Ill Considered - Liminal Space

Ill Considered - Liminal Space

Talk about a strong work ethic, Ill Considered have self-released nine albums between 2017-2019. This UK based group have made quite a name for themselves on the jazz scene. Their new album Liminal Space is out via the New Soil label. 

With the move to releasing with a label came a new lineup Idris Rahman (saxophone), Liran Donin (bass) and Emre Ramazanoglu (drums). This album is rounded out with collaborations with Tamar Osborn, saxophonist Ahnanse, tuba player Theon Cross and percussionist Sarathy Korwar.

Even know there is new names throughout the album the flow does not disappoint. The cosmic spiritual vibes you expect from Ill Considered is still relevant and shines. I would say though the improvisation they are known for during their live shows are a bit restricted in the confines of a studio session. 

Previous singles released so far include debut single 'Loosed' which finds the band trading Fela Kuti-esque sax and cosmic jazz flutes over the funkiest of grooves and 'The Lurch', driven by the rhythmic brass blast of multiple horn players, 'The Lurch' builds from its minimalist beginnings to an apogee of righteously fiery saxophones. New single, 'Dervish', out November 3rd, propelled by Idris Rahman’s powerful saxophone salvos 'Dervish' finds a heady meeting point between jazz expression and rock ballast.

Far from taming the untethered improvisation of the group’s live shows - which have garnered them a cult following and sold out every one of their nine records along the way - Liminal Space represents an expansion in scope, framing their intuitive approach to performance within the structure and arrangements of the studio environment.

For a group that breathes like a single organism in sound, inviting new energy into the recording process has resulted in what Emre Ramazanoglu describes as “a rebirth of the band in the image of what came before.”

The Filthy Six - SoHo Filth (EP)

The Filthy Six - SoHo Filth (EP)

Flashback to 20 years ago when the Acid Jazz releases where coming out left and right. I must say, that style of music really struck a chord with me and one I continue to play to this day. Well, The Filfthy Six formed during this special time in Soho London. You name the underground venue back them and they played it. Not only did they play, they smashed their performance. 

Fast forward 20 years later and many releases since then they have decided to go back to their origins and record in a Soho basement. This new EP Soho Filth was recorded live at the Dean St Studios. The musicianship is still strong! My favorite track is the Cannonball Adderley-inspired “Mr. Shmingle Bangle”, featuring renowned percussionist/DJ Snowboy on congas. This EP displays their fluid movements between, funk jazz, acid jazz and boogaloo. Looking forward to more filth in the near future. 

SOUND TRAVELER Series #34 ft. SvoLanski

The pandemic brought music enthusiasts closer together via the twitch stream website. Somehow i got to listen to Record Breakin Digs Jazz and Excursions there and instantly got caught by it. Being asked by DJ Junior / Record Breakin’ if i’d like to be part of the Sound Traveler series i felt honored and awarded. So here is my little contribution – a melange of old and new soulful, jazzy, funky records, that are with me for long or just came by. All in all tunes, that take me somewhere else every time i put them on the record player. I hope you enjoy the ride from laid back to body moving and back around again. A huge thanks to you listeners and to DJ Junior for making it possible!

The Daptone Super Soul Revue LIVE at the Apollo

Daptone Super Soul Revue – Live At The Apollo

YO!!!!!! This is what a soul revue is supposed to sound like.

Daptone Records has consistently released amazing music. This release is no different but a special one indeed. A true show, Live at the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY over three SOLD OUT nights December 4 - 6, 2014. 
Blinky Griptite is the MC for the evening and the music is amazing. If you have ever been to a Daptone artist show then you know what we mean. Yet, having all of them on one release, HOLD ON cause this one is special. The stylings consist of Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley – plus more by Budos Band, Antibalas, Menahan Street Band, Como Mamas, Sugarman 3, Saun & Starr, and Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens – then everybody comes together to perform a version of "Family Affair" at the end!

