the musings, music & projects of Dj A-Ski..

Archive for March, 2009

Aint no funk like that LA funk!

Okay, I have been thinking about this song for damn near a year. I have the 12′ and LP somewhere in my library, I just cant find that mug.. When I was in the second grade, this use to be THE jump off record in LA. Mix this with your Rick james “Superfreak” with a little Bar Kays “Freaky Behavior”..done deal (dont forget my 10% cut..). Released off of the legendary Total Experience label which was the home for The Gap Band. Robert Goodie Whitfield was a staff writer and musician at Total Experience, who is also the author of this classic LA jam. Gigolo time!


Bobby and David..double trouble..

I am a huuugge Bobby Womack and David Ruffin fan to the tenth power..These two cats have got to be the most pure (if you will) vocalists i’ve ever heard.. Recently, I was doing some “digging” and ran into the “Pieces” album and discovered a tune entitled “Trust Your Heart” (dont think there is a re-issue on cd or mp3 on this back catalog release) . This song was the deal sealer for me. I must’ve flipped out when I read Mr. Ruffin’s name on background vocals. I’ve heard of game recognizing game but damn.. David and Bobby on a duet = Brilliant!


Dj A-Ski tracks featured on Push The Fader Radio (Giant Step Jukebox)

A massive shout out to Dj Center, Push The Fader and Giant Step Radio for highlighting one of my tracks from my upcoming release (which should be dropping very soon, wrapping everything up as we speak). Check out the show it features many more great artists throughout and much more hotness!

In the words of Kool Moe Dee: “Turn It Up”!

Peace, Love and Music,
DJ A-Ski | Unique74



Features new & timeless music from:

BiD, Agape feat.
Nadia Harris, Waajeed, Zaki Ibrahim,
Erykah Badu, Curtis Mayfield, Boozoo Bajou, Vanessa Da Mata,
Bing Ji Ling, DJ Deckstream feat Mos Def, Dj A-Ski, Joy Jones, Femi Kuti & More!


http://www.giantstep.net/releases/2296


A Taste of Chicago- Pt 2 | Thursday Nite | LA

Thursday Nite LA…My peoples is at it again..Pt2..These are some truly solid cats throwing a really great party..please support! No frills..I promise u!

Peace,
Dj A-Ski

xms-ii_flyer5001

http://www.recordsplayed.com/xms2.html


04.26.09 5th Street HOUSEQUAKE @ ZANZIBAR | Session#2

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ROUND 2! From the creative minds of DMOCARMELBACON comes LA’s newest creative musical Jamfest.. 5th St. Housequake! Sprinkle in some Soul, Rock, Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop and Broken Beats add a dash of LA’s bangin’ new house band, FAULTLINE, and top it off with DJ A-Ski and you have a recipe for some next level sh*t! Every last Sunday we push the musical envelope and introduce to you some amazing live music from some of LA’s dopest artists at one of the premier spots..ZANZIBAR! – 1301 5th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

We have assembled a collective of creative spirits to come together to create a fresh new energy not seen in LA. Featuring special surprise guests and musicians as part of the HOUSEQUAKE. New talent, too, are encouraged to come join us on stage during the open mic sessions happening at every event!

This week’s Musical guests are LA’s own Rhett Frazier Inc. and Chase Allen… bringin’ the heat with that brand of FUNK that just puts that *ss in motion! Not to be missed…don’t be sleepin’!

Chase Allen… Chase Allen’s music is R&B and soul with the energy and catchiness of Maroon 5. The tunes are definitely radio-ready, although some, like “Who the,” where Allen asks, “Who the F- do you think you are?,” may not exactly be radio-friendly. Be that as it may, the songs are so strong and the melodies so memorable, especially “Lying Awake,” you’ll have no choice but to sing and dance to this funky white boy’s beats.

Rhett Frazer inc….The Rhett Frazer inc band grew up alongside an unusually broad range of influences including: Rock, Soul, Funk, Pop, Hip Hop, traditional Swing, Hard Bop, and Blues. They are bringin’ the kind of heat that has enabled them to perform, tour and record with some of the best in Music…

We also are having our OPEN MIC SESSION (sign up at 9pm) —singers, mcs, instrumentalists, dancers welcome! Doors 9pm — Only $5!!! Can’t be beat..!

