Herman Hitson - Rare Georgia Soul

Herman Hitson - You Are Too Much For The Human Heart

DJ Dan Interview

This past summer I had an opportunity to catch up with DJ Dan - one of the key figures in the development of the underground dance music movement in the early 90's. From his beginnings with legendary DJ collective Funky Tekno Tribe to his countless productions and remixes, Dan has managed to stay relevant in the dance music scene for almost 20 years - certainly no small feat. Here is a short interview with Dan that I did this past summer at Connect - Saskatchewan's longest running outdoor electronic music festival...

DJ Dan Interview - Connect Outdoor Music Festival Summer '08

Who's Russell?

Singer/songwriter Alice Russell has made a significant place for herself in the music business by presenting a unique fusion of funk, soul, jazz and reggae sounds and creating something new and refreshing. Influenced by such luminaries as Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin and Jill Scott; her sound is rich and varied. Alice has worked on many projects over the years including work with Bah Samba(on Estereo Recordings), Quantic Soul Orchestra, Nostalgia 77, and of course her own solo efforts. Alice's latest LP "Pot of Gold", co-written and produced by TM Juke, was released this past November and is a rich and vibrant representation of Alice's many talents. Here is a Russell goodie to wet your palette...
Alice Russell - Humankind(Grant Phabao Tuff n Uff Skank)

Video Classics

TS Monk - Bon Bon Vie
Damn! I didn't even realize a video was made for this song. You can imagine my delight(and laughter) when I discovered this golden video moment today. A great track and an entertaining video to boot. Enjoy!

Rap Flashbacks

RUN DMC - ROCK BOX

Watching this video the other day I couldn't help but compare "Rock Box" to this track put out by MC Chill on Fever Records in 1986...
MC Chill - MC Story

Find out more about the legendary Disco Fever nightclub and Fever records here.

Give The People What They Want

This remains one of my favourite jams to this day - a great groove that goes on for days:
Give The People What They Want - O'Jays

Weekend Quick Picks

Here are some goodies to start your weekend off...
Nuff Respect - Lady G - A stone cold reggae classic!
It's Just Begun - Soopasoul - A new take on the Jimmy Castor Bunch funk staple.

"Souled Out" Tonight @ Lydia's with Dr.J & Bohdisava

After a busy holiday season and a short hiatus from the weekly "Souled Out" electronic music night, things are pretty much back to normal again. "Souled Out" will be in full swing again this evening with special guest Bohdisava. He will be dropping his usual assortment of house bombs starting @ 9:30 this evening and then I will be taking the stage at midnight. In the spirit of new house releases here are a few goodies that have been working the dancefloor for me as of late...
Dibiza(Solee Remix) - Danny Tenaglia
Tested On Animals(Joshua Heath RMX) - D-t3ch

DJ Pump - "Sevonte Swang" - Boogie Mix

My man DJ Pump just put out his latest mix effort - "Sevonte Swang" - a great blend of underground boogie gems. I received this a few days ago and have been nodding my head ever since. Nice one!

Dj Pump - Sevante Swang

Full Tracklist:

1) Cameron - Funkdown

2) Kool Kyle - Getting Over

3) Brothers Johnson - You Make Me Wanna Wiggle

4) Empress - Give In To Love

5) Brenda Taylor - You Can't Have Your Cake And Eat It Too

6) Take 3 - Tonite's The Night

7) Graingers - Shine Your Light

8) Firefly - Love is Gonna Be On Your Side (Dub)

9) The Fantastic Aleems - Get Down Friday Night

10) Young & Company - Is It Good To You

11) Rah Band - Messages From The Stars

12) Legacy - Word up

13) Status IV - You Ain't Really Down

14) Jerry Carr - This Must Be Heaven

15) Khemistry - I Can't Win For Losing

16) Junie - Jarr the Ground

17) Candela - Love You Madly

18) Amra - Special Kind Of Love

19) Jerry Knight - Overnight Sensation

20) Xavier - Love Is On The One

21) Starshine - All I Need Is You

22) Feel - I'd Like To

23) Armenta - I Wanna Be With You

24) Wizard - It's On

25) Roundtree - Hit On You

26) Simon & McQueen - Let's Get Into It

27) Carl Smith - Come Back Lover

28) Enchantment - Here's Your Chance To Dance

29) L7 - Mr. Boogie Pop

30) Woods Empire - Come On Give Me Love

31) Bliss - Groovin

32) Alphonse Mouzon - Our Love Is Hot

33) Debbie Trusty - Searchin For Some Lovin
34) Freeez - Southern Freeez

Reggae Rewind

Jah Jah Is The Ruler - Garnett Silk

Dreaming A Dream

Originally done by Crown Heights Affair in 1975, here is a version by Larry & The Exciters...

