Sunday, 12 May 2013

Show 148: Celebrating Stevie, Without Stevie - 12.05.12

Hour 1

Jamiroquai
"Too Young To Die" (Skeil's Acid Nu Jazz Electromix)
Soundcloud


Bluey

"Got To Let My Feelings Show"
Leap Of Faith

Dome

Earth, Wind and Fire

"Let Your Feelings Show"
I Am
Sony


Omar
"There's Nothing Like This"
The Man
Freestyle


Jamie Cullum Featuring Roots Manuva
"Love For $ale"
Momentum
Decca

Lack Of Afro
"Carnival"
Soundcloud


Daft Punk
"Get Lucky" (Drop Out Orchestra Edit)

Soundcloud

Sticky Jam
CJ Lewis
"Everything Is Alright (Uptight)"
Dollars
MCA

Blam Jam Belter!

Thundercat
"It's X"
Apocalypse
Brainfeeder


Mike Oldfield
"Thrash"/"Jazz"/"Bells"
Tubular Bells 2003
Warner


Brian Eno
"Another Green World"
Another Green World
Virgin


Karen P, Si Begg and Fatima
"Broadcasting Across The Valley"
Karen P... Broad Casting

Sonar Collective

Shokazulu
"Part 4"

Shokazulu
2000black


Gregory Porter
"On My Way To Harlem"
Be Good
Motema


Harleighblu
"Enough Now"
Single Release
Tru Thoughts


Frank Sinatra
"For Once In My Life"
My Way: The Frank Sinatra Collection
Frank Sinatra Enterprises


Hour 2: Stevie Special

Macy Gray
"Superstition"
Talking Book
SLG


Eric Clapton
"Higher Ground"
Conception: An Interpretation Of Stevie Wonder's Songs
Motown


Harry J Allstars
"My Cherie Amour"
Liquidator
Trojan


DJ Luck and MC Neat
"Masterblaster 2000"
CD Single
Red Rose Recordings

Chaka Khan
"I Was Made To Love Him"
Chaka
Warner Brothers


McKoy featuring General Levy
"Living For The City"
Cut From The Same Cloth
Real McKoy Music


Pacific Mambo Orchestra Featuring Kenny Washington And Karl Perazzo
"Overjoyed"
Pacific Mambo Orchestra
Stefrecrods


Gene Harris Quartet
"Another Star"
Black And Blue
Concord

Tanya Stephens

"Part Time Lover"
Ruff Rider
VP Music Group


Tracy Hamlin
"Until You Come Back To Me"
Better Days
DMH


Khari Cabral featuring India Arie
"Never In Your Sun"
Clementine Sun
Dome


Manuel Granada
"I Just Called To Say I Love You"
Guitarra Volume 2
Meta Network


Monday Michiru
"As"
Don't Disturb This Groove
Grand Gallery

Friday, 10 May 2013

Live Gig Review: Gregory Porter at the Oval Space - 09.05.13

It's been a night I have waited for far too long now.

A man who has only been in the public eye for a couple of years,

yet guaranteed to sell out at top speed whenever he announces
a UK date.


Thankfully, this time I got in there early and this Thursday just
passed I had the pleasure of seeing Gregory Porter and his
quartet perform live to the crowds of the Oval Space in my birthplace
of East London.



As it was a packed venue, most of the tunes were relatively

upbeat though some of the slower offerings such as "Be Good"
and "On My Way To Harlem" were performed at just a slightly

faster tempo. 

Crowd participation was encouraged with plenty of handclap
rhythms and not forgetting the call-and-response refrain
of Porter's signature song "1960 What".

Porter's backing band were on fine form as well, I was particuarly

surprised that piano player Chip Crawford was playing on an upright,
due to the stage space, but it still sounded amazing and matched
the intimate quality that oozes through the albums themselves.

Due to where I was standing, I couldn't really get a great photo

of the band (though that may also be due to me owning an inferior
brand of smartphone) but hopefully this shot gives a sense of 
perspective.



And on that note Porter treated us to some new material from

his forthcoming album "Liquid Spirit" including the title track
and one that struck a chord on a personal level "Hey Laura, It's Me"
about an unrequited love.

The band returned for an encore, which as requested by the

hyped-up crowd, was the Grammy nominated "Real Good Hands"
a delightful ballad about asking for the blessing from a fiance's parents.

Overall it was a superb gig, and given the wide space of the venue,

I thought the acoustics were brilliant.

I'd still love to see Porter perform in a more intimate venue mind.

Sunday, 5 May 2013

Rummaging For Remixes

As Blam Jam takes a bank holiday breather this Sunday,
it's as good a time as ever to look back at some of the 
stand-out remixes of well-known tunes, that have made
a mark on the show.

