After hours grooving…
The enigmatic chillout DJ/Producer from San Francisco digs deep into his record box and shares some truly mind-blowing musical selections…
01. Arthur Russell “This Is How We Walk On The Moon”
Arthur Russell had a beautiful and unique voice, ahead of his time, and distinctly American. This is one of my favourite songs of his, and also one of my top tunes of all time. The whole album – “Another Thought” – is great though! The album was put together by Philip Glass’ POINT label, based on incomplete tracks and works in progress. Arthur’s sound ranges from the playful to the melancholy and highly recommend checking him out.
02. Dreamies “Part One”
A weird little album from 1974 by a guy named Bill Holt and recorded in his basement! Talk about underground! This predates KLF “Chill Out” by over 15 years. When I first heard this album, I was blown away. It reminded me a lot of what I like do in my own DJ mixes – kind of like a collage, an audio road trip. I loved this track so much I did a cover of it called “Sunday Morning Song” with my friends Future BC & Ryan Kelley. Check out Bill Holt – he is still alive, and making weird videos on YouTube. Here is the original Dreamies version…
03. Popul Vuh “Morgengruß”
An album my brother Shawn introduced me to when I was a teenager, and I never stopped listening to it. Some of the tracks from the album were used in the great Werner Herzog film “Aguirre The Wrath Of God”. Herzog collaborated with Popul Vuh quite a bit and all of their work is worth checking out. Perfect for a Balearic sunset.
04. Alice Coltrane “Journey in Satchidananda”
My introduction to spiritual jazz and a real ear opener! As soon as I heard the first note of that harp, I was in love. She is someone I had always wanted to see live – the closest I ever got was going to the church she started. “The Church of John Coltrane” in San Francisco. There I heard the whole congregation singing “A Love Supreme” as they worshipped an altar adorned with images of “Saint John Coltrane”.
05. Bruce Haack “Party Machine”
In 1982, Bruce Haack recorded one of his final tracks – a weird hip-hop collaboration with Russell Simmons (yes! that Russell Simmons) entitled “Party Machine”. It’s super funky, and super weird. I released a tribute album to Bruce Haack a few years ago. Working on that was one of the most special things I have been involved with.
06. The Irresistible Force “Nepalese Bliss”
Mixmaster Morris’ talents are on full display here, a tour de force of sampling, and crate digging. Chockfull of funny comedy samples, trippy swirls, and synth washes. This album was a big inspiration for me – you can hear some of that inspiration on my new album “Illegal Lingo”
07. The Orb “Plateau”
From my favourite Orb album – “Orbus Terrarum”. I can hear Thomas Fehlmann’s imprint all over this track, it’s very ambient, and super psychedelic. The spoken word samples are not as ubiquitous as on other Orb records, but they are nicely placed.
08. Vangelis “The City”
A nice companion piece to the “Blade Runner” soundtrack, I don’t see people mention this one too often, but not sure why? It’s one of my favourites!
09. Leon Thomas “The Creator Has A Master Plan”
Such a beautiful voice and song! I like the percussion in this track a lot too. The whole thing sounds so organic and timeless. I love Leon Thomas so much that I have a poster of him in my kitchen.
10. Ennio Morricone “La Lucertola”
A hauntingly beautiful track – I love the horns, and the overall orchestration. The vocal is simply magical. It’s vintage Morricone and there will never be another.
DF Tram – Illegal Lingo (Subatomic UK)
This DJ/Producer from San Francisco, who is already highly regarded within the North American underground electronic music scene, releases his debut solo artist album – a joyous culmination of a 20-year musical journey that has come to fruition on Subatomic UK after a chance meeting with label boss and chillout aficionado, Steve Miller (aka Afterlife).
“This album is 100% honesty, a culmination of different styles of music that I have loved over the years. The music on this album is something I would listen to at home, in a car, or on my headphones around town, yet it still has tracks on there that are suitable for a club (which I think is nice). Each track tells a different story. All of them are very personal to me. All of my life experiences have moulded the person I am and the music I create today.” – DF Tram
Videos:
DF Tram – Soul Exchange feat. Coppe
DF Tram – The Hands Of Time
DF Tram – Road To Shambala
http://www.junodownload.com/products/df-tram-illegal-lingo/2797840-02/
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/illegal-lingo/id993755075
