western underground

I Married A Deadhead

2010-11-11T14:21:00.000-08:00

Phil Bombs Ahead!

Just A Few Shows

2010-11-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

The dilemma continues.

I Need More Shows

2010-11-09T14:13:00.000-08:00

Funny animation for audio addicts, esp. of the Dead Head variety.

The Clash - I'm So Bored With The U.S.A./Train In Vain (live

2010-11-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

I figured this was appropriate for election day.

Duane Allman - The Para Normal Amsterdam Concert

2010-11-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

David Lindley - Werewolves of London

2010-10-31T12:06:00.000-07:00

Something about this is just scary!! Happy Halloween!

LIGHTNIN HOPKINS " GOIN DOWN SLOW"

2010-10-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to a lot of old Allman Brothers Band lately and that of course makes me think the people that inspired them. On top of that list, as well as anyone's who has an appreciation for the innovators of what we consider "the blues" toay, is Lightnin' Hopkins.

Thank You Gregory Isaacs

2010-10-26T12:17:00.000-07:00

Back with a Bang

2010-10-25T23:52:00.001-07:00

Ok folks, my original idea of the blog kind of disintegrated with changes in my life. I am not sure where I am going with this right now but I still don't want to give it up. For now I am just going to post some videos and any information that I come across that I feel like sharing. So with that being said, here is a what I consider to be a very important public service message for all the intolerant haters out there.

No matter what your preference gay, striaght, legal, illegal, let people be people and stop trying to make everyone the same. Its your choice to be an asshole, and you have that right, you don't have the right to hurt other people or deny them their unalienable rights.

Mark Wonder Show Saturday In Eugene

2009-05-29T15:13:00.000-07:00

Gonna be spinning roots reggae at the Mark Wonder Show at Joe's on 6th Street Saturday night. It's going to be a great night of music kicking off the arrival of the summer weather!

Some Island Music

2009-04-10T11:18:00.000-07:00

Thank God For Hana!

2009-04-09T22:50:00.000-07:00

Been out on the far out shores of Maui exploring Hana. Super mellow, cool, and beautiful. Spent a night at Kipahulu, and two nights at Wai'anapanapa. The coast here is amazing. Some real cool beaches, red sand, black sand, little coves, lots of lava rocks and cliffs, and waterfalls, jungle country, veggies and fruit everywhere. Also old Hawai'ian archeology all over the place. Great place to learn about the plants too.

Here Today Gone To Maui

2009-04-05T17:02:00.001-07:00

Finally after lot's of moving, working, and other distractions I am on vacation. Here is a shot of the sunset in Maui. Aloha!

Been A Long Time

2009-03-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a long time since I have been posting. I hope to change that. Since the last post I moved twice, and still I have no internet at home. So bear with me. To get the ball rolling again though I thought I'd post a couple old albums of the week. This is just stuff I've been listening to while I work.

I love everything by fugazi. This first e.p. has always been special and always fills my needs. Great for many occasions, but great work music. I saw fugazi play before they had anything released, back at a friends art space in S.C. Some of the stuff they were playing made it on the ep. I remember Margin Walker vividly.

Another first release...Midnite's work unpolished has also been doing it for me this week. I often turn to these guys for meditative work power release. Maybe later this week if I can find the time I will post a couple tracks from each. Until then let's hope this is the start of a new beginning for the western underground.

Almost Back Online

2008-09-23T20:00:00.001-07:00

Yeah, I know I been AWOL for a minute now. Just letting ya know that I am still here just been a very busy September. Just finished moving again, and had a lot of out of town gigs following the Barndance. So I been on the move and my life is still currently in lots of boxes. All should be in order soon and I got some more stuff to share. So give me a moment and hopefully within the next week I am back to regular posting. Thanks for your patience.

ps. I got some pic's from the Northwest World Reggae Festival 2008 coming, and hopefully some of the Last Chance Barn Dance.

Last Chance Barn Dance 2008

2008-08-28T12:59:00.001-07:00

I'm off for another long weekend to the Last Chance Barn Dance in Trout Lake, WA, where I will be spinning records both evenings to open the show, and possible after hours. Lots of good people, great talented musicians, in a amazing location, and hell if you can beat the price of the ticket. So if you have no plans for the holiday weekend, and are low on cash but loaded with good vibes, I strongly encourage you to check out the The Last Chance Barn Dance. See the myspace page below for directions and details.

