour 2
Mistura
"Sweet Magic" (Joey Negro Club Mix)
The Mystery Of Mistura
Z
Sheila Ford
"The Best Of My Love"
12"
Quantize
Retro Reworking
Jacob Collier
"Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing"
Bandcamp
Kraak and Smaak featuring Joi Cardwell
"Just Wanna Be Loved"
Chrome Waves
Jalapeno
Nick Pride and The Pimptones
"Take Care Of My Love"
Reduced Phat Shake
Record Kicks
Carl Hudson
"Sea Snake"
Zoology For Martians
Digisoul
"Triple" Jam: Joni Mitchell
"Help Me"
Court And Spark
Asylum
"The Dry Cleaner From Des Moines"
Mingus
Asylum
"You Turn Me On, I'm A Radio"
For The Roses
Asylum
Cody ChesnuTT
"I've Been Life"
Landing On A Hundred
One Little Indian
Dianne Reeves
"Dreams" featuring Robert Glasper
Beautiful Life
Concord
Gwen Guthrie
"Sweet Bitter Love"
Hot Times
Reprise
Jacob Collier
"Pure Imagination"
Bandcamp
Sunday 3 November 2013
Show 166 - Another Pair Of Pairs: 03.11.13
Hour 1
Steve Arrington
"Mellow As A Cello"
Positive Power
Atlantic
Bluey
"Elevate The Feeling"
Soul Lounge Volume 10
Dome
Album Profile: November 2013
Dianne Reeves
"Feels So Good (Lifted)" (featuring George Duke and Nadia Washington)
Beautiful Life
Concord
Don E
"Waiting In Vain"
Natural
Dome
Stevie Wonder
"Jesus Children Of America"
Innervisions
Motown
Gregory Porter
"Movin"
Liquid Spirit
Blue Note
Double Double Jam 1: Lulu
"Independence"
Independence
Dome
"Better Get Ready"
CD Single
Mercury
Al Johnson and Jean Carne
"I'm Back For More"
Back For More
Sony
Sandra St. Victor
"Spirit Talk"
Oya's Daughter
Shanachie
Blam Jam's Back Garage
Believers
"Who Dares To Believe In Me?"
12"
Strictly Rhythm
Karol Conka
"Boa Noite"
Brazilian Beats 7
Mr Bongo
Baby Charles
"Step On"
Baby Charles
Record Kicks
Crusaders
"Sweet N' Sour"
Free As The Wind
Verve
Hour 2
Exist
"Lookin' At Blue"
12"
R2
Bosq Of Whiskey Barons
"Up And Down" (NYC 91 Mix) featuring Kaleta
Bosq Y Orquesta De Madera
Ubiquity
Retro Reworking
Chic
"Good Times" (Kon's Let's Do It All Again Remix)
Soundcloud
Shea
"Where Did You Go" (Acoustic)
Where Did You Go-Single
TwoPointNine
Scritti Politti
"The Word Girl"
Cupid And Psyche '85
Virgin
James Taylor Quartet
"Blow Up"
Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club Volume 2
Freestyle
Double Double Jam 2: "Mars"
Cajmere And Gene Farris
"Mars Bar"
12"
Cajual
Men From Mars
"Get Down Tonight"
Get Down Tonight
Koch
Album Profile: November 2013
Dianne Reeves
"Stormy Weather" (Featuring Tineke Postma)
Beautiful Life
Concord
Ahmed Sirour And Cleveland Jones
"Afro Blue"
Soundcloud
Guida De Palma and Jazzinho
"Celebration"
Veludo
Toca Piano Fala Frances
Steve Arrington
"Mellow As A Cello"
Positive Power
Atlantic
Bluey
"Elevate The Feeling"
Soul Lounge Volume 10
Dome
Album Profile: November 2013
Dianne Reeves
"Feels So Good (Lifted)" (featuring George Duke and Nadia Washington)
Beautiful Life
Concord
Don E
"Waiting In Vain"
Natural
Dome
Stevie Wonder
"Jesus Children Of America"
Innervisions
Motown
Gregory Porter
"Movin"
Liquid Spirit
Blue Note
Double Double Jam 1: Lulu
"Independence"
Independence
Dome
"Better Get Ready"
CD Single
Mercury
Al Johnson and Jean Carne
"I'm Back For More"
Back For More
Sony
Sandra St. Victor
"Spirit Talk"
Oya's Daughter
Shanachie
Blam Jam's Back Garage
Believers
"Who Dares To Believe In Me?"
