Back in the Game Now...

Back in the city(and for those of you who don't know what city i'm talkin about, it is "The City". If you ever met a New Yorker, then you know that for us, there is only one city, and the entire univers revolves around it)....so hopefully the entries for the next month will be well worth it.

I'm gonna ease back into it with an easy one. It's a popular classic...but it is popular for a reason. Al Green's I'm still in Love with You, is perhaps one of the best soul albums out there. This classic was released in 1972, right when Green was at his best (although some might say he was always at his best). It was put together by Green and Willie Mitchel, who met Green while touring in Texas. Green and Mitchel together with the Hi Records House Band (Tennie Hodge on rhythm guitar, Charles Hodge on Organs, Leroy Hodge on Bass, and Drummers Al Jackson and Howard Grimes) made a solid Memphis soul album with this one; complete with funky bass and a gosple feel.

This album has always been a popular LP to sample from, though none have been as fond of this album than Kanye West. He sampled almost 4 songs off this 9 track album. Who can blame Kanye? This is one bad ass album. Green is smooth all through this album, from begining to end. It's an awsome album to pull some serious smooth operator shit on your lady friend. It also has a few breaks that are pretty sweet (especially if you pull a Kanye and play it at 45). Most serious junkies will have this in the stacks, but if you don't be sure to cop this next time you visit your vinyl shop.

Now that was my attempt to jump back into it...pretty weak, but I'll have something a bit better next time round. Till next time...play on playas.

I'm out



one smooth mutha

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Cuba....ya voy

This is a departure from my normal entries on music...but it's on my mind and I don't feel like starting a new blog just for this...Besides, haven't been diggin because my fuckin thesis took over my life.

So I've been offered this dope ass opportunity to go to Cuba during spring break...Only catch is the shit is gone cost me $1500. Something very ironic, you wouldn't think you'd have to spend that much money to go to a communist country. However, I've decided that the money is well worth it...And for the next few weeks...This home is gone be hustling like he's never hustled before. I've until 31 days into the next year to hand over the money. I'll be heading out with a program called Witness for Peace, which send Americans to countries that have been severely influenced by U.S. policy in a negative way (so we can see how fucked up out country is). On the real thought, it's gonna be a crazy experience. Now I'm not one to glorify revolution, that shit is ugly, bloody, and some serious buisness. I don't even necessarily condone the communist regime in Cuba; people are starving (althought that is not completley Castro's fault) and things don't look like they're gonna get better (especially with Bush's new policy on Cuba that is bent on choking the shit out of their economy). But still, I have repsect for what Castro did. He cleaned up the streets of Cuba, the country has q ridiculous literacy rate (free quality education for all....the U.S. could learn a thing or two), and his country has been one of the longest lasting commnist regimes this world has seen. My delagation will be one of the last ones to go...Bush shut the door...even on educational trips, so I'll try and take it all in and report back. It's gonna be beautiful, it's gonna be deep, and it'll probably change my life. Pa Cuba voy....

It's been a long time . . .

. . .shouldn't have left you. Been M.I.A the last couple days cause finals week is in full effect. Trying to graduate up out of this motherfu*ker. Got one more semester to this undergrad bullshit and can't wait until I get off this damn hill. For those of ya'll that don't know where Hamilton College is (which is probably all of you) check this out. I'm not gonna hate too much, cause this place has given me my education, but if you can't stand snow, white people, and cows...don't come to this place. Anyway, I wish I could give you a really awesome track to check out, but I'm slowly realizing that my crate has nothing on compared to a lot of people (give me a break, only been in the game 3 yrs). So...to make up for my lack of cratedigging expertise....I turn your attention to some kats who are seasoned professionals. I've recently been check out O Dub's blog (for you kats who don't know, look into him, it's all on his blog) . While his entire site is off the fu*king chain, his mp3 blog is one of the best i've seen. This man knows his stuff. He's good about giving you a few golden eggs from a wide range of music types...which is what a true appreciator should be doing and looking for. In addition, he has some links to some other kats who are up on their game. I recommend checking this site, one because right now I'm smack in the middle of New York State where no vinyl shops are to be found, and two because it is jammed with content. As for me, I'll be down in the city for a month after this week...in which I hope to give you all what you are looking for...good music. But until then, keep strugglin to free Ron-Ron

I am out


freeing ron-ron

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Baile Funky . . .

Now these cd's are super funky. Always sure to keep people moving, this is a compilation put together by Dj Greg Caz, Sean Marquand, and Claudio Medusa. Both these mixes are full of awesome Brazilian tracks straight from the 60's and 70's. If you're into soulfull, smooth, funky ass tracks...you need to cop two of these; one for home and another for the ride. This is funk on some other shit; think heavy base with sweet tropical vibes. Featured on these cd's are artist like Tim Maia, Gliberto Gil, and Simonal Wilson: if this means nothing to you, head over to turntablelab.com right now and check out a sampling. Also, if you ever find your self in Brooklyn on a Sunday night, head over to Black Betty, and check out Dj Greg Caz and his crew live, it's sure to be a treat.




Always keep it funky....
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Ooh Baby. . .

Now this is one track I can't enough of. Pamoja-Ooh Baby....a super rare and funky track that I found by chance on soulstrut.com. It was on Dj Hi C's Seasonal Revolutions exclusive mix and from the second I heard it I feel in love. I can't find too much on this group....seems as if they're pretty obscure and not too well known. Not even Funk45.com has too much info on the. My only guess us that they're not an American based band....I say this, one because of the name, Pamoja, and two, because the there is something different bout this group's style. But that's my only guess....if anyone out there knows something bout this group..please drop me a line...I'm interested to know. If this is you're first time hearing bout em....best get over to soulstrut.com come right now and listen to Hi C's mix before they pull of the site...it's the fourth song on the track...you'll know it when you hear it.

Out

(revisited 12/8/04)

Listening to this song right now, I once again realize why it is that this song is such an awsome find. First, this has to be one of the sickest baseline I've ever heard; quick, mellow, yet smooth...not even a bottle of Bacardi Reserve feels as smooth as the base on this track. Second, vocals. I'm not one to love vocals, but the lead on this track as a very distinct style and voice. Last, the drumline is super fresh and extra funky, just the way I like it. Wish I had a way with words to better describe how nasty this track is....but you know..the music says it best....go find this one and listen.

Disciple of the Groove...

So you ask...why disciple of the groove? Cause that's what I am. Not much for this online blog shit....tried it before and failed miserably at it. I got a new out look on it now...if I write about what I love...then it'll all be good...and maybe this time I can make a commitment. So this space is dedicated to what i do and what I love....the music...and the never ending quest for that perfect beat.

Now you ask...what kind of music? Anything that has soul and is super funky and fresh. I'm curently feelin that Afro-beat shit (do a google on Fela Kuti and the Afrika 70 for some education on it). Yet, tomorrow..who knows...it might be Kool and the Gang or some other shit I haven't encountered yet. So check back from time to time and see what's going on...till then...keep it funky.

J. Fresco