Philadelphia Jazz Stories Illustrated - Volume One

Philadelphia Jazz Stories Illustrated Volume One

For a few years the Philadelphia Jazz Project has been putting together this extraordinary collection that shares the rich history of jazz music from the city of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. This compilation contains tales and interviews from, or about key figures of Philly’s Jazz community. The memories the shared are accompanied by exquisite illustrations by an array of visual artists. If that wasn’t enough, the book also contains poignant essays from historians, music scholars, and an award winning radio producer. What more can you ask for? Jazz, visual art and history, well worth adding to your personal library.

Purchase HERE

The Freedom Affair – Freedom Is Love

The Freedom Affair – Freedom Is Love

Yo! This album shot me in the arm with a dose of raw soul and I’m in love. The Freedom Affair is a collective of extraordinary artists from Kansas City, three commanding female vocalist (Misha Roberts, Paula Saunders and Seyko Groves) backed by an energetic six-piece band. When they all come together under Chris Hazelton’s production you are left with nothing less than a masterpiece that rivals many classic soul albums we love from our parent’s record collection. The musicianship is really on point but I would be remised if I didn’t mention the powerful message in the music. The Freedom Affair’s debut album Freedom Is Love on Sunflower Soul Records is one of the top albums we’ve heard this year and it’s longevity will last for generations.

Available on all digital platforms but PLEASE tell me this is album is coming out on vinyl.

Adrian Younge presents Angela Munoz Introspection

Adrian Younge presents Angela Munoz Introspection

There is hope for the future if Angela Munoz’s debut album Introspection is any indication. We first saw Munoz live with the Midnight Hour (Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad) while they were on tour in Philadelphia. She blew us away with a tease of what was to come from her solo album and we were hooked then. This beautiful debut on Linear Labs Music is special not just because she recorded this as a teenager (impressive in it’s own right), it’s because she actually has the trifecta! Munoz sings, writes and plays on this album. Sometimes this is a lost art in this industry. Munoz displays a very soulful and personal album that is worthy of your ears. Enjoy.

Mr. President – One Night

Mr. President – One Night

If the cover doesn’t intrigue the music will! Like fine wine, French producer Bruno “Patchworks” Hovart keeps getting better with time. Hovart finds his groove between 70s disco funk jazz on the whole album! Featuring an eclectic group of vocalist that flow beautifully over each track. Definitely the soundtrack of any dance floor for “One Night” but you’ll go back to this album over and over. Well done Favorite Recordings.

Huw Marc Bennett – Tresilian Bay

Huw Marc Bennett – Tresilian Bay

If you are looking for a new direction in tropical vibes, look no further. Huw Marc Bennett has successfully pushed the limits of traditional tropical music yet still maintained the feel good vibes of why we love the music so much. This Tresilian Bay album on Albert’s Favourites provides hypnotic sounds that fill the backdrop of any island adventure. Sit back, relax and sail into the sunset with this gem.

Kid Sublime – Straat Coach

Kid Sublime – Straat Coach

Jacob Otten, aka Kid Sublime has a unique sound that cross genres of electronic, soul and hip hop. His production keeps evolving and his latest album Straat Coach on Inkswel’s Inner Tribe is solid. His first complete Dutch Rap album that we are aware of full of that boom bap beats we blast in the jeep. For that reason, thanks Inner Tribe for releasing on cassette along with vinyl. As a nice bonus you can also get all the instrumentals when you purchase the full album on Bandcamp.   

Sault - Untitled (Rise)

Sault – Untitled (Rise)

I’ve been playing Sault since their first release on Eavesdrop Radio. They keep getting better and better and that is hard to say as their consistent output and quality is top notch. Untitled (Rise) is an incredible follow up to the inspirational Untitled (Black Is). (Rise) feels like medicine that the world needs right now. In a relentless 2020 Sault has managed to channel their energy into genre skipping groves. The musicianship is really strong here. Just when you think they have put their all in the album, they turn the vibrations up. RISE INDEED PEOPLE!    

SCRIMSHIRE - Listeners

SCRIMSHIRE - Listeners 

Albert’s Favourites

Scrimshire aka Adam Scrimshire is a passionate melodic producer. Carefully balancing the lines of jazz, soul and electronic music Adam is able to connect the dots and create new ones that actually make sense. We’ve waited patiently for Mr. Scrimshire to release another full length. All the while, he has been dropping remixes and other production credits here and there.  Well the wait was worth it. This new album Listeners features collaborations with Joshua Idehen (Hugh/Benin City/Sons of Kemet), Chip Wickham, Soothsayers, James Alexander Bright, And Is Phi (Steamdown), Emma-Jean Thackray, Madison McFerrin, Ego Ella May (Tru Thoughts) and of course Georgia Anne Muldrow. A plethora of talent that is rich and lush. You won’t be disappointed! Don’t be like us and sleep on grabbing the vinyl.  

Georgie Sweet - Misunderstood

The future is bright and Georgie Sweet is a star. Her debut album Misunderstood on Futuristica is the truth and showcases her range and unlimited potential. Mentored by Simon S and Deborah Jordan (fantastic music in their own right) Georgie has blossomed putting her own mark on the soul jazz scene. It doesn’t hurt that she has some well know producers (Marc Rapson, Simon S, K15 & Mecca:83) behind the boards that have assisted in nurturing this young talent. Support this debut album that is solid from beginning to end.