12"
Strictly Rhythm
Karol Conka
"Boa Noite"
Brazilian Beats 7
Mr Bongo
Baby Charles
"Step On"
Baby Charles
Record Kicks
Crusaders
"Sweet N' Sour"
Free As The Wind
Verve
Hour 2
Exist
"Lookin' At Blue"
12"
R2
Bosq Of Whiskey Barons
"Up And Down" (NYC 91 Mix) featuring Kaleta
Bosq Y Orquesta De Madera
Ubiquity
Retro Reworking
Chic
"Good Times" (Kon's Let's Do It All Again Remix)
Soundcloud
Shea
"Where Did You Go" (Acoustic)
Where Did You Go-Single
TwoPointNine
Scritti Politti
"The Word Girl"
Cupid And Psyche '85
Virgin
James Taylor Quartet
"Blow Up"
Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club Volume 2
Freestyle
Double Double Jam 2: "Mars"
Cajmere And Gene Farris
"Mars Bar"
12"
Cajual
Men From Mars
"Get Down Tonight"
Get Down Tonight
Koch
Album Profile: November 2013
Dianne Reeves
"Stormy Weather" (Featuring Tineke Postma)
Beautiful Life
Concord
Ahmed Sirour And Cleveland Jones
"Afro Blue"
Soundcloud
Guida De Palma and Jazzinho
"Celebration"
Veludo
Toca Piano Fala Frances
Sunday 27 October 2013
Show 165 - "Going To The Love In"
Hour 1
Manu Dibango
"Big Blow"
The Very Best Of Manu Dibango
Union Square
Incognito
"Everyday" (Frenchie's TouchUp)
Soundcloud
Kraak and Smaak featuring Sam Duckworth
"Good For The City"
Chrome Waves
Jalapeno
Album Profile: October 2013
Robert Glasper Experiment
"Persevere" (Featuring Snoop Dogg, Lupe Fiasco and Luke James)
Black Radio Volume 2
Blue Note
John Legend
"Hold On Longer"
Love In The Future
Sony
Maysa
"Put It On Me"
Blue Velvet Soul
Shanachie
Sticky Jam
Corona
"Baby Baby"
Rhythm Of The Night
Extravaganza Publishing
Nathan Adams
"Sending You My Love"
Audio Therapy
Tribe
Blam Jam's Back Garage
Alison Limerick
"Where Love Lives (Come On In)"
Club Classics
BMG
Snarky Puppy with Shayna Steele
"Gone Under"
Family Dinner Volume One
GroundUP Music
Album Profile: October 2013
Robert Glasper Experiment
"Children Of America" (Featuring Lalah Hathaway)
Black Radio Volume 2
Blue Note
Album Profile: November 2013 Preview
Dianne Reeves
"I Want You" (Featuring Sean Jones)
Beautiful Life
Decca
Gregory Porter
"The "In" Crowd"
Liquid Spirit
Blue Note
Hour 2: Vintage Soul Special
Isley Brothers
"This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For Me)"
This Old Heart Of Mine
Motown
Bobby Hebb
"Love, Love, Love"
Sunny
Island
Frank Wilson
"Do I Love You? (Indeed I Do)"
The Motown Story
Universal
Bob Brady and the Con-Chords
"Everybody's Goin' To The Love In"
The Best Of The Northern Soul Story
Sony
Bob Kuban and The In Men
"The Cheater"
The Golden Age Of Northern Soul Vol. 1
Sony
The Flirtations
"Nothing But A Heartache"
The Northern Soul Scene
Decca
The Supremes
"The Happening"
Gold
Motown
The Ramsey Lewis Trio
"The "In" Crowd"
Chess Chartbusters Vol. 1
Spectrum
Bobby Womack
"California Dreaming"
Soul Sides
Union Square
Minnie Ripperton
"Completeness"
Come To My Garden
Castle Music
Earth, Wind and Fire
"Clover"
Head To The Sky
Sony
Deniece Williams
"How'd I Know That Love Would Slip Away"
This Is Niecey
Sony
Bill Withers
"Hello Like Before"
Making Music
Sony
Phyllis Hyman
"In Between The Heartaches"
Platinum and Gold Collection
BMG
Shuggie Otis
"Strawberry Letter 23"
Freedom Flight
Sony
Barbara Pennington
"24 Hours A Day"
Disco Inferno - The Best Of Disco
One Media
Manu Dibango
"Big Blow"
The Very Best Of Manu Dibango
Union Square
Incognito
"Everyday" (Frenchie's TouchUp)
Soundcloud
Kraak and Smaak featuring Sam Duckworth
"Good For The City"
Chrome Waves
Jalapeno
Album Profile: October 2013
Robert Glasper Experiment
"Persevere" (Featuring Snoop Dogg, Lupe Fiasco and Luke James)
Black Radio Volume 2
Blue Note
John Legend
"Hold On Longer"
Love In The Future
Sony
Maysa
"Put It On Me"
Blue Velvet Soul
Shanachie
Sticky Jam
Corona
"Baby Baby"
Rhythm Of The Night
Extravaganza Publishing
Nathan Adams
"Sending You My Love"
Audio Therapy
Tribe
Blam Jam's Back Garage
Alison Limerick
"Where Love Lives (Come On In)"
Club Classics
BMG
Snarky Puppy with Shayna Steele
"Gone Under"
Family Dinner Volume One
GroundUP Music
Album Profile: October 2013
Robert Glasper Experiment
"Children Of America" (Featuring Lalah Hathaway)
Black Radio Volume 2
Blue Note
Album Profile: November 2013 Preview
Dianne Reeves
"I Want You" (Featuring Sean Jones)
