2007 Bonnaroo Silent Disco Mix - early set

'ello, Groovers...

2007 was my third Bonnaroo in a row, and I couldn't be more honored. The crowds are always bezerk and ready for anything/everything musically.

So I literally throw everything at them. This one starts with some rock, hip hop, funk, and classics - then veers into the direction of the hour to come. Dark and funky and representative of the super-diverse crowd the 'Roo attracts...







DJ Medi4 - Bonnaroo 2007 Volume 1 (Early Set) Tracklisting

1. Rare Earth - Celebrate 1971 (maybe my favorite opening tune)
2. Led Zeppelin & Black Sabbath - Whole Lotta Jigglin'/Sabbath 2007
3. Wolfmother - Love Train 2006 (really funky and dirty)
4. Queen - Fat Bottomed Girls (Z-Trip remix) 2007
5. DJ Zebra - National Bridge (Radiohead vs Fergie) 2006
6. CHAOS - Crazy Adidas (Run DMC vs Buckcherry) 2006
7. Arty Fufkin - Been Caught Stealing Your Rump 2005
8. DJ Moule - Crosstown Underground 2006
9. Free - All Right Now (re-edit) 1970
10. B-Boy Breaks
11. James Brown vs Beck & Peter Gabriel - Godfather of Soulhammer 2007
12. Paul Simon - Late In The Evening Remix 2005
13. The Turtles - Happy Together (re-edit) 1967
14. Missy Elliot - We Run This (X-Press 2 Remix) 2006
15. I:Cube featuring The RZA - Can You Deal With That? 2007
16. Khia - My Neck, My White Horse remix (DIRTY! NOT SAFE FOR WORK) 2006
17. MIA - Bucky Done Gun (instrumental & vocal) 2005

The Silent Disco was sponsored last year by KOSS Headphones, and they did an amazing job, considering the amount of wireless devices being used on-site (production AND cell phones take up a lot of BW). 500 kids, to the blind eye, dancing to nothing. There's always a wait to get in, and people stay for HOURS (which is always the sign of quality, no?)...

Here's a Megaupload download link. If you're not a "premium member" you'll have to wait 45 seconds to get the DL to start, but what's 45 seconds? If for some reason the link expires, someone please email me at info@djmedi4.com, and I'll re-up. Fiddling with the FTP server today, and should have it available to listen to from here shortly.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HB1YT5CE

Thanks for listening & Rock On!

DJ MEDI4 MIX - Love's Great Ocean

Love's Great Ocean - mp3

My very first crack at a proper "chill-out" mix, done originally in 2005. In the hundreds of sets I've done over the years, it remains my very favorite. I feel blessed to have been bright enough to actually record it down, and even more blessed to know you're listening to it (and enjoying it...).

As always, the mix is about song selection and the overall vibe; no fancy tricks or sudden moves here.

I hope this mix does for you what it does for me, still, after literally hundreds of listens...

Enjoy it and be well.

DJ Medi4

1. Jeff Buckley - Corpus Christi Carol (1994) Not much you can say about the late Jeff Buckley that can't be summed up in this track. Sounds like a Goth angel crying for redemption...

2. Dot Allison - Tomorrow Never Comes (1999) I was a big fan of the late 90's project One Dove (their album "Morning Dove White"should be a must-own for fans of trip-hop, ambient techno, etc - super cheap on Amazon).

3. Sarah Vaughan - The Mystery Of Man (1984) Not only is this track LIVE, but the lyrics are actually the writings of Pope John Paul II, and arranged and conducted by Lalo Schifrin. Mind-blowing that those 3 came together!

4. KD Lang - Love's Great Ocean (2000) This is one of those records that might slip past you, if you're not paying attention. Lush production over her vocals should make you come back to it. I met her in a cafe here in LA about 5 years ago, and was actually speechless...

5. Madredeus - A Lira - Solidao no Oceano (Afterlife Remix) (2002) Taken from their remix album, their fans either loved the record, or hated it. It's difficult to argue with Afterlife's lush Ibiza-like take on this.

6. Kenny Rankin - While My Guitar Gently Weeps (1976) A rare moment when KR doesn't make me shudder. Produced by Don Costa (father of Nikka Costa, and a legendary producer), this one is done live in the studio. Tastefully done...