Last Chance Barn Dance Myspace Page

Talkin' 'Bout That Bass

2008-08-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

I keep finding myself sorting through the amazing amount of old blues videos on you tube. And here this morning I found quite a few more that caught my attention, but this one of Willie Dixon really stood out among them.

R-O-C-K-E-R-S Rockers!!!

2008-08-26T11:39:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist after posting the Kiddus I track, posting at least a couple clips from the movie. If you don't know this movie, go watch it, if you do know it, watch it ten more times.

Graduation In Zion

2008-08-26T11:14:00.001-07:00

I have been thinking about the movie Rockers a lot lately. Probably my favorite reggae movie of all time. I recently just got a couple albums from Kiddus I that helped me get on the Rockers memories. Here is the track from the movie that he plays in the studio.

Kiddus I - Graduation in Zion

Isaac I Miss You Man

2008-08-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

I am little late on the tribute to Isaac Hayes, and most peoples on the internets have covered it quite well. I just want to say that I am gonna miss that spirit, even if I am not down with the whole scientology thing. Man was the definition of that old soul sound and one of my musical heroes. So with that being said, I will add one last thing, I never can say goodbye.

Amy Winehouse Ska EP

2008-08-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Just came across this Amy Whinehouse Ska Ep that was released this year on a limited press 7". It is four tracks of classic ska covers, and she does a pretty good job at it. I know that a few of these tunes have been staples in her live set.

It's good to be back from festival land, and sorry about the gap in posts. We should be coming in hot now that summer nears it's end. Anyway, here is a track from the Ep.

Amy Whinehouse - You're Wondering Now

Ky Mani Marley Northwest World Reggae 2007

2008-08-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the last clip I am going to post from last years festival. It is Ky Mani Marley, who despite some technical difficulties in the first couple tunes, delivered a mesmerizing performance, definitely invoking the spirit of his father.

Ras Attitude & Jah Sun NWWRF 2007

2008-08-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

This is a clip of Ras Attitude with Jah Sun on a beautiful saturday afternoon.

Luciano & Mutabaruka, Rocker T NWWRF 2007

2008-08-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple more clips from last years Northwest World Reggae Festival outside Eugene, Oregon. First is the intro to Luciano's set with Mutabaruka on Saturday Night. His set was definitely a highlight for me. Next is a clip of Rocker T being backed by the Escort Service Band.

Mark Wonder Northwest Reggae 2007

2008-07-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

With the Northwest World Reggae Festival 2008 just over a week away I thought I would post some vid's from last year to tempt you just in case you were thinking of passing it up. The clip below is Mark Wonder being supported by The Escort Service Band, J. Ross Parelli, Lambsbread on trombone (The Instigators), James on sax (Reeble Jar). I apologize for forgetting the other back-up singers name.

More Blues Vids : Freddie King

2008-07-28T14:45:00.001-07:00

If you don't know who Freddie King is, well you should. And if you like ripping blues guitar licks that will just melt you, then watch these vids, and be thankful for the advance of technology that puts stuff like this on you tube, easily available and for free. Take your history lesson, and wonder why music today just does not seem to have the same passionate soul as it once did. And give a big up to Freddie for rocking so hard!

Jesse "The Lone Cat" Fuller

2008-07-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

I was just talking about Jesse Fuller the other day with a friend while playing a song of his on guitar on the porch. Today while poking around watching video's on YouTube I came across a few great Jesse Fuller clips that I thought would be great to share.

Jesse was an original one man band, starting his music career in the 50's when work became scarce after World War II. He penned many notable songs such as Monkey and the Engineer and Beat It On Down The Line, as well as playing a reportoire collected from years of travel across the country working different jobs since he left his birthplace down south in Georgia. Don't forget to check out the other youtube links below the embedded video. They are from a 1968 concert and are a must see!

San Francisco Bay Blues

Red River Blues 1968

John Henry 1968

Jesse Fuller Wikipedia

Sound of the City

2008-07-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

I have been listening to a lot of old school reggae from the 70's lately. I have found lots of cool stuff that is so hard to get thanks to the internet and blogs. I would like to give a shout out to the folks over at Jah School for providing this track in one of there 7" packs a while back. The track here is Sound of the City by Joe Higgs and Jimmy Cliff, released in 1978. The late seventies were definitely a special time for reggae as this tune will attest.

