Whether it’s our “Cover Me” series or any of the numerous spins and discussions we do over on our Facebook Page, you know that here at GFM the song is valued. In an era where throw away lyrics and repetitive melodies accompany the track musician ML Caldwell puts the song first and foremost in the new project Souls In Rotation.
ML describes the project as such “… [Souls In Rotation] was actually recorded to sound like a record or old cassette. Bucking conventionalism, this project was recorded using analog equipment. We essentially placed microphones in a room, played the songs, and chose the best take; but the quality of the songwriting has garnered much appreciation among our fans and friends.”
You can add this listener as one who appreciates the craftsmanship contained herein. To preview the project go here. To purchase a copy of Souls In Rotation go here.
So I’ve had the pleasure of listening to Mark de Clive’s latest release entitled “Take the Space Trane.” This album seamlessly blends Electro beat productions and live orchestration-provided by the Rotterdam Jazz Orchestra. If you’re already a jazz fan and looking to expand your musical pallet have a listen to a couple of tracks off this futuristic yet accessible album. #FortheLoVeofAllMusic
Friend to GFM Miss Special is celebrating the 4th Anniversary of her show Special Sundays in a real way: by gifting listeners beat tape featuring many of the favorite producers featured on the show. The beat tape is entitled “Make You Feel” and will feature Jon Reyes, maticulous, Jansport J, NAMELESS, Haz Solo, and more. Make sure you download this one for your collection and tune into Special Sundays!
TOMAS DONCKER’S THE POWER OF THE TRINITY: FROM BROOKLYN TO ETHIOPIA
SummerStage Presents the World Premiere Theatrical Performance Celebrating Story & Message of Haile Selassie
Tomás Doncker, the Brooklyn-based musician who is known for his fusion of world beats and American R&B into “global soul,” will have his album The Power of the Trinity transformed, for the first time, into a full blown theatrical performance at this year’s SummerStage. Performances will be held in Central Park on July 31; and in Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem on August 3-5.
Tomas Doncker Band/Power of the Trinity Concert Schedule:
Rumsey Playfield | Central Park: New York, NY | July 31st
Marcus Garvey Park | Harlem: New York, NY | August 3rd, 4th and 5th
(all performances begin at 8 PM)
About The Power of the Trinity theatrical performance:
The Power of the Trinity tells the story of Ethiopian King Haile Selassie (whose name in the ancient Ge’ez language literally means “power of the trinity”), one of the first globally conscious African leaders of the 20th century. It’s based on a play of the same name, written by the late New York playwright Roland Wolf. Award-winning director Alfred Preisser has developed an aggressive modernist interpretation for this production, which will feature live dance, edited dialogue, and full staging that conveys the strength of Selassie and the people of Ethiopia.
“I was inspired both by the music of Ethiopia and by the message of Haile Selassie, who stood up to the Italian invasion of his country before World War II and who predicted more of the same for Europe. His message is a very simple but powerful one – do the right thing, stand up for what you know is right, no matter the odds,” said Doncker.
The Power of the Trinityalbum, originally released at the end of 2011 and set to be reissued in a deluxe version on July 17th, includes the prolific bassist and producer Bill Laswell, Senegalese percussionist Aiyb Dieng, saxophonist Peter Apfelbaum, Sidney Mills of the legendary reggae band Steel Pulse, Mahmoud Ahmed, Brooklyn rocker Doctor Israel, poet Yusef Komunyakaa, and various other jazz, funk and rock musicians. It’s met with wide critical acclaim.
Purchase The Power of the Trinity: iTunes | Amazon
As an entity that greatly supports the promotion of not only great artists but impactful outlets that carry a passion for great music, thoughtful conversation and an elevated approach to entertainment, we want our GFM family to take serious consideration and action in support of the radio show “Live From Plutopia”. Formerly a 2 hour radio program on Beehive FM, co-host Taiye Samuel and Mable Abraham are back with a mission to change the world by “slipping the medicine in the candy”. In other words, bringing an inspiring message through laughter, conversation and of course good music that you want to hear.
How can you make a difference and take part in this movement for positive change? Take a look at a few of their video moments from the show and be a contributor for the return of “Live from Plutopia”. (more…)
Ok so a little context first…checkout this demo and interview with one of the designers of the Fairlight Peter Vogel from 1980.
Next you can watch this video of Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones working out with a Fairlight and you can also read a post that I wrote about my feelings on their use of the equipment here.
And finally the inspiration for this post…
I literally was talking about this with one of musical cohorts the other day before the Whodini episode of Unsungcame on and when they started talking about their use of the Fairlight in the studio and the fact that at that particular time there were on 12 in the world. When you work with a tool that not many have access to, and you can work with it skillfully that is going to immediately put you front and center or it should. (more…)
Attention producers! GFM fave Tracy Cruz is on the look out for some fresh remixes for her latest project Universoul Symphony. Check out the vid above and download those tracks, get in the lab and work on bringing the heat!!!
GFM Fam when a sound like this hits the inbox, there’s absolutely no fighting the urge to share. Press play below to check out the sound of Nik West and after the jump check out what Nik has been up to and the great music that she’s been involved with. Placing Nik West in our one to watch category effective immediately.
Purchase The Power of the Trinity: 
