Happy Birthday Mr JAMES GADSON!!!
His sound is a dignified staple in a plethora of gems that span over 5 decades to this very day, resonating rhythm at its apex. He has been a huge influence in my musical DNA and is one of the main reasons of me making a brave attempt at playing drums as a kid. His signature sound has been the blueprint for Funk, Blues, Soul, Rock, Disco, Hip Hop, and the list goes on. His groove continues to be a driving force and the standard in sound. Happy Birthday Mr James Gadson!!! Enjoy to the max sir!!!!!
Happy Birthday Mr GIL SCOT HERON!!!
An artist/icon that gave what he lived..very few made the attempt to delve into an intense direction of the Black experience and its triumph while detailing the mountains and valleys of that very experience with vigor; which spawned a new generation of writers and freedom fighters that searched for the ultimate nirvana in celebrating the human experience. Happy Birthday Mr GIL SCOT HERON!!!
Remembering Marvin.
In my top 3 favorite artist/producers/writers of all time..Tomorrow is his born day. Thus, im not going to lay too heavy in it but I have to start heavy in it..There were many before him and after but there is only ONE Marvin Gaye.
He proved that an artist has a civil responsibility to produce music that inspires yet remain multidimensional . Backed by the iconic production team, the mighty Mizell Brothers (aka The Corporation) on this won. It is a travesy that this was not released as a single but a relief that they went into the vaults to unearth this masterpiece. #MGP
Happy Birthday to the Queen Of Soul Ms ARETHA FRANKLIN!!!
There are very FEW artist that can withstand fickle taste, corporate shift and changing trends yet somehow remain a centerpiece of artistic validity and a cornerstone of expression. Being one of the prominent voices of the Civil Rights Movement while conquering Jazz, Classic, Blues, Funk, R&B and co author of a blueprint what is now known as Soul Music. Not to mention, she is a very underrated pianist (she should cut an instrumental album like a long time ago..). If you are going to “bow down” to anyone..(lol)..Happy Birthday to the Queen of Soul Ms ARETHA FRANKLIN!!!
Happy 80th Birthday Mr QUINCY JONES!!
Unique74 Events | LA: WINE KANDY | 3.2 | This Saturday!!
Alright folks..the day is getting super close..the anticipation is high!! Feels good to jam with the Extra Mild Sauce family once again!! Understand, when I do play out..its with only the best of setting and vibe! This Saturday, we encourage you to join us in exploration of dance, sound & vibe as celebrating the birthday of my homeslice Derrick Wize and the zodiac of the mighty mighty PISCES!! I will be jamming with my STONE GROOVE RADIO partner in crime TAILWIND TURNER!! We are also taping segments of my upcoming music video “Summer Touch” and parts of my mini docu. I will also have “Ski Tees” on deck, just hit me up and I make sure you are laced up with the fresh gear. Join us as we spill the wine THIS SATURDAY!! >http://extramildsauce.com/wine-kandy-march-2nd/
Unique74 EXCLUSIVE *FEELING GOOD | WABERI JORDAN | Produced by A-SKI (FREE DOWNLOAD -LIMITED TIME)
Hey Everybody!! This is my latest production that I had the great honor in working with the ultra amazing artist WABERI JORDAN!! A remake of a classic by the great NINA SIMONE entitled “FEELING GOOD” aka “U Know How I Feel”!! Please feel free to SHARE!! One Love!! ~~A-SKI~~
(FREE DOWNLOAD-LIMITED TIME)
Happy Birthday LINDA CREED!!
I have always been a sucker for great songwriting. There are few who can articulate abstract feelings and thoughts on a universal level while setting the tone in a commercial market as well as a creative one. She was the epitome of prolific…yet criminally unsung, serving as one of the great architects of the iconic PHILLY SOUND with her partner in crime, the great THOM BELL. In addtion to penning a plethora of hits that still stand to this day..Happy Birthday to the late great Ms. LINDA CREED!!