Joe Higgs & Jimmy Cliff - Sound of the City

A Tribe Called Quest and the A Milli Sample

2008-07-19T10:12:00.000-07:00

While I was reading some forums this morning I ran across some interesting information on the sample source for the popular Lil' Wayne track A Milli. And that information reminded me of a great version of one of my favorite hip hop tracks, which just happens to be hard to find for a lot of people. The track I am talking about is a remix of A Tribe Called Quest's I Left My Wallet in El Segundo by Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim. It was released on a 12" along with a couple other remixes of the same track by him. This is the infamous Vampire Mix. Most people can only find this mix on the ATCQ cd Hit's, Rarities, and Remixes.

ATCQ - I Left My Wallet In El Segundo (Vampire Mix)

The dancehall sample used at the beginning of the track was slowed way down and repeated over and over in the new song by Lil' Wayne and produced by Bangladesh. I particularly love when hip hop samples it self.

Lafa Taylor and others at 3rd Annual Tayberry Jam - Reggae on the Mountain

2008-07-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to post up a track from Lafa Taylor's cd Different. This weekends festival, The 3rd Annual Tayberry Jam - Reggae on the Mountain, outside of Cottage Grove Oregon, gives me the perfect opportunity to do so. Lafa will be playing there on Saturday evening along with Clinton Fearon, Jah Sun, Prezident Brown, and many more. It will be a great opportunity to see some great music at a great venue, Cougar Mountain. The Festival is three days with lots of bands all day everyday as well as many spoken word presentations.

Back to Lafa Taylor. He is a multi talented MC, Electronic Wizard, and Beatboxer. His CD Different has been out for a while now and should be in your collection. He mixes hip hop and reggae and often collaborates with Marv Ellis, another extraordinary MC from Eugene. You can pick up his music at his website www.lafataylor.com, as well as lots of other info and some free downloads and bunch of videos. Below is a video of the track Rolling Dough off of the Different CD.

And here is a track that you can download from his website:

Lafa Taylor - Making Love

When You Play Dancehall

2008-07-12T10:26:00.000-07:00

There have been a lot of mixes of the popular track Mad Again by the South Rakka's Crew. The EP has been a solid seller and if you don't have a copy go check them out. They have been responsible for a number of famous rhythms over the past years, most notably the Coolie Dance. Although Mad Again is a great track as are its many remixes, I felt that more of the EP could use some shine. Here are a couple more of the tracks that I like a lot. But generally the whole thing should be in the collection.

South Rakkas Kid Foreigner - Hotter Than Them (extended mix)

South Rakkas Sandy Smith ft. Geefus - When You Play Dancehall

Anti-Funk

2008-07-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

Betty Davis is a goddess of funk. The one time partner with Mile Davis changed the game with sexuality and funk. This song from her debut album has been posted on a lot of blogs, but I noticed that both Merl Saunders, and Pete Sears both played keyboards on it, as well as Larry Graham on bass. I love this whole album and it is a must have for anyone who likes good music. I have been trying to get my brother to give me his copy in exchange for all those records he "borrowed" when I went away to college (wink,wink).

Betty Davis - Anti-Love Song

O' Whadda Bam Bam

2008-07-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

Ah One, Two of my favorite early dance hall tracks. They've also been sample fodder for a hip hop track or two. Anyway, first up is Bam Bam. The song just kills it whenever, wherever, dancehall classic. Next, is Transport Connection, another dancehall classic. They were both ripped from the same album, a reissue of Sister Nancy - One, Two. Bam Bamm is on the famous Stalag Riddim

Sister Nancy - Bam Bam (Stalag Riddim)

Sister Nancy - Transport Connection

Oregon Country Fair 2008

2008-07-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

It's Oregon Country Fair time again. The annual festival of culture and crafts and lots of hippy fun happens next weekend. Always a good time and rejuvenating experience to refresh the synapse's and recharge the spirit to trod back in to the world of confusion with some hope and joy! See ya'll there, and if you can't make it you know we will be thinking of you. Peace!