Skeme Richards - Rock Latin Steady

Skeme Richards has done it again! Side A is “Rock Latin Steady” and “Bimbo to the Beat” on the B side are hard hitting b-boy and b-girl anthems. This release literally sold out in 48 hours! This is the second 45 release he did with RBMBoots this summer (2020). The first one King Cornbread sold out in a few days.

This release is not your typical DJ edit. First of all, Skeme is constantly digging and has hand selected two incredible gems to flip for the dancefloor. Rock Latin Steady is that joint that will rock block parties, park jams and Latin discotheques. The flipside of Bimbo to the Beat is no slouch either. This joint is deadly. Just when you have one groove it switches direction and takes to vibe to another level. Search the black market for this gem and DON’T SLEEP on Skeme’s releases.

RBMBoots

SOUND TRAVELER SERIES #32 FT. INKSWEL

"I guess with this mix I looked at the theme presented and the first thing that sprung to mind was the classic Mark Farina mixes which really influences me early on, I used to work in a convenience store 24 hours.. doing night shift and those mixes really educated me on finding a groove and riding with it. It was always about the beats for me from the start, I got into music through my dads love of clash, public enemy, prince and the likes and this shaped the way my ears heard things early on..this is I guess my take on all that together."

- Inkswel 

More info. at his label Inner Tribe Records

Mondomo- Theme from Mondomo
Jazz Spastiks & People Without Shoes - Herbessence
Funkwig and Denorthwode - So Much To Give
Freddie Kruger- Love Like Ours
Applejac - Diana In The Autumn feat. Sheckys Jazzy Tofu
Yesterdays New Quinet - Knucklhead
Fatnice- My Favourite Things (Buscrates Instrumental mix)
First Encore - Short Affair
J Boogie- Same Ol Thing feat. Rich Medina
Jazz Spastiks & People Without Shoes - Highly Recommended
Beat Conducta - Lost Lust
A- Track - Enter Ralph Wiggum
Madlib - Parklight
Inkswel - Mind Beats (unreleased)
Potato Head People - El Himno De La Barberia
Waajeed- The Dragon
Ras G - Yeah
Dali- The Sound (Aeon remix instrumental)
Ezroh aka Lake Wasabi- untitled feat. Blu (forthcoming on Inner Tribe records) London Funk Allstars- Junkies Bad Trip
Jaylib- The Red (Instrumental)
Basement Khemists- Vibrate (instrumental)
A Side 45- If You Don’t (forthcoming)
Detroit Experiment- The Highest
Mndsgn- Ms.Taken
Joey Youngman- Conflict Resolution
Planetself- Get On Up feat. Soulparlor & Mista Monk (forthcoming on Co operation)
Funkmaster Flex- Six Million Ways To Die (instrumental mix)
Rela - So Beautiful
Mark Rae- Lavish- (deadbeat remix)
DJ Cam- Bounce
Lance Ferguson & Planetself - Sky High (Inkswel remix)

SERATO - Mental Health with Dr. Monica Campbell

Mental Health with Dr. Monica Campbell

It’s important to check in with each other about what everyone’s feeling. Like physical health, exercising mental health is important for keeping ourselves clear and close to friends and family, now more than ever. 

Our Artist Relations Manager OP Miller spoke to a dear friend of his, Dr. Monica Campbell. Dr. Campbell has had 15 years of experience in mental health therapy, and we thought it would be good to hear from her about ways we can stay mentally healthy, and be there for each other. 

NOSTALGIA KING - DJ JUNIOR AT HOME – CREATIVE ISOLATION

They say that you shouldn’t go into business with family members or friends because at the slightest wrong turn, your business dealings could swerve off of the cliff and your friendship with it. Although statistically correct, that’s not the case with my next guest in the At Home – Creative Isolation series who I’ve worked with on a number of projects and have built a strong foundation with not only as friends but as brothers. Maybe it’s because we see eye to eye on so many things or because we’re both workaholics who wear multiple hats so the birds of a feather rule applies. Regardless of what it is, there’s no denying that Philly’s DJ Junior of Record Breakin’ Music and Eaves Drop Radio, husband, father and Professor (oh I’m sorry, Doctor) has a full plate that he has to organize on a daily basis so how does he do it all? Well let’s find out since he took time out of his busy schedule to sit down and chat with us during the world wide pandemic.

Check the full interview HERE

SOUND TRAVELER SERIES #31 FT. DJ BEMI

I wanted this mix to reflect the fact that good music is a constant. I have much respect for all the foundation music from the last 30 years. But I think it’s important that it continues to evolve. I have always graduated to the underground and this selection reflects that. If I were to give it to label it would simply be underground soul. I met Junior of Record Breakin', before the label started, as a DJ. So I knew that the output would be consistent. The artist from the label that have graced my mixes throughout the years include; Columbia Nights, Dotmatic, I, Ced and Soia.

