is deep, with varying degrees of brilliance emerging from the collaborations. Bembé Segué and Mark de Clive-Lowe, the two artists behind The Politik, came together from shared worlds. They both have helped craft some of the most beautiful music that you may not have heard, unless you’re really up on your music. Think of 4Hero, Silhouette Brown, Platinum Pied Pipers, and Masters At Work and you’ll get a mental image of what you’re in for with this one. MdCL & Segue have received radio support and media praise as well, with Los Angeles taste maker Garth Trinidad of KCRW giving “Money (Don’t Let It Catch Ya)” lots of burn. Okayplayer.com call the group “fresh air in a business filled with copycats and unoriginal offerings.” with many more magazines and music writers diggin’ the sounds. You will too, soon as you give it a honest listen.
just once, back in 1969. Spending most of his time has Eddie Harris’ bass player Jackson ventured out just once to record what is now a jazz/funk classic, Funky Skull. He brought with him some up and coming players and heavy hitters such as Pete Cosey and Phil Upchurch on guitar, Lester Bowie on trumpet, and Roscoe Mitchell on saxophone. Funky Skull in a way was a prophetic predecessor to the cosmic explorations the jazz/funk genre took on in the 1970s. Running his acoustic bass through different effects and at times bowing his bass, Jackson created cosmic jams, such as Everybody Loves My Baby and Dance of the Dervish, that sounded as if they were played by the house band for the grooviest cafe on the moon. Jackson, however, kept it funky at all times and the rest of the album is a nod to both his time with Eddie Harris, mixing soul-jazz with the new confident funk of James Brown.
just once, back in 1969. Spending most of his time has Eddie Harris’ bass player Jackson ventured out just once to record what is now a jazz/funk classic, Funky Skull. He brought with him some up and coming players and heavy hitters such as Pete Cosey and Phil Upchurch on guitar, Lester Bowie on trumpet, and Roscoe Mitchell on saxophone. Funky Skull in a way was a prophetic predecessor to the cosmic explorations the jazz/funk genre took on in the 1970s. Running his acoustic bass through different effects and at times bowing his bass, Jackson created cosmic jams, such as Everybody Loves My Baby and Dance of the Dervish, that sounded as if they were played by the house band for the grooviest cafe on the moon. Jackson, however, kept it funky at all times and the rest of the album is a nod to both his time with Eddie Harris, mixing soul-jazz with the new confident funk of James Brown.
where many bands are reviving the sounds of late ’60s funk with renewed energy and imagination.
First and foremost is Osaka Monaurail, a nine piece funk collective carrying the James Brown-school-of-funk torch brighter than any homegrown bands at the moment. So good are they that the have become the back-up band for James Brown’s Soul-Sister No.1, Marva Whitney, playing on her 2007 comeback album, I Am What I Am. Formed in 1992, Monaurail spent much of their time playing clubs and bars, changing line-ups, and becoming instrumental in bringing the funk culture to Japan. Going so far as lead singer and leader Nakata buying the rights to the movies Superfly and Coffy, and re-releasing them in theaters in 1999. It wasn’t until 2000 that they finally got to release their first album, What It Is…What It Was, which title I believe sums up their funk philosophy.
Check out their video for Quicksand:
Another jazz/funk collective from Japan is Soil & Pimp Sessions, a six-piece high energy band who sounds as if they are a full-piece jazz big band playing on stage with Parliament; looking as if they were once cowboy gangsters who didn’t know such types used guns instead of saxophones and guitars. They are known for their aggressive yet extremely entertaining performances with the belief that full audience participation is essential, to the point that the band leader does not play an instrument yet is nicknamed the “agitator” for his role in keeping the audience enthralled to the last note. A true pimp indeed.
Check out this nice documentary/live footage:
Last, but not least, is a band of nine we know very little about, Susie9. Primarily because none of us know how to read Japanese. But from what we heard this band sounds like a juiced up, more fun, and jazz based No Doubt. They are not necessarily re-imagining any 60s funk or jazz but they fit in nicely with these other bands in that they know how to have fun and are good musicians. They even have a keyboard player who wears nothing but a diaper on stage. If you can read Japanese (good practice Sean) you can listen and buy their albums here.
If you would like information on the Japanese print above (we don’t pick them randomly) click here.
This post is dedicated to Kuga (one funky kid) and Keiko (the saiko mom).
where many bands are reviving the sounds of late ’60s funk with renewed energy and imagination.
