Cumbia Connection: Fabian Altahona de Barranquilla, Colombia.

April 12, 2018

I had a chance to meet with Fabian at his home in Barranquilla. This Analog Africa article talks about Pico sound-systems, rare record battles, and secret African songs that nobody is supposed to know about.

He just shipped me one of my favorite Wganda Kenya songs of all time, the impossibly pricey and rare Tifit Hayed and some other killer latin funk 7"s.

Fabian's Africolombia blog is the most comprehensive Pico resource online. He also sells records, and gets incredible artwork made custom. Trustworthy connection, I'd know, I opened a PayPal for him.

Source: http://analogafrica.blogspot.com/2013/06/a...

Dj Mix

April 11, 2018

Going to the far reaches of the planet for this funk.

Soundcloud mixes and some original cuts/ disco edits.

Posting my mixes on MixCloud

Currently listening to literally hundreds of mixes made over the years. The best part is that I'm still playing tunes that I put on the first one. Enjoy.

1998 DENU GHANA - Yeve Cult ceremony f1.jpg

Yeve Ceremony Photo - Found on old film negative I never developed.

April 11, 2018

Scanned some old negatives from 1998. This is one of West Africa's most mythical and secretive cults called Yeve.

It took me a week of unrelenting offers that they let me in the compound. I learned later how insane it was that I was able to participate in a ceremony of a people who have nearly eclipsed Western influence. That being said they drank my Bombay Sapphire. In Ghana if you want in, bring gin.

The most comprehensive study online is a dissertation by Samuel Nyamuame (link below). Most of the research cataloged on the subject is at University of Ghana, by Dr. N. Fiagbedzi. Musicians prepare to be humbled by polyrhythm on a 'Wakanda' next level. Forehead on the floor pray to the god of lightning, iron and skin.

Any trap school rappers who want to attempt polyrhythmic call and response, the mic is on and I have tracks in the can ready to go. I'm serious on that and am talking to you Fidel Sun, wake up Fidel....

Sam's dissertation:
http://ufdc.ufl.edu/UFE0045941/00001/pdf

Lastly my own research:
http://digitalcollections.sit.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi…

Video Mix # 1 →

February 24, 2016

Videos mixed live on turntables, yeah i said it.
From Standard Tap/Johnny Brenda's holiday party.

Featuring: Slick Rick, Talking Heads, Supremes, Oscar D'Leon, Frostola, Bee Gees & Blondie.

Crush on this super cute footage from the late 1960s. Watch video to reveal who's in the band. It's so early that 'Girl from Ipanema' sounds totally un-refined. download here --->

Astrud Gilberto live in studio.

February 24, 2016

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I ended up with some nice 8x10 glossy photo prints from various shows in Philly circa 1978.  $25 - holla — I ended up with some nice 8x10 glossy photo prints from various shows in Philly circa 1978. $25 - holla

Bowie fix.

February 24, 2016

The Width of a Circle is taken about as far as I thought glam could stretch to jam.

Jerry Garcia would have looked awesome in drag. This clip was personally edited from the 'Spiders from Mars' DVD

500MB download file.

Maestro - Dread Man (1976 Trinidad)

February 19, 2016

I have a masochistic habit of listening to Caribbean soul covers and other genre blending interpretations of pop music. Don't get me wrong, we can thank that marriage for certain offspring like ska and cumbia. But be warned, a stain on that legacy lives in Trinidad, and has found it's way onto soca records so ugly that one listen has left me permanently scarred.

I did find this one that is hauntingly excellent. Sort of sounds like Albert Griffiths from the Gladiators. Or am I thinking Ashanti Roy from the Congos?

Maestro - Dread Man (1976 Charlie's Records) Trinidad

The search continues... →

February 14, 2016

I've had this mystery song that remains tugging on my tee shirt. It's an unidentified 80s jam, and I don't think it's particularly obscure or even underground. But in my life it's been drifting in and out of car windows, driven by fictional black chicks with cool lipstick.

The tune is distinctly female, pure eighties slow electric funk - maybe even made to the top twenty.

let's assume I just found it. My elation quickly turned to doubt, then denial, and back to quandary. The appetite is too strong, and so searchlight stays on.

Currently compiling a set of vinyl with this vibe. Suggestions greatly appreciated.

S.O.S. Band - Just Be Good To Me
(1983 Tabu 4Z9 03956)
12" Dj Promo
Quick listen or download:
MP3 320 (MAIN/INSTR)
FLAC
WAV
[the utmost care went into these recordings, message me for feedback]

ASSORTED DJ MIXES

February 14, 2016

Going to the far reaches of the planet for this funk.

Soundcloud mixes and some original cuts/ disco edits.

Posting my mixes on MixCloud

Currently listening to literally hundreds of mixes made over the years. The best part is that I'm still playing tunes that I put on the first one. Enjoy.

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