From: Velanche Stewart (vstewart@calpoly.edu)
Date: Sat Nov 02 2002 - 04:00:31 CET
U R B A N L A N D S C A P E S
Global Club Culture...
Made Fresh Weekly.
Urban Landscapes hits the airwaves tonight and every Friday evening from
8-11pm PST on KCPR 91.3 FM.
Don't forget that if you miss the live show, you can hear it anytime via
the Urban Landscapes web site at http://www.urbanlandscapesshow.com. The
most recent show will also be posted a day or two after the broadcast on
the site's home page. The last five shows are available online for your
listening pleasure anytime, anyday. You can find them via the
"Playlists" section of the web site.
Be sure to tell your friends about the show!
---- ADDRESS FOR MUSICAL SUBMISSIONS To jump right to the mailing address for musical submissions, please scroll toward the bottom of this circular for more information. ---- NEWS Gonna be a busy newsletter this week, so do whatever you feel is appropriate (print for later, read piecemeal, etc). I hope that you've enjoyed the profile of JCR/Compost recording artists Koop on last week's show. You can hear the segment during Hour Two of the show online. Thanks again to Magnus Zingmark, one of the members of Koop, for speaking to me during the wee hours of the morning. Also thanks to Clint at Palm Pictures, Rachel at S.P.E.C.T.R.E. Entertainment, and Daniel Best at Best Seven for leading me to Koop at the club. I've had the pleasure of interviewing the Japanese-born, Hawaiian-based artist Coppe last night. The crew are kicking off their West Coast tour of the states. If you haven't checked out here music, I urge you do so. She incorporates a wide range to pull off music for relaxing and for grooving to. Especially check out "Papa My Buddha," one of her most recent albums that features recordings of different types of sounds from the hospital where her dad eventually passed away. She then incorporates those sounds, including her father breathing from a ventilator, into the tunes on the long-player. Check out http://www.sweetrice.com for more info, including the two-week West Coast tour that kicked off here Halloween night. It's back to the music this week. And let me tell you, the dope new music just keeps piling up here. So much goodness, and only three hours a week to do it....and really, you have no idea how fast three hours can fly. We have the long-awaited debut long-player from Chicago house-master Derrick L. Carter called "Squaredancing In A Roundhouse" on UK-based Classic Recordings. The Groove Corporation takes dub up a notch with their new full-length "Dub Plates From The Elephant House Volume Two" on Different Drummer. Chicago's Guidance Recordings drops a album from the Icelandic trio Flunk..."For Sleepyheads Only" is the title of that one that features a generous heaping of chill-out tunes. And there's more where all that came from, including some current releases to hopefully entice y'all to listen and support their music. HELP WITH AUCTION On the week of November 18, KCPR--Cal Poly's student-run radio station (home of Urban Landscapes) will hold its biggest fundraiser of the year. Through our auctions, we are able to raise funds to last us through our academic year. Some of you on the list have heeded the call with some generous donations, and for that we thank you. If you'd like to help out in the form of soliciting donations of music, merchandise, or other appropriate items, we'd appreciate it greatly. Special auctions will be held during my show on Friday November 22, pre-empting the usual fare of mostly music. This is something we only do one week out of the year, and yet this is an important time for us. If you would like to make a donation for our auction, and in particular for Urban Landscapes, please email me and let me know. If you'd like, your donation can be tax-deductible (U.S. only for this). You send email to mail@urbanlandscapesshow.com, for which I'll reply with more details. Thanks to all for reading, and thanks for your continued support of Urban Landscapes. JAM MASTER JAY...REST IN PEACE It's always a tragedy when a life is taken, no matter how well-known a person may be. But this one reminded me very much of a tragedy that happened several years ago. You may have remembered that Roger Troutman, aka Roger...the man responsible for the highly influential funk outfit Zapp, was fatally shot just as his career was about to enjoy a resurgence with new and younger fans of his music. Now it's happened again. Jason Mizell, better known as Run DMC's DJ Jam Master Jay, was gunned down in Queens, New York last Wednesday evening. Run DMC, too, were enjoying a resurgence in their own career. The trio were about to record a new studio album, then later have planned to embark on a tour of what would have been the group's 20th anniversary. Sadly, Jam Master Jay's death will leave a gaping void and, needless to say, leaves the possibility of a tour uncertain. As a teenager, I too have grown to embrace