Definitely grab this one.

Scrimshire - Nothing Feels Like Everything

Scrimshire - Nothing Feels Like Everything

Adam Scrimshire has been busy during the last few years. Turning out album after album and top quality to boot! This being his sixth studio album is no slump. 

“So many of us head back out into the world post-lockdown, with a different perspective on the overpowering nature of it.

Nothing Feels Like Everything, looks deeply at how the absence of something can be just as overwhelming, whether the absence of physical contact, the absence of love, the absence of empathy and respect.”

This album is delicate yet approachable and completely makes sense as we ease out of a pandemic. I find myself mixed with emotions on this album. It truly does feel like a soundtrack to my current state of mind. Offering me a sense of calm and healing as well as encouragement and hope. Thank you Adam.

It was a pleasant surprise to hear legends Cleveland Watkiss and Ursula Rucker bless the album. Yet in true Scrinshire collaboration there are an array of talented artist we have seen him work with before. Some are actually friends of ours and others we are just learning of their talents. They include; Miryam Solomon, Faye Houston, Jessica Lauren, Emanative, Chris Boot, Bev Lee Harling, Frank Moon, Huw Marc Bennett, Pie Eye Collective, Idris Rahman, Daudi Matsiko, Vince Vela and Philip Harper.

"Throughout lockdown I've been writing so much, and when I released Believers Vol. 1 back in November, I'd wanted to bring people something that captured the warmth and hopefulness I think we needed in spite of deep political and cultural turmoil. But there were obviously very low moments, socially and personally and I was capturing those too. This album holds more of those times of loss and being lost, of solitary contemplation and meditation, of yearning, of anxiety. More than I've experienced before, the collaborations came through long and beautiful phone conversations, developing friendships with new people, rekindling and supporting older relationships, taking time and giving each other time, care and space to create. It's what makes this album special to me."

Thank you for this offering Adam.

Orquesta Akokan - 16 Rayos

Orquesta Akokan - 16 Rayos 

Powerful vibes of Latin Jazz. Orquesta Akokan is a contemporary group but for this album recorded in Havana’s legendary Egrem Studios. Bridging that studio’s history of descarga into a contemporary flow is captured on 16 Rayos. An effortless mixture of wonderful jazzy scoundscapes on saxophone and trump accompanied by lush percussion, bass and piano. Little hints of vocals here and there but mainly an instrumental offering. A nice addition to Daptone catalogue.

Badbadnotgood - Talk Memory

Badbadnotgood - Talk Memory

We would label this record as a bit left of center from Badbadnotgood – and that is a good thing. The group continues to mature and explore new directions in jazz and funk elements. A beautiful soundscape is presented here with lovely arrangements and a colorful sense of sonic bliss. It also doesn’t hurt that they included special guest; Karriem Riggins, Laraaji, Terrace Martin and Brandee Younger. Not to be outdone, the real treat is five songs featuring the legendary Brazilian artist Arthur Verocai. A nice balance to the group’s growth and direction on this album.  

STR4TA (Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick) - Aspects

STR4TA (Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick) - Aspects

Literally one of our favorite albums of the year thus far. A brilliant funk jazz album reminiscent of the 80s by served up by Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick, of Incognito fame. Just like many other Bluey productions there is an infectious soulful groove. This album is lean, with live drums, heavy basslines, and plenty of sweet keyboards too – all with a stark quality that's a lot like the best sounds of the post-disco years, when groups like this were taking things back to basics. Bluey always has a talented cast and this is no different including Ski Oakenfull, Peter Hinds, and Matt Cooper on keyboards. Grab this one now. The first pressing went so fast that they had to do a repress. Thanks to Gilles Peterson for putting out this release.

My only question is where did the name STR4TA come from? 

Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad - Jazz Is Dead Instrumentals

Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad - Jazz Is Dead Instrumentals

A really nice way of closing out this incredible Jazz Is Dead series. A little something for the collectors and music nerds alike. An instrumental album with a collection of gems from the seven legends that made up the series. These legends are Roy Ayers, Marcos Valle, Azymuth, Doug Carn, Gary Bartz, Joao Donato and Brian Jackson. All recordings in collaboration with Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad in Los Angeles brought out a beautiful mix of jazz, soul, fun and Brazilian vibes. The selections for this instrumental compilation may be a bit unique than the original vocal versions. We are fans of the whole series. Thank you to all involved for making this happen!

Jazz is indeed NOT dead.

Eddy Ramich Presents Croatian Blue

Yes, we are jazz heads over here at the Record Breakin’ HQ. So when we got wind of Croatian Blue, the debut compilation from DJ and producer Eddy Ramich we had to give it a listen. This project showcases some of the finest musicians and producers from Ramich’s homeland, many of whom recorded exclusive new material especially for the release.

Founder of Kontrapunkt, one of the longest running club nights in Zagreb and host of a show on the city’s radio station ‘101’ for 18 years, Eddy Ramich has been championing great music in Croatia and beyond for three decades now. Now residing in Berlin, Ramich’s deep roots in Croatia’s music scene have enabled him to feature some of his home country’s most exciting talents on this impeccable and carefully curated selection of music.

With the help of his friend, local DJ and producer Jan Kincl, Eddy began to search for unreleased tracks by some of his favourite artists and also to request original works for the album.

Focusing on fresh creative output coming through the Croatian music scene, the album roams from laidback Balearic sounds and languid jazz, through to Chicago and Detroit influenced House and melodic techno. There is really something for all music lovers on this compilation. KUDOS to Eddy for this one.

“It was really exciting for me to curate this compilation for one of my favourite labels, BBE Music” says Ramich. “The moment couldn’t have been better chosen, as it was just before the COVID epidemic struck, and so the album painted a picture just before the world was changed forever. This can only be a snapshot of the current Croatian scene. I am really curious about what the future holds for the sound of Croatia. Enjoy this small glimpse into the crystal ball.” 

Nomination for BEST JAZZ STREAMER

Yo, a little birdie hit me up telling me to check The Amani Experience stream the other night on Twitch saying I was nominated for something.

I have to say I’m truly humbled to be nominated for BEST JAZZ STREAMER with my brothers DJ Kemit, DJ Epik, DJ Selecta and DJ Sweet Tooth. Of all the streams I do RECORD BREAKIN” DIGS JAZZ 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

Thanks to those that encouraged me to stream in the first place and all that have supported. Much love to my amazing mods Dee and Kim that have been rocking with me since day one! Oh and #jr_jr says thanks too, he is often on camera with me. He was soooo excited.

To vote 🗳 go HERE

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

Thank you for your consideration.

Greg Foat, Aleksi Heinola & Teemu Åkerblom - Gone to the Cats

Greg Foat - Gone to the Cats

Let me start off by saying that I'm a huge Greg Foat fan. He consistently puts out amazing albums. Each release is a beautiful mix of modern jazz with touches of cinematic soundscapes, and meditative vibes. His latest release Gone to the Cats includes a Finnish rhythm section consisting of Aleksi Heinola on drums and Teemu Åkerblom on bass.

Recorded in a small cabin in snowy pre-covid Norway in the winter of 2020. These 8 atmospheric beat-laden instrumentals are ultimately a tribute to cats. The trio built up an improvised, spontaneous jam formula, featuring a jazzy backbone with Greg’ solos and harmonics laid out utilizing the new Moog grandmother accompanied with Fender Rhodes and the Roland JX-8P synthesizer.