Beautiful Life
Decca
Gregory Porter
"The "In" Crowd"
Liquid Spirit
Blue Note
Hour 2: Vintage Soul Special
Isley Brothers
"This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For Me)"
This Old Heart Of Mine
Motown
Bobby Hebb
"Love, Love, Love"
Sunny
Island
Frank Wilson
"Do I Love You? (Indeed I Do)"
The Motown Story
Universal
Bob Brady and the Con-Chords
"Everybody's Goin' To The Love In"
The Best Of The Northern Soul Story
Sony
Bob Kuban and The In Men
"The Cheater"
The Golden Age Of Northern Soul Vol. 1
Sony
The Flirtations
"Nothing But A Heartache"
The Northern Soul Scene
Decca
The Supremes
"The Happening"
Gold
Motown
The Ramsey Lewis Trio
"The "In" Crowd"
Chess Chartbusters Vol. 1
Spectrum
Bobby Womack
"California Dreaming"
Soul Sides
Union Square
Minnie Ripperton
"Completeness"
Come To My Garden
Castle Music
Earth, Wind and Fire
"Clover"
Head To The Sky
Sony
Deniece Williams
"How'd I Know That Love Would Slip Away"
This Is Niecey
Sony
Bill Withers
"Hello Like Before"
Making Music
Sony
Phyllis Hyman
"In Between The Heartaches"
Platinum and Gold Collection
BMG
Shuggie Otis
"Strawberry Letter 23"
Freedom Flight
Sony
Barbara Pennington
"24 Hours A Day"
Disco Inferno - The Best Of Disco
One Media
Sunday 20 October 2013
Show 164: "One Eternal Moment In Time"
Hour 1
Zoe Birkett
"Get Happy"
Pop Idol: The Big Band Album
Sony BMG
Ralf GUM feat. Jon Pierce & Kafele
"Never" (Louie Vega EOL Radio Edit)
12"
GoGo Music
Album Profile: October 2013
Robert Glasper Experiment
"Calls" (Featuring Jill Scott)
Black Radio Volume 2
Blue Note
Earth, Wind and Fire
"Sign On"
Now, Then and Forever
Sony
EWF Vs Tom Glide and The Luv All-Stars
"Get It Off/Shining Star" (Tom Glide Mash-up Rework)
Soundcloud
Dames Brown
"Soul Fly"
Online Download
Ampliphonic
Kraak and Smaak featuring Sam Duckworth
"Good For The City"
Chrome Waves
Jalapeno
Sticky Jam
Paul Carrack
"I Live By The Groove"
Groove Approved
Chrysalis
Jamie Cullum
"Everlasting Love"
Twentysomething
Universal
Gregory Porter
"Liquid Spirit" (12 Shades Funk Up Mix)
Soundcloud
Blam Jam's Back Garage
Mr. Fingers
"What About This Love"
12"
Alleviated
Personal Life
"One Step Closer"
Morning Light
Expansion
Sean C. Johnson
"Shepherd Me"
Grateful
Bandcamp
Ahmed Sirour
"I Believe In You And Me"
(Tribute To Whitney Houston)
Soundcloud
Hour 2
Jazztronik
"Real Clothes"
JTK
Pony Canyon
Blam Jam Belter!
Diesler and the Renegades of Jazz
"Rokko Loko"
12"
Buried Treasure
Retro Reworking
Bobby D'Ambrosio featuring Kelli Sae
"Optimistic" (Frankie C's Sunday Morning Mix)
12"
Soulfuric
Muzart
"The Party After"
Muzart
Expansion
Atar Shafighian
"The Spread"
The Rise and Fall of Danny Chevron
Sus
Eighties Ladies
"Turned Onto You"
Classic Rare Groove Mastercuts Vol.1
Mastercuts
Double Jam: Level 42
"Sandstorm"
Level 42
Polydor
"Forever Now"
Forever Now
Polydor
Spyro Gyra
"Odds Get Even"
The Rhinebeck Sessions
Crosseyed Bear Productions
Album Profile: October 2013
Robert Glasper Experiment
"Yet To Find" (Featuring Anthony Hamilton)
Black Radio Volume 2
Blue Note
Jiva
"The Goodbye Song"
Sun And Moon
Expansion
Random Ax of Charlie
"Final Goodbye"
BPMS - The Anti Mixtape
Online Download
Zoe Birkett
"Get Happy"
Pop Idol: The Big Band Album
Sony BMG
Ralf GUM feat. Jon Pierce & Kafele
"Never" (Louie Vega EOL Radio Edit)
12"
GoGo Music
Album Profile: October 2013
Robert Glasper Experiment
"Calls" (Featuring Jill Scott)
Black Radio Volume 2
Blue Note
Earth, Wind and Fire
"Sign On"
Now, Then and Forever
Sony
EWF Vs Tom Glide and The Luv All-Stars
"Get It Off/Shining Star" (Tom Glide Mash-up Rework)
Soundcloud
Dames Brown
"Soul Fly"
Online Download
Ampliphonic
Kraak and Smaak featuring Sam Duckworth
"Good For The City"
Chrome Waves
Jalapeno
Sticky Jam
Paul Carrack
"I Live By The Groove"
Groove Approved
Chrysalis
Jamie Cullum
"Everlasting Love"
Twentysomething
Universal
Gregory Porter
"Liquid Spirit" (12 Shades Funk Up Mix)
Soundcloud
Blam Jam's Back Garage
Mr. Fingers
"What About This Love"
12"
Alleviated
Personal Life
"One Step Closer"
Morning Light
Expansion
Sean C. Johnson
"Shepherd Me"
Grateful
Bandcamp
Ahmed Sirour
"I Believe In You And Me"
(Tribute To Whitney Houston)
Soundcloud
Hour 2
Jazztronik
"Real Clothes"
JTK
Pony Canyon
Blam Jam Belter!
