D'Angelo - Me And Those Dreamin' Eyes Of Mine (US import) - 1996

EMI Records, E2-58570

“Wiz zeese Seee-Deees you are really spoilink us!”

That’s right, my strange accented friend, as a lot of my fellow Brits might not have been able to get their paws on this particular release. It’s an imported US CD Single of a track I’m pretty sure never got released over here in the UK.

There’s not a lot I need to say about D’Angelo, really – you all know him already. If you don’t, and you consider yourself a fan of soul music, you should be ashamed. Besides, the Boss-Man Mr P has already written about our Neo-Soul hero in previous posts (search out Brown Sugar, or Lady, or Cruisin’). However, I’ll summarise for you: blah blah D’Angelo, blah awesome, blah sexy, blah Brown Sugar blah blah Voodoo blah where the hell has he been? Blah drugs blah new album out in 2010. I Can't wait!!

Now you’re up to speed, I better tell you about this particular release.

Me And Those Dreamin’ Eyes Of Mine was a standout track among a bunch of standout tracks on a standout album. No, really, the Brown Sugar LP was really that good.

Understated production, great keyboard/organ work and D’Angelo at his falsetto high-note hitting best, this track slinks along at a walking pace, aided by a beautifully sung chorus and, trademark D’Angelo fashion amazing harmonies.

There are no fancy remixes, alas. No instrumental. No acapella. Just a radio edit, and an album version. The real highlight of this particular CD single, however, are two live tracks, both excellent; Me And Those Dreamin’ Eyes Of Mine and one non album track, Can’t Hide Love, which is my fave of the two. Recorded right here in London at our pride and joy, the Jazz Café.

Mmmmm!

• Radio Version
• Album Version
• Live Version
• Can't Hide Love

The Download Link is here: Download

Filename: Me and Those Dreamin' Eyes Of Mine.zip Filesize: 21.9MB

Walter Beasley - I'm So Happy 1987

Urban Records URBX 14 DJ

Another wonderful piece of jazz based Soul from the heart of the UK Rare Groove scene. Jump On It is a Lionel Job produced instrumental by saxophonist Walter Beasley. It sits nicely alongside 3 mixes of I'm So Happy, produced by Job & Beasley. Walter Beasley’s musical journey began in the early 1970s in his hometown of el Centro, California. When his aunt gave him his first Grover Washington, Jr. record at age nine. By his early teens, Beasley was playing saxophone in various bands around Southern California. One of the top five best-selling African-American saxophonists in the world since the late 90’s, Beasley has performed with contemporary jazz and R&B icons Brian McKnight, Gerald Albright, Ronnie Laws, Kirk Whalum, Bob James, Norman Brown, George Howard, Art Porter, Stephanie Mills, Vanessa Williams and Rachelle Ferrell.

Considered by most as “the heir to Grover Washington Jr.’s throne,” the Boston-based musician has been one of the ten highest selling saxmen in the world since 1998 while working as a full professor of music at The Berklee School of Music, where he began teaching in the mid-80s.

• I'm So Happy (12" Remix)
• I'm So Happy (Dub)
• I'm So Happy (7" Version)
• Jump On It

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Walter Beasley.rar Filesize: 30.64 MB

Tammy Payne - In Deeper Life EP 1996

Cup Of Tea Records COT 018

In 1996 this EP, written by Tammy Payne & produced by Jim Barr*, was released on the obscure Bristol label, Cup Of Tea, serving Jazz oddities like Junkwaffel & Purple Penguin. I apologise for the sizzling bacon on some tracks but I'm not aware of this vinyl being available elsewhere.

It's not as accessible as Take Me Now and gives an idea how much of a difference the Loop Mix made to the original version. One for the Jazz Heads out there. I like it, left-field and out there but it's interesting and I'm feeling it.

*Jim Barr was bass player with Portishead (1993-1997) before becoming a producer and shortly after this EP, teaming up with Tammy Payne as Sissi on Cup Of Tea in the late 90's and more recently Jukes on Twisted Nerve.