Dreaming A Dream - Larry & The Exciters

Ice T - 6 'N The Morning

West coast rapper Ice T(born Tracy Morrow - 1958) put out his first LP - "Rhyme Pays" in 1987, which featured the single 6 'N The Morning. Ice T later when on to do collaborations with many artists, including the Bomb Squad, and also found musical success with his heavy metal band Body Count. As well, Ice T has since become a successful Hollywood actor, appearing in the movie New Jack City and also starring on the NBC TV series "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit".

Leroy Burgess Tribute/Interview Download

Had a great interview with Leroy Burgess on the radio show on Friday night. Thought I would post the program in its entirety here. In addition to the interview, played lots of Leroy's work; including material off of the Throwback Sugarhill compilation, his house releases on Timeless..., and a new track from his forthcoming Continuum album with the reunited Black Ivory. The man is one of dance music's unsung heroes and it was an absolute pleasure spending time talking with him.

Leroy Burgess Tribute/Interview:
It's The Weekend(Throwback Sugarhill)
Fly Girl(Throwback: Harlem 79-83)
Midnight In The Steets(Throwback: Harlem 79-83)
**Interview Part 1(Approx. 25:00)**
Barely Breaking Even - Universal Robot Band
**Interview Part 2(Approx. 10:00)**
Mainline - Black Ivory
Arrogant(Timeless: The Chicago Project)
Don't Spoil It(Timeless: The Chicago Project)
Like Falling(From the upcoming Black Ivory LP "Continuum")

House Classics - Chicago Edition

Here are some classic house music moments courtesy of the windy city...
House Beat Box - Sampson "Butch" Moore
U Got Me Up(Underground Goodies Mix) - Dajae
7 Ways To Jack - Hercules

Interview With "The King Of Boogie" - Leroy Burgess Tonight On "Expansions" Radio Show

Pleased to announce I will be doing an interview with underground music legend Leroy Burgess tonight on the "Expansions" radio show. His impact on the underground disco and boogie scenes of the 70's/80's is far reaching and it is an absolute honour to feature him on the program. Show will air this evening 9:00-10:30PM CST on 90.5FM CFCR(Saskatoon). Check it on the web @ www.cfcr.ca

Here are some of the highlights of Leroy's arms length discography:

"Mainline" - Black Ivory

"Let's Do It" - Convertion

"Over Like A Fat Rat" - Fonda Rae

Video Flashbacks

Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five - The Message


Herbie Hancock - Rockit


Run DMC - Sucker MCs(Live On Graffiti Rock - 1984)

Rap Rarities - Part 1

In 1980 Clappers records released "How We Gonna Make The Black Nation Rise" by Brother D with Collective Effort. The record has since become a valuable collectors item among 12" rap collectors worldwide, fetching in upwards of $150 or more. To this day this release remains one of my favourite "message" raps - great groove and socially conscious lyrics combined to great effect.

How We Gonna Make The Black Nation Rise - Brother D with Collective Effort

Put The Boogie In Your Body

Here is a nice soul funk track from Family Brown which came out in 1984 on Buzz Records. The Chorus reminds me of "Lady Cab Driver" by Prince...
Family Brown - I'm Gonna Getcha

House Classics - The Saga Continues

Every once in awhile a song comes along that simply stops you dead in your tracks when you hear it. A number of years back I was listening to a radio broadcast out of Europe that featured a mix by Danny Tenaglia. Danny was weaving a beautiful tale of deep, hypnotic house grooves that had me completely mesmerized. Suddenly a warm, haunting vocal popped through the speakers and I could feel the hairs stand up on my arms. The track I am refering to is "Do It Now" by Dubtribe. Since its release in 2000 the track has become a mainstay in many a deep-minded deejays crate. Sit back and enjoy...
Do It Now - Dubtribe

Interview with David Kirton tonight on the "Expansions" radio show

I will be interviewing reggae recording artist David Kirton tonight on the "Expansions" radio show. Program airs 9:00-10:30PM CST on 90.5FM CFCR. Check it on the web @ http://www.cfcr.ca/. Here is a little background on David along with a video clip...
David Kirton retained the honor of being called 'Reggae Artist of the Year' at the Barbados Music Awards 2009. The evening's Divas including Grammy and Golden Globe winner Regina Bell and Soca Queen Alison Hinds held the spot light, but, when the Reggae category was announced out came the Green Camouflage. Kirton was awarded the BMA by his peers based on the success of his current album Time for Change, released by Barbadian Record label Bird's Eye Music and distributed by Universal Music in Canada and Right Recordings in the UK. Kirton set a brisk pace with this album. He is quick to say that this album was all about evolving his sound, position and scope, working with noted producers Chris Allman, Van Gibbs and De Red Boyz to capture and realize the final 11 tracks selected. National College Campus Radio Review Canada stated 'Kirton has written songs with intelligent and grabbing lyrics that listeners can relate to on many levels. He then wraps them in some serious booty-shakin' rhythms, and a shimmy of urban flavor that would be at home in any dance club.' The UK's Sunday Mercury wrote 'the new album from Barbadian balladeer Kirton has the crossover appeal to break him big in the mainstream pop charts.' The Mercury went on to compare Kirton's style to Michael Jackson, Craig David, and UB40. Three music videos, each one unique and individual all help Kirton's cause. They exposed his fans to Kirton's home land, Barbados, in his Time for Change video directed by Sundance and Pulitzer winner Tom Kruger, gathered celebrities and artists together for the highly creative Free to Fly that charted at # 6 on the MTV Much Music Top 10 and did not leave out the Caribbean beauties in BMA Best video & Reggae song of year 08 Green Camouflage. The eclectic mix he assembles not only applies to his sound that has been described as a hybrid of pop - rock and reggae but venues with 2008 seeing performance at The Royal Chelsea Flower Show, Virgin Atlantic Music Festival, Fashion has no Borders, Toronto and The Midem World Travel Market, London. Kirton seems to be right on target with his plans for 2009, all ready in pre production of his forth album which is slated for release in fall and tours confirmed for Costa Rica in February and the United States in March it may be that David Kirton's Time For Change is now.