Mecca and The Soul Brother | 20
“Mecca and The Soul Brother” was a very important album during the time of its release 20 years ago (where does the time go..) and still remains celebrated today. It explored a very wide spectrum of Soul, Jazz, Funk on an aggressive level but it bears an assortment of moods in each of those generes under the Hip Hop drawing board. Rhythmically, it was raw yet smooth while balancing its cutting edge. This album made me step my game up in terms of record digging and sound exploration.
Alvin Robinson – Something You Got
THE version (in my book)..one of my fav 45 pieces. Slow, hot & bothered funk..straight gut. The drummer plays without hi hat or cymbals (New Orleans line dance style)..but in full swing. The style was basically ahead of its time and would later become the template Dilla (Iconic Musician/Producer) style of drum programming which many beatmakers/ producers have adopted in their own formula today.
I finally met “The Bravest Man In The Universe”..Mr BOBBY WOMACK!!
The ICON himself Mr BOBBY WOMACK and yours truly choppin’ it up at Ameoba (Sunset)..Beyond EPIC moment..(He is too funny!!! He got some jokes!! ha ha!!) I kept thanking him for being that voice for a little brother who has gone through a lot and the hard working everyday man who’s voice is overlooked.
A very special THANK YOU to the staff at AMOEBA & my main man ERVIN ARANA for the photography!!
ORDER HIS NEW RELEASE “THE BRAVEST MAN IN THE UNIVERSE” on iTUNES TODAY!! http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bravest-man-in-universe/id522068118
when Smokey sings..
Been trying to find “Smokey’s Family Robinson” on CD for eons…finally copped it yesterday. His most left field and under recognized gem. I use to pick this record apart as a kid..still sounds fresh and innovative as it did in its ’75 release. If “Quiet Storm” had a sequel, “Family Robinson” is the perfect follow up..”Like Nobody Can” is the apex!! #Smokey #Motown
Happy Birthday Mr JAMES BROWN!!!
We love him..always will. He enhanced my life and musical foundation..period…Happy Birthday to the Author, Creator, Innovator of The FUNK…Mr JAMES BROWN
Ski Plays It Cool | April | Top 10
1. The Heavy Supremes “Nuttin But Reflections” | FREE download | Ahmed Sirour RMX
2.Hey Nas | NAS (Aslow One RMX)
3.California | Leon Ware
4.Menino | Patricia Marx & 4 Hero
5.Healing Vibrations | Gaby Hernandez
6.Midnight Rendezvous | Carla Prather
7.Act Your Waist Size | Count BassD
8.Mainline | Black Ivory
9.2012 | Sonnymoon
10. Why You Wanna Treat Me So Bad | PRINCE
living for the funk: Sly and The Family Stone + Little Sister “Somebody’s Watching You”
pretty pretty pretty as a picture
witty witty witty as you can be
blind cause your eyes see only glitter
closed to the things that make you free
ever stop to think about a downfall
happens at the end of every line
just when you think you’ve pulled a fast one
happens to the foolish all the time
somebody’s watching you (4’xs)
games are to played with toys etcetera
love is to be made when you’re for real
ups and downs are caused by life in general
some are yours no matter how you feel
shady as a lady in a mustache
feelings camouflaged by groans and grins
secrets have a special way about them
moving to and fro among your friends
somebody’s watching you (4’xs)
live it up today if you want to
live it down tomorrow afternoon
sunday school don’t make you cool forever
neither does the silver of your spoon
the nicer the nice the higher the price
this is what you pay for what you need
the higher the price the nicer the nice
jealous people like to see you bleed
somebody’s watching you (4x’s and fades out)
Bonus*
Unique74* In The Lab w/ D-FELIC (Netherlands)
We had a chance to catch up with Holland’s beat making music sensation D-FELIC who blessed LA this week with a blazing DJ set at our two events CHOICE Tuesdays & HIGH END STEREO!!! He talks MILES DAVIS, PRINCE and analog vs digital..check it!!
1. What are your favorite instruments?
I started out playing piano. So everything with black and white keys I like. My favorites are the Fender Rhodes piano and MiniMoog.
2. How did you become a DJ?
I started out in high school.. Just like to play my records at schoolpartys.
