Bruce Phillips - Tomorrow's Dreams

Bruce Phillips - Tomorrow’s Dreams

Tomorrow’s Dreams is the spiritual medicine I didn’t know I needed. I listen to a great deal of jazz but there is something in the way Mr. Phillips has carefully curated this mix to ease the troubles of the world, slow down the hustle and bustle and get us off our screens. When I saw that Thanks For Listening was dropping this limited cassette I knew I had to grab this analog gem. An impressive assortment of jazz that I found meditative and intellectually engaging. Thank you Bruce Phillips for sharing your love for this music that you know I hold dear to my heart. Big up selector! 

Record Breakin' Music Favorite Releases of 2023

Who says there is no new good music?

This is the fifth year I have put together this list of most of my favorite releases.  (I did take time off during the pandemic) This is also my most extensive list with over 235 releases (music and a few magazines) covering all different genres in music. I say “most” because I always end up leaving a few off. Not on purpose, honestly the release slipped my mind and then I scream “How could I forget about this…or that!”  Nevertheless, music is a big part of my life.  I listen to a ton of music. Some I bought and others have been sent to me. (Now is probably a good time to say THANK YOU to all the labels and artist that have sent me promos. It is MUCH APPRECIATED but does not influence if they made the list or not. Good music is good music.) 

Anyway, if you listen to my weekly radio show Eavesdrop Radio [Fridays on 91.7FM from 6-9PM (EST) www.wkdu.org] that I co-host with lil' dave this list isn't really a surprise. This list is in no particular order but does reflect releases I went back to over and over throughout the year. It's great that so many of these releases came out on vinyl and some even on cassette. I encourage you to click on the artwork to find out more about these projects and support their music.

 I wish you all the best for the New Year and look forward to hearing more amazing music in 2024. I know Record Breakin' Music has some tricks up their sleeves. Thank you to the all the artists on this list and the labels for releasing this music that has been our soundtrack for the past year and years to come!

PEACE & LOVE

DJ Junior

SOUND TRAVELER Series #35 ft. DJ John Simmons

For this edition of Record Breakin’s Sound Traveler mix, DJ John Simmons (Chicago) presents an uptempo, four to the floor mix of modern electronic vibes from around the globe, highlighting the styles of Nu-Jazz/Broken Beat, Soulful/Deep & Afro/Latin House, with some Record Breakin' grooves featured as well. An energetic and sophisticated batch of uplifting vibes.

www.mixcloud.com/djjohnsimmons

Record Breakin' London Excursions 2023

Saturday the 11th of March I’ll be making my debut at the Library Lounge @thestandardlondon with resident and good friend @djbemi

Sunday the 12th I’ll be making my return to the @gotsoulevents playing those soulful joints all night with another good friend @heyessay1 down at @zokubarsoho

Looking forward to seeing friends in the room and making new ones. Come thru!

The Listening Room at LMNO Extended Play w Lil Dave & Junior (Eavesdrop Radio, WKDU)

The Listening Room at LMNO

Extended Play w Lil Dave & Junior (Eavesdrop Radio, WKDU)

Saturday, February 25, 2023 9:00 PM

Playing 5 hours of records selections in High Fidelity with Lil Dave and Junior of Eavesdrop Radio, WKDU.

RSVP Here

Record Breakin' Music Favorite Releases of 2022

Who says there is no new good music?

This is the fourth year I have put together this list of most of my favorite releases.  (I did take time off during the pandemic) This is also my most extensive list with over 250 releases (music and a few magazines) covering all different generes in music. I say “most” because I always end up leaving a few off. Not on purpose, honestly the release slipped my mind and then I scream “How could I forget about this…or that!”  Nevertheless, music is a big part of my life.  I listen to a ton of music. Some I bought and others have been sent to me. (Now is probably a good time to say THANK YOU to all the labels and artist that have sent me promos. It is MUCH APPRECIATED but does not influence if they made the list or not. Good music is good music.) 