Any song it seems, is now open to interpretation and it's
an artform that's become a lot more than just sticking extra beats
behind a track.

Here's one or two that have gone down particularly well;

Jamiroquai - "Too Young To Die" (Skeil's Acid Nu-Jazz Electromix)




In the last couple of months Jamiroquai have been challenging the
public to remix their breakthrough hit "Too Young To Die" to celebrate
the song's 20th anniversary.


Most of the entries have been pretty sub-standard, but this offering
from French producer Skeil is something else.


I love how he's managed to retain the melodic feel of the song,
yet he's changed the tune into something completely different, with
the verses reminiscent of Jamiroquai's later release "Alright", and
the chorus is a cacophony of voice samples similar to Flying Lotus.

It's a very uplifting arrangement and an overall polished effort.

Mario Biondi - "This Is What You Are" (Opolopo Kick Bass Rerub)


When a tune becomes very popular there's a guarantee that there

will be a barrage of remixes to follow.

And recently the modern-day soul anthem from the Italian
charmer has been given a new lease of life from Swedish producer
Opolopo, although the reception hasn't been overall positive
and even Mario himself isn't impressed.


One fan who I quote from claims that it "ruined my favourite
song of all time", though for me it was already ruined when 
it was blended together with Miles Davis' "Milestones", and
the SOS Band's "Finest", the latter being a very popular floorfiller,

but if I hear it, it's a cue to go and get myself another drink.

It's in the wrong key, and it's rather flat as a whole.

Opolopo's effort on the other hand gives the song a march darker
feel and I just love the pianos and vibe solos on there.

I'd more than happily dance to this, and dare I say it's livened
the tune up a bit.

Matt Bianco - "Half A Minute" (Joey Negro Sunburnt Mix)



Unlike the last one I had been quite a big fan of the original

version, and was one that appeared to define the future
direction of Matt Bianco after the departure of Basia and Danny White.

25 years after the original was released, Joey Negro returns

to give the song, quite frankly an incredible makeover
transforming the latin rhythms into the perfect sunset song.

Regular Blam Jam listeners will be only too aware how much

I adore this remix, to the point it has become one of the most
played tracks over the last 3 and a half years of the show,
and still sounds superb.

And as a bonus, another remix from the band giving their 
late 80s dance hit "Wap Bam Boogie" a 00s makeover.

Aaliyah - "One In A Million" (Ahmed Sirour Remix)




A poignant offering from New York producer Ahmed Sirour

made around the 10th anniversary of her untimely passing.

Just the sheer simplicity of this makes it work, setting Aaliyah's

vocals to a superb piano and string backing.

If there's one recurring trait of Ahmed Sirour, it's his modesty,

even referring to this as a "rough draft".

An understatement if ever.

Enjoy the rest of your bank holiday weekend, and I'll return
to the airwaves next Sunday, 12th of May on CSR from 6pm!

Sunday, 28 April 2013

Show 147: "The King Of The Electro Swingers" - 28.04.13

Hour 1

Owiny Sigoma Band
"Magret Aloor"
Power Punch
Brownswood


Mario Biondi and The High Five Quintet
"This Is What You Are" (Opolopo Remix)
12"
Expansion


Album Profile: April 2013

The Doggett Brothers
"Azure Sky"
DayLight

The Doggett Brothers

Gloria Estefan
"I Can't Believe"
Miss Little Havana
Verve Forecast


Mr President Featuring Mr Day and Hawa
"The Best Is Yet To Come"
Number One
Favourite


Xantoné Blacq
"Life" (Dynamic Mix)
Bandcamp


Sticky Jam
Ultra Nat
é
"Found A Cure" (Full Intention Mix)
Situation Critical
Strictly Rhythm


Laurie Johnson's London Big Band
"Theme From The Professionals" (Blue Boy 7" Remix)
CD Single
Virgin

Omar

"The Man"
The Man

Freestyle

Jamiroquai

"Too Young To Die" (Skeil's Acid Nu Jazz Electromix)
Soundcloud


Call And Response


Call

Brenda Russell
"Hello People"
Two Eyes
Warner Brothers


Response
Obenewa

"Bed"

Once Upon A Time
Obenewa.com


Richie Havens
"You Send Me"
Connections
Atlantic


Loi Toki-Tok Band
"Ware Wa"
Kenya Special

Soundway

Hour 2


Kings Of Tomorrow Featuring April
"Fall For You"
Fall For You EP

Defected

Elements Of Life
"You Came Into My Life" (Louie Vega NYC Mix)
Eclipse
Codigo


Retro Reworking

Sunburst Band
"Ease Your Mind"
Here Comes The Sunburst Band
Z

GQ
"This Happy Feeling"
Disco Nights
Arista

Swingrowers
"Via Con Me"
Do Not Cover Part 1
Freshly Squeezed


Smokey Joe and The Kid
"The Monkey Song"

