Entries from June 2010
June 30, 2010
Cheers to Esperanza for the heads up on Lint’s lo-fi performance at Blast Surf and Skate in Playa del Ray, CA. Check “The 11th Hour” (video/mp3) and “Olympia, WA” (video/mp3).
Madlib serves up a rare interview in the latest edition of LA Weekly. Check Jeff Weiss’ three-page article here.
Psyched about the newest installment of the Madlib Medicine Show series. High Jazz serves up more vibes from the Yesterdays Universe with the addition of a few new projects to the collective. Sick.
Aloe Blacc showcases a few tunes, off his upcoming album Good Things, at La Favela Chic in Paris. Counting the days until this record drops.
Need to catch up on the quality releases from Colored-Inc. Especially the Hard 2 Find series! Give their jukebox a listen for a superb mix of tunes from their catalog including an exclusive Grant Phabao ‘Jazz Rework’ version of “Could Be Bitter” from Carlton Livingston’s Bridge of Life LP. Couple freebies are on offer over there as well. Grab Franck Biyong & Massak’s Afro-Beat tune “U.P.C.” off the Visions of Kamerun LP and Doctor L’s Spiritual Jazz x Slam Poetry tune “Vocal Kid-Napping” off his Land-Escape LP.
Hadn’t been over to Voodoo Funk in quite some time. Frank’s photos from a trip to Ghana and Nigeria earlier this year are on another level! Check ’em out. (Pic.1, Pic.2, Pic.3) Holy shit!
Check the sounds from the collaboration between Dr. Lloyd Miller and the Heliocentrics on their self-titled Strut release. Dig the vibes here.
Detailing the events that led up to the ‘Red Shirt’ protests, that took place from March until May in the Ratchaprasong district of Bangkok, would take way too long. To reference the issue, visit the Bangkok Post’s timeline titled ‘A Decade of Thai Politics’. Glad the conflict is over and some normalcy has been restored to the capital. Interesting to follow the daily events and see how it escalated. Had to wait for it all to calm down before heading there since the U.S. Embassy is located where the heart of the conflict took place and I was not afforded the time to just go and wait it out. Probably best for me as I would have undoubtedly put myself in a dangerous position by being overly curious to check out the situation. Ended up there a few weeks after and, aside from CentralWorld including Zen and other surrounding buildings being torched beyond repair, there was little to no evidence of any two-month standoff on the very streets where it all took place. The Big Clean-Up Day definitely accomplished its task. However, the damage had already been done in ways beyond physical evidence. Now, it is just waiting to see what event will take place next, when it will be and where. Check the Big Picture for some astounding photographs of it all. Set #1 and Set #2.
Followed the NBA Playoffs via the choice selection of videos available at NBA.com. Would love to check the hardwood action via a live feed, but I ain’t got it. However, I tuned in to NBA Radio for Game 7 of the Finals recently. Nice to hear the voices of some of my favorite announcers in The Association; Jim Durham, Hubie Brown and Dr. Jack Ramsay. Legendary crew. Respect to the Lakers for grabbin’ the rings for 2010. Champions hold down home court for the last two games of a series and they did just that. Tip of the hat to the purple and gold.
Well executed shirt on someone’s behalf for this sweet Phil Jackson shirt. 11 rings for the Zen Master!
The Golden State Warriors unveiled their new logo for the upcoming 2010-11 season and it is surely the best jersey The Association has seen in years. Inspired by “The City” jersey from 1966-71 (aka the most boss hoops jersey of all time) and others from that era. Killer! That Secondary Logo B would make a boss lid for sure.
It’s World Cup time! Reason enough to finally purchase a television. First time I’ve had one of those in two and a half years and after flippin’ through the channels available on local cable, I was missing out on nothing exciting at all. Nice to have these games at the click of a button though. My selections to view the matches are either the Thai feed on Channels 3 or 7 with a clear picture and Thai commentary or the Astro Sports feed from Malaysia with a fuzzy picture and English commentary. I’ve opted for the Thai feed with a low volume and Dancehall/Dub vibes on the hi-fi (reminds of the State Street Soundsystem days back in 2002), then switching to the other feed at an eventful moment for some proper insight. Enjoyable thus far except for the horrendous sound of the vuvuzelas and the absolutely pathetic officiating.
