Large Professor | Slick Money
One of my favorite producers of all time. Large Pro! Turn it up!
another quake in LA..Zanzibar | Tonite
Greenehouse Entertainment Presents 5th Street Housequake!
Sprinkle in some Soul, Rock, Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop and Broken Beats. Top it off with DJ A-Ski and you have a recipe for some next level sh*t! This month we are featuring three unique performances with artists on the cutting edge of the Soul evolution. Come prepared to be severely entertained at LA’s premier spot for LIVE Soul.
Featuring:
Russell Taylor
http://www.myspace.com/russelltaylor
Diondre Jermaine
http://www.myspace.com/diondrejermaine
Breezy Lovejoy Band
http://www.myspace.com/blovejoy
SUNDAY, MAY 31ST
Zanzibar
1301 5th Street
Santa Monica , CA
8:30 PM – 2:00 AM
21+, cover: $10.00 all nite
presale tix available at www.templebarconcepts.tickets.musictoday.com
Need more info? info[at]greenehouseentertainment.com
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04.26.09 5th Street HOUSEQUAKE @ ZANZIBAR | Session#2
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!
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.
Thank you for the sweet sounds Mr Zachery. Rest In Paradise.
Higher Learning.
Wow, finally!
Think of Soul Train on steroids (in fact, this show was the inspiration for Soul Train).
To the newbies: you may want to sit down on this one..please take notes and enjoy..
Funk Revisited: Madlib | The Budos Band
Madlib :: Sound Directions (Stones Throw) 
This funky offering celebrates compositions by Soul, Jazz and Funk icons such as David Axelrod, Billy Brooks, JJ Johnson just to name a few. Armed with seasoned musicians featuring Madlib clocking in on drums, Sound Directions presents fresh and sincere approach to these timeless pieces. Intense musicianship to the 10th power incorporating horns and other settle elements. The personal highlight for me on this album is a rendition of the 60′s soul dancefloor classic “The Horse” originally by Cliff Nobles and Co. This loose and extra funky version will have you out on the floor in no time (took me back to the days when my mom literally wore this record out). Majestic horns are replaced by the guitars giving it an edge, the late Jessie James would be proud of this version. Sound Directions not only provides a lesson in Soul 101 by paying homage to these musical icons but it demonstrates Madlib’s ongoing and everchanging process in pushing the musical envelope in the name of honest and good music. Sound Directions is the destination!
The Budos Band :: Self Titled (Daptone)
Okay im gonna put it out there.This record is bananas! This funk outfit hails out of Shaolin aka Staten Island, clocking in with a pinch of Afro Beat & Latin tones immersed in the bottom line, Funk. Its weird listening to this release because one cannot help but think that it was recorded back in 70′. The major highlight of the release is their rendition of Sly and The Family Stone’s “Sing a Simple Song”. Now you would think that no one can top the original but the fellas hold their own putting their own staple in this timeless piece. Overall, The Budos are bound to become one of the groups to relight the flame in funk bands. Making this release the sure shot!
fresh kicks: “jay are” (j.rawls & john robinson) {free download}
From their upcoming album, The 1960’s Jazz Revolution Again…
In The Lab w/ BSTC
Marking the return of the ultimate “funky dance record” (as coined by the great Kenny Gamble) while celebrating various elements of Jazz, Funk, Soul and Disco (yes the “D” word); BSTC comes strong with some serious Chicago Funk/Soul in their latest debut offering “Music For a Saturday Evening”. Which made me an instant believer when I first recieved the promo 12′ (biggups to my man Dcee at Mahasa Music) of “Jazz In Outerspace”. I had a chance to catch up with founder and brainchild Andy C to talk about the group and its conception.
A-Ski: First and foremost I have to say that your debut is one of the most refreshing albums i’ve heard in a quite awhile. What was the inspiration and how did the concept come together?
Andy: The group came together while i was working with Tunji on some rap projects. While we were in the studio, we
came up with the songs BSTC and Jazz in Outerspace, during
the downtime. I let Tone hear it (All Natural Recordings),
he fell in love with the sound and we started working on
an EP, while working on the EP I reached out to Keanna and
asked her to write a song to an instrumental that we had and
from there the concept grew in to what it is today.