Ain't Nothin' But A Party Y'all!

Somebody Scream!

I dropped this soul goodie the other night at one of my shows and I suddenly heard a high pitched shriek emanate from the back of the lounge. It was one of the bar staff, who quickly yelled across the room - "What is this? Sounds like some 70's porno music..." What can I say? Bobby Thurston has always been one of my favourite artists, though I typically drop his more uptempo tracks(ie. "Check Out This Groove"). Regardless, this track was a perfect end of night moment and gave me goosebumps while playing it. Sooooo gooood........
I Want Your Body - Bobby Thurston

"Check out" this Thurston classic while you are at it...

Luchini - Camp Lo

Utilizing "Adventures In The Land Of Music" by Dynasty(Solar Record/1980), Camp Lo put together this nice little head bobber back in '96...

Luchini(This Is It) - Camp Lo

Jungle Brothers Mixtape 97 Flavor Re-Up

Back in '97 I was working for BMG music as a street rep - giving out free product to people on the streets to promote artists on the label. One of the goodies I was giving out at the time was a Jungle Brothers mixtape. Side 'A' was all their classic material off their first album - mixed by Funkmaster Flex and with a vocal cameo by none other than New York mixshow legend Red Alert. The 'B' side featured material off their Raw Deluxe album. I don't believe this mixtape was ever released commercially - definitely a nice piece of hip hop history. Enjoy!
Jungle Brothers Mixtape 97 Flavor Side A
Jungle Brothers Mixtape 97 Flavor Side B

Guest Blogger - Warlord(UK)

I am pleased to have my man Warlord from the UK hitting us up with a guest appearance here on my blog. The man has hip hop crates that run deeper than most and it is my pleasure to post these goodies that he has so graciously provided. Be sure to check out his blog Warlord's Jointz here . In the meantime enjoy these tracks from his crates and please stop droolin...
Wizzards of Rock - Good Thang/Stone To The Bone(1987)
Sugar Kay & The Mighty Three - Rock On(1984)
Zero Hour - The Dark Side(1984)

Hip Hop History Part 1 - Bam

Rare Hip Hop Documentary

Gotta Have House!

Happy New Year everybody! Lots of new things on the horizon - just purchased an interface so I can finally start the mission of downloading all my vinyl onto my computer. Needless to say, after collecting for almost 25 years now it is going to be a major undertaking. On the upside it is now going to allow me to preserve my precious collection and unearth some rarities on this blog that I have not been able to present thus far. The bulk of my collection is 80's rap and 80's/90's house, with a good bit of reggae 45" and funk as well. Stayed tuned in the upcoming months for many treasures. Also, on a quick note I want to mention the importance of using this blog not only to share music with people worldwide, but also knowledge pertaining to artists and songs. As such, I will try to include background info on most of the stuff I post in order to facilitate this goal. Those of you that wish to contribute to the blog can contact me via my contact info posted on the sidebar. Also, I have had a few inquiries about the map on this blog. The link was made back in May, but I only posted it in the last couple of days, thus the inaccurate tally of hits. Looking forward to hearing feedback and comments from all of you. Thanks for your continued support. Keep great music alive!

In continuation of my house classics posts here is a gem for you to enjoy...

Color of My Skin(Swing Remix) - Arnold Jarvis

Cold Chillin' In The Spot

In the 80's the rap label Cold Chillin' was a force to be reckoned with. This label featured rap heavyweights Biz Markie,Kool G Rap & Polo, Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan and the first lady of rap Roxanne Shante, among others. With Marley Marl at the mixing helm the label and it's fully loaded roster packed a mean punch. Here are a few goodies from the golden era of Cold Chillin'....
The Bridge - MC Shan
Have A Nice Day - Roxanne Shante
Juice Crew Allstars - Juice Crew Allstars