the GoLdBricK

Dennis Brown – The Promised Land 1977-79

The One Nero — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:34:36 +0000

The Promised Land 1977-79 includes the entire Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours LP and seven additional tracks from Dennis Emmanuel Brown’s very own D.E.B. Music label. A stunning set that floored me upon my first listen. Some of the most powerful roots music I’ve ever heard and has been in constant rotation for years. For an artist as prolific as Dennis Brown was, this, in my opinion, represents his work at its peak. Simply extraordinary and simply essential.

Dennis Brown – The Promised Land 1977-79; Blood and Fire, 2003

Liner notes written by Steve Barrow

Ninja Crepes Internet

The One Nero — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:48:06 +0000

A case of confusion in Lamai, Koh Samui, Surat Thani

This shop next to my house is called ‘Ninja Crepes Internet’ and I have no idea why. They do have Internet services available, but, unfortunately, I haven’t seen any ninjas or any crepes or, better yet, any ninjas making crepes. Hopefully it’ll happen though ’cause that’d be beyond awesome.

Lost in the Crates #21

The One Nero — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 03:15:30 +0000

Rockamovya

The One Nero — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:16:51 +0000

Rockamovya is an all-star cast of sorts which brings together long time Jazz-heavyweight Will Bernard (Stanton Moore, Dr. Lonnie Smith, T.J. Kirk, John Medeski, Motherbug, and the various Will Bernard combos), the incomparable Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace (Yabby You, The Royals, The Gladiators, Ja-Man Allstars, Burning Spear, The Abyssinians, Augustus Pablo, I Roy and a wealth of other recordings) and Ryan Newman, Marcus Urani and Harrison Stafford of the Cali-based Reggae-Fusion group Groundation. Steppers rhythms combine with inspired jazz-funk licks and a deep-roots sound to create an album well worthy of repeated listening for years to come.

Rockamovya – Self-Titled; Young Tree, 2008

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Robustos

The One Nero — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 06:31:53 +0000

The Robustos were a traditional ska-rocksteady band from Atlanta, GA, USA who I had the supreme pleasure of seeing live on dozens of occasions. Their blend of ska, rocksteady and soul was top-notch and had an enormous influence on my listening ear as their records came to serve as a sort of benchmark for which I’d judge other sounds. The group gigged constantly and always landed the opening spot for national acts that would come through the area making for some very memorable shows in the ATL. Still wish so much that I was around a few years ago for the two-show reunion. These two platters have been spun literally thousands of times and there is no doubt that they’ll receive another thousand spins more in the future. If you’ve never heard of them, do yourself a favor and check out this band that will forever remain very special to me.

The Robustos - Introducing; Ska Satellite (Moon Ska), 1997

The Robustos – The New Authentic; Beatville, 1999

The Latest in the Rotation

The One Nero — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 11:18:48 +0000

A collection of some vibes that have recently been added to the crates.

Afro-Beat Airways

The One Nero — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 13:39:32 +0000

Afro-Beat Airways showcases an amazing diversity of local organ-driven Afro-beat, cosmic Afro-funk and raw, psychedelic Boogie rhythms spiced with Afro-American Funk, Soul and Jazz. Find more details about this release here.

Afro-Beat Airways: West African Shock Waves (Ghana and Togo 1972-79); Analog Africa, 2010

Bobby Matos – The Best of…

The One Nero — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 03:58:13 +0000

Bobby Matos’ favorite selections from his Cubop releases, plus previously unreleased material and some of his collaborations are featured on this overdue retrospective. Guest musicians include Jerry Gonzalez, John Santos, Larry Harlow, Dave Pike and Jack Costanzo.

Bobby Matos – The Best of Bobby Matos; Cubop, 2008

Gentleman & the Far East Band – Live in Cologne

The One Nero — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:15:02 +0000

Recorded in Cologne, Germany, Gentleman’s hometown, at the end of the Runaway tour in the Spring of 2003. While Gentleman’s studio albums are absolutely stellar, this live set really captures the vibe that I love most from this crew. The Far East Band drops the riddims inna fine style and Gentleman rides the riddim in the way that only he can do. Would have been amazing to have been there…or any Gentleman show for that matter. Maybe one day, but for now, I’ll just keep listening to this gem over and over again.

Gentleman & the Far East Band – Live in Cologne; Four Music, 2003

Lost in the Crates #20

The One Nero — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:52:46 +0000

Snapshot Collection

The One Nero — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:01:14 +0000

A collection of snapshots taken within the last couple of months.

Gerardo Frisina – Join the Dance

The One Nero — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 15:41:14 +0000

The latest release in the stellar catalog of Gerardo Frisina. More essential vibes from the Italian master of grooves. After digesting nearly everything he has put out, I’m still searching for a weak cut. Solid in every way.

Gerardo Frisina – Join the Dance; Schema, 2010