Anyway, if you listen to my weekly radio show Eavesdrop Radio [Fridays on 91.7FM from 6-9PM (EST) www.wkdu.org] that I co-host with lil' dave this list isn't really a surprise. This list is in no particular order but does reflect releases I went back to over and over throughout the year. It's great that so many of these releases came out on vinyl and some even on cassette. I encourage you to click on the artwork to find out more about these projects and support their music.

 I wish you all the best for the New Year and look forward to hearing more amazing music in 2023. I know Record Breakin' Music has some tricks up their sleeves. Thank you to the all the artists on this list and the labels for releasing this music that has been our soundtrack for the past year and years to come!

PEACE & LOVE

DJ Junior

Vision & Spirit: African American Art - 1st Friday event

First Friday at AAMP with DJ Junior

Friday November 4th 5:00pm - 7:00pm

African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

$5 Advanced Admission I $7 at the Door

About DJ Junior:

Bruce Campbell Jr., Ph.D. also known as DJ Junior is a Philadelphia-based scholar, label owner, radio host, producer, and DJ, spinning soulful vibes locally, nationally, and internationally. He is the owner of Record Breakin’ Music (RBM) and founded Eavesdrop Radio almost 20 years ago. Eavesdrop Radio is co-hosted by DJ Junior and lil’dave on WKDU 91.7 FM and is a staple for jazz, soul, hip-hop, Latin grooves, afro-beat, and everything in between. He also produces and hosts the Dust + Dignity podcast. This podcast explores the connections between social justice, leadership, and music. As an educator and professor in the School of Education at Arcadia University in suburban Philadelphia, Dr. Campbell focuses on embedding relevant issues of diversity and social justice into his practice, scholarship, and service in the education field. He highlights experiences of underrepresented groups so that professionals and institutions can serve these communities more effectively. Dr. Campbell teaches courses in educational leadership, organizational change, urban education, social justice, cultural competency, international musicology, qualitative research methods and program evaluation.

Exhibition Descriptions:

The Black Healthcare Studies exhibition explores the adverse history and barriers faced by Black students pursuing careers in healthcare. Through mixed media and collaged compositions artist, Doriana Diaz transforms everyday objects and archival materials into afro-futuristic depictions of Black figures in healthcare. Diaz draws inspiration from afro-feminist caretaking and activism histories, historical research, and personal testimonials from Janita Matoke.

Vision & Spirit: African American Art, Works from the Bank of America Collection features nearly 100 paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, and mixed-media by 48 renowned artists of African descent, whose collective work spans close to 100 years. Artists in the exhibition include Henry Clay Anderson, Chelle Barbour, Romare Bearden, Dawoud Bey, Willie Cole, Murry DePillars, Jacob Lawrence, Whitfield Lovell, Gordon Parks, Faith Ringgold, Jamel Shabazz, and James VanDerZee.

CREATING A CULTURE OF DIGNITY AND JUSTICE: HOW CREATIVES CAN INCORPORATE SOCIAL JUSTICE ENGAGEMENT IN THEIR WORK

Workshop:

CREATING A CULTURE OF DIGNITY AND JUSTICE: HOW CREATIVES CAN INCORPORATE SOCIAL JUSTICE ENGAGEMENT IN THEIR WORK

DR. BRUCE CAMPBELL AKA DJ JUNIOR AND DJ SKEME RICHARDS

October 15, 2022 | 2pm – 4pm
Painted Bride – 5212 Market Street
Registration Required

Come learn, connect and network with professor Dr. Bruce Campbell aka DJ Junior of Eavesdrop Radio (WKDU 91.7FM) and Record Breakin’ Music. He will be sharing his journey and lessons of balancing social justice and advocacy in his role as an academic, creative and record label founder. This interactive workshop is ideal for individuals looking for innovative ways to infuse social justice strategies into their work. Active participants will leave the workshop with an action plan tailored to their desired goals for equity. Internationally known DJ and cultural ambassador Skeme Richards will be providing the soundtrack for the session.