Speakeasy Electroswing Compilation Vol. 1
Bandcamp


Laid Back Labels: One Little Indian

Bjork
"Crying"
Debut
One Little Indian


Stubborn Heart
"To Catch A Spark"
Stubborn Heart
One Little Indian


Nicole Willis and The Soul Investigators
"You Got Me Moon Walking"
Tortured Soul
Timmion


Album Profile: April 2013

The Doggett Brothers
"Work It Out" (Summer Remix)
DayLight
The Doggett Brothers


The Doggett Brothers
"It's Complicated"
DayLight
The Doggett Brothers


Muzart

"Long Long Time"
Muzart

Soul Candi

Shaboom
"Never Felt This Way Before"

12"
Shaboom

Sunday, 21 April 2013

Show 146: "Giving Us The Run Around" - 21.04.13

Hour 1

Mop Mop featuring Fred Wesley and Anthony Joseph
"Run Around" (Radio Edit)
Bandcamp Download


Ely Bruna
"1986" (Bangsy's Cosmic Re-Rub)
Soundcloud


Album Profile: April 2013

Doggett Brothers
"Joy"
DayLight
Doggett Brothers


Arcoiris
"Horse With No Name"
Lounge Cover Collection Vol. 1
Pyramide


Big Band Spash featuring Marino Valle
"Valerie"
Another Apple
Wime


Super Best Friends Club
"onetwothreefourfivesixseven"
Super Best Friends Club
Bandcamp


Sticky Jam

The Simpsons
"Deep Deep Trouble"
The Simpsons Sing The Blues
Geffen


Smoove and Turrell
"Hard Work"
Eccentric Audio
Jalapeno

 

Jose James
"Come To My Door" (Taylor McFerrin Remix)
Promo Release
Blue Note

Bluey
"Stronger"
Leap Of Faith
Dome


Call and Response


Call
Don-E
"Stay A While"
Natural
Dome

Response

Matt Bianco
"It's Getting Late"
Whose Side Are You On
WEA

Tito Puente and India
"Love For Sale"
Jazzin'
Tropi Jazz

Hour 2


George Mena and Frankie Estevez
"The Journey"
12"

West End

LTJ Xperience featuring Taka Boom
"Feel The Real"
Q Bar Present: Funky & Disco
Pyramide


Retro Reworking

Elements Of Life Featuring Lisa Fischer and Cindy Mizelle
"Barbara Ann"
Eclipse
Codigo


Gary's Gang

"Spirits"
Gangbusters
CBS

Laura Mvula
"Jump Right Out"

Sing To The Moon
Sony


John Legend featuring Rick Ross

"Who Do We Think We Are"
Love In The Future

Colombia

Laid Back Labels: Daptone
Antibalas
"Dirty Money"
Antibalas
Daptone


Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings

"What Have You Done For Me Lately?"
Dap-Dippin' With Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings
Daptone


Mount Kimbie
"Made To Stray"
Cold Spring Fault Less Youth
Warp


Bonobo
"Emkay"
The North Borders

Ninja Tune

Album Profile: April 2013

Doggett Brothers
"Round and Round"
DayLight
Doggett Brothers


The Hics

"Cold Air" (Eclectic Refit)
Soundcloud


Owiny Sigoma Band
"Magret Aloor"
Power Punch
Brownswood

Sunday, 14 April 2013

Show 145: "Jamming Atcha" - 14.04.13

Hour 1

Caroline Lacaze
"L'Etrange"
En Route
Legere

FreshSteps

"Grenade"
The Sound Of Urban Soul Jazz

TwoPointNine

Album Profile: April 2013

The Doggett Brothers
"DayLight"
DayLight
The Doggett Brothers

Boogeyman
"All Around The World"
Lounge Cover Collection Vol. 3
Irma


Eric Lau Featuring Rahel
"Everytime"
One Of Many
Kilowatt


Glen Goldsmith
"Jammin' In The Place"
Soul Togetherness 2012
Expansion


KC and The Sunshine Band
"Sound Your Funky Horn"
The Best Of KC and The Sunshine Band
EMI


Sticky Jam

Cleopatra
"Life Ain't Easy"
Comin' Atcha!
Warner Music



Herbie Hancock
"Be Still"
Future 2 Future
Transparent Music

Al Green
"I'm Wild About You"
Lay It Down
Blue Note


Om'mas Keith
"All 4 U"
City Pulse
Online Download


Call And Response

Call

Shanice
"I Love Your Smile"
Inner Child
Motown


Response

Swing Out Sister
"Fooled By A Smile"
It's Better To Travel

Mercury

Soulnaturals
"If It's War You're Looking For"
Sweet Communication
Fighting Chance