Support the artistry..support the genre bending music MOVEMENT…for more info please email us at: 5thstreethousequake@gmail.com..be there every last sunday of the month!

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BSTC featured in NU SOUL MAGAZINE

Peep the my latest review on the BSTC album at Nu Soul Magazine!
bstc-12 http://blog.nu-soulmag.com/?p=1076
<a href=”http://blog.nu-soulmag.com/?p=1076″>


Unique 74 Mix Tape: Shannon’s B’day Mix | Dj A-Ski

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http://djaski.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-03-18T23_44_06-07_00


Puba.. the 90′s..blah blah blah..

1995 was truly the apex of a lot of good hip hop records..after that everything was watered down or a cheap imitation. This whole album was totally slept on..Camp Lo’s album was also slept on that same year.

This was one of the stand out cuts off Puba’s second solo release. Classic Puba flow, another dope “album cut”.

from the debut solo album…I still rock this one..holla! Classic Mary, I Love It!!!!
PS: Notice that everybody is having a good time in the video, “NO MAD GRILLS” or fake bank rolls and gold grills.. (no head wraps either..)..lol..


Isley.

This song has been stuck in my head (Ernie’s solo!).

This record would’ve been big in the Pop market easily, kinda has that Malibu, old school Venice Beach vibe but still funky.

FREE RON.


Remembering Willie Hutch…

Lately i’ve been listening to a lot of Willie Hutch. He has to be one of the most criminally under rated prolific artist of all time. You felt the passion he had for music and his intensity as a singer. When listening to a Willie Hutch song, you are automatically driven into an atmosphere. He could hang with the best of them and most likely could out blow (slang for singing) any of them (IMHO). His intensity is almost that of a Bobby Womack/Johhny Taylor but very settle. If you are an authentic lover of Soul music, Willie Hutch MUST be in your collection.


That Muppets Joint.

The real 87′ kids where u at?

The only way you could get this record was in record pools, It was not commercially available.


RESPECT: ALTOVISE DAVIS (RIP)

We send our love, prayers, gratitude and deepest sympathy to The Davis Family. Rest In Paradise, Mrs. Davis.
ms-davis1

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-altovise-davis15-2009mar15%2C0%2C2657231.story?track=rss

http://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200603/20060310_davis.html


RESPECT: DAVID WILLIAMS (RIP)

The 80′s like every great era before it had a definitive sound, David Williams played a pivotal role in forming that sound. From Quincy to Micheal to Madonna and countless others, Mr Williams and Tony Maiden (Rufus) had a very distinctive tone in their style of rhythm guitar playing that has been emulated by many musicians. Sadly, Mr. Williams has recently joined a higher calling. Mr. Williams left a body of work that will forever live in our dancing feet and hearts. Love, Good Energy, Strength and condolences to family and friends of Mr. Williams.

http://earbender.com/2009/03/david-williams-guitarist-with-michael-jackson-madonna/

+check for the guitar solo in Micheal’s “Billie Jean” during the bridge -)


Cant Truss It.

Trust no one. This is the look you DONT want. While you are asleep, somebody is always on the creep. However, Karma always has the last word.bernie-m


How “Tweet” It Is..

Okay, im trying to not give in to the whole Tweeter sensation. Right now the robots are taking over I dont care what you think,lol. This an age where common sense , gross and motor skills have taken a back seat while technology creeps into our everyday lives. Where do you draw the line?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090313/ap_on_re_us/juror_tweets


PS: This record came out in 85′..im sayin..
its all about balance..


Tighten Up presents..ERIK RICO | LA

March 18th 2009

Tighten Up
Presents:

A Live PA Set By:
Erik Rico (Lifenotes Music)

Born into a family of creative artists, Erik began his professional career 10 years ago as a self contained artist/producer on Sony’s Columbia Records after being discovered by American Idol’s Randy Jackson, then V.P. of Columbia Records. Prior to Jackson’s introduction to Erik, he had only briefly been producing, writing and arranging for independent hip hop and soul acts on the east coast. However, after only two years of being immersed in the confinements of corporate music, Erik felt his creativity could be better expressed elsewhere. He broke his contract with Sony, returned east and then to Europe in search of musical freedom.