• A1 Reason
• A2 Voices
• A3 In Deeper Life
• B1 This Is Where
• B2 Voices (Seamus 'C' Horse Mix)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Tammy Payne EP.rar Size: 23.97 MB

Tammy Payne - Take Me Now 1991

Talkin' Loud TLKX 12

In 1991 there was a whole heap of dance, trance, house, garage (uplifting vocal house at this point in time), rave not to mention the new style soon to arrive 'bass, breaks & bleeps' On the other side of the fence hip hop, trip hop, rap & acid jazz.... Hmmm?

From this Acid Jazz genre came Talkin' Loud Records who had the foresight to release this beautiful song with a jazzy lilt. Tammy Payne is a name I'm familiar with but I know very little about her. Take Me Now, written by Tammy & produced by Billy Osbourne*, came from nowhere and after another release, Do You Feel It (Like I Do), that had little impact she disappeared again. I believe she featured on some of Smith & Mighty's songs before hooking up with Jim Barr for some obscure releases on Cup Of Tea and Twisted Nerve Records.

*Billy Osbourne is the brother of Jeffrey Osbourne, and an original member of L.T.D.
Thanks Mr V. ;-)

• Take Me Now (Loop Mix)
• Take Me Now (Loop Instrumental)
• In Heart And Mind
  

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Tammy Payne - Take Me Now.rar Size: 19.9 MB

Yutaka - Brazasia 1990

GRP Records GRP-9616-1

Japanese Jazz muso, Yutaka Yokokura plays Koto and keys. Yutaka's debut was recorded in 1978 , and originally released in Japan. The Love Light project was an new experience of jazz and oriental sounds which is being sampled to death recently by the Hip Hop fraternity. Dave Grusin, Larry Rosen and the upcoming talent represented by Yutaka, felt they had accomplished a fresh fusion of music.

Brazasia is Yutaka's third album, released in 1990 on GRP, and features a plethora of fine musicians, notably Dave Gruisin and Paulinho Da Costa. Of the many fine tracks here, I personally love the title track, Brazasia sung by Pauline Wilson and Morena. It's a fine example of light jazz, nice to chill out to and it makes me think of sunny climates and crystal clear seas which I really need here in Grey Britain?

• Brazasia
• East By South
• Morena
• Chuva
• Lambada Nova (You're Good For Me)
• Urban Jungle
• Wayward Wind
• (If I Only Have) One Chance
• Sao Jorge
• Say You Do

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Yutaka.rar Filesize: 63.82 MB

Beggar & Co. - (Somebody) Help Me Out 1981

Ensign Records ENYT 201

It was in 1981 when Jazz Funk Group Light Of the World (originally including Jean Paul 'Bluey' Maunick) left the stage of Hammersmith Apollo and returned as Beggar and Co. They went on to some success with top ten hits like (Somebody) Help Me Out and Mule Chant No. 2 with help from Spandau Ballet. The members, Breeze McKrieth, Kenny Wellington and David Baptiste, (formerly the horn section of Light Of the World) Gee Bello and Nat Augustin. This track can be found on their album Monument but on this release it is edited and remixed by Barry Blue.

• (Somebody) Help Me Out
• Rising Sun

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Beggar & Co .rar Filesize: 19.49 MB

Raw Stylus - Use Me 1993

Acid Jazz JAZID 69CD

The original Raw Stylus was Class-A Sound System Soul. The main players are Jules Brookes & Ron Aslan, initially with Deborah Ffrench who was replaced by Donna Gardier when she left, shortly before the big breakthrough, ouch!

There have been many musicians, here are some of them:
Drums: Andrew Missingham, Perry Melius
Bass: Yolanda Charles, Jerry Brown, John MacKenzie
Guitar: Nemo Jones
Keys: Rikki Reid, Ski Oakenfull.
Backup vocals: Angela Murrell, Lucy Vandi, Sam Brown, Shannon
Brass: Andy Ross, Neil Yates, Matt Coleman, Micky Ball.

Use Me was an underground Acid Jazz favourite, written by the legendary Bill Withers (Lovely Day) other singles were: Bright Lights, Big cities, Pushing Against The Flow, Many Ways (Mo' Wax), Change and US Billboard dance music No.1 single, Believe In Me. Geffen in the US, were busy promoting Beck and Wu-Tang Clan and didnt really take much notice of Raw Stylus. They called it a day after touring until the end of '98. Donna went on to join Sting's back up band, Jules is MD of a successful music college and marketing company, Point Blank, whilst Ron relocated to Thailand to run a design company, Cha Cha Supermarket.