Asian Arts Initiative :: 2022 Block Party in the Cut

2022 Block Party in the Cut

Due to the inclement weather forecast, we are moving our Block Party indoors to our building. Join us at 1219 Vine Street, 2–6PM!

On Saturday, October 1, Asian Arts Initiative's annual Block Party will bring together the community of the Callowhill/Chinatown North neighborhood to celebrate its rich diversity and creativity. In the 2022 iteration, the Block Party will mark the launch of AAI's Eco/Systems: Land Based Initiatives project. The Block Party will be an opportunity for the public to meet the lead artists, and to enjoy music, poetry, dance offerings, with local food and drinks. Join us! RSVP to the event here. 

Performance: 

For the second year, Philadelphia Contemporary's Curator of Spoken Word Yolanda Wisher commissions three radical pairings of poets and DJs to perform hour-long sets at Asian Arts Initiative’s annual block party. The performances, based on the Love Jawns: A Mixtape podcast format, will be amplified via “The Tower of Sound,” a custom-built 15 kilowatt system created by Dub-Stuy sound system collective of Brooklyn.

2:30pm-3:30pm

Sanam Sheriff & Rana Ransom

Sanam Sheriff (she/they) is a queer poet and artist from Bangalore, India. She has received support from the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, The Watering Hole, Pink Door, and The Seventh Wave. Sanam holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis. They currently serve as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Bryn Mawr College. 

With DJ roots within disco, house, new wave, and goth, Rana Ransom was a past regular at the now-defunct East Village staple Heather’s. Currently based out of Brooklyn after spending almost a decade in Philly, Rana has DJed at venues like Pyramid Club, Johnny Brenda’s and Dolphin. Apart from DJing, Rana performs noise under the name Tagine Dream and is the founder of SWANA arts nonprofit YallaPunk. Keep up with them at https://soundcloud.com/ranaransom. Photo credit: Alex Rueda.

3:30pm-4:30pm

Lyrispect & Q-Mastah 

Nina Elizabeth Ball aka Lyrispect is the Director of Programming at the African American Museum of Philadelphia. She is a cultural curator, educator, writer, producer and award-winning creative. Prior to her role at AAMP, she spent a decade as an entrepreneur while holding a sustained leadership role with the Brooklyn-based organization “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!”

Quoc Pham aka Q-Mastah is the founder of Dub-Stuy, a Brooklyn based collective and record label. Since 2006, he has performed in clubs and festivals throughout the US and abroad. In 2011, he co-produced the Dub Invasion Festival. Inspired by his multicultural background and rooted in the tradition of Jamaican sound system culture, his eclectic sets seamlessly mix Reggae, Dub, UK Steppers, Dubstep and other bass heavy genres. 

4:30pm-5:30pm

Sham-e-Ali Nayeem & DJ Junior

Author of the poetry collection, City of Pearls (UpSet Press 2019), Sham-e-Ali Nayeem is a poet, musician, and recovering social justice lawyer. Sham-e-Ali is the recipient of the Loft Literary Center Spoken Word Immersion Fellowship. 

Bruce Campbell Jr., Ph.D. also known as DJ Junior is a Philadelphia-based scholar, label owner, radio host, producer, and DJ. He is the owner of Record Breakin’ Music (RBM) and founded Eavesdrop Radio. He produces and hosts the Dust + Dignity podcast. As an educator and professor at Arcadia University, Dr. Campbell focuses on embedding relevant issues of diversity and social justice into his practice, scholarship, and service in the education field. 

Food Offerings:

Cookie Club Philadelphia Chapter

Assembled during the pandemic by Serena Hocharoen, Cookie Club is a group of 5 friends who love to talk about home cooking, family recipes, and diasporic foodways. Learning as we go, sharing intermittently and across distance, we also find occasions to throw down together. Cookie Club Philadelphia Chapter comprises Heidi Ratanavanich, Tess Wei, and Connie Yu.