Run DMC on my AM radio. I'd listen to Los Angeles-based R&B station KDAY (now long gone), hearing the guys giving it up for their music mister. "Jam-Mas-Ta-Jay," exclaims Run DMC in the charismatic way as only then can do it. I was with a friend at the new Ameoba Records store in Los Angeles. While waiting for her to check out some CDs there, the store played "Raising Hell," perhaps the best known of the DMC albums. Hearing "My Adidas" and "Walk This Way" back-to-back took me back to a time when these guys knew how to have fun with rapping...and how fun it was to listen to the skills that Jam Master Jay have employed into Run DMC's music. Now, we will all be hearing Run DMC singing Jam Master Jay's praises in a very different tone. There's no doubt, in my mind, that his wizardry at the turntable (an item only now considered an instrument all its own) have influenced countless DJs, turntable demons, and hip-hop lovers. We'll keep the turntables spinning for you, Jam Master Jay. ---- THIS WEEK'S REVIEWS Addict Merchants--Matter of Facts (Addict Merchants) Fresh album from Sacramento-based outfit the Addict Merchants! I've found this in my box recently, and from the moment I've started listening I was immediately engaged from the wonderful combination of hip-hop and jazzy funk sounds. This is tight stuff, and it's delightful to listen to all of the nuances of both music and words. For more info on the group and purchasing their musical goods, find them on the Web at http://www.addictmerchants.com. V/A--The Roots of Dub Funk 2 (Tanty/UK) From the U.K.'s Tanty Records comes the follow-up to the Roots of Dub Funk. If you like your dub strong and bassy and seductive, this is the release you'll want to check out fully, as the dub/reggae influences really comes through as you check out each tune. It's now available both in Europe and stateside...and other territories, as well. Dub/reggae fans will definitely feel the vibes on this one. Groove Corporation--Dub Plates From The Elephant House Volume Two (Different Drummer) And on the subject of all things dubby, you should check out this goody from the UK-based Different Drummer label (ex-Rockers Hi-Fi). Some of you may have remembered Groove Corporation's submission for Chicago's Guidance Recordings called "Remixes From The Elephant House." And so we go back to the "House," as the Groove Corporation lays down tracks deep into its groove and dub. And let me tell you, the dub is deep and intoxicating from the start onward. Play this one from the start through the end, and you'll find yourself wanting to hear it more and more. fresh goods from the Groove guys, and fresh goods from Different Drummer. V/A--Red, Hot & Riot (Red Hot/MCA) Very, very dope stuff! The Red Hot organization puts out another winner in their long-running series of compilations raising funds for AIDS research. This time, the focus is on Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, whose life was taken in 1997 at the age of 58 due to AIDS complications. And what a tribute "Red, Hot & Riot" is. Some wonderful cuts shine through on this 2x12" double-packed that I've received. My favorites includes new takes on Fela compositions such as "Gentlemen," "No Water No Enemy," and "Zombie." They are all pretty deep tracks, and do justice for the legacy of Fela and for Afrobeat as a whole. Now out as a full album, "Red, Hot & Riot" truly is a marvellous project that shines brightly. The album is out domestically, and soon everywhere else. Lose yourself to da rhythms, y'all! Definitely one of the strongest Afrobeat collection of the year. The Cinematic Orchestra--Horizons 12" (Ninja Tune/UK) The latest single from Jason Swinscoe and company finds two brand new tunes and a new take on a cut from the "Every Day" long player. A reworking of the track "Evolution," entitled "Evolution II," gets a fine mix from PC (one half of fellow Ninja co-horts DJ Food). Starting in the melancholy feel of the original, it builds up with some percussive beats with some serious groove thrown in. Fontella Bass's vocals, different from that of the original, soars here, as the tune builds up into a nice peaktime feel. We also are treated to two new tunes. "Horizon" is a nice, soulful number that features the voice of Niara Scarlett on vocals, while "Oregon" rounds off the 12" with a late-night lounge sort of feel and some nice horns to boot. It's worth checking out, and worth adding to your collection. Mark Farina--Mushroom Jazz 4 compilation (Om promo) The one thing that one can count on with Mark Farina's "Mushroom Jazz" series is some quality music in the mix. "Mushroom Jazz 4" is absolutely no exception to this, with a great mixture of hip-hop, soul, and downbeat sounds. Every DJ and music lover should own this one, if only for the cool selection that Mark Farina has pieced together that will get repeat listening...and playing. Most of the artists are unfamiliar to me, but you'll find tracks from the likes