A-Ski: Where are you guys based out of?
Andy: Chicago
A-Ski: So that exlplains the serious funk factor?
Andy: Sure
A-Ski: Being that Chicago is one of the major architects behind Soul/Blues/Dance music, what are the elements of the Chi Town experience that continues to bring out so much intense talent?
Andy: Its cold outside, Chicago has a constant
evolving culture, that is definitely not merciful. So in order
to survive for any amount of time in this town in
entertainment, you must be able to roll with it.
Otherwise you wont make it, dosent hurt that we have cold
winters, it sort of gives you a deeper focus.
A-Ski: How did you guys come up with the name BSTC?
Andy: BSTC is an acronym for the blackstone theatre
collective, the Blackstone Hotel was home for many of the great
jazz and blues musicians of the 50′s and 60′s. Usually at the
end of the evening, other musicians would come down to the
hotel and have jam sessions with other musicians that
were in town, so i called the group the Blackstone Theatre
Collective, because thats what the album is. Instead
of the hotel, we all got together at different studios, in
different cities, and had jam session, to create the
album.
A-Ski: Do you feel the live element of music is coming back? Speaking of which who composed the horn arrangements?
Andy: Yes, the information age is in fact, bringing on a
musical renaissance, young kids are starting to show
appreciation for the music again, because they are
seeing the old shows and hearing many of the classic songs
that inspired me to pursue music. I see it becoming the
next thing in the States. As far as the horn arrangements
go, I did them on everything except Jazz in Outerspace (Tunji),
and Forty Days which was arranged by Tom Tom 2084 (legendary Producer/Arranger/Architecht of Chicago Soul) , who
arranged horn sections for the Chi Lites, the Dells, Earth, Wind &
Fire, and Phil Collins.
A-Ski: “Venus and Mars” is in my top 5 of favorite songs on this album, what is the story behind that song?
Andy: “Venus and Mars” came out of necessity. Tone called
and asked for a single that fit the vibe of “Jazz In
Outerspace”. So I went to the studio the next morning, and put it
together, Tunji and Marshall, and the LDB (lowdown
brass band), came in later on that week and laid their
parts.
A-Ski: Also the cover of “Forty Days” is beautiful and with a very different approach, what inspired you guys to tackle this classic?
Andy: This is one of my favorite records of all time
very grimy and very polished at the same time. I had done
some studio work with ZZaje before and I felt that they
would not only pay respect to the original song while making it
their own.
A-Ski: If you were on a deserted island and you had to the choice of grabbing 5 records, which ones would they be?
Andy: Jesse Gould-Out of Work, Stevie Wonder- Black Man, First Choice- Love Having You Around, Earth, Wind, And Fire-Fantasy, Fair but So Uncool, Minnie Ripperton-Memory Lane
A-Ski: Any tour dates?
Andy: As of now, no, but we are in the process of
putting one together for winter 2009
A-Ski: Whats the ultimate mission of BSTC?
Andy: For everyone to enjoy music TOGETHER!!
Album Review- BSTC: Music for a Saturday Evening
Happiness is.
its only right..
In The Lab w/ E Reece
There are many who have fell victim to the latest adage: Hip Hop is Dead. I beg to differ, due to the fact that there are a lot of artists who are out in the trenches making noise on various fronts in keeping the banner of balance and good music alive. E Reece is one of those who have been holding the banner of honest music from the days when he would frequent my “Love Is The Message” parties, hustling his music to the masses and eventually making a name for himself that is placing him as one of the top shelf Hip Hop artists to check for in 2009. I had a chance to rap with E Reece and here is the rundown:
A-Ski: How are things in your sphere man?
E: Everything is everything. Living and learning.
A-Ski: How long have you been an MC?
E: I’ve been rhyming since about 1990, but have been pursuing it professionally since 2001 when I moved to LA.
A-Ski: You know I been a fan from the gate, whats your secret to concistency?
E: Just making music that I like. I have a good ear so most people like the tracks that I make. And staying true to myself and keeping my integrity with the music.
