First little gem I picked up "Tripin on Rhythms" which is a compilation
put together by DJ Jeannie Hopper. It's a nice blend of grooves which just
begs to be played in your car while driving on a hot summer day. The whole
album (via RealAudio) is currently featured in the dance&urban section at:
and you can also check it out track for track at:
http://www.tunes.com/tunes-cgi2/tunes/release/212314/1/4
Another pick out there is a little more on the jazzy side but still has
enough of that element of experimentation and funk to make me buy it. It's
Charlie Hunter & Pound for Pound and the CD is called "Return of the
Candyman" My favorite cuts are, "Bongo Comfort", "Enter the Dragon",
"Mystic Relaxation", "Pound for Pound", "Grinch Comfort", "Shake, Shake it
Baby", and "Of Things to Come". At least 7 out of 12 cuts - not bad huh?
Unfortunately four of these are short 1-2 minute interludes which is my
biggest gripe about the album. If anyone tried to remix some of their jams
it would simply be too silky. You can check a couple cuts and more info at
Blue Note's webpage:
http://www.bluenote.com/backstg.html
Peace!
-JJ