of Pete Rock, Tek 9, and Greyboy. Believe me though....the picks are very much a cut above the usual downbeat flair, and are worth giving it a once-over. If you're a fan of the past "Mushroom Jazz" compilation, your ears will be far from disappointed. Seek out this album when it comes out next week. Derrick L. Carter--Squaredancing In A Roundhouse (Classic) If you know house, then you should already know Derrick Carter. His name is synonymous with house music...and I do mean deep and soulful house. Now the man that co-owns the prolific Classic Recordings comes on hard and strong with his long-awaited debut longplayer, and to say that this is a great house album won't do justice. Very much a labor of love from the first track onward, "Squaredancing" boasts a mixture of new tunes and reworkings of previous releases. Good for the ears, good for the feet, and good for your soul. "Squaredancing" will surely raise the bar for which all house albums will be judged by in the near future. Yuo owe it to yourself to have at least a listen to it, then you be your own judge. For me, this is easily one of the best house albums this year. It's very much worth the wait. Various Artists--Latin 1/4 (Obsessive/UK) This is one solid compilation of Latin-influenced goodness! There are absolutely no fillers on this collection...just some tight Latin house tunes that will have you doing the samba (or whatever dance tickles your fancy). Definitely on the uptempo side, some serious goods come through on this well-compiled package. Joeski & Chus's terrific original version of "El Amor" is here (on the CD only), as is the MAW remix of Victor Davies "Song Of The Samba." But it's all very fresh. Francois K does a dope mix of Cesaria Evora's "Sangue De Betrona," and Noel Nanton's "El Rey" is among some of my personal faves. There isn't a bad track here that can't slipped in at peaktime. Check this one out if you like your Latin house sounds cuts above the ordinary..."Latin 1/4" surely is. For you wax freaks, it's available on double-vinyl (which is what I have). Various Artists--Blue Light One (Upstairs/Nettwerk) First there was the sampler, and now we get the full=length compilation from Canadian label Upstairs Recordings...renowned for it's solid reputation for tasty downtempo delights. If you're familiar with the likes of Upstairs and Nude Recordings, then you'll know both E.D. Swankz, Telefuzz, and The Verbrill Sound well. The U.S. also represents nicely with a couple of tracks from American Bacon Recordings act The William Casion Experience, and Citrona Recording artist Greg Long (as he gets mixed up inna Baby Mammoth remix style). Check this out if you are a fan of downtempo like me. You will definitely get deep chill outs here, and not the cheap stuff. Keep watch Upstairs Recordings...they're just getting started. DRM--Shaeed 12" (Citrona test) The fledging label from the Sunshine State, Citrona Recordings, shines on brightly with its second 12" wax of downtempo bliss entitled "Shaeed." The title track comes from DRM (aka Aaron Schultz) of New York's Bastard Jazz Recordings, holding its own with its seductive funky groove admist some head-bobbing beats and some atmospheric sounds. It's a tune that can surely put unsuspecting listeners in a relaxing late-night frame of mind. Florida native and Citrona artist/co-founder Greg Long, currently staking his claim with the release of the long-player "Balance" for Shadow Records, tweaks "Shaeed" with some added percussions and electronic piano solos that gives the original musical bounce in its stride. On the flip, Canton (Greg Long in another guise) plays up "Shaaed" inna dubwise mode, building it up with some Fender-sounding grooves that is just as much a treat for the head as it is for the body. The final track, "Exposed In Novosibirsk," is performed by Kansas City-based Monta (aka Dedric & Delaney Moore). This playful track is a midtempo number that goes into wah-wah mode, keeping things groovy while still retaining its downtempo feel. "Shaeed" succeeds overall in creating late-night ambiance and daydreaming moods. This is two-for-two in terms of quality releases from Citrona. One can only wonder what the label has up its sleeves. Shine on! Look for it come sometime in November. Various Artists--45 Seconds Of: (Simballrec) How's this for an idea: record a tune, any tune you wish, and send in your demo for consideration. The criteria: the tune has to be exactly (yes, exactly) 45 seconds long, and can neither fade in nor out. So it is that we have one of the most novel projects I've heard this year alongside Leaf's "The Complete Death Of Cool" compilation. "45 Seconds Of:" is a painstaking labor of love. Five hundred submissions were received from the Southern California-based label Simballrec, for which 99 tracks made the album. Contributions include artists such as DJ Spooky That Subliminal Kid, L.A.