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Archive for the ‘Must See/Hear’ Category

Progress: Obama honors Paul McCartney at the White House

11 Aug

Though I don’t agree with everything Mr. Obama does, I gotta say he’s made me happier than any politician I’ve ever known. How could I be mad at a dude who brought in Stevie Wonder last year, honoring him with the Gershwin prize and gracing millions of us (through PBS) with a wonderful tribute to my favorite musician.

This year’s prize winner doesn’t disappoint either. Stevie’s back, but this time he’s doing the honoring. Sir Paul McCartney is this year’s recipient of the Library of Congress’s George Gershwin Prize. This was a great tribute…Herbie Hancock and Corinne Bailey Rae team up for a dope version of Blackbird; Jerry Seinfeld had a funny monologue; shoot, even the Jonas Brothers had me tapping my foot, if only for a second. And then of course there’s Stevie, who does a great rendition of  We Can Work It Out…the whole thing is definitely worth a watch. Keep it up, Mr. Obama…

The enormity of this man’s presidency can’t be understated. We’re not a “race-neutral nation” by any means…and that long-overdue “discussion on race” will probably keep getting pushed back. But as you’re watching the concert, pay attention to the paintings on the walls. Progress is possible.

Watch the entire video below…

Watch the full episode. See more In Performance at The White House.

 
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John Legend / The Roots: Video from their upcoming release

25 Jun

Good googly moogly. This joint goes hard. Can’t wait for their collab album.

 
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Donny Hathaway: Neglected Heart Of Soul

21 Jun

NPR has a dope reflection on Mr. Hathaway. The link is below. I still think he’s one of the greatest vocalists of all time. He mixed purity of tone with grit in such an amazing way (one I’ve only seen matched by Stevie Wonder). RIP. Tragic death, but he left us with some wonderful work.

 
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The Roots: Dear God 2.0

20 Jun

And the greatest band in the land delivers yet again (with orchestra and choir in tow)

“hold the line please
Call me crazy, I thought maybe He could mind read”

 
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What A Great Concert!!

07 Jun

I’m a huge fan of the Roots and John Legend. So when I heard they were doing an album together I got a grin similar to the one I had last night (the Celtics did their thing. Rondo!!)

I digress. I can’t wait to purchase the album, but until then I’m gonna play the mess outta this concert from “It’s All the Way Live”. Absolutely killlllling. The Roots Crew is fantastic as always, and the music selections themselves are beyond poignant. The band is amazing. Live instrumentation never went anywhere, but now it seems more relevant than ever.

In an era where anyone can cut an album by sampling something and getting a mic, innovation and skill are few and far between. Artists such as JL and the Roots utilize these tools and more, balancing technical artistry with a penchant for storytelling (Black Thought/John Legend with their words and everybody else with their respective instruments). The Roots’ guitar player, Captain Kirk, is one of the most virtuosic guitar soloists I know.

My favorite cut is the cover of Bill Withers’ I Can’t Write Left-Handed. Withers wrote it in protest to the Vietnam War. Sad that the words still ring quite true. Video of the performance:


Download the tape by clicking yonder:

Many thanks to All the Way Live

I don’t know how in the world they get so many soundboard recordings of concerts, but I love them.

 
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Marcus Miller — Tutu Revisited

02 Jun

Peep the video below. The band is killing…includes Alex Han and Christian Scott. And of course Mr. Miller plays bass like no other…

 
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Nas and Damian Marley — Count Your Blessings

25 May

Pick up their LP “Distant Relatives” asapppp. The CD is dope.

 
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Ndelible Rehearsal Footage

28 Apr

So Ndelible’s drummer Ron B is a beast. He took this footage of one of our rehearsals and added a bit of video magic to it in post. I’m on the right side playing EWI/Strings. This song (Coldplay’s Rush of Blood to the Head) is gonna be on our mixtape, which will be coming out in the next few months. The mixtape will be completely gratis…free, free, free. The second album, not so much!  :)

Hope you all enjoy

Personnel: Dave James (Vocals/Acoustic Guitar), Myron “Q Dot” (El. Guitar), Tommy (Bass), Ron B (drums), Sam Buck (keys), Me (EWI/Sax).

 
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Wowwwwwww

12 Apr

I need this on wax. I’ve listened to this joint 5 times in a row.

Another orchestral J. Dilla tribute…amazing.

Hoc n’ Puckymochilla.com

 
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Trumpeter Christian Scott with the Roots!!

08 Apr

Anybody who knows me can attest to my addiction with the Roots. In an era of so much wackness in rap, they are pioneers, leading the way with actual music with actual instruments. Don’t get me wrong, I love the art of production and DJ’ing as well, but nothing beats a real band. Nothing.

So when I saw this clip of trumpeter Christian Scott sitting in with them I had to post it (after recovering from the waves of jealousy that washed over me). Lol, just playing. This was really dope to see.

For those unfamiliar with Scott, he’s a great trumpet player, and he recently released a new album, Yesterday You Said Tomorrow. I think Rewind That is still my favorite album of his, but this most recent joint cranks as well. YYST has some nice jams on it…I’m a big fan of Scott’s cover of Thom Yorke’s The Eraser.

Speaking of instrumental music…

There’s a new jam up from Ndelible. Nearly 10 minutes long, it features solos from all the band (me on sax, Myron “Q Dot” on guitar, Sam Buck killing on keys, and Tommy on bass). Hope you enjoy. It’s an impromptu joint from rehearsal.

 
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