Eventually, Erik returned to California in pursuit of his musical career as an independent producer/artist where he was tapped to do his first major label production, coupled with various multimedia projects encompassing network and TV shows, feature films for the Showtime network, PBS as well as a two year stint as sound designer for famed photographer David LaChapelle and currently with Producit Inc. whose clients include: All major TV & Film networks, international advertising agencies, private events and celebrity clients such as Elton John, Gene Simmons, Mariah Carey and Jessica Alba.

Opening DJ Set By:
Joel Matthew (Lifenotes Music)

With Residents:
Yosaku (Arision/GAMM) + Chaka (Selecao)

Serving Up: Soulful, Jazzy, Latin/Brazilian, House/Broken/Afro Beats

Every third Wednesday of the month @ 9pm

21+ $7 Cover

Zanzibar
1301 5th St
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-2221
Map

tightenupla@gmail. com


Saturday | ROOFTOP DTLA PARTY | the big switch up

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Swingin’ Drums..

I dare you to find this on MP3..if you know..you know.
cant google the game..
Turn it up.


4 The Real Micheal Fans, Thriller’s cool but..

Yes, he is back to claim his throne. The man has paid his dues and paved the way for every artist after him. Respect long over due.

Here are just a few of many that are my personal MJ staples:

I damn near cry when listening to this record mainly due to Jamerson’s performance. Perfection!

Pure Philly magic! This has to be one of the most brilliant albums they cut. I can put this song on repeat for a whole day and be content. Timeless. (I figured out that ending part where he does the vamp, that part is looped! He was the first to loop a vocal on a record! Thats if Zappa didnt beat him to it.. -)

Put your jacket on..too cold.. Its not the same w/o Jermaine but they handle it.

Should’ve been a HIT! They put this on a few “B sides”.

I would’ve done an extended mix with a bass break down/build up,etc, but this is STILL the jam. He does amazing background vocals! (Check for “All I Do” by Stevie)


03|15|09: Its SLY’s Birthday Party! Pt3!

The wait is over. The details revealed…

SLY STONE wants to celebrate his birthday with you. Yes you! And he wants you to come dressed in the appropriate attire: 60S/70S THEME…requested, but not required.

In return, you will be part of an amazing edition of THE SLY STONE VARIETY SHOW…truly a family affair
with live performances by Sly, BabyStone and as always, special surprise guests (George Clinton funked it last time)

Plus your favorite DJs: JEREMY SOLE (KCRW, Afro Funke), A-SKI (Unique 74), and ANTHONY VALADEZ (KCRW)

And lots of other goodies and surprises.
(every birthday has a cake and party favors, right?!)
This may be the last of the infamous Sly Stone Variety Show for a while and it’s his birthday to BOOT! Who else can say they went to Sly Stone’s birthday party???…so you don’t want to miss it!

DOORS 8PM
$15 b4 9pm, $20 after
$10 LIMITED RECESSION PRICED PRESALE!!!
(Sly knows times is hard) templebarconcepts. tickets. musictoday. com

www. slystonevarietyshow. com

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RESPECT: Zach Zachery (RIP)

I send my love and energy to the family and friends of Mr Zach Zachery who was the premier Sax Player for the legendary powerhouse MFSB (Mother Father Sister Brother) that provided the soundtrack to The Legendary Philly Sound. I am saddened by the news that Mr. Zachery as of recent has joined a higher plane but his music will forever live within our hearts.

I remember as a kid listening to records like “Zach’s Fanfare” “Sexy” and counltess other Philly gems that this man blessed. His signature Big Band Swing style was one of the striking elements that made the Philly recipe so potent.mfsb mfsb-pic

Thank you for the sweet sounds Mr Zachery. Rest In Paradise.


Where’s The Air Freshener?

I still get goosebumps, im going ape s–t over Jabbo’s pocket! I love Clyde to def but Jabbo got a nasty lock in that pocket! The abstract background vocals of Martha High and co are nice!

This is living proof why 70′s kids RULE.


all about India Arie’s new album…

Check out my latest review on the new India Arie album, courtesy of our friends at Nu Soul!india
http://blog.nu-soulmag.com/?p=1078


Unique 74 feature: Sneaks and Bubblegum | Dj Lotuspetal | 80′s mix

I’ve been cranking this mix all week in my ipod, the lovely Lotuspetal blesses us in this week’s feature. Turn this up during your powerwalks.

sneakers

http://djlotuspetal.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-02-24T20_34_50-08_00


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