Menu

Main Dishes (2 large trays each)

• Mapo lasagna w/ shiitake & king oyster, scorpion pepper, pickled celery/celtuce, dollop of something, finely shredded basil, bottarga

• Roasted squash & burdock with mugwort pesto, feta, pepita

Husky Salad (1 large tray) - Fennel, radicchio, cabbage, fruits in season, sesame

Gradient Dreams Kanom Chan (vegan) 

Amy Rivera Nassar of Amy's Pastelillos

The menu includes items that reflect the invasive history of the island. Puerto Rico was once a land of Taino Indians that would then be taken over by the Spanish conquest. The Spanish also brought slaves to the island turning this native land into a mix bag of Spanish and African influences. You can certainly see the influences in the food. With that said I will be offering pastelillos with the ingredients brought over to the island like pork, tomatoes, olives, pigeon peas and plantains. Amy's Pastelillos highlights one particular "fritura" (fried snack) from the island of Puerto Rico - the pastelillo - and looks to bring nostalgic and new flavors to the masses.

Pastelillos 

• Shredded chicken stew (in tomato broth with olives and potatoes)

• Pastelon (ground beef, plantain, cheese)

• Bacalao Guisado (stewed cod fish in tomato broth with olives)

• Yuca and gandules (pigeon peas) (vegan)

Recordbreakin Nominated for Best Jazz Streamer on Twitch.tv 2022

Wow, it is an honor to be nominated for The Amani Experience Twitch Awards BEST JAZZ STREAMER for the second year in a row! Much love to the other streamers in the category who I consider friends.

Of all the streams I do #RECORDBREAKINDIGSJAZZ is my favorite. Giving me the flexibility to be me and share my love for jazz and jazz influences with a welcoming community on #twitch Plus, I love making a different album cover artwork flyer each week.

Thanks to those that encouraged me to stream in the first place and all that have supported. Much love to my amazing Record Breakin' Mods Dee, Kim and Stovall ! Oh and #jr_jr says thanks too, he is often on camera with me. He is soooo excited.

To VOTE use this ballot ---> bit.ly/2022TwitchFinalVote that Amani created.

There are so many great categories and streamers to vote for.

Voting closes at midnight PST on Monday, September 26th.

Thank you for your consideration and congratulations to all the nominees for the different categories.

VIDEO of DUST + DIGNITY: THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF RESISTANCE IN BLACK MUSIC

Newark Public Library - James Brown African American Room - August 10, 2022

Join us for a rich discussion revolving around Black music’s sonic and visual response to social injustice throughout the years. Our invited panel guests include Dr. Bruce Campbell Jr., Ph.D Arcadia University, Dr. Lacey Hunter, Ph. D, Rutgers University, and global DJ Skeme Richards of Nostalgia King.

Bruce Campbell Jr. created the Dust + Dignity project, an educational experience promoting dialogue and advancing social justice through the exploration of the relationship between music, visual art, and our society.

Lacey Hunter received her PhD from Drew University. Her dissertation focused on the role of African American religious ideologies on racial constructions. She holds an MA in American History from Rutgers University-Newark and is currently teaching courses on African American Studies and Afro-American History, including History of Hip Hop. She is actively involved in organizations that help urban students transition into college, as well as collaborative programs for “at-risk” college freshman. She is also deeply committed to restructuring historical teaching and encouraging greater literacy rates among students of color.

Skeme Richards is a global DJ, cultural ambassador, foodie, pop culture preserver and creator of Nostalgia King. Nostalgia King spotlights and reviews musical releases from record labels and artists that continue to produce music from an analog aesthetic, on vinyl and in the areas of Funk, Soul, Jazz, international Soundtracks and independent Hip Hop while presenting it from a tastemakers viewpoint to the reader and listening audience.