• 7" Edit
• Main Mix
• 12" Remix
• Boom

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Raw Stylus Use Me.rar Filesize: 28 MB

Raw Stylus - Pushing Against The Flow 1996

Wired Recordings WIRED 224

Raw Stylus was 'Class-A Sound System Soul'. Ron Aslan and Jules Brookes, released white label vinyl records into the funky London club scene which bloomed post Soul II Soul in the early 90's. The best known Raw Stylus track this side of the pond, would be Pushing Against The Flow which was originally spread about on white label, as early as 1992. At that time Debbie Ffrench was on vocal duty. When the band travelled to the US, to record with Gary Katz, Donna Gardier had replaced her. I assume the 1995 versions have retained the Ffrench vocal.
Pushing... was a big underground tune and eventually became the title track of the album. Giles Petersen named it his track of the year and Paul Weller (Jam, Style Council) claimed it 'should have been a No.1 record' in The Face. Other early singles were: Bright Lights, Big cities (White Label), Many Ways (Mo' Wax) & Use Me (Acid Jazz).

A plethora of very healthy mixes to suit almost any occassion, bloody aggravating isn't it. Dave Lee, in his Joey Negro alter-ego. turns out another disco house happy clapper in a very Jamiroquai sort of style. Alvin Speight slows things down to a swagger for a soulful funk, gate that snare baby. Yes Tosh, the Frankie Foncett Funk 12" is a superb R'n'B grind with a gangsta lean, I love the dialogue on the intro. A funky groove but ruff with what sounds like a goose punctuating every line? Personally, I still favour the Raw Stylus mixes, the Original White Label just taking the prize. The Raw Stylus Dark Mix is, without doubt, a killa groove! Sliding in with an accapella intro, it drops with a noise that sounds like a jet about to take off just prior to the baddest bass line knocks the cobwebs outta your woofers. You know when you been tango'ed! ;-)

• 7" Edit
• Raw Stylus Dark Mix
• Original White Label
• Joey Negro Extended Mix
• Alvin Speights Main 12" Mix
• Fronkie Foncett Funk 12"

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Raw Stylus Pushing.rar Filesize: 52.42 MB

Raw Stylus - Believe In Me 1995

Wired Recordings WIRED 220

Raw Stylus recorded an album in the US on Geffen Records who insisted that Steely Dan producer Gary Katz got involved. The music became more live orientated and they turned out a great, timeless but not particularly commercial album. It is filled with musical talent like Bernard Purdie, Donald Fagen, Randy Brecker as well as many cool players from the 90's London and New York Acid Jazz scenes. This US Billboard No.1 single, Believe In Me came off that album. They were signed to Geffen in the US who were busy promoting Beck and Wu-Tang Clan and didn't really take much notice of them.

The Album Version is still my favourite but check out the Antonio Fargasm Mix, eight minutes of R'n'B grind, waaaay cool! For the house heads, E-Smoove on the Essence Mix and Eric Kupper on the 12" Groove but none of them equal the Album Version. I'd be very interested in hearing the Kupper Old Skool & Vision Lorimer remixes if anyone has them?

• Radio Edit
• Essence Mix
• 12" Grrove
• Flava Mix
• Antonio Fargasm Mix
• Lion's Roar Mix
• Album Version

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Raw Stylus Believe.rar Filesize: 54.94 MB

Raw Stylus - Change 1996

M&G Recordings WIRED 228

Raw Stylus kicked off in London, a funk/soul/jazz outfit featuring Donna Gardier, Jules Brookes and Ron Aslan. Dominic 'Ski' Oakenfull was also in the band for a time. after leaving K-Creative. Donna Gardier replaced Deborah French who left in 1993. Originally, Raw Stylus released white label vinyl records into the London club scene in the early 90's. 1992's Pushing Against the Flow was a popular underground song and later became the title track of their album. Other singles from the same period were Bright Lights, Big Cities (White Label), Many Ways (Mo' Wax) and Use Me (Acid Jazz).

