Lafa Taylor Last Friday Night

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

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

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

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

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