Thelonius Monk; The Life & Times of An American Original

I’ve just picked this up. It’s quite a riveting and fascinating insight into the work and lifetimes of the high priest of Bop, Thelonius Monk.

‘MORENIKE’

We’ve just completed the first half of the video shoot for , ‘Morenike‘ and currently working on post production. ‘Enjoy.

UNTOLD STORIES; NIGERIA’S BURMA VETS

British documentary makers Robin Forestier-Walker and Oliver Owen have been tracing Nigerians who fought against the Japanese in Burma during World War II. On VJ Day, the anniversary of victory over Japan, they tell the veterans’ story.

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OSUNLADE’S REBIRTH

I met Osunlade back in ‘98 during what was then my first professional musical trip to the US. Our very first collaboration together, yielded the much raved about and danced to, Soulful House classic, ‘Feel’s Like‘.

During his initial foray into the dance world, Osunlade was kind and generous enough to have me tend to his shrine and musical altar back in New York, whilst he was out moving bodies globally with his unique blend of African and electronic music. It was during this time that I crafted what was to become my debut album, ‘God-given‘.

I heard of few of the gems that make up his forthcoming masterpiece, ‘Rebirth‘ back then and my feelings of awe and marvel  pretty much remain the same. His musical range and diversity shine through on the entire record. I eagerly anticipate the records’ official release early in October and only too sure it will do exceptionally well, particularly among true music connoiseurs worldwide. Pay heed!

ONLY BUILT 4 CUBAN LINX, Vol 2.

Hip Hop needed this and the ‘Chef’ brews quite a feast on this tasteful blend of beats and rhymes. With Dre, the green eyed bandit and the GZA at the helm, the production was bound to be airtight. Enough of the auto tuners already. Acknowledge and support. Click on the image above to preview and purchase.

MUSIC FAN FIRST

I’m digging Eric Robersons new album ‘Music Fan First. It’s highly encouraging to see an independent artist taking on the industry on his own terms and winning on all fronts. I particularly love his ode to chocolate city’s finest on the sensual ‘Howard Girls‘ Go check it out and help spread the word.

STILL BILL

I sure dug me some Bill Withers. My old man dropped brought along a well worn copy of the ‘Still Bill’ album with him to Lagos when we returned home in ‘74. It was definitely a household favorite alongside the music of Fela, Marvin Gaye & Sunny Ade.

The new documentary ‘Still Bill‘ directed by Damani Baker & Alex Vlack, is an intimate portrayal of the legendary singer, songwriter who walked cold out of showbizz in the 80’s at the height of his popularity.

BLITZ!

Ghana’s finest, BLITZ The Ambassador, finally drops his long awaited masterpiece and believe me, it’s a refreshing and riveting piece of work. In this musical age of pseudo, 1980’s, half baked, music gimmickery we’re constantly being force fed, ‘STEREOTYPE‘ delivers on many levels and should do relatively well with your support and basket mouth marketing. Kindly tell a friend, buddy, aficionado, lover, foe…. all about it.

AFROBEAT CONCERT

Come one and all to check out the new pioneers of Afrobeat; Wunmi, Kofo The Wonderman, ASIKO & Rich Medina throw down live, heavy and in a Naija way at Le Poisson Rouge. Details above

OVEOUS MAXIMUS – FUTURE INTENTIONS

My boy Oveous Maximus just dropped his latest offering ‘Future Intentions‘ as a freebie mixtape. Click on the image to download a copy of some serious electro funk. The album features collaborations with Chachi, Quetzal Guerrero and Marshall Jones amongst many others. It’s a highly adventurous set given he’s definitely pushing the envelope here. Enjoy!