Holy Ghost Post

2008-07-06T16:55:00.000-07:00

OK, so I am still feeling bad about the Bar-Kay's post (the low bit-rate's) and feel I they deserve their due. After all they are one of my favorite funk bands ever. Yesterday I finally got back to ripping some vinyl. With the Bar-Kay's still on my mind I ripped these gem's from this bootleg 12 inch I've been spinning with. The first is the real monster, and one that never fails to get a response from a crowd that likes some seriously deep funk, Holy Ghost. The b-side is named Monster, and is a much jazzier funk number, good for the beginning of the night or end of the night jams.

The Bar-Kay's - Holy Ghost (special 12" mix)

The Bar-Kay's - Monster (special 12" mix)

Summer Madness in the Summertime

2008-07-03T21:07:00.000-07:00

Here is a couple classics for that summertime feeling. The first, Summer Madness, from Kool & The Gang, found on both the Light of Worlds LP 1974 and the Love And Understanding LP 1976.

Kool & The Gang Summer - Summer Madness

Summer Madness was the foundation for our next jam by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince classic hip hop single, Summertime(released 1991).

Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - Summertime (DJ Jazzy Jeff Mix)

And a bonus:

And remember this (from back when MTV actually had music)?

Electric Feel

2008-06-30T22:49:00.000-07:00

Just got turned onto this indie rock band from Brooklyn, NY this past week, and everday since I have run across them somewhere on the web. They just released their first major label album, Oracular Spectacular, on Columbia Records in January of this year. The electro group Justice have remixed their popular track Electric Feel. I just found it today with a little hunting but it sounded funny through the laptop speakers so I figured I should sound check it on something else before I post it. So stayed tuned. For now here is the original off the album.

MGMT - Electric Feel

Ike-Turner Re-up

2008-06-28T02:28:00.000-07:00

Because I messed up with the low bit-rate tracks on the previous post I re-upped the ike turner tracks from a while back.

Link to Re-Upped Ike Turner Memorial Post:
Tracks Funky Mule & Ghetto Jam

Have A Funky Good Weekend

2008-06-28T00:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple funky tracks from the Bar-Kays. These guys are in my top five for favorite funk bands.

The Bar-Kays - Shake Your Rump for the Funk

The Bar-Kays - Let's Have Some Fun

*(dj's - sorry about the low bitrate only 128kbps I just realized)

Happy Summer Solstice

2008-06-21T09:23:00.000-07:00

Got a couple big chunes off the Roots Tonic Riddim from Hi-Score Music in 2005 to bless up the summer solstice with.

Chuck Fender - Higher (Roots Tonic Riddim)

Jah Mason - Mi Chalwa (Roots Tonic RIddim)

Northwest World Reggae Festival 2008

2008-06-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

Announcing the Northwest World Reggae Fest 2008. This festival was the best time I had last summer. Great Music at an incredible venue with lots of down to earth cool people, put together and run by incredibly cool down to earth people with lots of heart and soul. The sound system is one of the best in oregon and the line-up offers a lot to look forward to. You can get ticket info through the website link below. See you there!

Northwest World Reggae Festival Official Website

Enter The Blog Hole

2008-06-19T20:34:00.000-07:00

I spend almost every morning combing through the blogosphere. There's an endless amount of interesting and often very cool stuff to find out there, all you got to do is look. I figured I would drop a few of my favorite music blogs for ya'll to peep out in your own blog adventures. The blogs below are all of exceptional quality and updated on the regular. They are my first stops after the hitting up the java pot.

Outside Broadcast

Mic Check

DJ's Delight

Jah School

If you got blogs that ya'll are checking on the regular that you think I should konw about please drop a link to it in the comments section. I am always on the lookout.

Breakbot

2008-06-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

I don't know a whole lot about this guy except that he is french and a part of that whole french electro revolution that has been taking the world by storm for a few years now. I found out about him while surfing blogs a while back and have kept coming back to his tunes. I a lot that electro stuff is great but I don't really crave it or listen to it over and over again. There is something different about breakbot, something infectious. Here are the two tunes that I believe came out together on a 12" sometime in the past year.

Summer Party Madness

Happy Rabbit

Bo Diddley Rest In Peace

2008-06-02T10:57:00.000-07:00

Bo Diddley is and always will be one of the baddest motherfuckers to ever grace a stage period! A true pioneer of music. There will never be another anything like him. It is hard for me to imagine rock and roll with out him.

Yo L, Happy Birthday!