Diesler and the Renegades of Jazz
"Rokko Loko"
12"
Buried Treasure
Retro Reworking
Bobby D'Ambrosio featuring Kelli Sae
"Optimistic" (Frankie C's Sunday Morning Mix)
12"
Soulfuric
Muzart
"The Party After"
Muzart
Expansion
Atar Shafighian
"The Spread"
The Rise and Fall of Danny Chevron
Sus
Eighties Ladies
"Turned Onto You"
Classic Rare Groove Mastercuts Vol.1
Mastercuts
Double Jam: Level 42
"Sandstorm"
Level 42
Polydor
"Forever Now"
Forever Now
Polydor
Spyro Gyra
"Odds Get Even"
The Rhinebeck Sessions
Crosseyed Bear Productions
Album Profile: October 2013
Robert Glasper Experiment
"Yet To Find" (Featuring Anthony Hamilton)
Black Radio Volume 2
Blue Note
Jiva
"The Goodbye Song"
Sun And Moon
Expansion
Random Ax of Charlie
"Final Goodbye"
BPMS - The Anti Mixtape
Online Download
Friday 18 October 2013
Blam Jam's Bunch Of Fives - 2013
Hope you're all managing through my absence from the airwaves.
I make my return this Sunday, but to warm you up for that,
the return of a strand that I blogged this time last year listing
five countdowns of five big inspirations.
A slightly different selection to last year as habits and interest
change (though it doesn't mean I instantly dislike anything that
I liked in 2008), so let's do this.
Top 5 Bands To Have Emerged This Year
5: Personal Life
A band who have put the funk back into "brit-funk"
with their amazing retro-sound, yet contemporary edge.
Already drawing attention from many senior soul fans
and newcomers alike, this lot have the potential to
go further, and getting a support slot alongside Bilal
this coming Thursday in London, will certainly help
towards that.
The above tune has a hint of Wham!'s "Young Guns"
about it, only there's no rap solo.
4: Cola and Jimmu
Not content with just releasing a superb solo album this year,
Nicole Willis has joined forces with husband Jimmy Tenor
for what may be the best electronica broken beat LP
so far this year.
For those who may be a bit uncertain about their future beats,
this album could be the perfect introduction to what
could be referred to as accessible "21st century soul".
Some really catchy beats on this.
3: Kon
In the last couple of year's this guy has made a name for
himself with some amazing remixes and re-edits that have
redefined the artform, going deep into the original multi-tracks
with this Bee Gees take-off being one such example.
More recently, the Boston producer himself has released a
solid album of his own with a wide selection of upbeat and
mid-tempo soul gems, already causing a stir and having
stopped off on British shores himself last weekend, there's
full proof that he can fill a dancefloor.
More please, if possible.
2: The Doggett Brothers
A fresh new band from Norfolk who have brought back the
memories of the amazing early 90s Acid Jazz sound.
Carl and Greg Doggett on their debut LP showcase their
abilities and warm melodic offerings alongside some great
vocalists including Sulene Fleming and Charlie Welton,
blending jazz funk, with broken beat.
It's an album I have long been waiting for, I just didn't know it.
1: Muzart
The album of the summer.
South African oufit Muzart have won over fans around the world
with their 12" release "Jukebox" and their debut album brought
to the UK by the amazing Expansion Records shows consistency
with not one bad track on there.
Taking leads from Incognito, Earth Wind and Fire, and The Sunburst
Band, this was barely away from my earpieces in the warmer
months of '13, and here's hoping that the guys make their way
over from South Africa to a warming reception from their new
British fans.
They'll deliver, that's for certain.
Top 5 Live Performances of '13
5: Brand New Heavies (King's Hall, Herne Bay, July '13)
Quite simply one of the best bands I grew up with,
in a seaside town I adore.
The Heavies with new vocalist Dawn Joseph set Herne Bay
alight with a mixture of gems from their new album "Forward"
along with old favourites such as "Oasis", "Sometimes" and the
anthemic "Dream Come True".
After a rather muddled decade, the band are back to their best
with another new album due for release in 2014.
4: Jamie Cullum (St Pancras Station, May '13)
In the week when the singer released his 5th solo
album "Momentum", the jazz pixie was kind enough to perform
to the punters and commuters of St Pancras Railway Station
for free on a Tuesday morning in May, using one of the station's
very own public pianos.
The 30 minute set was mainly made up of songs from the new
LP, though the finale involved the old favourite "Get Your Way",
where I was joining in with the legendary brass riff by Joe Williams,
as used to open up the great man's Radio 2 show.
A long-term favourite of Blam Jam, and continuing to break
barriers.
3: Gregory Porter (Oval Space, May '13)
A man I had been waiting to see live for far too long, finally
getting the chance to do so not too far from my birthplace
in East London.
