WHAT AM I LISTENING TO THIS WEEK? WEEK 7

This post and more to follow each week will bring to your attention some of the albums I’m currently listening to. I leave you with one track from each album (sometimes a bit more). Check them out. You may find something you like. That is my hope.

GHOST-NOTE – SWAGISM

A mix of funk, hip hop and jazz. They have a firm foot in the jazz genre but they keep it current and urban with a good dose of funk and hip hop (without the rap). Standout tracks include Swagism, Milkshake, Dry Rub and Funk You Muthafunka (wish I had thought of that one).

THE METERS – THE METERS

Anyone who has followed funk music has either heard of The Meters or heard their music not knowing who they were. These guys were part of the funk pioneers. With songs like Cissy Stutt, Cardova, Ease Back and 6V6 LA these guys would begin a journey that would help to expose the funk genre for good.

VELS TRIO – YELLOW OCHRE EP

This relatively unknown London trio is starting to make waves. There is something about their compositions that perk my ears. Not the main stream jazz that’s for sure. Stand out tracks include Yellow Ochre Pt.1 and Tenderness.

BLUE BREAK BEATS – VOL. 1-4

This is a 4 volume compilation of Blue Note tracks that have been sample and used in hip hop recordings since the 80s (volume 1 pictured). The tracks are mainly jazz funk and jazz soul. Many are instantly recognizable. If not you will no doubt eventually hear some part of the song that has been sampled in the last 3 decades.

DINOSAURS – TO THE EARTH

This is for you jazz heads (don’t worry I’m in there with you). It’s a little different and by that I mean the compositions are not your standard type jazz tracks. These guys put a bit of imagination and maybe step outside the box for a bit but not enough that you lose your listenability. Standout songs include To The Earth and Mosking.