Speaking of that Astro Sports feed. Malaysia, time to check yourself in the commercials department. At the half, they feature some of the dumbest fucking commercials I’ve ever seen. Amazing these things get funded by companies. Example #1: MYEG.com. (shown immediately after the first half of every single match). Example #2: Cap Tangan’s Ngan Yin peanuts. (shown immediately after the MYEG.com commercial every single damn time).
While flipping the channels, I’ve seen very little awesome programming and a whole heap of garbage. Among the awesomeness were these: Speargun Hunter, Bob Munden using a revolver to open a safety pin by grazing the side of it from 15 yards away (no video, but downright amazing!), Michael Yon interview on MCOT, BBC World News, Buddha Bless’ video for “Fire“, Monster Fish, Boomerang (hilarious to watch classic cartoons overdubbed in Thai).
Among the garbage were these: FOX News, Goldfrapp’s video for “Alive” (huh?), Star Channel from India (no video but some of the weirdest programming ever, like an acid trip gone wrong), Barney and so many other things that left me scratching my head.
This one is for Khun Ree. Captured among the insanity of Khao San Road in Bangkok. Remember this song (the first one in the video) from Phuket Town niteclub days.
http://www.thegoldbrick.net/video/khaosanvibes.flv
Overheard on Khao San Road: “Yo brotha, can you spare a dollar?” – Guy from the States. Took me by surprise since asking for money is not a normal practice in Thailand and hilarious in the sense that if you are going to beg in a different country at least ask for the proper currency and find a place to do it that is not flooded with low-budget backpackers. Dumbass.
I’ve passed by this shop, in Phuket Town, a million times and have been wanting to post a picture of it for years. Its name is Goo!.net. 555.
Collection of photographs taken in the last couple months.
Haad Bo Le, Koh Yao Yai
Ao Lo Pha Lai, Koh Yao Yai
Ao Pileh, Koh Phi Phi Le
Rasada Pier, Phuket Town
High Above Samut Prakan
Vespas and World Cup Fever on Khao San Road
Don Sak, Surat Thani on the way to Koh Samui
My Backyard in Lamai, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
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June 27, 2010
This long unavailable set from Trinity, born Wade Brammer, is one of the most coherent statements ever committed to wax by any Jamaican deejay. Produced by roots master Yabby You, the album made a brief appearance in 1977 before disappearing completely. With Trinity riding some of Yabby’s deepest roots rhythms and all cuts mixed at King Tubby’s, this is simply essential.
“My name is Trinity, passin through the community, in any vicinity. Strictly dancehall me a come from, the steel horn business – Tubby’s, Tippertone, El Paso. Right now, me come from the ghetto, yuh hear me man?”
Trinity – Shanty Town Determination 1976-78; Blood and Fire, 2000
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June 24, 2010
Cue up “Soul Vibrations,” the first track on Dorothy Ashby’s Afro-Harping, and revel: a one-note syncopated bassline over a slamming drumbeat that you’re sure you’ve heard sampled somewhere. Enter the double-tracked theremins, followed by swoopy strings. Next, over the relentless beat, an echo-plexed harp solo by Ashby, during which the strings return with 16-notes; then the theremins run the groove into a fade-out. And there you have it: 3’15’’ of pure aural time capsule in all its mod glory.
Afro-Harping was arranged by producer Richard Evans and recorded by Ashby with unknown musicians for Cadet Records in 1968. An unbeatable groove-heavy slice of late-’60s lounge. Actually, there are two styles on the album: a heavy funk, psychedelic groove showcased on the two side-openers, “Soul Vibrations” and “Afro-Harping”; and a genial, insinuating pop-jazz feel with more extensive displays of harp prowess. ~ Joshua Weiner
Dorothy Ashby – Afro-Harping; Cadet, 1968
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June 22, 2010
J.Boogie’s sound is a blend of Broken Beat, Downtempo, Soulful House, Chill Out, Dub, Reggae, Disco, Soul, Hip Hop and Deep House. I’ve worn this release, his self-titled debut, out with listen upon listen upon listen. Included are the remixes (but not the instrumentals) taken from the Try Me 12″. Classic vibes.