It was hear that I was treated to my first exposure of the
vocalist's new album "Liquid Spirit" including the amazing
title track which has probably outshone "1960 What" as
his signature song.
Most of all, he's such a lovely fella, with an amazing warmth.
2: Bah Samba (Margate Soul Weekender, August '13)
Another free gig, and the highlight of this year's
Margate Soul Weekender.
Julian Bendall's boys (and girls) pleased the punters of Thanet
giving off a great show with a fantastic blend of jazzy beats
that caused me to lose myself within them.
That doesn't happen often, I will admit, when I forget everything
around me and just enjoy the tunes.
Guest vocals were provided by French vocalist Yasmine,
and Juliet Roberts who even gave a rendition of her
mid 90s house anthem "Caught In The Middle".
There's a good chance these guys will be back in Margate in 2014, so if you
can, get down there. No excuse not to.
1: Andreya Triana (Union Chapel, May '13)
Quite simply, an amazing venue, and an amazing singer.
A woman who is one to watch, though she has been making
waves over the last few years with one album already to
her belt.
I can definitely identify with her songs on a personal level
such as "Lost Where I Belong", and the recently unveiled
"Song For A Friend", the latter being a strong contender for
Blam Jam's tune of 2013.
The amazing acoustics of the Union Chapel brought a
unique sense of intimacy to the gig, and hopefully, 2014
will see plenty of good things for Ms Triana.
A very special night.
Top 5 DJs
It's far more than just playing records to a big crowd.
This is a skill that requires character, and the ability to
hold that crowd, and the 5 disc spinners below, well~they've managed to hold me for a long time at least.
5: Jeff Young
The don.
This guy may have been responsible for shaping my taste
in music at an early age, championing the many dance rhythms
of the acid house era of the late 80s/early 90s on his inaugural
Radio 1 Dance Music show.
Back on the radio and club scene after a lengthy absence,
this man still has the ears for finding the winners and playing
them to a deserving audience.
And he's got a great radio voice.
4: Theresa B
This woman's one to watch.
Hailing from Herne Bay, Theresa Barratt has spent a lifetime
storing her trunk with amazing vinyl records,
and has recently unleashed her selection to the dancing crowds
of Herne Bay and Margate.
If you're at a loose end this weekend, get down to Soulbay
at the Knot Westgate on Sea on Saturday, and you'll be able
to see some barrier breaking from one of many emerging
female disc spinners, and you may well and truly
be surprised by what tunes she has to offer.
And she's a great dancer too!
3: Markus "Max K" Kater
I first spotted the disc spinner from Deutschland
at the 2012 Margate Soul Weekender and was instantly
amazed by his blend of soulful house rhythms.
The man's ability can be heard via his Mixcloud channel
and his moonlighting on many internet radio stations.
Give this guy a go, when Max K returns to British Shores,
you'll be uplifted for certain.
2: Johnny And Messy
I know it's cheating, but I had to include this double act
from Essex as one, who can quite simply be defined as
"The Morecambe And Wise of soul".
What makes this pair stand out from other disc spinners
is their ability to entertain, as well as providing an
eclectic blend of great rhythms, providing an overall
sense of fun.
Jonny (Eric) gets down with the jazzy rhythms, and
house anthems, whilst Mark (Ernie) covers the big soul spectrum
even delving into has massive box of Northern Soul Gems.
They must be doing something right, as their bi-monthly
Soul By The Jetty night at Canvey Island recently won the
Soul Surviors Award for "Best Outside London Soul Club".
And this is more than just a club night.
There's plenty of space in the venue and if you prefer to socialise
than strut, you can do just that, whilst still in presence of the
amazing tunes on offer.
1: Joey Negro
Is there no end to the man's talents?
A top musician, music producer, record label owner, and above all
an amazing unpredictable disc spinner.
I dread to think how the man manages to store all his beats
as every time he gives a live set, he always manages to surprise
with either a fresh melodic mover, or a retro rhythm that hasn't
been touched for god know's how long.
A big influence on Blam Jam from day one, this guy has got
the ears for essential rhythm.
Top 5 Inspiring Radio Shows
Radio is my obsession and a vital source of influence.
The following five shows are the ones that surprise, and inspire
and above all communicate brilliantly through sound and no images.
They're the guys you should be thanking for the tunes on my
show if I'm being honest.
Moving along...
5: Gilles Peterson: Worldwide (BBC 6 Music)
This man's been an inspiration for many years, and into the second
year of his stint on 6 Music, the love is growing even further.
Always on the search for "the perfect beat" Mr P continues
to showcase and test out up and coming beats.
Whether it's the latest hip hop track from Kendrick Lamar, crazy
jazz from Matthew Halsall, or revisiting classic jazz funk anthems
from the likes of Earth Wind and Fire, every show is an
enjoyable ride.
Long may it continue.
4: Ginger Tony: Jump Start (Solar Radio)
An upbeat start to Saturday comes courtesy from Ginger Tony
in a show that stands out from the other internet soul shows as
it actually feels more like a radio show than a club DJ on the radio.
And that's not to say GT isn't a great club DJ himself, (the photo
defeats that assumption!), but this is a show that acknowledges
the listener, and rewards them with some of the finest upfront
soul and jazz beats.