7. Kate Bush - The Man With The Child In His Eyes (1978) From the first album, produced by Dave Gilmour of Pink Floyd, who also discovered her.

8. The Sundays - Folk Song (1997) I would listen to Harriet Wheeler sing the phone book.

9. Rufus Wainwright - He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother (2001) An incredible cover of the Hollies tune. I keep screaming about production - well, check this one out. This one brings a tear to my eyes. Taken from the "Zoolander" soundtrack, strangely enough.

10. A Race of Angels - Afrika Displaced (2004) Tough one to figger out. All I know is my buddy, Sebastian Morton, produced this neo-soul ballad. The album is called Broadcast #1, and is well worth finding.

11. Jakatta featuring Beth Hirsch - One Fine Day (2004) Beth did vocals on the first Air record, and although it borders on cheesy, this tune is a chill-out classic.

12. Lemon Jelly - Soft (2001) Based lovingly around a Chicago sample, I paid top dollar for the 7" single back in the day, only to have them release it 3 years later on the album "Nice Weather For Ducks". Please buy everything LJ puts out - they're one of the few electronic acts that deserve your money.

13. Seal - Show Me (1991) The first Seal record is a desert-island-disc for me. He and Trevor Horn made a classic.

14. Annie Lennox - Waiting in Vain (Live @ the BBC, 2000) A very rare acoustic recording of her Bob Marley cover.

15. Mariza - O Gente Da Minha Terra (2002) Many of you won't be familiar with Mariza, or Portuguese Fado music. It's the national music of Portugal, and for many years, strictly a man's game. Mariza smashed all perceptions of what Fado was, and really opened the doors for a worldwide Fado audience. She tours the US - don't miss it.

16. Jose Feliciano - Light My Fire (1969) This won the Grammy for Best Pop Song in '69, and it easily stands the test of time. "LMF" has been covered dozens of times, but Jimmy Morrison was heard to say that Jose's was his favorite.

DJ MEDI4 MIX - Hard Soul, Volume 1

Hard Soul, Volume 1 - mp3

Hard Soul is a 1-track, 60-minute romp through some of the dirtiest funk and soul breaks you’ll hear. I’d give you specific artists and track names, but to 95% of you, it ain’t gonna mean nothin’. I can suggest putting baby powder on your floors – it helps the dancin’… Recorded live at The Knitting Factory, Los Angeles, CA in the Summer of 2003.

Enjoy this one!

DJ MEDI4 MIX - The 2003 Fall Twister

Fall Twister - Recorded Live 8.27.03 - streaming wma (mp3 coming soon)

• Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas Soundtrack – Drug Collection (Geffen, 1992) Why does it always come back to the drugs???
• Dr. Dre – Lyrical Gangbang (Death Row/Interscope, 1992) An album cut taken from the classic album “The Chronic”, featuring one of the tightest female mc’s, The Lady of Rage, and the twisted RBX.
• Fatboy Slim – The Weekend Starts Here (Astralwerks, 1996) Yes, that is the harmonica from Black Sabbath’s “The Wizard” in the beginning. Deep, dark and dirty…
• Asian Dub Foundation – Colour Line (Virgin Records, 2000) Imagine a punjabi version of Rage Against The Machine, and you’ll get ADF – catch a live show if you can…
• Outkast – So Fresh, So Clean (Fatboy Slim Mix) (Arista, 2000) Drum’N’Bass (for me anyway), was supposed to be fun. A lot of the producers/dj’s in the scene several years ago took it way too seriously, and made it too dark with no female appeal. Not the Fatboy!
• Jay Z Vs Elvis Costello – Htothehizzo (White Label, 2002) Yes, a pesky UK mashup/bootleg (and i’ll never tell where I got it, either).
• Witchcraft – Rascal & Klone (Soundworks, 2003) Like many electronic producers, R&K can be hit-or-miss. This one fires on all cylinders…
• Nas Vs Black Sabbath – Made You Look (White Label, 2003) I don’t think I need to explain this one. Dodgy quality, but what a toon!
• Timmy Thomas – Funky Me (Glades Records, 1974) Best known for his oft-sampled/covered 1974 soul classic “Why Can’t We Live Together?”, this tune shows TT’s willingness to experiment with technology (well, for 1974, anyway). Hypnotic record.
• Mc 900 Ft Jesus & Dj Zero - I’m Going Straight To Heaven (Nettwerk, 1990) MC9FJ mixed distorted beat poetry, a keen ear for samples, a tuntablist (the first one I ever saw live, btw), and a willingness to mix any style. Also suggested is the 1994’s “One Step Ahead Of The Spider”, a more chill, jazzy affair.
• Eminem Vs Led Zeppelin – The Without Me Song (Soundhog Bootleg, 2002) Does the bootie madness ever stop? This ‘uns a classic.
• Sweet – Fox On The Run (Capitol, 1974) I defy you to listen to this tune (Sweet also did the classic “Ballroom Blitz”), and not have the chorus stuck in your head, while people around you look at you like you’re old…
• Roxy Music – Love Is The Drug (Eg Records, 1975) Maybe the smoothest front man in rock, I wish to come back as Bryan Ferry’s suits.
• Tino Breaks – Schizophrenic Dj Remix (Tino Records, 1998) Many music freaks know about SF’s Jack Dangers and his project, Meat Beat Manifesto. For those of you that don’t, here we find JD using a Roxy sample to down and dirty dancefloor effect…
• Junior Senior – Move Your Feet (Krafty Kuts Mix) (Mercury, 2003) infectious, happy and just twisted enough for the big speakers…
• Talvin Singh – Ok (Turbinator Dub) (Polygram, 2001) When are we getting new TS material – anyone, anyone? Listen to the live/looped drum track – spellbinding stuff.
• Punjabi Mc – Pyar Wich (Planet Rock Mix) (Nachural Records, 1998) Just when you thought it was safe to un-bundle your bindi…
• Erick Sermon F. Jay-Z – React (Funkymix) (Def Jam, 2003) A dope, dirty hip-hop tune, included here as more of a bonus track for my other half, Gina – who just loves this tune, maybe as much as I love her. Maybe.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed the mix, and would love your feedback…

Blessings, health, wealth and happiness to you all!

Whoops. I've angered a German (or two)

The last New Mastersounds post I had up, with a lovely new tune from them (Give Me A Minute Pts 1 & 2) has been taken down. Sorry. As it turns out, Germans like Funk too, and there's a German label putting the record out. So, I've taken it down, and in place of, here's a live tune, compliments of NMS drummer Simon Allen (thanks for the tune, Si).

"Can't Hold Me Down"
Live at the HiFi Club, Leeds, March 24, 2005, featuring Sam Bell on percussion.

Those of you in Colorado, please do what you can to make it to Aspen for Jazz Aspen over Labor Day weekend. Some great bands in town that weekend, including Widespread Panic, Galactic, Karl Denson, Particle and others. Worth putting up with the Aspen honkeys for. Goddamn, that's one white-ass town...

Speaking of Colorado, look for some DJ Medi4 CO dates in the very near future, my friends!

This Saturday & Sunday (and a mash-up)...

This Saturday and Sunday (August 13 & 14) find me doing very different gigs. Come to one, come to both (or in true LA style, stay home and be apathetic). Here goes.

August 13, 2005
DJ Medi4
Live in-store performance
@ Neo 39 (the Mecca of Sport Shoes and Trainers, trust me)
39 E Colorado Blvd
Pasadena
CA 91105
Times 6 - 10 PM
Presented in association with
Pony Shoes and Neo 39 (here's a map for you).
Lots of giveaways and sales that night - don't sleep on Pasadena - this shop is DOPE
Thanks to everyone at Pony/GBMI for bringing me on again. Love you guys & thanks for the gear - cool shoes. The music for this one is funky and mashed up - lots of boots, hip hop and breakbeats. Don't miss it.

Sunday finds me at LA's Beauty Bar (where yes, you can get a martini and a manicure - I've been told you should bring your own nail polish, if you're picky) for the first Dubgypsy Night Out. My good friend Patrick Belton (aka DJ Sly) and I will be alternating 30 minute sets, with the only musical rules being "nothing commercial" - other than that, the gloves are off. From me, lots of rare rock and funk, lots of mash-ups and bootlegs. From Sly, well, we'll see. I think it's a night of "letting your musical hair down"...