J.Boogie’s Dubtronic Science – Self-Titled; OM, 2003
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June 20, 2010
Easily my favorite radio DJ ever and possibly my favorite person in the world, H. Johnson, host of Jazz Classics every Saturday on WABE 90.1, was featured in Access Atlanta this past week. If I lived back in the ATL, I’d definitely attend the “Tribute to H. Johnson” event at Cafe 290 on Monday the 21st. Glad PBA will be filming it, so I can possibly check it out some time in the fall when it airs. Read Bo Emerson’s article here and tune in to Jazz Classics here. Nuff respect to the coolest cat to ever walk this planet!
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June 18, 2010
Taken in Phuket during the final night of the nine-day Vegetarian Festival that takes place throughout Southern Thailand. An insanely awesome event with more fireworks than you could possibly imagine.
http://www.thegoldbrick.net/video/phuketvegetarianfinale01.flv
http://www.thegoldbrick.net/video/phuketvegetarianfinale02.flv
http://www.thegoldbrick.net/video/phuketvegetarianfinale03.flv
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June 16, 2010
A case of confusion at Wat Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai.
Daily uniform attire for one woman who takes photographs of visitors each day at this temple on top of Doi Suthep. I asked about her vest and she told me she couldn’t read anything on it and didn’t know the meaning of a cross or ‘Only Jesus’. She laughed and was amused after I offered her my explanation and the irony of the situation.
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June 15, 2010
June 13, 2010
Tenorio Jr. was one of the greatest pianists of his generation. As a composer, he surprised many with the sophistication of his innovative harmonic compositions. As a musician, he moved slowly from accompaniment to being a leader and the driving force behind the vibrant performances of his band. As an arranger, he united the best team of samba-jazz musicians in Rio de Janeiro in the sixties. At the age of 23, he recorded Embalo, an absolutely essential LP in the Bossa Nova genre, whose vital energy has never diminished…as you can clearly hear.
Tenorio Jr. - Embalo; Dubas, 1964
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June 11, 2010
A selection of albums featuring the amazing guitar artistry of Ernest Ranglin.
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June 8, 2010
June 6, 2010
The Timeless Concert Series wasn’t just a series of stunning performances. All the shows were framed by our favorite DJs. From Madlib to J.Rocc to DJ Nuts and more. Cut Chemist even raised the bar with a one turntable romp! For the Mulatu show, Quantic brought along something very special .
In 2004 Quantic, Miles Cleret and B+ went to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia to find records and meet with Mulatu Astatke. It was there and then the first thoughts of bringing Mulatu to LA were hatched. So it was fitting that Quantic came to LA to DJ for Mulatu and brought with him records almost all found on that first unique trip.
Ethiopia has many musical traditions indeed not all of them have made it to vinyl. But those chunks of plastic contain some secrets that you really have to go to Addis to find. Trawling eBay is never the same as a trip to East Africa. Quantic made that trip. At the Luckman Theater on February 1st, 2009 he buckled everyone in, and took us on a one hour flight back. Here is his DJ set in its entirety. Don’t be alarmed by the crackle, that’s what 30 plus year old records sound like.
Quantic – Addis to Axum: Music, Words and Arrangements of Ethiopia, 2009
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June 4, 2010
Absolutely lovin’ Kobe’s latest Nike commercial. The wicked game of the Black Mamba x Hoops heroes and related characters from old x The Beatles x Andre 3000. Damn. Just damn.
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June 4, 2010
Every record collection should contain this album. Essential masterpieces.
Robert Johnson – The Complete Recordings; Columbia, 1990 Pt.1, Pt.2
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June 1, 2010
Emily Jones is a vocalist and DJ from Canada and now based in Milan, Italy. Her DJ sets feature upbeat grooves ranging from Jazz to Latin to Bossa Nova to Jazzy Hip-Hop to Organic House. A nice selection is available on her site under “Charts & Mixes“.
“If Dreams Come True” b/w “Espontaneo” is her first single and features her lovely vocals alongside the always hypnotizing vibes of Gerardo Frisina. Certainly anticipating more from this collaboration in the future. The sooner, the better.
Gerardo Frisina – Introducing Emily Jones; Schema, 2009
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