DUST + DIGNITY: THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF RESISTANCE IN BLACK MUSIC

The Newark Public Library’s James Brown African-American Room presents

DUST + DIGNITY: THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF RESISTANCE IN BLACK MUSIC

Join us for a rich discussion revolving around Black music’s sonic and visual response to social injustice throughout the years. Our invited panel guests include Dr. Bruce Campbell Jr., Ph.D Arcadia University, Dr. Lacey Hunter, Ph. D, Rutgers University, and global DJ Skeme Richards of Nostalgia King.

This program will be on ZOOM. Please register here: tinyurl.com/2jz2cabu

Bruce Campbell Jr. created the Dust + Dignity project, an educational experience promoting dialogue and advancing social justice through the exploration of the relationship between music, visual art, and our society. Check out the Dust + Dignity Project here.

Lacey Hunter received her PhD from Drew University. Her dissertation focused on the role of African American religious ideologies on racial constructions. She holds an MA in American History from Rutgers University-Newark and is currently teaching courses on African American Studies and Afro-American History, including History of Hip Hop. She is actively involved in organizations that help urban students transition into college, as well as collaborative programs for “at-risk” college freshman. She is also deeply committed to restructuring historical teaching and encouraging greater literacy rates among students of color.

Skeme Richards is a global DJ, cultural ambassador, foodie, pop culture preserver and creator of Nostalgia King. Nostalgia King spotlights and reviews musical releases from record labels and artists that continue to produce music from an analog aesthetic, on vinyl and in the areas of Funk, Soul, Jazz, international Soundtracks and independent Hip Hop while presenting it from a tastemakers viewpoint to the reader and listening audience. Check out Nostalgia King here.

Deborah Jordan & K15 - Human

Deborah Jordan & K15 - Human

Someone has been busy during the pandemic. Deborah Jordan has been turning out project after project and they are all fantastic! The latest is a collaboration between her and Kieron Ifill aka K15. Jordan is no slouch when it comes to songwriting and laying down fantastic vocals. Ifill in his own right is a top notch producer that pushes the boundaries of alternative soul and jazz soundscapes. So it really makes sense for them to collaborate on an entire album. They have worked together in the past but they were songs here and there on various Jordan projects. What I appreciate here is this really is a concept album where they are exploring the ideas of humanity and being human. The songwriting, tone, production and vibrations from this partnership have really grasped the ups and down of the human spirit. This album feels like the perfect soundtrack for so many aspects of our lives. Seek this album out and let me know your thoughts. Now if I can just find a reasonably priced copy on vinyl without having to pay a grip for postage my “humanity” would be pleased. See what I did there? 😉 

Milt Ward & Virgo Spectrum - Milt Ward & Virgo Spectrum

Milt Ward & Virgo Spectrum - Milt Ward & Virgo Spectrum

Yo! If you dig spiritual jazz vibes, after reading this review go hunt for this record and purchase it! This rare gem from Milt Ward has been officially reissued by Frederiksberg Records and is already sold out in most shops and we can understand why. This spiritual yet very funky and soulful masterpiece is choc full of tasty grooves to fill your spirits. Milt was a master on the Boston music scene in the 70’s with friend Stanton Davis. Besides the wonderful warmth and vibes of this album is an extensive history of Milt in the liner notes of the album written by Bret Sjerven. Besides Milt’s wizardry, there is a tremendous lineup that includes the great Carlos Garnett on tenor, Bill Pierce on soprano and tenor, Delmar Brown on electric and acoustic piano, Cecil McBee on bass, and Ignacio Mena on percussion! Go find this record and thank me later.

Compass - Compass Rises

Compass - Compass Rises

An obscure group from upstate New York, “Compass Rises” is a beautiful jazz album the group self released in the early 1970s. Bringing together a wonderful combination of horns and lush Fender rhodes this album does a lovely job exploring space between notes in a sophisticated straight ahead manner. The group is made up of saxophonist and bass clarinetist Rick Lawn, keyboardist Joel Chase, bassist Tom Ives (doubling on flugelhorn), and drummer Al Colone. On the LP, percussion duties were shared across the band as well as an conguero, Ken Parmele. Big ups to Frederiksberg Records for the reissue of this gem. Grab it now before it’s gone!