A-Ski: Where were you born?
E: Born in Kansas City, MO and raised in Montgomery County Maryland.
A-Ski: Who were your musical influences?
E: Prince and Michael Jackson were my first influences. Prince is my all time favorite artist though. I was also influenced by Run DMC, Special Ed and KRS One, as well as Gerry Mulligan and Charlie Parker, to name a few. I love the cool jazz period.
A-Ski: What is your drive and inspiration as an artist?
E: What drives me is to make the best music I can make, while keeping it positive in the hip hop vein. People need to know that there are artists out there who won’t sell their souls to get on and I’m inspired by everyone who gets something from my music, whether big or small. Knowing that I’ve touched someone with my words is inspiration enough.
A-Ski: What separates you from the rest?
E: I don’t just rap. I grew up playing jazz saxophone and jazz was actually my first love in music, so I’m a musician as well. I’m not afraid to wear my heart on my sleeve and let the listener in to some of the hardest times in my life, with an honest perspective. I tell the truth!
A-Ski: Do you feel there’s an overkill in putting out “underground” records rather than putting out a “good record” and how would you differentiate the two?
E: Records are only underground because they don’t have the marketing and promotion. Most underground records are “good records” and better than mainstream records. Just because someone is “underground” and doesn’t have a million fans and doesn’t do world tours doesn’t mean that the music that they make isn’t good. I’m considered underground because I don’t have a big machine behind me yet, but I still make high quality, good music.
A: What is your goal in this pursuit as an artist?
E: I want to be a working musician meaning that I want my art to be my livelihood. I don’t want to have to do odd jobs here and there to make the ends meet. I want art with commerce, while staying true to myself and making the music I want to make.
A-Ski: How do you maintain the “feel good” factor in your music?
E: I can’t really explain it. Its just how I live and it manifests itself in the music I make. You gotta keep it positive and on the up and up and I guess my music reflects that mindset.
A-Ski: How did this latest release come together?
E: Well I’ve released a couple EP’s and an LP since ’03 while working with a lot of dope producers. I formed a live band in ’05 because I always knew that’s where I wanted to take my sound. The band has gone through many incarnations being that there’s a high level of turn over when you have to pay cats out of your own pockets. I auditioned cats from Craigslist and have finally found a solid crew who all get along. I’m very blessed in that fact actually. So I took out a loan and got everyone in the studio and we just did it all in one day. We’d been playing the songs that I wanted to put on the LP at shows for a while so it was really easy. I did it initially with the Japanese market in mind because I knew that they have an appreciation for jazzy, quality hip hop, but the record also will do well here in the US. Mic Life Recordings in Japan scooped it up. The meat of the Japanese and US records are the same. The Japanese version has some exclusives, while the US version has some other exclusives. Two dope records. I’m putting out the US version myself and it will be on line everywhere come January 27, 2009!
A-Ski: Who are the collaborators on this album?
E: Well this record is re-creations of tracks with the band I had already done with various producers over the years. Some of those producers are Leggo, DJ Soups, T.i.M, Tycoon and DJ Face. I also have remixes from Presto (Concrete Grooves), The Beat Ventriloquists and Brian Boland, with me as executive producer.
A: Are there any dream artists and producers you’d like to collaborate with?
E: I’d love to do something with Prince! Some MC’s I’d like to work with would be Black Thought, Mos Def, Busta Rhymes, Little Brother, KRS One and Pharoahe Monch. Some producers would be DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, Pete Rock, 9th Wonder, Nicolay, Oddisee and Ohmega Watts.
A-Ski: Where can we catch you performing next?
E: Come out to The Root Down at Little Temple in Silverlake on Thursday January 29th for the official album release party! Its gonna be crazy! After that I’ll be booking as many gigs as possible to let heads know about this Organic Hip Hop and to promote the album. Remember “L.I.S.n 2 This Live.In.Studio.”will be out on Elevated Mental Recordings on January 27th, 2009. Check “http://www.myspace.com/ereecemusic” www.myspace.com/ereecemusic for updates on the latest. Stay up and get wit it! And thanks for the support and love!
