Cuba’s New School

Born on the outskirts of Cuba, now living in Canada, Alex Cuba hits hard with his sophmore endeavor Agua del Pozoon released on September 16, 2009 on Caracol Records.  On this 6-track sampler is just a taste of the pure neo-cubano heat Cuba brings to the platform.  Think ska-pop-salsa-two-step infusion, with influences like Marvin Gaye, Carlos Santana and working with the likes of Nelly Furtado, you can see how the music is so often referred to as a “cuban cocktail.”  This cat rips it on guitar too.  The title track here is a dance floor bender and “Fiesta Religion” is one of my other favorites.  I must insist you go beyond this sampler and listen to the whole album as it is refreshing for the soul.  Click here for the album promo DOWNLOAD.

Tracklist:

1. “Si Pero No”
2. “Tu Boca Lo Quita”
3. “Agua Del Pozo”
4. “Penita En La Cara”
5. “Y Que Bongo”
6. “Fiesta Religion”

Oh and here’s a video for the title track too, for you visual listeners, check it out and enjoy.

-mikestyles.

Black Love

This is hands down one of my favorite jazz albums of all time.  Carlos Garnett and a very strong supporting cast kill on the 1974 Muse release Black Love.  The strength of the title track alone will give anyone goosebumps upon first listen, and perhaps every time thereafter.  This was the saxophonist’s first release as a frontman and on this album we get a mix of every side of Mr. Garnett.  Personal influences that include latin jazz, rhythm and blues, Panamanian and African roots music.  Having previously worked in the shadows and alongside the likes of Charles Mingus, Miles Davis, Pharoah Sanders, Tito Puente and Dom Um Romao, you can get an idea of how good this album could sound.  The album was recorded in only two sessions and featured some very talented cats in their own right, like Norman Connors (drums), Mtume (congas) and Charles Sullivan (trumpet) to name a few of the 14-piece arrangement.  Imagine a more spiced up Sun Ra, if I dare make such an analogy.  Enjoy this heavy hitter, this one is more developed listening, a real spiritual odyssey.  Download Here.

Tracklist: (Each selection written and arranged by Carlos Garnett)

1. Black Love
2. Ebonesque
3. Banks Of The Nile
4. Mother Of The Future
5. Taurus Woman

-Mikestyles

Beep Tapes and B-Sides…

For the advanced listeners only.  Do not miss out on this generous free download from Stones Throw’s Canadian crusader, Koushik.  The newly produced and heavily spaced out album will only be free for a week.  Beep Tape is different then any of Koushik’s previous releases, no vocals here, just twisted-outter-space-jazz and remarkable drum kits.  With 30-tracks, averaging about a minute a pop, leaves hardly enough room for time  wasted.  Take advantage of the DL and take a moment to thank the wonderful folks at Stones Throw.  Click here for the download:  http://www.stonesthrow.com/koushik-beeptape-stonesthrow.zip

Also this Saturday JB and I, will be holding down another social filled with head-nodding and two-steppin’ beats from around the globe.  Everything from J Dilla to Jorge  Ben and Fela Kuti.  Sip some wine, choose your brew, open your ears and free your mind.  All is full of love!

-mikestyles

Blame it on Rio

If you are in the Los Angeles area this weekend, we highly recommend that you check out this Summer’s closing ceremonies at the Hollywood Bowl.  Rightfully titled, “Blame it on Rio,” the show will feature the prestigious songstress and daughter of the legendary Bossa Novist Joao Gilberto, Bebel Gilberto.  A staple in contemporary Brazilian music today.  The show will also feature Seu Jorge, who is without a doubt one of Brazil’s hometown heros.  We are especially excited about this show because Seu Jorge plays a huge role in our upcoming documentary Beats of All-Nations:  Foco em Brasil.  The City of God star (remember Knockout Ned?), has had an amazing career, releasing five albums and staring in several films.  After hearing his story there is nothing we can do short of celebrating Jorge’s success.  You have three opportunities to catch this show at the Hollywood Bowl, September 11, 12 and 13th.  New downloads are coming very soon for you, but for now enjoy this very powerful video from Seu Jorge’s Cru album, the song is “Tiva Razao.”

-mikestyles.