2008-05-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

Big L - MVP Remix

Djambi from Brazil

2008-05-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

Djambi are an awesome roots reggae group out of Brazil. I found out about them through a friend of a friend in Eugene who sometimes plays keyboards with them. I had the pleasure of seeing them last summer and thought they were awesome. So waking up on this rainy spring morning I needed some roots to get that irie feeling going and thought of this song I have had in my Ipod. Also check out there myspace and show them some love.

Djambi - O Que Sera

Djambi Myspace

RIP Jimmy McGriff

2008-05-28T17:46:00.001-07:00

April 3, 1936 -- May 24, 2008
A master of the Hammond organ, Jimmy McGriff's sound has had a permanent influence on modern music.

Jimmy McGriff - Blue Juice

Honey You So Sweet

2008-05-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

I have been jamming this tune for quite a while now. It's maybe getting a little old depending on where you live but here it still has got plenty of juice. The 9th wonder production is good stuff. Also here is an electro funked out remix I found last week to keep it fresh for the summer. I still don't have a copy of the full length lp but I plan on getting it. Lots of great production all over it, solid start to finish. You can't go wrong with the likes of Roy Ayers, Edwin Birdsong, Madlib etc...

Erykah Badu - Honey

Erykah Badu - Honey (Captain Planet Remix)

Got the Wild Style

2008-05-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

Came across this Big L video while surfing. I could watch this all day long. Man was the real-ness. Possibly my favorite mc of all time.

Z-Z-Z-Zelly Rock

2008-05-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

My friend Zelly is one of the most talented mc's I know. I posted a track from one of his other acts the Don Dignitaries a while back. He also just did an album with Sleep from Old Dominion, Combination Locked, that is a must to check out. If you are up in Portland, Oregon look out for him and crew you won't be disappointed. This is one of my favorite tracks from his third solo effort that dropped back in 2006. Zelly is king of the catchy hooks and this is no exception. Featuring B-Legit and Duna.

Zelly Rock featuring B-Legit & Duna - The Turf Top

Zapp-ed by the Funk

2008-05-09T15:04:00.000-07:00

So I been feeling the funky vibe of late. Been adding to my digital library, and this week just added some of my favorite classic funk, Zapp and Roger. This track is instantly recognizable even if you don't know the song, as it as been repeatedly sampled by hip hop artists, Digital Underground, EPMD, Biggy, etc. Time to start pulling out the summer party jams...

Zapp & Roger - More Bounce to the Ounce

Heart of a Lion

2008-04-18T23:19:00.000-07:00

OK, so I have been slacking for a while now. I will admit, though I have my moments, I am not always the best blogger. But with out apologizing too much, for it is my blog, here is something to hopefully get back on track.
This is a seven inch by Shabba Ranks that I got a while back. The Rhythm is a dubbed up version of Heathen by The Wailers. Shabba does great in true Jamaican DJ dancehall style over the old classic.

Shabba Ranks - Heart of a Lion

Shabba Ranks - Heart of a Lion (Version - Heathen Riddim)

Thank You Buddy Miles

2008-03-07T14:42:00.000-08:00

Buddy Miles (9-5-47 to 2-26-08)
The hard hitting drums of Buddy Miles have been a huge influence in my life. I have destroyed more than one copy of Band of Gypsys from endless play over the years. And it is no coincidence that some of my favorite songs on the album were Buddy's.

Buddy was a childhood prodigy and began his career playing drums in his fathers jazz band in Omaha, Nebraska. He played in many R&B acts as he grew up. Later he moved to Chicago and started Electric Flag with Mike Bloomfield. The band made there live debut at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. After Electric Flag disbanded Buddy formed the Buddy Miles Express, whose first two albums were produced by Jimi Hendrix. Around the same time Buddy joined Billy Cox and Jimi forming the famous group Band Of Gypsys. After Jimi's death in September 1970, Buddy performed with various line-ups under his own name, as well as doing many studio sessions for other people. In 2004 he reunited with Billy Cox for Band of Gypsys Return. In 2007 health problems forced him to cancel remaining dates of his west coast tour. His family has had a history of congestive heart problems, which is the likely cause of his passing. Buddy was 60 years old. He was the baddest of the bad, and Buddy we thank you!

Band of Gypsys - Them Changes

Jay Smooth and the Ill Doctrine

2008-02-18T01:38:00.000-08:00

Hip Hop is Dead (For You)...