I’m loving this project. Now if I can just get the vinyl here in the stated 😩

Jazzaggression · Foat, Heinola, Åkerblom - GONE TO THE CATS album snippets

Hugo Moolenaar "The Mocko Jumbie EP"

Hugo Moolenaar "The Mocko Jumbie EP"

The Mocko Jumbie EP released on Frederiksberg Records contains tracks from each of the late Hugo Moolenaar's two releases. This EP is a beautiful history of the Mocko Jumbie tradition that is a combination of disco, soca and reggae.

The second youngest of eight children, Hugo Leanzo Moolenaar was born on September 23rd, 1948, in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. His mother was from Puerto Rico; his Dutch-German father worked as a contractor, but also played the guitar and had a 6-piece band that performed at house parties. The young Hugo was a born entertainer. Watching his elders, particularly an uncle who played the ukulele, he began to teach himself to play guitar, practicing on his own. Eventually he began to perform his own songs as he gradually gained confidence and ability.

As well as being a proficient musician, Hugo would also become a highly skilled Mocko Jumbie — a performer of the carnival stilt- dancing tradition which has had a presence in the Virgin Islands for several hundred years, and which historians consider to have been brought to the Caribbean by enslaved West Africans. Carnival in the Virgin Islands was revived in 1952, and from then on it became an annual event. The two most famous Mocko Jumbies at this time were John Magnus Farrell and William Richardson (to whom Hugo would dedicate his second album). 

Hugo quickly became known as one of the fastest dancers on the 6’ stilts, and was renowned for adding kung-fu-style moves to his performances.

Hugo’s first album, entitled High, High, High, a reference to the Mocko Jumbie tradition. The cover depicts Hugo dressed in a golden outfit on stilts, on a palm beach, holding a guitar while Juanita looks on from the ground, holding their two children. Hugo’s second release, Mocko Jumbie Jamboree, came out not long after and also featured original compositions. It was recorded at the local Virgin Island studio Turtle Point. Both albums were self-distributed and feature a heady cocktail of island and popular sounds – from jump-up calypsos and kaisos to drum- machine modern soul and upful disco.

To his very last day, Hugo lived by his motto: “Peace, Love and Happiness Always”. 

Twitch University Panelist

Monday, Auguust 2, 2021 DJ Junior will be a panelist on @amaniexperience ‘s Twitch U along with @djicyice and @djlilicay Start time is 8 pm est / 5 pm pst.

@Recordbreakin Birthday Raid Train!

50th Anniversary of WKDU!

Welcome to the 50th Anniversary of WKDU!

July 17th, 2021 will mark the 50th anniversary of Drexel University’s free format, non-commercial radio WKDU Philadelphia 91.7 FM. On that day, WKDU began broadcasting at just 10 watts on the FM dial from high atop Van Rensselaer Hall. Throughout its existence, the student-operated radio station has remained a prominent source of diverse programming that seeks to provide a platform to artists and community members that would otherwise be left unheard. Now we broadcast at 800 watts!

The station’s longevity and the continued growth of our community has ultimately depended on the knowledge and experience passed down from one generation of students to the next. For decades, WKDU student staff members have drawn from the experience of their predecessors while incorporating their own visionary take on college radio. To celebrate this landmark milestone of the experience that WKDU has provided us all, we will honor current and past WKDU DJs for our 50th birthday celebration and raise funds for a significant technological infrastructure upgrade that will ensure 50 more years of the WKDU experience.

Important Dates

• Saturday, July 10th: Fundraiser kick-off!

• Sunday, July 11th: The Black Experience in Music (all day programming)

• Monday, July 12th: Zine Reissue Release!

• Tuesday, July 13th: Compilation Album Release!

• Wednesday, July 14th: Merch Release!

• Thursday, July 15th through Saturday, July 17th: On-Air Alumni Marathon

• Saturday, July 17th (our actual birthday!): Outdoor Bash @ Drexel Park from 2-8PM

  • We'll have archival displays of old posters and flyers, blasting WKDU on the speakers, a meet & greet with plenty of past and present WKDU DJs, and more! Open to all past/present WKDU members AND listeners!

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

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.