Xtra wine, Xtra beer, Xtra Candy, Xtra good music - that is!!!
Friday, December 18, 2015
Monday, November 30, 2015
3 is the Magic Number: De La Soul will play WOMAD
De La Soul is a massively influential hip hop group, hailing from Amityville, Long Island, New York.They are best known for their eclectic sampling and quirky, surreal lyrics, and their contributions to the evolution of the jazz rap subgenre.
The members are Kelvin Mercer (Posdnuos, Mercenary, Plug Wonder Why, Plug One), David Jude Jolicur (Trugoy the Dove, Dave, Plug Two) and Vincent Mason (Pasemaster Mase, Maseo, Plug Three). The three formed the group in high school and caught the attention of producer Paul Huston (Prince Paul) with a demo tape of the song "Plug Tunin'".
Their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising (1989), was a critical smash that saw the group labeled hippies due to the message of peace and love. They quickly became prominent members of the Zulu Nation, along with A Tribe Called Quest, Black Sheep, Queen Latifah, The Jungle Brothers and others.
They were also members of the famed Native Tongues Posse and mentioned the group often in their music (though they have since left the group for various reasons). "Me, Myself and I" became a huge hit, further cementing the group's popularity. However, rock group the Turtles sued the group for sampling "You Showed Me" without permission on De La Soul's "Transmitting Live from Mars". From that point on, sampling required permission from the sources before it was released.
After 3 Feet High and Rising, De La Soul was pegged by audiences as hippies and were expected to continue creating the same type of music. This greatly agitated the group, as they always envisioned their career as a constantly changing style. This would influence their next recording sessions. De La Soul's second album, De La Soul Is Dead (1991) was a much darker album. It featured skits that criticized the direction that hip hop was heading in at the time, though it still managed to maintain a light sense of humor. While the album is a fan favorite today, it received mixed reviews and did not sell as well as 3 Feet High and Rising - probably the best hip hop album eva!
1993's Buhloone Mindstate and 1996's Stakes Is High saw the group evolve a new sound, that although again did not garner commercial success, did cement their position as mainstays of the alternative hip hop movement. Four years later, De La Soul announced that they would release a triple album series entitled "Art Official Intelligence" (or AOI). All three albums were intended to be released within a year, beginning with the release of Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump.
This was followed by AOI: Bionix in late 2001. After this, however, the public saw no release of the third and final album in the AOI series. For the next two years, the only De La Soul releases were singles or remix compilations. Jolicur (Dave) stated in an interview that it usually takes about four years for the group to record an album, promote it with advertisements, touring and so on. The group was having trouble finishing the last AOI installment for many reasons, one of which being an ongoing struggle with Tommy Boy Records, who had been releasing their albums ever since their debut.
The members are Kelvin Mercer (Posdnuos, Mercenary, Plug Wonder Why, Plug One), David Jude Jolicur (Trugoy the Dove, Dave, Plug Two) and Vincent Mason (Pasemaster Mase, Maseo, Plug Three). The three formed the group in high school and caught the attention of producer Paul Huston (Prince Paul) with a demo tape of the song "Plug Tunin'".
Their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising (1989), was a critical smash that saw the group labeled hippies due to the message of peace and love. They quickly became prominent members of the Zulu Nation, along with A Tribe Called Quest, Black Sheep, Queen Latifah, The Jungle Brothers and others.
They were also members of the famed Native Tongues Posse and mentioned the group often in their music (though they have since left the group for various reasons). "Me, Myself and I" became a huge hit, further cementing the group's popularity. However, rock group the Turtles sued the group for sampling "You Showed Me" without permission on De La Soul's "Transmitting Live from Mars". From that point on, sampling required permission from the sources before it was released.
After 3 Feet High and Rising, De La Soul was pegged by audiences as hippies and were expected to continue creating the same type of music. This greatly agitated the group, as they always envisioned their career as a constantly changing style. This would influence their next recording sessions. De La Soul's second album, De La Soul Is Dead (1991) was a much darker album. It featured skits that criticized the direction that hip hop was heading in at the time, though it still managed to maintain a light sense of humor. While the album is a fan favorite today, it received mixed reviews and did not sell as well as 3 Feet High and Rising - probably the best hip hop album eva!