Beating the Little Hater...

I found this blog, the Ill Doctrine, some months back. Jay Smooth has the longest running hip hop radio show in NYC. The show, called Underground Railroad, is on Sat. nights 12am - 2am WBAI 99.5 FM. Since 1991. Respect. His video blog site deserves some as well. His blurbs are down to earth, inspirational, and humorous. I have had it in my favorites for a minute now and look forward to the next post. And I encourage all to check it out as there is much more content than I can post here, all of it worth checking. Keep on keeping it real Jay!

www.illdoctrine.com

007 Shanty Town

2008-02-17T18:45:00.000-08:00

I saw Desmond Dekker a couple times back in the early 90's. I remember one of the shows well at a little club in Eugene called Goodtimes. He absolutely killed it. This rhythm has always been one of my favorites. The song is always stuck in my head after watching The Harder They Come movie. A lot of heat came out this past year on this rhythm keeping is as fresh as ever.

Shaggy ft. Rik Rok and Tony Gold - Bonafide
Red Fox - I Don't Think So
Rayvon - Arm of the Wicked
Desmond Dekker and the Aces - 007 Shanty Town
007 Shanty Town Version

January's Big Dump

2008-02-16T11:30:00.000-08:00

We got the most snow in one month, this past January, that I can remember for a really long time. It was a lot of fun. Lots of great, deep, days on the ski hill. But...

...keeping the driveway, and the back deck, clear was a bit of a challenge. This photo above was just three days worth of snow.

The 40 Watter

2008-02-15T22:00:00.001-08:00

Been listening to the second disc of this old E-40 cd a lot lately. The verse's on the second disc are classic 40 watter. Kind of gone back through the old school west coast in the rotation last couple days because of a couple posts in a forum I read. This disc is fourteen years old...get up on your classic ish.

E-40 - From The Ground Up ft. Too Short, K-Ci, and JoJo
E-40 - Ballin' Out of Control

Lafa Taylor Last Friday Night

2008-01-22T20:10:00.000-08:00

Got a last minute call spin this past Friday before the bands took the stage at the Summit Saloon and Stage. Lafa Taylor was in town, with Marv Ellis in tow, backed by the Escort Service Band. DJ Marko opened the live music for the night, again backed by ESB. The Northwest really has got some great music happening again. Lafa and Marv, both have been holding it down for more than a minute, but this past year the ante has been upped. They really know how to work a crowd up into a frenzy, most of whom I don't think planned on being frenzied up either. But you can't stop a good time once it gets rolling. DJ Marko came correct with the reggae riddim Jamacain style DJ banter. Check out all these guys when you can. And definitely pick up their music, which you can find on their sites (links below). ciao!

www.LafaTaylor.com
Lafa's Myspace

www.MarvEllis.com
Marv's Myspace

DJ Marko Myspace

The Mouse is in the House

2008-01-16T18:28:00.000-08:00

I just confirmed for tomorrow night to open for Eek-A-Mouse at the Domino Room in Bend, Oregon. I will go on about 8:30pm. It is the second time in less than a year he has been back in the area. I was at the last show, and was surprised by the turnout on the cold winter evening. Tomorrow promises the same I hope. And I just got set up with Serato Scratch Live (which is the most freaking awesome software I ever have used) in the nick of time. DJ Witts is moving into the future and with king of ad lib. Bing bing bong bong, bong bong ba bing, bing bing bong bong yeah! Cross my fingers that the laptop behaves itself. Here is a vinyl rip from the Mouse's famous debut album Wa-Do-Dem.

Eek-A-Mouse - Ganja Smuggling

Don Dignitaries - High Grade Export

2008-01-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It was a memorable year past and I am looking forward to a positive one ahead. I ushered in 2008 at the newly opened Summit Saloon and Stage in Bend,Oregon with my friends the Don Dignitaries supported by The Escort Service Band. A great time with lots of good vibes. The Don Dignitaries first full length album has been in heavy rotation in my decks for the past year. A memorable appearance this summer at the Northwest World Reggae Festival, again accompanied by the Escort Service Band, I feel has thrust them into the limelight as one of the Northwest's premiere acts. Definitely check them out when they come around. They are great showmen with a great live band bringing the best new roots and dancehall sounds around. And as a little encouragement to check them out and pick up there cd, High Grade Export, here is one of my favorite cuts from it. Big Ups to RK1 and Zelly Rock! No Hate in '08!