Sunday August 14, 2005
DJ Medi4 & DJ Sly
@ The Beauty Bar, Los Angeles
1638 North Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
"The Dubgypsy Night Out"
Every 2nd Sunday of each month
No Cover 9 PM - 2 AM (yeah, right. 1.45 is not 2.00)
21+ over, please
Drink Specials, and only good requests...
Alright, alright. Here's the Mash-up I promised. One of my favorite Bootleg producers is Dunproofin' from the UK. Here's one of his newer tunes - "ABCWOC", taking Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice" and laying the accapella of The Jackson 5's "ABC" gently over it. Simple A + B = genius. Enjoy.

Shall we chat about the New Mastersounds again?

Right, back on track now. Sorry it took so long. Up my own bum, I suppose. Maybe just enjoying the Summer too much...

Shall we chat about the New Mastersounds again?
Yes, we shall.

Since we've last talked, the New Mastersounds have done what I'd hoped they'd do. They came to America, and blew people away. We did the dates in Chicago with local promoters Silver Wrapper for their anniversary show. Amazing that over 200 people show up for 2 bands/dj's they'd never heard of. Big thanks to everyone at Silver Wrapper for making it happen.

A few months later in late June, the NMS found themselves in California for the first time. With 3 LA-based shows (the Lava Lounge, Temple Bar & Root Down) and 1 night in San Francisco (my brother from another mother, Alex, had the good foresight to bring them to the Boom Boom Room), so by the time they got to High Sierra Music Festival, they were on fire! It was nothing but positive reviews for them, especially seeing as they played 3 times that weekend. People were talking about them like they were the best thing since the Greyboy All-Stars - high praise, indeed.

For you, my friends. A new track from the amazing New Mastersounds.

Sorry folks - this tune has been taken down. A German label is putting it out on a 7" single, and we all know how many 7" German singles are sold in the US. It's like taking money out of the pocket, and we can't have that (even though it's about .10$ worth). Please write the New Mastersounds, and tell them to sell MP3 downloads through their site, huh?

What a tune. Over 6 minutes long, and if'n you ain't dancing, you're on the wrong website.

Lastly, a BIG congrats to the band and David Vandenburg in Chicago for getting them a US booking agent. Madison House Booking (who handle all the biggies) picked them up, which means you'll see them everywhere Summer '06. Rest up boys, the hippies await!

Bonnaroo 2006 Wrapup

Man, I have been lazy. My apologies, as I've got much to cover. I'll break it up in-between with tasty tunes, I promise.

First, let's dive into Bonnaroo... Shitty weather and a illing assistant (I told you a Carribean Jerk Pork Chop wasn't the best idea, my man!) made for an interesting time. Incredible music (should you expect any less from Superfly Presents?), and first class production make this THE US festival to attend. Especially when you see pictures of the muddy carnage of the Glastonbury Festival this year, you know I got nothing to bitch about.

Timberland had a booth in the VIP area almost all weekend, handing out really nice boots for free. So of course, big up Timberland - you kept me dry and comfy; and from the quality of those kickers, I will be for years. Bring on the Glastonbury Mud (can you believe someone Ebayed the Glastonbury mud from this year?)

Music was key for me this year. Quickly, the highlights.

Galactic late night - A strong show from them with kool sit-in's including Bo Bice from American Idol. I heard a cool story - I heard he was praying not to win AI. To be saddled with that when trying to do Rock N Roll is not something I'd want, either. He needs to loosen up a bit, but he was also in front of a BIG crowd when doing "Whole Lotta Love" with Galactic, y'know?

The Word - Sunday afternoon found John Medeski (click here for a lovely, fairly rare MMW remix from Sa-Ra), Robert Randolph, and the North Mississippi All-Stars reuniting for an amazing set of Gospel-inspired funk, rock and blues. I highly encourage seeking out a copy of this set. I got to stand on mainstage for it, and it was a mother!

The Black Crowes - I saw them at this past Jazzfest first weekend with a fresh-looking Marc Ford (the lead guitarist for the "Amorica" and "Southern Harmony" records - their strongest, IMHO) back in the band. Tough, tight band. I only wish (as I do with EVERY band I see) that they'd keep the slower stuff to a minimum, and ROCK more. This reunion might not last forever. See them while you can...

More importantly, you wanna know what I missed?