1993's Buhloone Mindstate and 1996's Stakes Is High saw the group evolve a new sound, that although again did not garner commercial success, did cement their position as mainstays of the alternative hip hop movement. Four years later, De La Soul announced that they would release a triple album series entitled "Art Official Intelligence" (or AOI). All three albums were intended to be released within a year, beginning with the release of Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump.
This was followed by AOI: Bionix in late 2001. After this, however, the public saw no release of the third and final album in the AOI series. For the next two years, the only De La Soul releases were singles or remix compilations. Jolicur (Dave) stated in an interview that it usually takes about four years for the group to record an album, promote it with advertisements, touring and so on. The group was having trouble finishing the last AOI installment for many reasons, one of which being an ongoing struggle with Tommy Boy Records, who had been releasing their albums ever since their debut.
St. Germain is coming to WOMAD!!!!
Oh, yeah, Groovers. He’s back. And he’s still the same, only more unpredictable than before. Twenty years after Boulevard, fifteen years after the multi-platinum album Tourist (over 3 million copies sold worldwide) and a world tour spanning several continents, Ludovic Navarre, alias St Germain, finally found his way back into the studio. An uncontested and respected figure in the world of electronic music for the past two decades, a pioneer of the “French Touch” and a creator of intelligent, sensual and original deep house, St Germain has always stood out. His consummate art thrives on a subtle mixture of machines and instruments, of authentic roots and modern influences.
His music is a complex blend, reflecting his love of the blues, jazz and Black music of all kinds, with hypnotic electronic loops and harmoniously intertwined vocal samples. Who can forget the renowned “Alabama Blues” or “Rose Rouge”, the hit single played all around the world… even during Rolling Stones’ concerts!
This new eponymous album is a colorful and exceptional musical journey. Recorded with the participation of African musicians, the album features traditional Malian instruments like the kora, the balafon or the n’goni, that mingle with electric guitars, pianos, saxophones and electronic loops, following a secret formula only St Germain could concoct.
The first single, “Real Blues” a perfect summer track, sets the legendary voice of Lightnin’ Hopkins to the beat of wild, fiery drums and percussion. The original single sleeve is decorated with a 3D mask conceived by Urban Art creator Gregos, known for his smiling and frowning faces stuck on walls throughout Paris and Europe.
His music is a complex blend, reflecting his love of the blues, jazz and Black music of all kinds, with hypnotic electronic loops and harmoniously intertwined vocal samples. Who can forget the renowned “Alabama Blues” or “Rose Rouge”, the hit single played all around the world… even during Rolling Stones’ concerts!
This new eponymous album is a colorful and exceptional musical journey. Recorded with the participation of African musicians, the album features traditional Malian instruments like the kora, the balafon or the n’goni, that mingle with electric guitars, pianos, saxophones and electronic loops, following a secret formula only St Germain could concoct.
The first single, “Real Blues” a perfect summer track, sets the legendary voice of Lightnin’ Hopkins to the beat of wild, fiery drums and percussion. The original single sleeve is decorated with a 3D mask conceived by Urban Art creator Gregos, known for his smiling and frowning faces stuck on walls throughout Paris and Europe.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
WOMAD 2016 Line Up Annunced
WOMAD 2016
FULL FESTIVAL LINEUP ANNOUNCED!
Hot on the heels of the first announcement that Ladysmith Black Mambazo and John Grant will headline WOMAD NZ 2016, the full line-up can now be revealed – and it’s one of the festival’s most diverse and colourful yet.
Adding to the vibrant lineup this year is ethio-soul Queen, Ester Rada. The Israeli-based singer-songwriter has been turning heads worldwide with her soulful blend of jazz/funk/soul/rnb fusion, opening for Alicia Keys at her Israeli concert in 2013. With her ravishing voice, she is not one to miss on the circuit this year.
Making the list of ‘must-sees’ are alt-country rockers Calexico. The Arizona outfit is returning to Kiwi shores after wowing audiences here in 2013 with their genre-bending mix of mariachi, spaghetti western and folk.
Country darling Tami Neilson is another major draw card. The 2014 Silver Scroll winner has just released new album DON’T BE AFRAID to critical acclaim and her star is soaring high. The Auckland-based singer songwriter’s new mix of rollicking country, blues and soul, offset by heartbreaking balladry, is guaranteed to delight.