- DJ Bemi 

There is You - melodiesinfonie                                      

GOD (FEAT. SAMPA THE GREAT) - JuJu Rogers                                          

Ever Between (feat. B.Jamelle) - Columbia Nights                                      

Sway - Kenny Keys                                           

Fear Of A Flat Planet ft LayFullStop - Children Of Zeus                                     

Euphoria feat. Teira Lockhart Church - HARRIETT                                             

Endangered Black Woman (feat. Andra Day & Staceyann Chin) - Robert Glasper                                       

C-Side - Khruangbin & Leon Bridges                            

Black Focus  - Yussef Kamaal                                        

Signs (Swarvy x 10.4 ROG Blend) - Joy Postell                                          

A Song About Timing ft. Nia Andrews  - Swarvy & Mndsgn                                       

Aya -  August Greene                                        

U GOT ME (Roane Namuh Remix) - Blossom & HOT16                                      

5 A.M. (feat. Whosane) - DIGITAL BONUS TRACK - REMI                                                 

Look Of Love   -  SPAZABASS                                            

Peace Begins Within  - Zara Mcfarlane                                       

B.N.H. - Brand New Heavies                                    

Where The Water Used 2 Run - Charli Umami & Jus                                   

Incense  - Edo Lee x Bluestaeb 

Record Breakin' Music Favorite Releases of 2019

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 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 2019. 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 year and years to come!

- DJ Junior

SOUND TRAVELER SERIES #30 FT. J-JUSTICE

For the mix, I wanted to give plenty of shine to Seattle artists. Sunking, Terror/Cactus. Sassyblack, Shabazz Palaces. Select Level are all from the 206. The Philly to Seattle connection has been strong for a long time going back to Digable Planets. The rest of the mix is rounded out by tunes new and old that I've been digging in 2019.

- J-Justice (City Soul broadcasts Friday nights at 9pm PST on KBCS 91.3fm Seattle, Washington)

Harvey Mandel – Cristo Redentor – Cleopatra Records

Helsinki Headnod Convention – Down on Bended Knee – Record Breakin’

Sunking – Rainier//Tallboy – Self released

Reginald Chapman – Hoodie (Foisey. Remix) – Fresh Selects

Terror/Cactus – Voces de Barro – Self Released

Columbia Nights – My Groove feat. SassyBlack – Record Breakin’

Flying Lotus – Actually Virtual – Warp

Nuff Pedals – Drive By – Gutterfunk

Tshegue – The Wheel – Ekleroshock

Theon Cross – Activate – Gearbox Records

Carolyn Franklin – Deal With It – RCA

Vaudou Game – Anniversaire – Hot Casa

Select Level – NVR – Wax Thematique

Deep Black Society – The Keys – Record Breakin’

Envee – Brotherman Pt. 1 – Local Talk

Envee – Brotherman Pt. 2 – Local Talk

Waajeed – Too Black – Dirt Tech Reck

Guiltybeatz – Pilolo – Banku Music

SOUND TRAVELER SERIES #29 FT. BRUCE PHILLIPS

Whenever I sit down to put together a mix, I like presenting it like an audio movie - if you will - telling a story out of many different elements. The goal is to highlight the emotional quality of the individual songs and to use those feelings as building blocks towards the whole.  Whether the songs have lyrics or not, it’s the feeling of which we can’t put into words that pushes the mix forward, hopefully touching your soul, and helping you to gain a greater sense of humanity through this beautiful art form. Heavy on Jazz influences, there are also light notes of Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, House, Funk, & Hip Hop grooves sprinkled throughout.  Enjoy!

Count Buffalos - Phases

Irakere - Juana 1800

Hugh Masekela & Hedzoleh Soundz - Lagunta

Mike Richmond - Dream Waves

Deep Black Society - The Keys

DJ Rels - Broken Soul

Woody Shaw - Game

Takesi Onodera & Los Onoderas - Tenha Fe, Pois Amanha Um Lindo Dia Vai Nascer

Walter Wanderley - Sambão

D.J. Rodgers - You Take Me Higher (Brazilian Lover) (BP Funky Intro Live Edit)

Ana Mazotti - Eu Sou Mais Eu

Ruy Mingas - Homenagem A Liceu Viera Dias

Mothership Konnection - Let Me Ride

Watts Prophets - Dem Niggers Ain’t Playin’

Eric B & Rakim - Eric B for President

Eddie Jefferson - Freedom Jazz Dance

J1 aka The Deer - Take Flight feat Raegan Fykes

Camp Lo x Dam Funk - Indigo Luchini (BP Live from the Decks Edit)

Malik Flavors - Dayscape

Oliver Lake - Africa

Joseph Jarmon, Don Moye, Johnny Dyani - Mama Marimba

Build an Ark - World Peace Now

London Excursions (March 2019)

We are pleased to announce that our own DJ Junior will be exploring London, UK 🇬🇧. During that time he will be doing some lectures and playing tunes at a few gigs that we are really excited about. Check the details provided & follow his excursions @recordbreakin We look forward to seeing.

Record Breakin' Music Favorite Releases of 2018

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 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 2019. 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 year and years to come!

- DJ Junior