Philadelphia Museum of Art : Rodin Garden Bar: Young Friends Night

More details HERE

Record Breakin' presents Black Jazz is the Key :: Simon S

Record Breakin’ presents Black Jazz is the Key :: Simon S

Black Jazz Records came along at a perfect time in my life and taught me so much about beautiful, rich and honest music made by some of our most cherished artists. I was lucky enough to find some original copies in Boston in the early 90’s, which proved pivotal to my voyage of discovery through jazz and fusion music from the 70’s. It’s not often that you get to select some of your favorite music on one of the most revered labels for someone you consider a role model and good friend. What an honor!

Simon S (Futuristica Music)

Enjoy! 🙏🏽❤️

Record Breakin' presents Black Jazz is the Key :: As Valet

Record Breakin’ presents Black Jazz is the Key :: As Valet

DJ Junior from Record Breakin' Music has invited some good friends to curate a mix of some of their favorite Black Jazz Records. Black Jazz Records was a jazz record company and label founded in Oakland, California by pianist Gene Russell and percussionist Dick Schory. The label was created to promote the talents of young African American jazz musicians and singers, and released twenty albums between 1971 and 1975.

First up for this limited series is our friend As Valet from Paris, France.

Enjoy! 🙏🏽❤️

Kyoto Jazz Massive - Message From A New Dawn

Kyoto Jazz Massive - Message From A New Dawn

Has it really been this long? I’m asking because I still play Kyoto Jazz Massive original songs and remixes they have done in my sets. I9 years later, we are getting the second album from KJM (Shuya Okino & Yoshihiro Okino) that has developed into a full band. The album was recorded with Vanessa Freeman on lead vocals, and musicians; Kenichi Ikeda aka ROOT SOUL, Yasushi Fukumori, Takumi Kaneko from cro-magnon, Kaztake Takeuchi from A Hundred Birds, Takashi Nakazato, Tabu Zombie  from SOIL&”PIMP”SESSIONS, Kobantschenko, and last but not least the legend ROY AYERS! I must admit, the wait was worth it. This album incorporates an array of musical styles such as Jazz, House, Boogie, Soul, Broken Beat and even Afro Beat. It’s timing is perfect and I would call a classic like their debut Spirit of the Sun.

I just hope I can get my hand on vinyl when it comes out.  

Moonchild - Starfruit

Moonchild - Starfruit

 This album is beautiful. 

 That’s it. That’s the review. 

In all seriousness, the fifth album Starfruit from the trio Amber Navran, Andris Mattson, and Max Bryk better known as Moonchild was well worth the wait. A cosmic trip of bouncy snyths and melodies will have you in a trance. The trio stays true to their signature sound yet stretches out a bit to test new sounds. It all comes together nicely with important chemistry that this group definitely has after ten years of working together. 

Oh but there’s more! One thing I really appreciate about Moonchild is their commitment to social justice. If you have seen them live then you have witnessed their call to action as they usually partner with a local organization and highlight them during their show. Once again I think they continue to make the right choices. They have collaborated with some incredible black women on Starfruit to make some as they say “goosebump moments” throughout the album. These women included: Lalah Hathaway, Alex Isley, Tank and The Bangas, Rapsody, Ill Camille, Mumu Fresh, Chantae Cann and Josh Johnson. “I was so overjoyed that they were down and I’m obsessed with everything they did!” Amber enthuses. “All too often Black women don’t get the recognition and credit they deserve for their incredible talent and contributions to the music industry, and in every industry, scene and space. Each one of these women has been a huge inspiration to us and we were so honored to get the opportunity to make music with them”. 

In a time of uncertainty, Moonchild delivers with some healing audible treatment for your soul.  

I look forward to getting my hands on vinyl of this gem.