First and foremost is Osaka Monaurail, a nine piece funk collective carrying the James Brown-school-of-funk torch brighter than any homegrown bands at the moment. So good are they that the have become the back-up band for James Brown’s Soul-Sister No.1, Marva Whitney, playing on her 2007 comeback album, I Am What I Am. Formed in 1992, Monaurail spent much of their time playing clubs and bars, changing line-ups, and becoming instrumental in bringing the funk culture to Japan. Going so far as lead singer and leader Nakata buying the rights to the movies Superfly and Coffy, and re-releasing them in theaters in 1999. It wasn’t until 2000 that they finally got to release their first album, What It Is…What It Was, which title I believe sums up their funk philosophy.
Check out their video for Quicksand:
Another jazz/funk collective from Japan is Soil & Pimp Sessions, a six-piece high energy band who sounds as if they are a full-piece jazz big band playing on stage with Parliament; looking as if they were once cowboy gangsters who didn’t know such types used guns instead of saxophones and guitars. They are known for their aggressive yet extremely entertaining performances with the belief that full audience participation is essential, to the point that the band leader does not play an instrument yet is nicknamed the “agitator” for his role in keeping the audience enthralled to the last note. A true pimp indeed.
Check out this nice documentary/live footage:
Last, but not least, is a band of nine we know very little about, Susie9. Primarily because none of us know how to read Japanese. But from what we heard this band sounds like a juiced up, more fun, and jazz based No Doubt. They are not necessarily re-imagining any 60s funk or jazz but they fit in nicely with these other bands in that they know how to have fun and are good musicians. They even have a keyboard player who wears nothing but a diaper on stage. If you can read Japanese (good practice Sean) you can listen and buy their albums here.
If you would like information on the Japanese print above (we don’t pick them randomly) click here.
This post is dedicated to Kuga (one funky kid) and Keiko (the saiko mom).
the first digdeepmusic.net podcast is ready for you ears. This episode is a meditation of sorts on the individuals place in the world and the ways in which we define meaning. This theme is subtle, maybe a little abstract, and at times only comes to light in the progression from song to song. Here is want its maker, TEA, had to say about it:
“Sometimes it is music that defines our space in the world and reflects that mirror in the sky. When we contemplate those things that make us cry just like a baby may we not forget love, music, and the lessons of the past. Look for yourself between the notes and you may find those steps of the sun.”
the first digdeepmusic.net podcast is ready for you ears. This episode is a meditation of sorts on the individuals place in the world and the ways in which we define meaning. This theme is subtle, maybe a little abstract, and at times only comes to light in the progression from song to song. Here is want its maker, TEA, had to say about it:
“Sometimes it is music that defines our space in the world and reflects that mirror in the sky. When we contemplate those things that make us cry just like a baby may we not forget love, music, and the lessons of the past. Look for yourself between the notes and you may find those steps of the sun.”
like they use to. A simple message with simply good musicians plugged in trying to change the status quo. The world needs people like Marvin, Curtis, and Bob back. Check it out:
like they use to. A simple message with simply good musicians plugged in trying to change the status quo. The world needs people like Marvin, Curtis, and Bob back. Check it out:
and the music we generally listen to tends to change with the seasons. Some say that Sly and the Family Stone are great for summer while some like Pink Floyd during the autumn months. Here at digdeepmusic we have been in a Brazilian/Tropical mood, as you might have noticed from previous posts, which has been getting us ready for the really hot days that are approaching.
Here are some recommendations to help you get into the laid back groove of the summer months:
Jorge Ben Samba Esquema Novo: Summer cannot be complete without the Brazilian groove master, Jorge Ben. This 1969 release has soft minor, yet uplifting, vibe that is perfect when you have all the windows open letting in the breeze and you spend your days meandering around the house, or apartment, doing this and that.
Listen:
You will have to look for this album used on Amazon or Ebay.
The Hi Fly Orchestra Samboogaloo: Spin this disc when you are firing up the barbecue grill and want to make your guest tap their feet. An all acoustic jazz band, Hi Fly lays down light grooves with a touch of 60’s jazz and Latin elements.
Clara Moreno Moreno Bossa Nova: To accompany that wine of glass and party conversation put on Miss Moreno just loud enough for the spaced-out electronic elements to catch their ear. Otherwise, this bossa-nova goes down like a fine bottle of Bogle Sirah.
First and foremost is 
Another jazz/funk collective from Japan is 
Last, but not least, is a band of nine we know very little about, 
Jorge Ben 
The Hi Fly Orchestra 
Clara Moreno 