Kings of Leon (Another band that I want to rock, and cut the slow crap)
My Morning Jacket (saw footage from their Bonnaroo '04 set, and it was a mindblower)
Madeleine Peyroux (SHE'S AMAZING! She most likey hates this comparison, but she's Billie Holliday, for the 21st Century. Thank God, btw! Billie needs the kids to hear her style, and know her story...)
Brazilian Girls ("Pussy" has turned into one of my favorite Summer songs ever)
The Mars Volta (I'm not sure if I didn't care, or just didn't have the chemicals for it...)

All in all, I worked too much, but had a wonderful time. Big ups to Paul and Rick and the entire Superfly crew for the support. I got some tremendous response, albeit quietly, from people blown away from the music and the idea of a "Silent" Disco.

MSN had a "roving reporter" working some of Bonnaroo, and although he spelled my f'ing DJ name wrong, he had some lovely words for me (sadly, the link has since died. sigh). And we got some cool mentions from some of the Bonnaroo musicians about the Silent Disco idea on Jambase.com which at the end of the day, is all you can ask for. Enough about this one. I'm back, and posting. Grab that MMW remix (above), before it's gone...

New Mastersounds on the West Coast

Hey Now! Just back from my first touring trip to the Midwest...

As many of you know, I've had a long-standing love affair with an amazing funk band from Leeds, UK called The New Mastersounds. After playing the hell out of their records in my funk and soul sets for eons, I finally got to not only see the band live, but open for them, too.

There can be a great difference between getting off on a band's music, and actually getting along with them. If you've ever met a favorite band or musician, and found out that they're stiffs (or worse, stuck-up), I'm sorry. I have, too. Not the case with these 4 cats. Very lucky to have spent a weekend drinking, smoking and laughing all in the name of the Funk.

With that, I give you a new NMS tune, "You Got It All", which features honky keyboardist extrordinaire, Bob Birch. Right click, save as, ladies & gentlemen. One curse that often befalls funk, soul and jambands - the studio records are NEVER representitive of the band's live shows. This is NOT the case of the NMS. Their guitarist, Eddie Roberts, produces all the records, and they are as close to the live sound as I've heard captured.

Please remember that their first West Coast gigs in California start June 28th, where they'll be playing 2 nights (with venues TBD) here in LA, then off to San Francisco's Boom Boom Room on the 30th June, and THEN...

High Sierra Music Festival - where they'll play 3 shows (I've been told they are the ONLY band in the history of HSMF to have been booked without being seen live by anyone). Being from the UK, they didn't know much about it. I schooled 'em, and they're looking forward to playing multiple slots at one of the US' most prestigous music fests... Enjoy the tune. The "rock show" stylings of Bay Area band Ride The Blinds up next...

Ozric Tentacles Mashup

Did I mention I got to support Ozric Tentacles in Northern California in late March? Big thanks to the folks at Harlow's in Sacramento, and the amazing Independent in San Francisco (always a great line-up month after month).

In the spirit of the Ozrics (if you haven't seen them yet, please make it a point), here's a mashup called "Hidden Tentacles" done by my buddy Gingersteve in the UK. It takes Bjork's accapella of "Hidden Place" and places it lovingly over the Ozric's "Feng Shui" to make a wonderful piece of work. Cheers, Steve. Keep 'em coming.

Big shout out to the GYBO boys and girls - your work is inspiring...

Enjoy the tune, say hello to Steve, and Bjork, don't sue me. Anyone wants it down, let me know.

DJ MEDI4 MIX - The Spring Twister

The 2005 Spring Funk Twister - mp3
WARNING - THIS IS A BIG FILE! I'm trying to decide between file size and sound quality - if you have an opinion about the subject, lemme know.)

So, here's some music. A new mix, "The 2005 Spring Funk Twister", for your listening pleasure. All-over-the-place - again. B-boy grooves are represented alongside some of the finest new-school bootleg producers; '70's deep soundtrack cuts collide with rare James Brown family grooves, with some druggy rock & roll, just to keep it real.

Don't overthink it. I didn't. I toil too long over my mixes, and wanted to keep this under 48 hours spent from beginning to end. Eh. Download the mix, and tell me how I did. The mix, is NOT FOR PROFIT, and if any artists on the mix wish me to remove it, I will. Here's the tracklisting...

