Eclectic Vibes

Blake Lewis - Audio Daydream

Once again a runner up on American Idol scores bigger than the winner. Dynamic and diverse, this release offers a great range of Blake-isms; from beat boxing and alternative pop to soul and hip hop all seen through his pleasant technotronic filters.

Musicians For Minneapolis - 57 Songs For the I-35W Bridge Disaster Relief Effort

Produced by audio equipment giant, Electro-Voice, the only thing longer than the title of this 3-CD release is the list of amazing musicians contributing to this self-explanatory fund raising project. Dick Dale, George Clinton, DJ Spooky, Calexico, Les Claypool and MANY, many more.

Zap Mama - ReCreation

Playfully, chilled out attitudes are in vogue on this joy filled and life affirming wash of multicultural world rhythms with a refreshing vision and soulful vocal refrains. Although a bit heavy on the R&B for my tastes, this is undeniably a stellar release.

Jahdan Blakkamoore - Buzzrock Warrior

A raw, innovative and intense blending of dancehall, roots, R&B, cumbia, hip hop and dub from this Guyana born but Brooklyn raised musical warrior. Teamed with fellow Dutty Artz members Matt Shadetek and DJ /rupture this release strikes hardest when Blakkamoore’s intense and diverse lyrics are melded to mighty dub and dancehall DJ beats.

Bob Blank - The Blank Generation: Blank Tapes NYC 1975-1985

From Sun Ra to Gladys Knight To Lydia Lunch, this retrospective encapsulates Bob Blank’s time at the legendary Blank Tape studios. 13 disco, funk, jazz and soul fueled tracks glimpse at the scope and range of what he fostered in his heyday in NYC.

Cee-Lo Green - The Ladykiller

Cee-Lo Green has become a musical hero of mine. His style, talent, and incredibly smooth voice stand out from all others. As the vocalist for the amazing Gnarls Barkley, he caught my attention. Now in solo form, he delivers a smashing release containing the infectious viral hit “Fuck You” (and the censored version “Forget You”) which has received millions of hits on YouTube. The remainder of the album shines with a timeless soul groove that is filled with layers of flavors and tip to hip-hop happiness.

T.U.G.G. - Come Sunrise

Reggae is a state of mind for some and comes from the heart for others. This western Wisconsin group continues to find reggae rhythms emanating from both their mind and heart on Come Sunrise. While they may float into some skate as well as some surf rock gusto, this release reflects the struggles and glory that comes from being a touring band in 2010.

Brownout - Fear of a Brown Planet

After two awesome retooled Black Sabbath themed releases, this 9-piece award winning Austin, TX offshoot of Grupo Fantasma, brings us a heavy Latin funk and soul tapestry of blazing grooves and horn filled rhythms in this play on Public Enemy’s 1990 hip-hop classic Fear of a Black Planet. Woot!

Turkuaz - Life In The City

Expressive and fun, this nonet from Brooklyn will blow your socks off with their energy poppin’ horns, strong jams and catchy rhythms. Dripping with splashes of funk, rock, alternative and R&B this group brings momentous energy and presence to Life In The City as well as their live shows wherever they may be found. Find em nearby on 11/15 at High Noon Saloon in Madison, WI

Andy Frasco & The UN - Change of Pace

Super fun and party forward, Andy Frasco & The UN have toured through 10 countries, average 250 shows per year and have somehow managed to output 10,000+ hours playing music. Change of Pace adds more soul to their fabulous freaky funk, showing off their natural evolution as a band, while not losing their edge or originality.

Freekbass - All the way this. All the way that.

With his backing group, The Bump Assembly, Freekbass’ seventh full length album harnesses the funk forward Cincinnati sound and merges it with universal influences from the 70s through tomorrow. This gyrational groove goodness not only shows off the innovative styling of Freekbass including his signature double thumb strumming technique and driving rhythms, but gives him plenty of room to show off wild costumes and vigorous live show. (9)

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