Don Dignitaries Myspace Page

Don Dignitaries - Original Don Dignitaries

Rocket 88 - Remembering Ike Turner

2007-12-13T11:02:00.000-08:00

Though most remember him for his abusive relationship with Tina, Ike Turner is known to music for recording the first rock n' roll album ever, "Rocket 88". He passed away yesterday leaving a legacy of musical history, as well as his infamy in the spotlight with Tina. He was an accomplished pioneer of musical talent and rocked the stage with his band the Kings of Rhythm, and permanently left his mark with his work with Tina Turner. Here are a couple memories that will last forever.

Ike Turner - Funky Mule
Ike Turner - Ghetto Funk

Tina, Ike, and the Ikettes...Proud Mary

Slow Down Sagg

2007-12-13T09:01:00.000-08:00

Root Down Jimmy Smith Live! is another classic album. Made even more infamous by the Beastie Boys in '94, it is the definition of acid jazz. Recorded February 8th, 1972. Incredible percussion (Buck Clarke), Insane breakbeats (Paul Humphrey), Funky Bass (Wilton Felder), Amazing lightening speed funk riffs (Arthur Adams), and of course the legend of the Hammond organ Jimmy Smith. The track I am posting here is called Slow Down Sag, and is a burner, start to finish.

Jimmy Smith - Slow Down Sagg

Appreciate

2007-12-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

Like to dedicate this post to my friends and and their baby Ellis who came into the world this past week. Was wanting to get back to some of that feel good hip hop here. And this is the track, my favorite of of Pete Rock's Soul Survivor II album. There are some good beats on this album but I felt a lot of the tracks lacked umph! Then I got to the last one and I played it like 20 times in a row. This track just makes me think about how much we got to be thankful for and how special life is, instead of it always being hard day to day which is how I view it a lot of the time. When I need perspective this is what I put on, that and some good Jerry Band tapes. The instrumental stands on its own as well.

Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Appreciate
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Appreciate Instrumental

Promised Land Riddim

2007-12-08T11:29:00.000-08:00

Can't believe I allowed a month to go by with out a post. On break from school for a month now though and I ripped a bunch of reggae 7"s that my buddy Scotty One Drop gifted me a while back. So I got some ammo to make up for the downtime. Sorry about the lousy photo, but all I got at the moment is the crappy camera on my phone.

Here is the Capleton track Words of Mind on the Promised Land Riddim. I like both sides of this 7" but the version really lets the awesome bass line shine. I have been playing this one out almost every time I have had a gig.

Capleton - Words of Mind
Promised Land Riddim

I'm Going Back

2007-11-05T11:03:00.000-08:00

Found this clip today of Lucky Dube performing "Back To My Roots".

Heads Up 'Cause We're Droppin' Some...

2007-10-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

Ya'll have to remember Jeru. Always a fan of Primo's beats, when Jeru dropped back in '93 I was all over it. Fond memories of the golden age of Hip Hop.

Walk Tall

2007-10-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone already knows this album. Cannonball is one of my favorite artists of all time. This album is as classic as it gets. This is the opening track with an awesome intro by Rev. Jesse Jackson. Also note the killer keys by the late great Joe Zawinul, RIP.

Cannonball Adderly Quintet - Walk Tall

Lucky Dube RIP

2007-10-19T12:45:00.000-07:00

We mourn the tragic loss of a great performer and freedom fighter today. I wish I had some music in digital format to post up. If anyone has anything I will post it. Until then we give blessing and respect to the most high in honor of a great man.

Read the message on his official website www.luckydubemusic.com.

Some Good Old Grateful Dead

2007-10-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

Going to start of this week with some good old grateful dead. Here are a couple of my favorite covers the band did. These are from the Henry J. Kaiser Auditorium in Oakland, CA on 11-21-85. The opening song originally by the Olympics, and the encore originally by Rufus Thomas. Anyone got the second set to this night? Don't know what happened to my copy.