The album was recorded Stateside with Steely Dan producer Gary Katz and an array of musical talent including cameos from Donald Fagen, Bernard Purdie and the cream of New York and London Acid Jazz. The group toured as a nine piece until they split at the end of 1999. Head for Paul Waller's Mix and then search for the album.
Raw Stylus

• Radio Edit
• Album Version
• Joey Negro Vocal
• Paul Waller East Coast Mix
• Bone Krusher Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Raw Stylus Change.rar
Filesize: 40.95 MB

Buckshot LeFonque - Another Day 1997

Columbia Records 665376 2


Named after the jazz sax player Cannonball Adderley, Buckshot LeFonque was a Branford Marsalis project. He wanted to create a new sound using hip-hop influences with more generic musical styles. This release comes from their second album Music Evolution 1997, produced by Marsalis and featuring 'the vocal stylings of Frank McComb (who also plays keyboards) along with Marsalis on sax, Will Lee on Bass, Rocky Bryant on Drums. Carol Webb Sontomme is concert master in charge of a full 6 piece string section.

Another Day In The Hood is a virtual re-recording of the main release, Another Day, featuring a further two minutes of rap. The other track on this release is Musical Evolution remixed by DJ Premier (Gang Starr) who had a large production role in the previous debut album, Buckshot LeFonque 1994. They were never commercially successful but then that was never Marsalis objective.

"We took some interesting left turns... which is what I expected."

• Another Day (Album Version)
• Another Day (Remix)
• Another Day (Another Day In The Hood Mix)
• Music Evolution (D.J. Premier Mix)

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Buckshot LeFonque.rar Filesize: 23.94 MB

Master Wel - Henny-Penny-I-tis 1995

4th & Broadway 12 BRW 323

I bought this on the strength of the Dodge Remixes, Dodge City Productions rule. I also love Carla Cook's vocals. All in all, a nice bit of contemporary Acid Jazz. Now for the boring stuff.

Master Wel is an alias for the late Weldon Irvine (27/10/43 - 9/4/02) Known in Jazz and poetry circles simply as Weldon and within the world of Hip Hop as Master Wel, Irvine's skills as a musician and lyricist are well documented. With well over 500 compositions to his credit, he was the producer, arranger and conductor for many concerts, festival presentations, and staged musicals. He has worked with such Jazz notables as Miles Davis, Nina Simone, Stanley Turrentine, Bill Jacobs, with Aretha Franklin and Donny Hathaway, as well as with poets Louis Reyes Rivera, George Edward Tait, Rich Bartee and the Griot Trio, and with such Rappers and Spoken Word Artists as KRS-One, Grand Master Flash, Gang Starr, Big Daddy Kane, Ice Cube & Black Star, to name just a few.

As he became involved with Hip Hop, many of the rappers, including Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Q-Tip, sought him out as teacher and mentor. Irvine championed hip-hop from the beginning. He compares groundbreaking MC's such as Rakim to jazz titans like Charlie Parker.

"I've always been a big fan, just like any kid with gold teeth and pants hanging off his behind," he says. "The beats that these guys were producing blew my mind.... I've always accepted it as music."

Irvine was so inspired that he began rhyming himself. Using the name Master Wel, a reference to his aristocratic upbringing, he released 1997's Spoken Melodies (featuring Saul Williams and others) and 1999's The Price of Freedom featuring cameos by Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Q-Tip. Irvine honed his skills by hanging out with rappers half his age. He vividly remembered signing up for open mic nights and talent shows. Within earshot, people snickered, "Hey, grandpa's gonna rap." He persevered...

"I see the reaction of real hip-hop heads when they see me pick up the mic and start to rhyme. They're shocked that I'm doing it, but when they start bopping and responding to my call and response, that tells me I have the capabilities."

He gave piano lessons to Q-Tip and Common. "As these hip-hoppers get more proficient with jazz.... they are going to blow a lot of people's minds." he said. They'll be following in Irvine's footsteps.

"I often just sit and listen to him because he teaches truth. He's my mentor."

Q-Tip

"When I grow up, I want to be like Weldon."