3. Who were your influences?
-
4. Who are your favorite artists?
This kinda questions are so difficult. I go by some name who really got me inspired to start to make my own music.There is a lot. But to name a few; George Clinton, Prince, Leon Ware, Stevie Wonder, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and A Tribe Called Quest. From the new school, Amp Fiddler, Marc de Clive Lowe.
5.If you were stuck on an island, which 5 records would you choose?
- Miles Davis – On the corner
- Parliament – Motorbootyaffair
- Joe Hisaichi – Princess Mononoke Symphonic Suit3
- Leon Ware – Musical Massage
- Kings of Convenience – Riot on a empty street
- Prince – Black album
6.How is the scene in Holland and what are the most popular sounds?
Holland is very diverse. There a lot of small scenes. But the soul scene is the smallest. So that’s why I’m happy to get those opportunities overhere in Los Angeles.
7. Are you a musician or a DJ first?
I’m a musician first who likes to DJ too.
8.How did you get your alias?
I started DJ’ing as DJ Dunk-A-Felic. Like 4 years ago I shortened it to D-Felic.
10. Analog or Digital?
I like best of both worlds. I’m recording lots of analog keyboards digitally.
If you listen to my music you will hear the mix between analog and digital.
11. Any plans in the near future, we should look out for?
There is a lot coming up in 2012. I just finished an EP with some vocalists from LA. I’m busy how to get it released. I’m going to write new music for a new album. I’m going to do some more collabo’s and remixes and productions for other artists. And try to do as much gigs as possible. Just keep working hard!
Happy Birthday BOBBY WOMACK!!
(we have very close and mutual friends..somehow I know we will meet!!) HAPPY BIRTHDAY to an icon named BOBBY WOMACK!!!
Unique74 Remembers… Mr DON CORNELIUS…
I dont even know what to say or how to react..He was the reason why BLACK MUSIC and CULTURE yielded a diverse roster in style, sound, perspective and creative direction. No other television show celebrated Black (dont be afraid to say it with me African Americans..BLACK) expression on a diverse level the way SOUL TRAIN presented. Thus creating a lingering appeal that has lasted 40 yrs plus which helped set the tone for just about every Music outlet on an international scale..As a kid (I understood very clearly) and was proud to see people that looked like me and my family on television be represented with pride, dignity & style..”They” fought him tooth and nail in bringing such a vision that would not only give Black artists a fair shake in exposure in which the world would be privy to an AUTHENTIC experience in sound & style that is presented & celebrated by those very people..This Chi-town native carried the blueprint of his days at WVON which eventually became a audio visual outlet that not only changed the game but it changed minds..I would not dare to dream, create, raise the stakes if it were not for a visionary named DON CORNELIUS..(I was so very lucky to speak, meet and shake the man’s hand 3yrs ago..)..He was an institution..Rest In Paradise..
Unique74: Dj A-SKI | Weekend Warrior Fridays @ LITTLE CAVE | Highland Park | 2.3.12
U know my blends & styles are GQ smooth..check me out at my new FRIDAY NITE weekly 2moro!!
WEEKEND WARRIOR FRIDAYS | ALL MY AQUARIUS BIRTHDAY HEADS & PARTY PEOPLE report to [LITTLE CAVE . Highland Park} 5922 N Figueroa St | No Cover | Full Bar #Unique74 #FRIDAY #TeamAQUARIUS
Peace, Love & Unique,
A-Ski
Unique74* Shannon’s Bday PT1 | Soul/Funk/Boogie Classics (ALL VINYL) | DJ A-SKI
(Me and my ace boons Mark & Lance hanging out clowning! cLAssic!)
http://djaski.podomatic.com/entry/index/2012-01-05T20_49_37-08_00
Soul/Funk/Boogie | DJ A-SKI
Unique74 Remembers…Mr Ralph MacDonald
He was of the elite in percussion players for eons in countless sessions, he had a very distinct style which set him apart. The Creed Taylor catalogue has his mark all over those sessions in addition to countless classics..im heartbroken..Rest Bro Ralph..Grover is waiting on you..