Critics’ choice DakhaBrakha also joins the line-up. Although still little known in these parts, the four-piece from Ukraine is guaranteed to be a festival favourite. Fusing Ukranian folk with R ‘n’ B and rap, and often adorned head-to-toe in full traditional garb, this is self-described “ethno chaos” not to be missed.
Carrying the flame of Afrobeat's spiritual inheritance is Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 from Nigeria. Sean Kuti, the youngest son of the late legendary Fela Kuti, stands tall as the charismatic leader of Fela’s renowned Afrobeat orchestra, Egypt 80.
WOMAD NZ 2016 also delivers one of the best local line-ups in years, with Bic Runga, Tiny Ruins, Julia Deans, Katchafire and Pass The Gat (Warren Maxwell, Louis Baker, Thomas Oliver) joining the aforementioned Canadian-born, but also proudly Kiwi, Tami Neilson.
WOMAD is not just about the music, foodies are in for an absolute treat with celebrity chef Jax Hamilton returning to host the Nova Energy Taste The World stage. Running over the course of the weekend, Taste The World is a dedicated area where musicians swap their instruments for cooking utensils and cook up a storm while interacting with festival-goers. It’s a lot of fun, and becoming increasingly popular year-on-year with the mix of world recipes and Jax’s hilarious hosting.
The three-day festival returns to the beautiful Brooklands Park and TSB Bowl of Brooklands. From the moment the gates open, the 55-acre park becomes a magical wonderland brimming with energy and bursting with colours, flavours, sounds and smells.
Smaller stages, the Global Village’s food stalls, craft stores and workshops spaces are dotted around the venue’s heart – a stunning natural amphitheatre, which provides the main platform for three days of music and allure.
The park is only a short and easy stroll from New Plymouth’s centre and if you book early you could even get a motel or hotel within walking distance. And don’t forget to bring a blanket, an essential item on the WOMAD NZ checklist that allows you to kick back and soak in the warmth of the WOMAD vibe.
For everything WOMAD stay with GrooveFM. Also check the official info at womad.co.nz
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Saturday, October 17, 2015
LISA CRAWLEY’S NEW EP – RELEASED YESTERDAY
Lisa Crawley’s new EP, UP IN THE AIR, is released today via Bandcamp.
https://lisacrawley.bandcamp.com
The five-track EP is produced by acclaimed Australian producer Ryan Ritchie whose work with Kiwi singer Kimbra on ‘Cameo Lover’ earned him an ARIA.
UP IN THE AIR contains four new songs penned by Crawley in the last year, documenting recent adventures in Canada, the United States and her new home, Melbourne.
It also features a fifth song, ‘Mayday’ – a demo she reworked for the EP, originally written eight years ago in the UK by fellow Kiwi Matt Michinson, who was in a band with Crawley in London at the time.
UP IN THE AIR builds on the retro vibe of 2013’s ALL IN MY HEAD, showcasing a singer-songwriter who has found her place in a dreamy, melodic pop world, with an edgy darkness.
Crawley can’t wait to bring her new material home to New Zealand with an eight-date tour that kicks off on November 5.
"I'm very excited to be touring New Zealand. I'll be playing my new EP alongside favourites from my previous two albums. I promise there will be no sign of an Australian accent!" says Crawley.
For more information check out http://www.lisacrawley.com
TOUR DATES:
Thursday November 5 – Darkroom, Christchurch
Friday November 6 – Taste Merchants, Dunedin
Saturday November 7 – The Sherwood, Queenstown
Wednesday November 11 – Cabana, Napier
Thursday November 12 – Meow, Wellington
Friday November 13 – Tuning Fork, Auckland
Sunday November 15 – Leigh Sawmill, Leigh
Thursday November 19 – Nirvara Lounge, Hamilton
All tickets available from www.eventfinda.co.nz - apart from the Auckland Tuning Fork show, which are available from www.ticketmaster.co.nz
Friday, October 16, 2015
Watch This Space! New ep by Lisa Crawley!
Melbourne based Kiwi Lounge Singer Lisa Crawley has a new ep dropping on bandcamp today. It's calked 'Up in the Air' . The Coffeebar Kid talked to her yesterday. Look out for an interview here, exclusively on the Groove web site. In the meantime check out:
http://www.lisacrawley.com/
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
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