GD-Big Boy Pete
GD-Walking the Dog

Dubs of Summer Mix

2007-10-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

As a last tribute to summer here's an old mix of mine in two parts. It is mostly instrumental and dub reggae with a few vocal tracks thrown in. All classic stuff here. I am not sure if I have a track list written down anymore, if I do it is buried in an old notebook. I made it so I had something good to listen to in the car probably like three years or so ago. I can't really remember that now either, but I still listen to it fairly often. Hope you enjoy.

dubs of summer pt1
dubs of summer pt2

National Front Riddim

2007-10-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

Another quick post. Still haven't been able to split up that mix. Big wind storm last night knocked power out for almost six hours. So to tide you over again here are some tracks on the national front riddim by two artists who were phenomenal at the Nortwest World Reggae Festival 2007.

Luciano-Traveling
Chezidek-Leggo Herbsman

Don't Know What Funky Is?

2007-10-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

Quick post here for the day. I am working on getting some of my older mixes posted up here. The first one I am working on is still too big to use a free file host so I got to split it into two parts. I just haven't had time find the right spot to split it up. So to tide you over until I get to it is a video I came across yesterday. Sly Stone and the Family at the Ohio State Fair 1968. People just don't get down like this much anymore, and if you ask what it means to be funky, this is what I would show you.

NW World Reggae Festival

2007-10-08T17:51:00.000-07:00

Well the underground has really been underground for more than a minute, but we are back now. Summers at it's end and Fall is in the air. Lots happened over the summer; some great festivals, a big move into my new place, a long trip back to visit family on the east coast. Through it all, and my biggest excuse for a lack of posts, I battled with my damaged laptop. Now I am in the process of moving over to a new one I got, though school and out of town dj gigs have been keeping me from getting things here going again. That is about to change. Just like the weather bringing a fresh dusting of snow to our ridgelines, I am going to be bringing some goods more often than in the past. So I will pick up close to where I left off...

This years Northwest World Reggae Festival was simply awesome in almost everyway. The new festival site outside of Marcola was a much better home than either of the previous locations. The music even with some absences was exceptional, and celebrity packed. The people, food, vending, etc...all fantastic. Even cool starry skies at night with an amazing meteor shower that lasted throughout the weekend. I encourage everyone to join the underground and come out to this great new annual northwest festival.

I had to create a web page for my web development class making a photo album. I borrowed some photos posted on the forum at the festival site to use in the assignment. I figured I would throw up a link to it as well as to the NWWRF site. I would like to give a big big up to all who worked in production to make this past years festival happen, as well as those who posted the photos on the forum. It made for a great close to an already awesome summer. So don't forget to come out and support this great crew next year!

NWWRF Photo's
www.nwworldreggae.com

Oregon Country Faire '07 Ready to Roll

2007-07-06T21:28:00.000-07:00

Ok so I been pretty busy since I started this thing. But in time we got plenty to contribute to this little ditty. I finished class, found a new residence, and started my annual migration to the fair land to do my thing to get our shindig off the ground and ready for the big weekend. So many good folks put in to make this the oldest running hippie throwdown, those still with us and those who have moved on to greener pastures. Just an awesome feeling to be apart of, so much teaching, so much learning, and so much fun. And no matter what you dig about it, really its the people and the community we create that it is all about. So get off your lazy bones and come check it out. July 13 through the 15th. Just like the Grateful Dead, its not that they are good at what they do, they are the only ones that do what they do!
OCF 2007! Spirit World!
And as a liner note: the 4th Black Sheep Family Reunion coming up the last weekend of July- be there or you's def. square. Make it happen and do something good for your world. Live a little and thank your friends. Much Love!

Lifeline, Since We Last Spoke

2007-05-23T01:04:00.000-07:00

Just in from a day of classes and now listening to some Roy Ayer, Lifeline LP. And for the new school a lil' RJD2's second album. Some of the best bagels ever on this shitake. Wish I had time to figure out how to make a post of some of this soul but you know it is coming. Til tomorrow. But just keep thinking for your self 'til then.

First Post

2007-05-22T00:48:00.000-07:00

First Post Ever. Been reading lots of good blogs for a minute now, and now I got my own porthole thanks to a class I'm taking. Just need a push to jump in the water. Keeping it short for now besides giving a Big up to all the inspiration out there with the music blogs available today. The Digital Age has changed music for good and some of the special stuff like hunting for old records is almost gone, but in some ways being replaced by new more connected ways of communicating and appreciating our love for the art. Music blogs are one of the best things I have found in the last few years, lots of info and friends through space. A bigger family, smarter family, with lots to share. Peace, out for now!