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Showing posts from September, 2023

The REFLEX Wheel Spin 7" inch

Here is a funky offering of a song that has gone up before then came down again. The French Producer Reflex, graces us through the Flex7 label,  and it's  an easy hit to remember. The Reflex, a moniker paying homage to Nile Rodgers' legendary remix of Duran Duran's 1984 classic, and a nod to the innovative Flextime tool in Logic Pro, showcases his mastery once again . This 7" record offers a double dose of creative brilliance straight from the master tapes, promising an electrifying experience for dance enthusiasts. On the A side, "Wheel Spin" (Revision) delivers a mesmerizing blend of low-slung grooves and soulful energy, propelling listeners to new heights on the dancefloor. It's a testament to The Reflex's ability to infuse soul power into every beat. Flipping the vinyl reveals "Giv It Up" (Revision), an infectious slice of downtown vocal funk that's impossible to resist. The Reflex's skill in breathing new life into tracks is evi

Review: Keith Papworth - "Hard Hitter"

It's safe to say that the Fat Beats reissue was a game-changer, propelling this gem into the musical stratosphere. This album, with its intensely sampleable funk breaks, found itself right at home in the bustling landscape of New York City's hip-hop culture. Its beats and rhythms became the secret sauce for beatmakers, providing the foundation for countless hip-hop classics. "Hard Hitter" went beyond being a simple musical joy; it became an enduring source of inspiration for a generation of artists. The beauty of "Hard Hitter" lies not only in its historical significance but also in the sheer musical brilliance that it encapsulates. Papworth's ability to craft intricate and infectious funk grooves is evident throughout the album. Each track is a testament to his mastery of the genre, with tight drum patterns, funky basslines, and soulful melodies that are impossible to resist. The Dynamite Cuts reissue ensures that a new generation of music enthusiasts c

Album Review - Fresh out - Sylvester Album - Private Recordings August 1970 LP + booklet

Sylvester's "Private Recordings August 1970" LP, released by Dark Entries US, offers a captivating glimpse into the multifaceted talent of the influential disco legend. While most remember Sylvester for his chart-topping hits like "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)," this album delves into a completely different musical realm, showcasing his deep appreciation for vintage jazz, blues, and gospel sounds. The collection comprises nine recordings of old-time classics, each lasting around 2-3 minutes. Listening to these tracks, it's as if you're transported back in time to the studio with Sylvester and his collaborator, pianist and record collector Peter Mintun. Their partnership paints a vivid picture of an artist exploring his musical roots and experimenting with a different sonic landscape. One can't help but be struck by Sylvester's unique falsetto, a precursor to the mesmerizing vocal style that would define his later, more famous works in the disco

Musical Instruments of the Ancient World: A Forgotten Legacy

In this exploration, we delve into the fascinating history of 10 ancient musical instruments that have left an indelible mark on music, influencing the design of instruments we know and love today. Music has been an integral part of human culture for millennia. While we often celebrate modern instruments and songs made with the use of VST plugins and virtual synthesizers, it's crucial NOT to forget the ancient musical treasures that paved the way for contemporary soundscapes and ritual music. Here are some of those brilliant instruments. 1. Sistrum Origin: Ancient Egypt History: The sistrum was a sacred percussion instrument used in religious rituals and celebrations. Its jingling sound was thought to appease the gods and drive away evil spirits. Influence: The concept of shaking or rattling objects to produce sound influenced the development of various modern percussion instruments, including maracas and tambourines. 2. Didgeridoo Origin: Indigenous Australia History: The didgerid

Grooving through Time with Giorgio Moroder's Italian Disco Hit - "From Here to Eternity"

I'm thrilled to dive into the vibrant world of Italian Disco and shine the spotlight on a timeless gem: "From Here to Eternity" by the legendary Giorgio Moroder. Get ready to embark on a disco-fueled adventure as we explore this iconic track that has been captivating audiences since its release. Let's lace up our dancing shoes and step back in time to experience the magic of this Italian Disco masterpiece! Released in 1977, "From Here to Eternity" instantly became a sensation and solidified Giorgio Moroder's status as a trailblazer in the world of electronic music. This pulsating track takes you on a journey through funky basslines, infectious synthesizers, and hypnotic beats, leaving you with an irresistible urge to hit the dance floor. Right from the start, "From Here to Eternity" grabs your attention with its pulsating rhythm. The iconic synth-driven intro sets the tone for what's to come, building anticipation for the groove that's

The recent strides made in AI tools and their applications

In a world where technology continues to push the boundaries of human imagination, the recent strides made in AI tools and their applications invite us to ponder the limits of creativity, reality, and our own existence. Last night we went on a journey through an awe-inspiring keyhole and into a rabbit hole with AI tools, all while invoking the spirit of the timeless Stevie Wonder classic, "For Once in My Life." So last night we took a video see below and rendered it. In this particular version the legendary Stevie Wonder was notably absent. Instead, we were drinking at the bar with the talents of Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, and Vikki Carr as they lent their voices to a rendition of the song. It was a reminder that even in the absence of the original, the essence of an artist can be carried forward by others. Our minds have the power to conjure the presence of Stevie Wonder through the voices of these talented artists, demonstrating the profound connection between music, memory,

History Unveiled: Funk Music Legends James Brown and Parliament

The music industry experienced significant changes during the 1970s, and funk music emerged as an exhilarating new genre. James Brown and Parliament were two iconic figures who left a lasting impact during this era. In this post, we will delve into the history of these influential artists, exploring their contributions to the funk scene and their influence on modern music. We will examine what set James Brown's style apart and how Parliament revolutionized the game with their innovative sound. Additionally, we will highlight some of their most popular songs and assess their legacy to understand how they continue to inspire musicians today. Join us as we embark on a nostalgic journey to explore the captivating world of funk music legends!  The birth of a legend and the rise of the Godfather James Brown, the iconic "Godfather of Soul," played a pivotal role in pioneering the funk genre. His unique fusion of R&B and soul set the stage for a new era of music, captivating

Brokli's - 'Cocaina': A Soulful Journey Through Time and Space and into your mind

Today we're taking a trip down the echo chamber to celebrate the anniversary of a little-known gem that hit the airwaves last year. On September 17, 2022, the Manchester-based musician, Brokli, gifted the world with an A-side single that left us all in awe:  Before we delve into the intricate details of Brokli's addictive soul track "Cocaina," let's take a moment to acknowledge the artist's truly audacious feat. Not only did Brokli embark on a trans-formative journey to recreate "Cocaina," but he also took the opportunity to convert his entire EP, "Curls," which was initially unleashed upon the world in the same unforgettable year, 2022. An EP Reimagined "Curls," Brokli's debut EP from 2022, was a collection of sonic gems that left us yearning for more. It hinted at the artist's innate talent for crafting music that transcends and melts old 70s soul, funk and disco into a new to be redefined dish or music. A Cosmic Vision