Mos Def

• Soul Inside Mix
• Soul Walk Mix
• Single Version
• Soul Inside Instrumental
• Soul Walk Instrumental
• Jazz Mix

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Master Wel.rar Filesize: 58.81 MB




Almost impossible to read, it says:

Track 1 contains portions of 'We Getting Down' and 'Walk The Walk' by Weldon Irvine. Lead vocal: Carla Cook. Backing Vocal: Hilda Aja Richbow & Walter Mason. Sax Solo: Roger Byam. Drum track: Harold 'Doo' West & Weldon Irvine. All other instruments by Weldon Irvine. Recorded and mixed at: Lis Rascals Studio. Tracks 1 & 2 Additional Production and Remix by: Dodge for Soul Inside Productions. Additional Keys: Rico 'Sick Note' Ellis. Mix Engineer: Paul Motion. Track 1 Bass: John Thompson.

Young MC - I Come Off 1990

Delicious Vinyl 613 053

Young MC is an American rapper known for his 1989 hit, Bust a Move, from his debut album Stone Cold Rhymin', which also featured Know How and I Come Off. The album won the second and last-ever Grammy Award for 'Best Rap Recording' at the 1990 Grammy Awards, during the golden age of hip hop. Young was born Marvin Young in South Wimbledon, London, England, and was raised in Queens, New York. He graduated in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in economics, which he received before Stone Cold Rhymin' completed production.

The Southern Comfort Mix is remixed by CJ Mackintosh and Dave Dorrell. Mackintosh is one of Britain's most prolific and successful remixers and as a DJ, few can match his supurb mixing abilities. A residency at the renowned Film Flam club, mixes for Serious records and then in 1987 CJ became the World DMC Mixing Champion. Mackintosh hooked up wilh Dave Dorell and joined his group Nasty Rox Inc. With Dorrell and two members of Colour Box, they created the seminal House track Pump Up The Volume by M|A|R|R|S.

The other mixes feature N'Dea Davenport supplying extra vocals for a chorus hook. Not long after this she joined the Brand New Heavies.

• Southern Comfort Mix
• 12" Version
• 7" Remix
• Instrumental

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Young MC.rar Filesize: 41.2 MB

D'Influence - Good Lover 1993

East West Records America A8439CD

The multi-talented D-Influence brought us many wonderful moments with their own unique style of music. Soulful Jazz would be a fair description but the music isn't twee enough to fit comfortably in that pigeonhole. D-Influence are Sarah Anne Webb (vocalist) Ed Baden-Powell (guitarist) Kwame Kwaten (keyboardist) and Steve Marston (drummer). Other than Webb, all members are skilled multi-instrumentalists, Baden-Powell regularly trading his strings for keys. The band were active prior to an 18 year old Webb joining in 1990 but that was when they became complete.

The (Wah) Classic was a breath of fresh air the first time I heard it, it's funky arsed bass, wicked beats and what sounds like an ADHD kid on the keyboard. The much hyped album did not disappoint, tracks like Good 4 We, Journey and the gospel-ish Sign (with a much too early fade) but most definitely For You I Sing This Song making it a must. It's the awesome Good Lover that opens the set, that was chosen for single release and the Le Jazz Mix here creates an interesting re-wrap of the Wow Original album track. Luvliness is a live recording that deserves a listen (shame it never got a studio production). I would advise anybody that enjoys this release to seek out the album. They have released three more since and are still active in production.

• Wow Original - Dance Energy Edit
• Wow Original Mix
• Le Jazz Mix
• Luvliness

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Good Lover EP.rar Filesize: 31.78 MB

Out And About EP 1992

Talkin' Loud TLKCD17

Subtitled "Talkin' Loud On Tour '92" this sampler EP was used to push Perception & K-Creative, the labels hot new talent's.

For me it was Feed The Feeling which I played, equally, both mixes. The original is a cool jazzy vibe but the Pal Joey remix is stripped down and the refrain & vocals lose their beauty BUT instead we get a groove that nails your feet to the floor and has more hooks than a fishing tackle box!

K-Creative are exploring jazzy rap and they have good ideas goin' on but it's not essential, just interesting at this point.

Perception later cut a beautiful rendition of the Bee Gees penned Guilty (a 1980 hit for Streisand & Gibb) that was so good, I actually forgot why I wasn't supposed to like it.

K-Creative also released some reasonble product, A Stitch In Time being memorable for me but nothing really broke through for them on the commercial front. I guess that's a good thing in some ways but then.... where are they now?

The Download Link is here: Download
Filename: Talkin Loud On Tour 92 EP.rar Size: 24.79 MB