Ben Rando heads up our label partner Onde Music in the south of France, and consistently brings tasteful albums that walk the open space between Jazz and Soul. This year he graced the airwaves with his self titled debut album, featuring the divine Sarah Elizabeth Charles on vocals, Yacine Boulares on sax, Federico Casagrande on guitar , Sam Favreau on double bass, and Cédrick Bec on the drums. The clarity of the recording hits you first, followed by Rando's intensely personal feel and emotive playing. This record tells a story of the world from one man's view - self reflective, taking in the loneliness of the world and transforming it to something positive and beautiful. The compositions are intricate, bringing Rando's experience in classical music, dance, and theater together under the language of Jazz. Dig in.
The Countdown 2017 | Soule Monde
"The new Soule Monde album Must Be Nice digs deeper into the pool of rhythms and melody. Still drawing from the funk and also the rhythms Russ played with his time in the Afro Beat band Zzebra. Ray and Russ mash it all together Soule Monde style with that great chemistry they have for writing as a band. Always boiling it down to some unique songs for your body, mind and soul. It's been said before but Must Be Nice will take you on a musical journey." (Russ Lawton)
In solid contrast to the sizzle and the flash - these guys simply hold down the groove. It is refreshing to hear the Hammond in a near constant, up-front solo state with drums just straight locked in. These cats have played a few gigs together, and the seasoned feel of their musical partnership tells the story.
Dig in right here.
THE COUNTDOWN 2017 | Spank
Spank, (George "Spanky" McCurdy) is a world-renowned drummer and up-and-coming producer who is well-versed across a broad spectrum of musical styles. A proud native of North Philadelphia, Spank has performed with the likes of Sean “Diddy” Combs, Lady Gaga, Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, and Kanye West. He has also collaborated with Brandy, Queen Latifah, Nas, Q-Tip, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, and Tye Tribbett.
For 6 years, Spank served as the lead drummer for Lady Gaga, including during her incredibly successful “The Monster Ball Tour,” which grossed close to a quarter of a billion dollars. He also performed with Lady Gaga at the 2016 Oscars, during her ground breaking performance. In May 2013, Spank and Hudson Music released an instructional DVD on drumming called “Off Time/On Time”. Spank was also featured on the December 2013 cover of Modern Drummer Magazine.
Spank’s unique musical aura was fostered at an early age. He grew up watching the choir director at his local church, and funneled the passion of gospel music towards cultivating his own fearless approach to drumming and producing.
Spank's debut album, CIRCA LXXXI, hit the airwaves on February 24, 2017 and it's a progressive representation of his drum style, his experimental nature, and the core soul sounds of his native Philadelphia. Drop in and take that trip.
THE COUNTDOWN 2017 | Sr. Langosta
When these cats sent us new music it just knocked us back. Serious fusion with a deep understanding of Psychedelic rock and intense guitar work. Led by Jorge Andres Ferreras, Sr. Langosta is a unique and powerful sound that unavoidably carries Caribbean rhythms (the band hails from Puerto Rico) and blends funk, fusion, and rock. It's the kind of music that makes you feel strong, and it comes with mystical art that speaks of some past present and future psychedelic fiction. This is one of our favorites of the year, and now that Puerto Rico needs our help and attention we urge you to jump in and support these guys if you dig the music. Enjoy!