Archive for Friday, February 10, 2012

?uestlove’s DJ Set Tribute to J Dilla

Posted in Downloads, Media with tags , , , on Friday, February 10, 2012 by Tim Althaus

As many of you know, ?uestlove is probably the biggest J Dilla fanatic there is; I guarantee he has just about every piece of music that James Yancey composed. ?uesto was on Hot97 today as a guest dj, and every song in his show was related to J Dilla; I only wish I could have listened to this live because ?uestlove is one of the most knowledgeable musicians of all-time, and I can guarantee he put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this.

As far as a dj set is concerned, ?uestlove totally kills it; he skews every aspect of Dilla’s career, and his knowledge of Dilla’s catalog becomes clear within the first few songs. This mix is definitely worth an hour of your time. You can expect to hear songs from Ghostface, Slum Village, J Dilla himself, The Roots, Janet Jackson, Busta Rhymes, Common, De La Soul and The Pharcyde. What I love about this show is that ?uestlove actually breaks down some of the samples that Dilla used, so you can try to imagine how Jay flipped it. This dj set is something that a hardcore Dilla fan like myself can really get into, but at the same time, it’s a great introduction for someone new to the Dilla catalog.

Download: ?uestlove’s J Dilla DJ Set

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R.I.P. J Dilla (February 7, 1974 – February 10, 2006)

Posted in News with tags , , , on Friday, February 10, 2012 by Tim Althaus

I still can’t believe that this man is gone because it always saddens me to think about Jay’s passing. Jay Dee truly was a producer’s producer, and no one will ever be able to top Dilla’s abilities. I feel as though I am a very fortunate human being; experiencing and finding out about Dilla’s music is truly one of the greatest things that has happened in my life. His music is something that I will always be able to confide in whether times are good or bad, and I thank him for that. For those of you fortunate enough to be in the D today, I salute you, and I hope you have an incredible time on Dilla Day.

 

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Album Review: Made of Wood, The Chill/Funk Trip

Posted in Music Reviews, Reviews with tags , , , , , , , on Friday, February 10, 2012 by Eric Gilardi

The more I explore the more I realize I will never be able to discover all of the music the world has to offer let alone our own nation. Made of Wood makes me realize that this is why I am trying to discover as much of that music that I can. On the new album, The Chill/Funk Trip, you will get an instrumental barrage that can be described as Downtempo with 70’s Funk and modern Jazz elements.

In an email I received from I AM PR Agency it suggests that you listen to this album at a lounge, in your car or in your bed. 2 weeks ago on a Saturday morning I did just that. Well, excluding at a lounge or in a car. As I laid in bed and drifted through an hour of life reflection where I may have been under the influence of some really damn good instrumental music. Yes, that morning I decided Made of Wood was worthy of a listen if you are in the mood to relax, think or ready to go on that voyage(whatever “that” voyage may be for you).

Dan Waldman is the man behind the curtain in his musical land of Oz and Made of Wood is the solo project from this composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. The first track “Are We There Yet?” would be a perfect fit for any snowboarding video worthy of such a smooth and buttery theme. As the album plays on you realize you are along for a ride for the entirety of the album.

If you like orchestra, if you like funk, if you like the piano, if you like drums or if you like strings you are going to like Made of Wood. This album does a perfect job of blending everything together to make an original work of musical art. The most important part when listening to Made of Wood is to make sure you really listen to every sound being created and appreciating all the different elements that he blends together.

Lay down, relax look for Made of Wood The Chill/Funk Trip and start making your dreams a reality or your realities a dream.

Album Release Date: February 1, 2012

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