Meshell Ndegeocello
Love
I'’ve been aware of Meshell and her music for a very long time, but it took her last two albums for me to fall deeply in love with her music. It feels like she’s reached a pinnacle with her music. Meshell Ndegeocello is not only the artist, but in this case, also a band. And you can really feel the collective connection. I was lucky to remix her years ago, through my friend Miguel Migs’s music, not knowing that I would become her biggest fan one day! The new album is called “No More Water : The Gospel of James Baldwin”, and it’s not for the faint at heart lyrically. But there are a lot of moments of light like on this song “Love” : "Love takes off the mask, that we feel, we can’t live without”. Also highly recommended, her 2023 album “The Omnichord Real Book."
Psyco On Da Bus
Never Satisfied
Going back to the year 2000. The link comes from talking about Meshell’s previous album, which gave me vibes from this classic album for me, made by a collective that included Tony Allen, Doctor L, Jean-Phi Dary, Jeff Kellner and Cesar Anot. With Tony Allen at the forefront drums and vocals, there’s an obvious Afro Beat element to it, but it’s also very Dub influenced with Doctor L’s production and Jean-Phi’s jazzy keys. I was such a fan of this record that I went to meet Tony (and Jean-Phi) after one of their shows at the Jazz Festival in Montreal. Tony was poking fun at my name (what’s your name? Everything?) and more interested with the girls in the greenroom but nonetheless it’s a memory that I will cherish forever! I highly recommend getting this album on Vinyl. Your collection will thank you!
Jazzanova
Face At My Window
This is from a highly overlooked project that Jazzanova did a few years ago, revisiting the short lived Detroit label Strata (not to be confused with Strata East). DJ Amir and his 180 Proof record label put together this beautiful project to expose a new generation, like myself, to this small but rich catalog of Spiritual Jazz and Soul. The original is from Sam Sanders and still available as a re-issue on 180 Proof. Dig into this Jazzanova album and the Strata catalog for more hidden beauties.
Herni Hines
Our Generation
I've been after this song since 1997 when I heard it on a mixtape some friends played me in the South of France. The DJ was working doubles of all the tracks, extending the groove/instrumental parts of the songs. This was probably mixed with something like Aaron Neville “Hercules”, If my memory serves me well! I’m a soul boy at heart so this is right up my alley. It’s from his Electrified album, the only one I know of his, but it’s an essential from begging to end. Universal lyrics on this one. Sadly more relevant than ever. "Hope of the world is in our generation. It's all left up to us to change this present situation."
Johnny Osbourne
Truths & Rights
Segue to another message song, this time from Canadian based Jamaican artist Johnny Osbourne. He’s the famous voice that Original Rockers sampled in "Push Push” (He can surely turn the tide…). This is a pure slice of classic Roots Reggae. "You know the truths & rights, teach it to the children.”. One of my favourite voices in Reggae/Dub.
Gene Harris
Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong
A recent discovery for me that touches my love for all things 70s Jazz/Funk/Fusion. This is definitely a Soulglider with lots of Moog leads! I love this song so much, had to fork out for the fairly uncheap record from Discogs. Oh and the 7” too! I just wish it was a little longer.