• The Doors/Bossarocker (2004 White Label) - Top 10 track for me last year - dark & cool.
• Freelance Hellraiser/It Aint Hard to Break On Through (Nas/It Aint Hard To Tell vs The Doors/ Break On Through) - One of the best bootleggers on the planet. Period.
• Trouble Funk/Drop The Bomb - The DC go-go scene is WAY underrepresented. Recognize.
• Abnormal Yellow Band/Beaval Summit - Thanks to Pete from Jelly Jazz for the Turn-On...
• Coldcut/Party (and Bullshit) - The 1989 release "What's that Noise?" is a blueprint for the future of electronic music. Think it's really out-of-print now... Someone re-issue it, please!
• Jurassic 5/Acetate Prophets - So much respect for outstanding production skills...
• Feature Cast/Channel Surfing featuring Kool Keith - I don't know much about FC - do you?
• Major Force Five/The Re-Return of the Original (Cut Chemist remix)
• Los Chicharrons/Psychedelic Fox - Dirty, bluesy and all-over-the-place
• Jimi Hendrix/Ezy Rider - Gem from the Jimi catalog - may be one of his funkiest moments...
• Howard University Marching Band/Got To Get You Into My Life - Thanks to Howard U for this!
• Quincy Jones/Money Runner - Quincy, once again, reminding us why he's a legend.
• Skeewiff/Cop Show - Stealing generously from the above Quincy track, still brilliant.
• Dunproofin/Casbah Wonder (Stevie Wonder/Everything Is Alright vs The Clash/Rock The Casbah) - This brilliant mash-up makes me happy in my pants. Thanks, Dun.
• Bobby Byrd & the JBs/Signed, Sealed & Delivered (live) - Rare tune from the JB's catalog.
• Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings/Got A Thing On My Mind - Maybe THE finest funk outfit around today - currently touring the States. Click the link, see the show.
• Big Boss Man/Humanize - Another slab of dirtiness from the UK.
• Julie Andrews vs Hexstatic/Sound of Music - Hexstatic (from the Ninja Tune camp) always suprises. Do check out the new CD/DVD of his.

A great example of a Medi4 Set Break set. Twisted, funky fun – don’t overthink it. Just play it real loud on your iPod.

Peace.

This has nothing to do with anything, I warn you now

Alright, I opened for Beck twice this month (that story below). I'm about to give you a cool song, so bear with me.

So, I'm cleaning house musically, and really digging through my back catalog. I've never been a music guy that hordes music. I'm always at a loss for space, so I've learned that if I want new stuff, some of the old stuff gotta go. Rammstein, Depeche Mode and any compilation with the phrase "Acid Jazz" have to go. But enough about me. Let's talk about a gentleman named Paul Goddard from Alabama.

Remember a time before MTV, when guys like Paul could join a band, make a record, go on tour and get laid? C'mon 'ya geezers, get nostalgic with me! Paul was the bass player in a band called Atlanta Rhythm Section, whose members were in another one-hit wonder band, Classics IV. They did a track called "Spooky", which was lovingly covered by Dusty Springield (well worth finding, btw...).

ARS's biggest hit, was "I'm So Into You", a lovely little slice of genuinely groovy Southern rock n' roll. It is here for your pleasure, not for profit. And Paul, if you're out there, good for you, brother - I hope you got some booty on the bus. I decided not to sell the ARS cd to Amoeba Music on Sunset. Great store, regardless. I'm hoping if I plug 'em enough, they'll give me the employee discount.

Did I mention I opened for Beck twice this month? How bout that stuff! My name got brought up to Beck's management, and they went for it. His new record "Guero" comes out March 29, and he was working out the new material at a couple of "secret shows" here in Hollywood (thanks to the internet and the cell phone there are no "secret shows" anymore).

Both nights at Club 1650 (which may or may not be closed now - I heard bankruptcy) were packed. 600 + each night, with different support. The first night was Har Mar Superstar, the second, a cool rock band called Louis the XIV. It's cool to get the same reactions to The Bar-Kays' "Holy Ghost" and Trouble Funk one night as you get to The Pretenders "Tattooed Love Boys" and Bowie's BBC live version of "Hang On To Yourself" the next night.