Never a dull moment.
3: Kev Beadle: Mind Fluid (Solar Radio)
If you find the beats of Gilles Peterson to be too avant garde,
then the jazzy rhythms of Kev Beadle will have you covered.
It's quite common for me to be listening to the podcast on a late
night train journey home, and it's the ideal late night soundtrack
with a blend of retro soul jazz, and upfront broken beats from
Dionne Warwick, to 4hero, from Minnie Ripperton, to Flying Lotus.
This is one of those shows where the presenter takes a backseat,
but when they're spinning one great rhythm after another,
that's commendable enough on it's own.
Always a song you'll be wanting to note down on every show.
2: Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music)
Not strictly a soul/jazz show, but those two genres play quite
a part in the Sony Award winning Sunday morning show with
an ever growing listener base.
Someone once criticized the show for sounding like "a
GCSE drama lecture".
Though that's fine by me as drama was one of the rare
subjects at school that I actually enjoyed.
The Welsh warmth provided by Cerys adds fun to an always
unpredictable show blending her knowledge together with
interviews and great live performances.
In fact it's more than just a music show as occasionally Cerys
will provide a recipe for a quirky concoction as introduced by
Jimmy Young's old "Home Cookin'" jingle, but unfortunately
without a chipmunk voice asking "What's The Recipe Today
Cerys?"
Save from that, it's a fantastic radio show and with
it being given 50% extra in length from November,
it's got potential to go even further.
1: Jonny Layton: The Saturday Soulmine (Zero Radio)
He's been here before, but Jonny Layton makes a return appearance
in my Bunch Of Fives, this time for having the most energetic and fun
soulful radio show by quite a mile.
In an age where seemingly "everyone else takes it too seriously"
The Saturday Soulmine offers an upbeat set of jazzy and soulful
rhythms, combined with a dosage of mayhem which could range
from a jazzy Daft Punk cover, or a delve into the big band era
from Cab Calloway.
All that combined with Jonny's lively and warm style with a touch
of naughtiness.
Consistently entertaining.
Top 5 Bands or Musicians I Couldn't Live Without
There's no numerical rundown here.
Just a list of 5 amazing performers who have provided
consistent class.
Leroy Burgess
It was hard to pick just one song by the musician/producer/disco definer.
Though almost any of the guy's offerings shows build, amazing
melody, and class within soul and disco music.
A living legend.
Bluey/Incognito
I've loved this guy for goodness knows how long, and after
all this time he's finally gone solo and released his own solo
album, which I reckon could even be a cut above his
Incognito material.
One of the very best, who always puts his fans first.
Flying Lotus
Never short of surprises this fella.
A man who in 40 years will be looked up to in the same
way as Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, and many other veteran
jazz performers, as the pioneer of future rhythms.
Still longing to see him blend the beats live.
Jill Scott
Whereas this woman will be (well, already is) looked up to in
the same way as Ella, Sassy, and Lady Day.
Really sweet, never generic, and full of warmth.
Marcos Valle
The Brazilian baron.
One of the finest when it comes to soulful and jazzy beats,
and never looking back.
The above performance shows off the great man's abilities
to blend amazing melodies, with delightful vocals showing
off Brazil's musical heritage to it's height.
Definitely another one for your "must see live" list.
So those are my favourite fives, what are your five artists
(of any music genre) you cannot live without?
Tune in to Sunday's Blam Jam from 6pm at CSR for further
enlightenment!
I make my return this Sunday, but to warm you up for that,
the return of a strand that I blogged this time last year listing
five countdowns of five big inspirations.
A slightly different selection to last year as habits and interest
change (though it doesn't mean I instantly dislike anything that
I liked in 2008), so let's do this.
Top 5 Bands To Have Emerged This Year
5: Personal Life
A band who have put the funk back into "brit-funk"
with their amazing retro-sound, yet contemporary edge.
Already drawing attention from many senior soul fans
and newcomers alike, this lot have the potential to
go further, and getting a support slot alongside Bilal
this coming Thursday in London, will certainly help
towards that.
The above tune has a hint of Wham!'s "Young Guns"
about it, only there's no rap solo.
4: Cola and Jimmu
Not content with just releasing a superb solo album this year,
Nicole Willis has joined forces with husband Jimmy Tenor
for what may be the best electronica broken beat LP
so far this year.
For those who may be a bit uncertain about their future beats,
this album could be the perfect introduction to what
could be referred to as accessible "21st century soul".
Some really catchy beats on this.
3: Kon
In the last couple of year's this guy has made a name for
himself with some amazing remixes and re-edits that have
redefined the artform, going deep into the original multi-tracks
with this Bee Gees take-off being one such example.
More recently, the Boston producer himself has released a
solid album of his own with a wide selection of upbeat and
mid-tempo soul gems, already causing a stir and having
stopped off on British shores himself last weekend, there's
full proof that he can fill a dancefloor.
More please, if possible.
2: The Doggett Brothers
A fresh new band from Norfolk who have brought back the
memories of the amazing early 90s Acid Jazz sound.
Carl and Greg Doggett on their debut LP showcase their
abilities and warm melodic offerings alongside some great
vocalists including Sulene Fleming and Charlie Welton,
blending jazz funk, with broken beat.
