MAVRIK – “Lets Live”
Oakland, CA’s dynamic duo of Loren “Tallswest” Tolman and Yohannes Skoda, collectively known as MAVRIK, have become a respected force in the exceedingly cre8ive San Francisco Bay Area hip-hop scene. Drawing heavily from their roots in the East Coast, Kenya and India, MAVRIK’s music is refreshingly original, with as much care put into the instrumental arrangements as to the beats and vocals. The lyrics are worldly and conscious, touching on some of the heavy issues that plague humanity, but opting for a courageous and positive tone rather than the apocalyptic resignation often favored when this sort of subject matter is tackled. This particular song is more of a party track than some of their more topical material, but it is shot through with their uplifting message of personal liberation and community solidarity. Oh, and it totally f’ing rocks the dancehall.
MAVRIK
“Let’s Live” (mp3)
from “About Face”
(SKOMAN Productions LLC)
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Aventura – “Peligro”
Continuing a virtual international musical trek, today finds these ears somewhere in the Dominican Republic via the South Bronx, where Aventura perfected an original fusion of bachata, hip hop, R & B, rock and various world music styles, which has made them a huge success. How huge? They sold out Madison Square Garden solo, and at the last minute, to accommodate frustrated fans, the Garden opened seating to 360 degrees to let more people in. This song is a gr8 taste of their unique and passionate musical blend, with magnificent vocals, inspired instrumental work, loads of heart and a thread of humor throughout. Enjoy.
Aventura
“Peligro” (mp3)
from “The Last”
(Premium Latin Music)
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Ernie Ranglin – “My Boy Lollipop feat Alana Davis”
Here’s a gr8 swingin’ track from the king of Jamaican jazz guitar, the one and only Ernest Ranglin, ladies and gentlemen. Kick back and enjoy the ultra cool reggae jazz of this master player with his top flight band, and their lovely rendition of “My Boy Lollipop.” When Millie Small’s version of this song was released in 1964, it became the first worldwide ska hit record, throwing open the doors to overseas markets for all the great Jamaican music that would follow. It is no surprise then that the song is often covered by Jamaican artists, and ska bands everywhere, and many fine versions have been recorded. This one, featuring the shimmering vocals of the lovely and talented young Alana Davis, has quickly become one of my favorites.
Ernie Ranglin
“My Boy Lollipop (feat. Alana Davis)” (mp3)
from “Order of Distinction”
(Milk River Music)
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Forrrce – “Keep on Dancin”
Oooooold skooooool! How funkay do ya wannit? This classic slice of early 80’s club disco is a joyous celebration of life, dancin’ and partying. Luscious ear candy from electric guitar, bass, clavinet, bells and the kitchen sink back party chants and vintage rap vocals, in this under-discovered link in the evolution from disco and funk to hip-hop and modern deejay dance music. From Mel Cheren’s West End Records, ladies and gents, a timeless, absolutely guaranteed dance floor filler. Feel the Forrrce!
Forrrce
“Keep on Dancin’” (mp3)
from “Keep on Dancin’”
(West End Records)
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