If for some reason you don't know about T-Funk and the Washington DC Go-Go Scene, please click on this here link. It'll take you to Big Mike McNasty's website, which be all about the Go-Go. Go-Go is NOT for the funk newbie, btw. It is dirty, get down music, and generally not for whitey. Some people, however (cough! Mike Dillon! cough! Yo, Mike! Can we get a So Cal BMX/Dead Kenny G's show, please?)...

Beck played 80% new stuff, which was well-received. Surprisingly funky and hard. Heard the leak of the new record. People can say what they want - a few folks I know have said "it's his attempt at remaining relevant and sell some records...". I really like the record. I especially like the lead-off track "Brazilica". He's a great songwriter, period- "Sea Change" really proved that to me again. I really disliked the record at first listen. Many of my favorite records have had that effect on me - they're growers, y'know? If you enjoyed the more melancholy, acoustic vibe of "Sea Change", I encourage you to hunt down the Japanese bonus track, "Ship In A Bottle". It may be the prettiest song I've ever heard.

Much thanks to Beck, his management, and the nice folks at 1650 in Hollywood...

I'll be announcing my first Jazzfest '05 dates soon... Wish me luck.

DJ MEDI4 MIX - Hard Soul Volume 1 - Live at the Knit

Hard Soul Volume 1 - Live at the Knitting Factory, Los Angeles - mp3
(WARNING - The Hard Soul mix is a big file, and will take awhile. I wanted to keep it at a decent bitrate, so it didn't sound like shit. If you like the mix, feel free to spread the link around - let's see if we can reach my bandwith limit this month...)

I'm just about to do a new "Hard Soul" mix, so I thought I'd post the entire first one here. It's not perfect, but what is? It was done live a little over a year ago, at LA's Knitting Factory, and was representitive of my idea of "the funk" at that time. I have to say, if nothing else, I play a lot harder, dirtier stuff now...

And in case you haven't already grabbed the New Mastersounds track yet, here it is again. Tight, dirty new school funk from Leeds, England. They're coming to the States for select dates right before Jazzfest this year. High Sierra is also buzzing about them...

Eddie Roberts is the guitarist for the Mastersounds, and here's a tight, funky track called "Eazin' Down" from his new solo record, Roughneck. This link will take you to a nice BBC Radio review of the record (congrats on the press, E). He'll probably wince when he reads this, but if you dug the St. Germain stuff, go get Eddie's record. Never panders, but goes down like sweet, sweet cough syrup - perfect for Sunday afternoon gatherings and house parties. People will ask what it is, and you'll be smarter than them, which is the ultimate goal, no?

Don't sleep - Eddie and the band are coming Stateside soon - you've been warned.

PROMISE - I'm working on adding lots of photos, dancing religious figures, and annoying sounds to the ol' blog, so it'll be a little more exciting to visit. I'm just busy...

My first Jazzfest is coming up soon. We've just booked flights for April 17 - May 3, and I've already started taking my vitamins for what should be a long, dirty, funky weekend. Wish me luck as I spread the word to promoters, managers, and venues...

Next few music posts are up in the air - email me if you've got a suggestion. Peace...

I can no longer keep this to myself.

It's just too good...

If you're a funk fan in the States, you're most likely hip to Galactic, the Greyboy All-Stars, and the Daptone Records/Neil Sugarman connection, but I guarantee most of you have not heard about the f'ing funk machine that is -

The New Mastersounds.

Holy crap, folks. This is the stuff.

An amazing band of honkies from the UK, the band includes guitarist Eddie Roberts (whose new record "Roughneck" I'll be spotlighting next week), drummer Simon Allen, bassist Pete Shand and B-3 whiz Bob Birch. They'll occassionally have a vocalist here & there, but mostly it's an instrumental thing.

I've been digging around (and just plain digging) the NMS vibe and sound for over a year and a half now, and the stars are finally beginning to align. I'm proud to announce they'll be arriving for their first tour of the US in the Spring of '05, eyeballing dates in NYC, Chicago, SF, LA, Austin, and NOLA for Jazzfest. I'm working hard to be the opener for the US shows - if you think I'm the man, email the band and get behind me. Big Thanks to David Vandenberg in Chicago (the band's patron saint here in the US), and Simon Allen from the NMS for the dialogue. Let's make this happen, guys...

I present a "new" New Mastersounds tune for your approval - "The Minx" (right click & "save target as..." to keep the MP3).