It's an album I have long been waiting for, I just didn't know it.
1: Muzart
The album of the summer.
South African oufit Muzart have won over fans around the world
with their 12" release "Jukebox" and their debut album brought
to the UK by the amazing Expansion Records shows consistency
with not one bad track on there.
Taking leads from Incognito, Earth Wind and Fire, and The Sunburst
Band, this was barely away from my earpieces in the warmer
months of '13, and here's hoping that the guys make their way
over from South Africa to a warming reception from their new
British fans.
They'll deliver, that's for certain.
Top 5 Live Performances of '13
5: Brand New Heavies (King's Hall, Herne Bay, July '13)
Quite simply one of the best bands I grew up with,
in a seaside town I adore.
The Heavies with new vocalist Dawn Joseph set Herne Bay
alight with a mixture of gems from their new album "Forward"
along with old favourites such as "Oasis", "Sometimes" and the
anthemic "Dream Come True".
After a rather muddled decade, the band are back to their best
with another new album due for release in 2014.
4: Jamie Cullum (St Pancras Station, May '13)
In the week when the singer released his 5th solo
album "Momentum", the jazz pixie was kind enough to perform
to the punters and commuters of St Pancras Railway Station
for free on a Tuesday morning in May, using one of the station's
very own public pianos.
The 30 minute set was mainly made up of songs from the new
LP, though the finale involved the old favourite "Get Your Way",
where I was joining in with the legendary brass riff by Joe Williams,
as used to open up the great man's Radio 2 show.
A long-term favourite of Blam Jam, and continuing to break
barriers.
3: Gregory Porter (Oval Space, May '13)
A man I had been waiting to see live for far too long, finally
getting the chance to do so not too far from my birthplace
in East London.
It was hear that I was treated to my first exposure of the
vocalist's new album "Liquid Spirit" including the amazing
title track which has probably outshone "1960 What" as
his signature song.
Most of all, he's such a lovely fella, with an amazing warmth.
2: Bah Samba (Margate Soul Weekender, August '13)
Another free gig, and the highlight of this year's
Margate Soul Weekender.
Julian Bendall's boys (and girls) pleased the punters of Thanet
giving off a great show with a fantastic blend of jazzy beats
that caused me to lose myself within them.
That doesn't happen often, I will admit, when I forget everything
around me and just enjoy the tunes.
Guest vocals were provided by French vocalist Yasmine,
and Juliet Roberts who even gave a rendition of her
mid 90s house anthem "Caught In The Middle".
There's a good chance these guys will be back in Margate in 2014, so if you
can, get down there. No excuse not to.
1: Andreya Triana (Union Chapel, May '13)
Quite simply, an amazing venue, and an amazing singer.
A woman who is one to watch, though she has been making
waves over the last few years with one album already to
her belt.
I can definitely identify with her songs on a personal level
such as "Lost Where I Belong", and the recently unveiled
"Song For A Friend", the latter being a strong contender for
Blam Jam's tune of 2013.
The amazing acoustics of the Union Chapel brought a
unique sense of intimacy to the gig, and hopefully, 2014
will see plenty of good things for Ms Triana.
A very special night.
Top 5 DJs
It's far more than just playing records to a big crowd.
This is a skill that requires character, and the ability to
hold that crowd, and the 5 disc spinners below, well~they've managed to hold me for a long time at least.
5: Jeff Young
The don.
This guy may have been responsible for shaping my taste
in music at an early age, championing the many dance rhythms
of the acid house era of the late 80s/early 90s on his inaugural
Radio 1 Dance Music show.
Back on the radio and club scene after a lengthy absence,
this man still has the ears for finding the winners and playing
them to a deserving audience.
And he's got a great radio voice.
4: Theresa B
This woman's one to watch.
Hailing from Herne Bay, Theresa Barratt has spent a lifetime
storing her trunk with amazing vinyl records,
and has recently unleashed her selection to the dancing crowds
of Herne Bay and Margate.
If you're at a loose end this weekend, get down to Soulbay
at the Knot Westgate on Sea on Saturday, and you'll be able
to see some barrier breaking from one of many emerging
female disc spinners, and you may well and truly
be surprised by what tunes she has to offer.
And she's a great dancer too!
3: Markus "Max K" Kater
I first spotted the disc spinner from Deutschland
at the 2012 Margate Soul Weekender and was instantly
amazed by his blend of soulful house rhythms.
The man's ability can be heard via his Mixcloud channel
and his moonlighting on many internet radio stations.
Give this guy a go, when Max K returns to British Shores,
you'll be uplifted for certain.
2: Johnny And Messy
I know it's cheating, but I had to include this double act
from Essex as one, who can quite simply be defined as
"The Morecambe And Wise of soul".
What makes this pair stand out from other disc spinners
is their ability to entertain, as well as providing an
eclectic blend of great rhythms, providing an overall
sense of fun.
Jonny (Eric) gets down with the jazzy rhythms, and
house anthems, whilst Mark (Ernie) covers the big soul spectrum
even delving into has massive box of Northern Soul Gems.
They must be doing something right, as their bi-monthly
Soul By The Jetty night at Canvey Island recently won the
Soul Surviors Award for "Best Outside London Soul Club".
