1 Deee – Lite – Groove Is In The Heart
‘’The chills that you spill up my back’’… A song that defined the Summer of 1990 with a Psychedelic Video (with the very stylish Miss Kier) and a mish-mash of Funkadelic, Rap and hot Dance music that blew up Worldwide. The rap is by Q Tip of a Tribe Called Quest with a sample of Herbie Hancock heavily featured which made this track so attractive to me as a Jazz Musician.
2 Beats International – Dub Be Good To Me
Still focusing on the very special year of 1990 in club party vibes, the moment can’t pass without the mention of this UK based outfit, who not only smashed #1 in Britain, but also the Billboard chart in USA. A hybrid of samples from The Clash and ”Jam Hot’’.]
3 Jimmy Cliff – I Can See Clearly Now
Originally recorded by Johnny Nash, this was a hit for Jimmy Cliff’s 1993 reggae infused version for the film ”Cool Runnings’’. Cliff’s charismatic image of rebellion and change, with his sharp vocals breathed a strong message of hope and light with the sensitivity of its lyrics as well as filling dance floors.
4 UB40 – Higher Ground
Whilst on a Reggae tip, lets’ not forget the cool working class Brummies that I actually grew up with and was present in Dep International Studios during the recording of this particular track from the ‘Promises And Lies’ album in 1993. ”Every hour of every day I’m learning more.‘’ A spiritual, poetic song with a esoteric message for sure. A pulsating bassline with the Stevie Wonder/ Bob Marley style vocals from the golden voice of Ali Campbell gives you goosebumps.
![UB40 - Higher Ground 1993 [HQ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0yXnPTmS1Vg/0.jpg)
5 John Coltrane – Alabama
As a Jazz Saxophonist it would be rude not to mention potentially the best that’s been – JC!! This guy has influenced music in all genres and his predominant historical ”Modal Jazz’’ invention changed the course of Jazz Music. This 1963 masterclass was written about the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing (Klu Klux Klan killing) and is very moving. Performed live with his classic Quartet of Tyner, Garrison and Jones.
6 Miles Davis – A Kind of Blue
My final venture into the Bohemian Late 1950s sub culture called Jazz.. This is Mr Cool himself and this particular album with Coltrane included is regarded as the ”Jazz Bible’.’ Trumpeter Miles Davis recorded it in 1959 with his laid back and minimalist style of soloing. It is a true masterpiece and cited as as the best selling record of all time.
7 Black Eyed Peas – Where Is The Love
Will.i.am. created a cool loop and guitar with the lyrical focus on very political issues which alleviated the ‘’selling out” accusations of including Justin Timberlake in the mix down. The song became a 2003 hit with a video of Will.i.am and Taboo as a duo who use music as a vehicle to send a powerful message. It’s catchy rhythm and melodic counterpoint are a huge feature in the commercial success.
8 Sergio Mendes Brazil 66 – Mas Qu Nada
A Latin classic written in 1963 by Jorge Ben, but made world famous by Iconic Pianist Sergio Mendes Brasil 66 arrangement and is considered as the 5th greatest Brazilian song of all time. In 2006 he actually re recorded a version with the aforementioned Black Eyed Peas.. I worked on 2 Songs recently with his current Percussionist Gibi Dossantos. Which brings me naturally to the next track…
10 Sam Q’s Feat. Maya – The Magpie And The Squirrel (Doug Gomez Remix)
Released in April 2020 on Grooveland Music in Brazil, I wrote the original Latin Jazz version and the vocal extended mix featuring Maya. If that doesn’t have you dancing the night away then wait till you hear the heavyweight remix by Doug Gomez , powered by Latin and Afro House beats and a pulsating bass infused with Brazilian Carnival styling. Doug Gomez was the man I sought out for the remix and with his Latino up bringing, there was never any doubt about it’s inevitable outcome!
Sam Qs Feat. Maya ‘The Magpie And The Squirrel’ (Incl. Doug Gomez Remix) is out now on Grooveland Music.
https://www.traxsource.com/title/1307522/the-magpie-and-the-squirrel