A quick PS for those on the West Coast - The band has just been confirmed for the High Sierra Music Festival (I'm working extra special hard to be the first DJ ever to play the fest - wish me luck - they're a tough nut to crack), and I can't wait...

Cheers, gentlemen, welcome to America! Now let's kick 'em in the junk!

Jazzy Sabbath?

Tomorrow Night, January 13, 2005, you can catch me and my favorite Sabbath cover band, the Casualties of Jazz at The Lava Lounge on LaBrea. Looking forward to 2 sets from both of us, with lots of mashups and booties on my end, along with some classic jazz funk from the COJ boys. You oughta dl their version of Sabbath's "The Wizard". Cover is a measley $5.00 - worth every penny. I start at 9.30 PM, with the first COJ set about an hour later. Hope to see you there!

Casualties of Jazz @ Lava Lounge

Hey y'all... Lots going on.

Tonight, Friday December 3rd, I'm playing at The Lava Lounge with one of my favorite projects of this year, the Casualties of Jazz. If you're not hip to COJ, then download their version of Black Sabbath's "The Wizard," get small, and then come to the show tonight. Cheap door - $5 if you're rich, $3 if you're broke. I'm opening @ 9:15, band @ 10.15 -ish, and then me again, closing out the night with some rock, jazz funk and heavy soul.

Thanks to Jimmy from COJ and JJ Blair (svengali, dog lover, obsessive-compulsive) for bringing me on.

FULL DISCLOSURE - it is real Hollywood - it's dodgy.

So, because it's December (what with the Holiday rush and all), muggings are available by appointment only (courtesy of LA Muggers), and they have 5 different packages for you to choose from. From experience, I can tell you the Platinum Mugging Package (nicknamed "The Muggie") is the way to go. $795.00 actually includes the mugging, verbal abuse, menacing, and 1 night of "observation" at Los Angeles General Hospital. These days more than ever, you get what you pay for.

Fresh news about NYE, Jazzfest, the Jamcruise and my rash - all next week!

Peace and a lovely weekend to you all.

Casualties of Jazz - A rare groove tribute to Black Sabbath

My first MP3 post is from a Los Angeles-based jazz/funk project, Casualties Of Jazz.

About a month ago, I was in Amoeba Music in Hollywood, waiting to check out (which on the weekends can take 30+ minutes - it's not that the staff is lazy or shiftless, the place is as big as a bowling alley or grocery store - plan on 2+ hours for your first trip). In the true American spirit of the "impulse buy", Amoeba has racks of new releases, staff picks and cool re-issues within your arm's (and your wallet's) reach. That store never dissapoints when it comes to great taste and even better musical kitsch.

That day, I looked over to the racks to find this staring back at me...

Jesus, that's hot.

I can honestly say that I'm not sure which got me first - the Sabbath-like use of the letter S, or the hot, naked redhead on top of a Hammond B3 organ. I readily admit that I'm a dirty bastard, but being born and raised in Canton, Ohio, I was a metalhead way before I was dirty, folks... I bought the record without hearing it, and was suprised to find a sublime record of B-3-driven jazz-funk covers of some of the best of Black Sabbath. The record takes a moment to set in - the bombast that Tony Iommi got out of his Gibson SG is now replaced by the funk, soul and grime of the B3. Start conjuring legends like Lou Donaldson, Robert Walter, Jimmy Smith and Neil Evans, and you'll begin to understand where the boys in COJ are approaching Sabbath from...

For weeks before reaching out to JJ Blair (producer, engineer, photographer and dog lover) I listened to the CD over and over, from beginning to end for weeks. For me (and I think most of you), a rarity. After reading the liner notes and talking to JJ, I found out the COJ boys were LA-based studio guns-for-hire, and the idea had come about after a particularly soul-sucking session with a big name rock star (who's decided that recording a whole album of tired standards beats rocking out).

I've been fortunate enough to meet the drummer for the project, Jimmy Paxson (I actually prevented him from being hit by a short bus in a wierd karmic incident I still can't explain), and I hope to have a "Q & A" session with him very soon. He's very excited about the idea of playing this stuff live, so if you dig it, we'll twist their arms and make them do a West Coast show here in Los Angeles or north in San Fransisco this Fall. Either way, please give a listen to "The Wizard" and buy the record from Amazon. It's a keeper...