Kurt Rosenwinkel - Heartcore
This is from one of my all time favourite albums. I remember this being the soundtrack in my headphones when I moved to NYC in 2009 and took my first long walks through Manhattan... Kurt's melodic and harmonic language and sound still take me to different places and Q-Tip's involvement in this record makes it forever exciting for me.
Q-Tip - Abstractionisms feat. Kenny Garrett
And here is one from Q-Tip himself. In my formative years when I was about 14, I listened to a lot of Hip Hop on the one hand and Kenny Garrett on the other - years later I found this incredible track that combines both of my favourites in a perfect way. After all these years it is still easy for me to listen to and dig every note Kenny Garrett plays.
Kate Davis - Yoyo
This is just one of her many great songs. When I went to Manhattan School of Music 15 years ago, we formed the rhythm section of the school's jazz orchestra, with her playing upright bass (and the incredible Sullivan Fortner playing piano by the way). Years later I discovered her newer music - amazing singer and songwriter.
Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
All time classic that will last forever. It's hard to hear, but it actually has two tracked drums on it. I love the feel of how they complement each other and the bass is still mindblowing. The conga slap on beat '2' with the reverb is pure magic - it's a hook in itself.
The Beatles - A Day In The Life
One of my favourite Beatles tracks and one of my favorites of Ringo. The drum fills are sensational and the whole drum track is true storytelling, supporting the song in an incredible way.
Bobby Hutcherson - Little B's Poem
Joe Chambers plays the drums on this one and I have been getting more and more into his playing lately. I just love his focused ride cymbal beat and his drumming feels somehow very centred and "in the middle" to me, compared to some of the other extreme and distinctive drummers of the 60s. The theme of this Bobby Hutcherson song with its beautiful melody and instrumentation is full of vibes for me.
