soul

Kunio Muramatsu: Green Water (1983)

2017/08/11

I so had another post in mind for today, but Kunio Muramatsu’s Green Water spoke to me and said: “hold that powder for some other day, the sun’s still shining!”. From the first song on it’s not hard to see why. A flooring collection of meticulously crafted Pop songs screaming “SUMMER!” merit, at least this…
Mike Francis: Let’s Not Talk About It (1984)

2017/07/21

Now this, this right here, is the promised boogie wonderland. The late Michele Francesco Puccioni’s (aka Mike Francis) 1984 debut is that unheralded statement piece of funk and R&B music that once you have your chance to get your hands on you’ll never forget. Let’s Not Talk About It was the product of some hard-earned…
John Klemmer: Barefoot Ballet (1976)

2016/10/17

There’s smooth jazz, then there’s: Smooth Jazz. Chicago-native, and Art Institute alumnus, John Klemmer, thankfully, belongs to that of the latter kind. In the ’70s, he was primarily known as the go-to sax session man for all sorts of Rock and Pop musicians looking to dip their toes into a jazzy sound. What set John apart from most…
Doopees: Doopee Time (1995)

2016/09/26

It’s Doopee Time! How does one describe a Doopee? One certainly can’t define it, one can only hear it. Led by master Japanese steelpan player Yann Tomita, the Doopees (featuring Caroline Novac, with special appearance by Auntie Kim) were a band conceived by Yann to attempt to do a brand new thing: create the ultimate “cute” album.…
Isabelle Antena: En Cavale (1986)

2016/09/23

It seems I’m running out of summer, and in this case Isabelles, but before I do, I have to share one of those perfect albums that just scream: Can you hold on, just for a bit more? Isabelle Antena’s En Cavale released on uber-stylish indie Belgian record label Les Disques Du Crépuscule, and graced by a gorgeous watercolor album cover…
William DeVaughn: Be Thankful For What You Got (1974)

2014/11/27

William DeVaughn It’s Thanksgiving! What a great time to remind yourself to take some time away and take stock of what y’all gots. No other track speaks quite as soulfully about today, and let’s be honest, any day much like William DeVaughn’s “Be Thankful For What You Got”. Enjoy your day and pay mind to…
Terry Callier: Blues for Marcus (1972)

2014/10/01

Terry Callier Now for today’s album of the month…I kid, I kid, well a little bit, there’s something special about Chicago’s own Terry Callier. No other artist quite sounds like him and in all honesty deserves his own time in my spotlight. Since 1964 he has combine soul, jazz, folk, and funk so effortlessly that…
(World Cup Edition) Marvin Gaye: Star Spangled Banner (1814)

2014/07/04

I take a break today to celebrate the greatest country I live in…the one and only United States of America. Quite possibly the best cover ever, Marvin Gaye’s re-imagining of Francis Scott Keys’ original work. Y’all know the story of America and this song, if not read a book, or visit wikipedia. Stay safe, light…
Track of the Day: June 3, 2014

2014/06/03

My pick for the day is Switch’s “I Call Your Name” from Switch II released in 1979, is really a small ode to the forgotten R&B wunderkinds: the DeBarges. The DeBarges hailed from Detroit, they were mixed race pastor’s kids learning to sing and play through the church. Berry Gordy signed them up near the…