Don Blackman
"Since You've Been Away So Long"
Blackman
Expansion


Hour 2


Double Dee

"The More I Get, The More I Want"
Q Bar Present: Funky And Disco
Pyramide


Party Ben
"Another One Bites Da Funk"
Soundcloud


Retro Reworking

Mustafa and Sunlightsquare Ft. Flexie Muiso
"Feel The Real" (Sunlightsquare's Pool Party Mix)
12"
Staff Productions


Tawiah

"Faces"
Online Download


Alice Russell
"Brown Sugar"
Unreleased


Salsoul Orchestra

"Chicago Bus Stop"
Anthology
Craze Productions


Laid Back Labels: Talkin' Loud

Incognito
"Talkin' Loud"
Positivity
Talkin' Loud


4hero and Lady Alma
"Hold It Down"
Creating Patterns
Talkin' Loud


Eddy Meets Yannah
"Can't Hide Love"
Brazil Selection Vol. 1
Compost


Nicole Willis and The Soul Investigators
"Time To Get Business Straight"
Tortured Soul
Timmion


Doggett Brothers

"Hit The Beat"
DayLight

The Doggett Brothers

Tweet
"Enough"

Simply Tweet EP
Dubose Music


Vincent Montana Jr. featuring William Smoke Howard
"That's What Love Does"
12"
Philly Sound Works

Sunday, 7 April 2013

Show 144: Bonkers Over Bluey - 07.04.13

Hour 1
DJ Roland Clark Presents Urban Soul Ft. Kiva
"Before You Reach For Love" (Joey Negro Mix)

12"
King Street Sounds


Album Profile: April 2013
The Doggett Brothers
"That's The Way Love Is"
DayLight

The Doggett Brothers

Bluey
"Why Did I Let You Go"
Leap Of Faith

Dome

Nicole Willis And The Soul Investigators
"Break Free (Shake A Tail Feather)"
Tortured Soul
Timmion


Big Brooklyn Red
"Taking It Too Far"
Soul Togetherness 2012
Expansion



Anushka
"I Have Luv 4 U"
Yes Guess EP
Brownswood


Sticky Jam

PJ And Duncan
"U Krazy Katz"
Top Katz
Telstar


Pharrell
"Angel"
In My Mind

Star Trak

Robert Glasper Experiment Featuring Lalah Hathaway
"Cherish The Day"
Black Radio
Blue Note


Jimmy Cliff
"One More"
Rebirth
Sunpower


Call And Response


Call

Hoosier Hotshots
"I Like Bananas (Because They Have No Bones)"
The Definitive Hoosie Hotshots Collection
Bar Ieg

Response

Ahmed Sirour
"Don't Like Bananas"
Unreleased

Shea
"Where Did You Go" (Atjazz Remix)
12"
Twopointnine


Bluey
"Live Like A Millionaire"
Leap Of Faith
Dome


Jimmy Cliff
"Many Rivers To Cross"
The Harder They Come
Island


Hour 2


Bluey
"Ain't Nobody's Business"
Leap Of Faith

Dome

McKoy
"It's Not Right"
Cut From The Same Cloth
Realmckoymusic


Retro Reworking

Queen Vs The Miami Project
"Another One Bites The Dust" (Cedric Gervais and Second Sun Vocal Mix)
CD Single
EMI


Glenn Underground Featuring Swaylo
"You Are Love" (Jose Carretas Son Liva Mix)
Legacy Of The Know EP 1

Strictly Jaz Unit

Manu Delago Featuring Andreya Triana
"A Long Way"

Bigger Than Home
Sessionwork

Dionne Warwick
"Take It From Me"
Then Came You
Warner Brothers


Laid Back Labels: Philadelphia

O'Jays
"Darlin' Darlin' Baby (Sweet And Tender Love)"
In Bed With The O'Jays: Their Greatest Love Songs
Capitol


Phyllis Hyman
"Don't Wanna Change The World"
Prime Of My Life
Demon


Nia Andrews
"Notes On A History"
Colours

Bandcamp

Album Profile: April 2013
Doggett Brothers
"Reminds Me Of You"
DayLight
Doggett Brothers


Bluey
"Sky"
Leap Of Faith
Dome


Smoking Cats
"Everyday"
Live Demo 2011


Harry J Allstars
"The Liquidator"
Liquidator: The Best Of The Harry J Allstars
Sanctuary