And this is more than just a club night.
There's plenty of space in the venue and if you prefer to socialise
than strut, you can do just that, whilst still in presence of the
amazing tunes on offer.
1: Joey Negro
Is there no end to the man's talents?
A top musician, music producer, record label owner, and above all
an amazing unpredictable disc spinner.
I dread to think how the man manages to store all his beats
as every time he gives a live set, he always manages to surprise
with either a fresh melodic mover, or a retro rhythm that hasn't
been touched for god know's how long.
A big influence on Blam Jam from day one, this guy has got
the ears for essential rhythm.
Top 5 Inspiring Radio Shows
Radio is my obsession and a vital source of influence.
The following five shows are the ones that surprise, and inspire
and above all communicate brilliantly through sound and no images.
They're the guys you should be thanking for the tunes on my
show if I'm being honest.
Moving along...
5: Gilles Peterson: Worldwide (BBC 6 Music)
This man's been an inspiration for many years, and into the second
year of his stint on 6 Music, the love is growing even further.
Always on the search for "the perfect beat" Mr P continues
to showcase and test out up and coming beats.
Whether it's the latest hip hop track from Kendrick Lamar, crazy
jazz from Matthew Halsall, or revisiting classic jazz funk anthems
from the likes of Earth Wind and Fire, every show is an
enjoyable ride.
Long may it continue.
4: Ginger Tony: Jump Start (Solar Radio)
An upbeat start to Saturday comes courtesy from Ginger Tony
in a show that stands out from the other internet soul shows as
it actually feels more like a radio show than a club DJ on the radio.
And that's not to say GT isn't a great club DJ himself, (the photo
defeats that assumption!), but this is a show that acknowledges
the listener, and rewards them with some of the finest upfront
soul and jazz beats.
Never a dull moment.
3: Kev Beadle: Mind Fluid (Solar Radio)
If you find the beats of Gilles Peterson to be too avant garde,
then the jazzy rhythms of Kev Beadle will have you covered.
It's quite common for me to be listening to the podcast on a late
night train journey home, and it's the ideal late night soundtrack
with a blend of retro soul jazz, and upfront broken beats from
Dionne Warwick, to 4hero, from Minnie Ripperton, to Flying Lotus.
This is one of those shows where the presenter takes a backseat,
but when they're spinning one great rhythm after another,
that's commendable enough on it's own.
Always a song you'll be wanting to note down on every show.
2: Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music)
Not strictly a soul/jazz show, but those two genres play quite
a part in the Sony Award winning Sunday morning show with
an ever growing listener base.
Someone once criticized the show for sounding like "a
GCSE drama lecture".
Though that's fine by me as drama was one of the rare
subjects at school that I actually enjoyed.
The Welsh warmth provided by Cerys adds fun to an always
unpredictable show blending her knowledge together with
interviews and great live performances.
In fact it's more than just a music show as occasionally Cerys
will provide a recipe for a quirky concoction as introduced by
Jimmy Young's old "Home Cookin'" jingle, but unfortunately
without a chipmunk voice asking "What's The Recipe Today
Cerys?"
Save from that, it's a fantastic radio show and with
it being given 50% extra in length from November,
it's got potential to go even further.
1: Jonny Layton: The Saturday Soulmine (Zero Radio)
He's been here before, but Jonny Layton makes a return appearance
in my Bunch Of Fives, this time for having the most energetic and fun
soulful radio show by quite a mile.
In an age where seemingly "everyone else takes it too seriously"
The Saturday Soulmine offers an upbeat set of jazzy and soulful
rhythms, combined with a dosage of mayhem which could range
from a jazzy Daft Punk cover, or a delve into the big band era
from Cab Calloway.
All that combined with Jonny's lively and warm style with a touch
of naughtiness.
Consistently entertaining.
Top 5 Bands or Musicians I Couldn't Live Without
There's no numerical rundown here.
Just a list of 5 amazing performers who have provided
consistent class.
Leroy Burgess
It was hard to pick just one song by the musician/producer/disco definer.
Though almost any of the guy's offerings shows build, amazing
melody, and class within soul and disco music.
A living legend.
Bluey/Incognito
I've loved this guy for goodness knows how long, and after
all this time he's finally gone solo and released his own solo
album, which I reckon could even be a cut above his
Incognito material.
One of the very best, who always puts his fans first.
Flying Lotus
Never short of surprises this fella.
A man who in 40 years will be looked up to in the same
way as Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, and many other veteran
jazz performers, as the pioneer of future rhythms.
Still longing to see him blend the beats live.
Jill Scott
Whereas this woman will be (well, already is) looked up to in
the same way as Ella, Sassy, and Lady Day.
Really sweet, never generic, and full of warmth.
Marcos Valle
The Brazilian baron.
One of the finest when it comes to soulful and jazzy beats,
and never looking back.
The above performance shows off the great man's abilities
to blend amazing melodies, with delightful vocals showing
off Brazil's musical heritage to it's height.
Definitely another one for your "must see live" list.
So those are my favourite fives, what are your five artists
(of any music genre) you cannot live without?
Tune in to Sunday's Blam Jam from 6pm at CSR for further
enlightenment!
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