Yes we all laugh at the notion that someone would ask such a question, but given how things go in this musical climate nothing and I mean nothing that anyone would ask would surprise me.
No Billy, this instrument doesn’t make beat per se, meet TONTO! TONTO is an acronym for “The Original New Timbral Orchestra,” the first, and still the largest, multitimbral polyphonic analog synthesizer in the world, designed and constructed over several years by Malcolm Cecil. TONTO started as a Moog modular synthesizer Series III owned by record producer Robert Margouleff. Later a second Moog III was added, then four Oberheim SEMs, two ARP 2600s, modules from Serge with Moog-like panels, EMS, Roland, Yamaha, etc.[3] plus several custom modules designed by Serge Tcherepnin and Cecil himself – who has an electrical engineering background.[4] Later, digital sound-generation circuitry and a collection of sequencers were added, along with MIDI control. All of this is housed in an instantly-recognizable semi-circle of huge curving wooden cabinets, twenty feet in diameter and six feet tall.
Hits by Stevie Wonder, The Isley Brothers and many others were produced using this synthesized orchestra.
From the classic 3 + 3 LP, The Isley Brothers create their own classic with the hit made famous by Seals & Croft. Looking at the temperature today it is definitely becoming that time of year.
“Between the Sheets” is so heavily sampled in Hip-Hop and R&B because you just can’t get around how funky that groove is. It sounds as good today as it did almost 30 years ago. In essence: it’s dope. The song went to #3 on the R&B singles chart and helped The Isley Brothers get their first platinum album since 1978.
Among the numerous artists who have sampled this song are The Notorious B.I.G., Da Brat, Aaliyah, Jay-Z, Whitney Houston, Gwen Stefani and Tupac Shakur to name only a few.
Some concerts are okay, others are pretty good, but only a few impact your thoughts and inspire your soul. One such concert will be touching the red clay of Atlanta, Georgia and bringing a melodic breeze to the Chastain Park Amphitheatre. On Saturday, September 3rd, the stage will be graced by three generations of soulful crooners that you definitely don’t want to miss. (more…)
Yeah, we know it’s “Valentine’s Day” but who said we gotta pay Cupid some damn tribute!!!! If you’re one of those lovesick puppies and hopeless romantics looking for your fix on V-Day, we got your fix but it sure as hell ain’t what you think!!! On this day of love, we wanted to send Cupid a special mixtape! A list of songs that really express our deep passion in the subject of amour. So if love has kicked you in the ass, made a complete fool of you, had you crying like Lenny Williams and broadcasted your shame all over Facebook and Twitter, then welcome my friends to our official “F!ck, Cupid,!!” mixtape!! A Valentine’s mix that is sure to have you burning down someone’s car and lighting a cigarette afterward!!!
And Cupid, in case you missed our sentiments, let us say it again……….”F**K YOU!!!” (in my Cee-Lo voice) (more…)
40 years ago today the music world lost one of the greatest guitarist ever to pick up the axe. Although Jimi Hendrix is no longer with us his legacy lives on in almost everyone who has ever plugged in to a Marshall Stack.
Hendrix has always represented to me a continuation of the lineage of musical greatness that this country has produced often under less than accommodating standards. The spirit of the first virtuoso banjoist or fiddle player to play for an audience on these shores was fully present in all of Jimi’s playing, yes it’s that deep. Jimi’s rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” wasn’t blasphemous, it was so real that many couldn’t handle it then and some still can’t handle it now.
We would not be GFM if we did not take out some time today and pay homage to this musical giant. Thank you Jimi for the music!
Even though the heat has been quite oppressive here I still enjoy the “concept” of Summer: Lazy days and nights filled with adventure, trips hear and there and a break from the school year. Just wanted to take a little time out today to post these two gems from Seals and Croft and The Isley Brothers respectively. It’s been a while since I’ve had jasmine in my mind, but at some point I’m hoping to get back there.
DJ Phaze mellows out on this one and brings you a quiet storm mix, GFM style. Check the playlist, download and feel free to share. And, if you enjoy it, hit Phaze up and let him know!
Tracklist:
The Secret Garden – Quincy Jones, Barry White, James Ingram, El DeBarge, Al B. Sure
Adore – Prince
For Your Love – Stevie Wonder
Love T.K.O – Teddy Pendergrass
The Lady In My Life – Michael Jackson
Summer Breeze – Isley Brothers
Groove With You – The Isley Brothers
Computer Love – Zapp and Roger
This Is For The Lover In You – Shalamar
Wishing On A Star – Rose Royce
Cherish – Kool & The Gang
A House is not a Home – Luther Vandross
Tonight, I Celebrate My Love – Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack
Turn off the lights – Teddy Pendergrass
The Closer I Get To You – Roberta Flack & Pebo Bryson
Reasons – Earth, Wind & Fire