-based Nobody, Electric Company, amd John Tejada. Most of the artists on this compilation I'm unfamiliar with, but the quality is no less impressive. It's mostly of the experimental electronic variety, but very listenable for any music lover who relishes something inviting, different, and fresh. There are no gaps between the tracks whatsoever the second you hit that play button (though you can see the track number on player as each track goes about its merry way). Creating a compelling 45-second tune is no easy feat, but the artists on here pull it off with zeal. Hats off to Simballrec for weaving the fibers into a wonderful collage of sound. Various Artists--Chainsaw Massacre (On U Sound) Are we inna dub mode this week or what? Actually, I've just found the chance to listen to this compilation of new and exclusive tracks from Adrian Sherwood's formidible UK-based label On U Sound. Dare I say that "Chainsaw Massacre" delivers the goods with a strong and furious dosage of music. Deeply entrenched with reggae and dub influences galore, this compilation features artists from the likes of Ghetto Priest, Dub Syndicate, and Sherwood himself. This is very much the future of dub sounds, ya'll. The tunes are pre-released tracks for On U Sound's 2003 roster. If you're a fan of dub or reggae, snatch this limited-edition album up. Only 10,000 copies have been pressed. Listen and buy it for the terrific take on where dub and reggae are going. On U is poised to once again take its place at the forefront of such sounds. ---- LAST WEEK'S PLAYLIST Listen to the show now with the RealPlayer 8 and higher at http://urbanlandscapesshow.com/shows/25Oct02.ram. 1. Jazzanova--Dance the Dance (featuring Doug Hammond) In Between (Rope-A-Dope/JCR-Compost) 2. Meshell Ndegeocello & Yerba Buena!--Gentlemen Red Hot + Riot compilation (Red Hot/MCA) 3. Ras--Diggin Rhythm Altered State (Best Seven) 4. The Cinematic Orchestra--Evolution II (Mr. P Remix) Horizons EP 12" (Ninja Tune/UK) 5. Jazztronik--Rita Moshi Moshi: Nu Sounds From Japan compilation (Fuego) 6. Emo--Relief For Free (Butti 49 Remix) Nordic Exposure compilation (Quango) 7. Ms. Dynamite--DY-NO-MI-TEE (Osunlade's Yoruba Soul Mix) 12" (P/UK) 8. Focus--Marvin Is Back 12" (Versatile/France) 9. Lemon Jelly--Return To Patagonia Lost Horizons (XL) KOOP PROFILE/INTERVIEW * represents background music -*Bugz In The Attic--Old Skool Jamz Family Factory EP 12" (Tronicsole/UK) -Koop--Abstract Space (Jazzanova Remix) Jazzanova: The Remixes 1997-2000 compilation (JCR/Compost) -*Blakai--The King Iz Dead, Long Live The King Cooperation Session 2 compilation (Goya/UK) -Koop--Waltz For Koop Waltz For Koop (Quango) -*Dom Um Romao--Lake Of Perserverence (King Kooba Remix) Irma On Canvas: Work #5 EP 12" (Irma) -Koop--Summer Sun (featuring Yukimi Nagano) Waltz For Koop (Quango) -*Radio Zumbido--Aparicion Los Ultimos Dias del AM (Palm Pictures) -Koop--Bright Nights (featuring Yukimi Nagano) Waltz For Koop (Quango) -*Projections--Inner City Sides Between Here And Now (Guidance) -Koop--In A Heartbeat (Gerd Remix) CD-R -Rosey--Love (Koop Remix) 12" (Island) -*Projections--Inner City Sides Between Here And Now (Guidance) -Zero 7--In The Waiting Line (Koop Remix) CD-R 10. Jazzanova--Days To Come (Ian O'Brien Remix) 12" (JCR/Compost) 11. Paradox & Volcov--No Europe The New Season 12" (Archive/Italy) 12. Bugz In The Attic featuring Wumni--Zombie (Part 1) Red Hot = Riot compilation (Red Hot/MCA) 13. Ghost--Buck & Bury (featuring Juice Man) 12" (Ghost/UK) 14. New Flesh vs. Horsepower Productions--Stick & Move 12" (Big Dada/UK) 15. John Beltran--Sun Musica Sun Gypsy (Ubiquity) 16. Rosey--One (Seji Remix) 12" (Island) 17. King Kooba--You Don't Know Indian Summer (Om) 18. Focus--Having Your Fun Sweet & Sour (Versatile/France) 19. Projections--Stillness Meets Me Between Here And Now (Guidance) 20. Sons And Daughters Of Lite--A Real Thing California Soul compilation (Luv N'Haight) ---- Urban Landscapes proudly supports quality independent music from around the world. Respect to all the independent labels, radio promotion folks, and related entities for sharing the wonderful musical goods. The show has been keeping it real for over four years, as the movement continues to expand its influence. Please feel free to send promos/musical submissions (CD/CDR, vinyl, and minidisc) for airplay and/or review consideration and t-shirts (large, if you please) to: Velanche Stewart, Urban Landscapes c/o KCPR 91.3 FM Graphic Communications Bldg. Room 201 Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 USA If you're available for interviews, we welcome them as well. Just send me an e-mail message to mail@urbanlandscapesshow.com. This newsletter is sent to DJs, record labels, promotion companies, and like-minded music lovers from around the world. If you wish to be removed from the list, please let me know. To be added to the weekly mailing list, please send me email. Jam Master...Truly, you're the DJ that "made my day..."
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