Medeski Martin and Wood - Uninvisible
These guys are one of the most accomplished jazz fusion bands of recent times... The whole Uninvisible album is my favorite from them, and really worth going deep on. With the right amount of funk, jazz, experimental weirdness and masterful musicianship, they’ve really developed a unique aesthetic. And I don’t know where else you can find it on this level, without turning back the clock to the 70’s lol. Also I'm always just in love with the sound of the B3 organ. Such a powerful beautiful funky instrument in the right hands. I also chose this as the first track because it feels like a great opening statement not only for their album but for this playlist.
Unknown Face - Dat’s Cool
I’m always pining for this type of groovy soulful drum and bass but it’s uncommon for a track to truly fit in that ideal space - light, fun, impeccably produced, you know - not hard lol. At least I have trouble hunting them down, if you’re aware of more please hit me up with some hot tips haha. I discovered it from the Kruder & Dorfmeister “Conversion” mix, which has become one of my favorites of all time, and the fact that it’s from 1994 makes it all the more remarkable. Bump it on a big sound system and you can really hear how timeless the productions are, how big and warm the low end is and how well it’s all put together. Conversions is truly a masterclass in creating a timeless DJ mix start to finish. And this track is just perfect in so many ways.
MF Doom - Go With The Flow
Being a huge MF Doom fan, with so many great cuts, it’s sometimes even hard to keep track of all my favorites haha. And you have to love the fact he wears two masks as both MC and producer. This is probably one of his more popular songs, for good reason. It’s this type of sound that makes him a hero of underground/independent rap with a cult following but also attracts a wider/larger audience. The feel-good stuff that you can throw on and anyone who enjoys good music will bob their head to and smile and feel something interesting and groovy. And it’s cool to throw in this song after the last two tracks, because hip-hop had such an impact on both those genres/styles.
Midnite - As Da Ga
I really love roots reggae, but I’m also quite particular, it’s rare to find something which isn’t from the classic 70s era that stays in my all-time playlists. Midnite is such a prolific band, and up there with the most spiritual of roots reggae artists. That phenomenal bassline, it really gets me right away. I think Ron Benjamin is one of the greatest bass players in the world, for my tastes. Very deep and hypnotic sound especially if you ever get to see him live, it’s really something else. The vocals from his brother Vaughn Benjamin, authoritative impeccable flow - I always get waves of strong emotion with this recording, even if I’m not sure exactly what he’s saying a lot of the time heh. It has quite a different production aesthetic than what I normally go for… but it’s sort of indicative of the purpose of the recording, it’s a vehicle for the band’s message which doesn’t necessarily depend on slick production to achieve it’s needs. Which is a good lesson for me, I’m tending to always have that as part of my lens and wishing music to be a certain way far as production value but a lot of times that can even get in the way of the spirit of the music, perhaps.
The Us - Let’s Do It Today (Procrastination)
It’s nice to go even further back in time and re-visit such a secret funk-soul stomper ! This is on a DJ Shadow compilation from his rare grooves collection, “Funk Spectrum” and probably my favorite on the release. Pure high energy with all the bells and whistles you’d hope for in an anthem from the era - and yet few people have heard it. I guess that’s part of my theme here in these selections. There’s so much incredible music which flies under the radar, in all genres. That’s a well known fact in house/club music and a part of the whole point of DJing - showing people music they love, that they didn't know they love! But yeah again an example of sound that I used ot wish was recorded in a high end studio with a big budget, but as times goes on I appreciate it’s more lo-fi aesthetic and acknowledge it maybe wouldn’t be the same thing if it were made to be a radio hit - grade recording.
Akufen - Touch It
Ok had to share at least one from my own label, Onysia, and from one of the great artists /important innovators in House music no less! It’s a great pleasure and honor to have worked with Akufen on the release, and Touch It is such an interesting and fun composition. I mean it’s signature Akufen sound, unpredictable and remarkable and sort of morphs in and out of ideas in real time… People will still play this in 20 years, it just defies categorization. Also I like it as a closing statement/outro in this mini playlist.
