A huge musical treasure – a full unreleased album by Weldon Irvine, plus a bonus video as well! The music is from the stage play Young Gifted & Broke – a short-lived production by Weldon, and one that's done with some of the same hip modes he was bringing to his own music of the 70s – as well as to other artists as well, especially Nina Simone! The style's more jazz than funk, but is still mighty nice – as the instrumentation features loads of electric piano lines from Weldon, and a sparklingly soulful style that's way hipper than most of what you'd find on the stage at the time. Most tunes have lyrics, but are still heavy on Fender Rhodes lines from Weldon – and titles include "Karate Dancer", "Pity for The Man", "Black Lightning's Song", "Musical Interlude", "Comin Home", "We Got A Deal", "No Now Never None", and "Ghetto Lament". DVD features a documentary titled The Edification Of Weldon Irvine – filmed in 1979 by Collis Davis – partly on the play, but also on Irvine and his music too – a beautiful document with footage in both color and black and white. DVD also has subtitles in Japanese – but is in English throughout. (DVD format is NTSC/Region free.) ~ Dusty Groove
The coolest chapter so far in the long-lost story of the He3 Project – wonderfully spiritual jazz sounds from the San Francisco scene of the early 70s – recorded with a wicked blend of instrumentation and vocals, and a really cosmic sound overall! The music isn't just the usual spiritual jazz of the time – nor the familiar funky sound from the other side of the Bay – and instead, it's kind of a tripped-out hybrid that's really unique – and often served up with a rough edge that makes the instrumentation even more compelling! Players include Hadley Caliman on tenor and flute, Joe West and Terry Mederios on guitars, and Herman Eberitzsch (the HE in the group's name) on Fender Rhodes, Echoplex, piano, and screwdriver. Vocals are from two members of The Waters – Maxine and Julia – although the overall vibe is more instrumental in the end. Titles include "Civilization", "The Massage", "Dark Angels", "Artesian Wells", "Shake A Leg Woman", "To Be True", and "This Is The Struggle". (Super-heavy package – almost with the heft of a vintage tape box!) ~ Dusty Groove
Airborne, the proclaimed “Musical Peacemakers” have released a very cheerful and motivating project entitled Airborne - Christmas: Holiday Music. Airborne - Christmas: Holiday Music takes you onboard a magical and musical journey through this wonderful season. An enchanted collection of seasonal favorites and original compositions that are very powerful and intensely creative yet inspires a peaceful serenity and a message of hope. The vocal and musical arrangements raise your spirit to a higher level of joy and peace. The music of Airborne fills your mind and heart with dreams of happiness that really overflows in this season of love. This music awakens within all of us the love and the feeling of global unity, friendship, and peace for the whole world. This is truly the message of Airborne in this Christmas: Holiday Music Collection. Tracks include: Every Year at Christmas Time, The Christmas Song, The Little Drummer Boy, Christmas Time is Here, Let it Snow, O Holy Night, I Wander, What Child is This, White Christmas, and Silent Night.