1. The Indie Rock scene right now.
Just enjoying the live shows again. Ima Robot live at Spaceland brought back some youthful spirited emotions. The Rebirth music is very involved, so it is refreshing to see folks just plug in and play.
2. Pat Metheny Group “The Way Up”
I listened to this record twice on the the flight back to LA after touring the UK in March. This is the antithesis to the straight forward rock sound aforementioned. “The Way Up” is a single 68 minute long composition. It’s a beautiful piece of music that continually develops through different stages.
Very subtle, unpredictable and complicated. I was captured by not knowing where he was going to turn next. It’s an inspiring piece and I can’t even begin to imagine what his session charts looked like.
3. Jon Brion “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” soundtrack
He knows how to really direct your mood. On tour, there is a lot of time for introspection and this record became catalyst to elevating me to this place.
Just now discovering this writer. You feel no pressure listening to his work.
4. “What the Bleep Do We Know” Film
When “This Journey In” was written years ago, it was a subject matter that truly wasn’t clearly defined. The fact that Science and the Spirit could come to agree finally might turn our worlds dogmas to a soft purr. Many people have asked me what this song is about, I don’t hesitate to respond but I usually lose them after the 4th dimension. This film has encapsulated the message of the journey in. This film has made it easier for me to create a visual reference for the inquiry mind.
5. “Impeach The Precedent”
Excited about this benefit record for the planet. This amazing record of funk, soul, nujazz and hip hop stands by my belief that we have an obligation and responsibility to each other on this earth. If we get it out of our heads that altruism is a luxury and just invest a small percentage of our lives to be caretakers then we might make some serious moves. It just seems to be a subject matter that comes to the forefront of our mind only during election time. Hopefully, this is the first of many benefit records we will release through Kajmere Sound. The music is as strong as the message. Big ups to Willie Nelson and his Bio-Diesel campaign. Perfect example of what seems to be opposite agendas being able to come together for a better unified cause.
6. Two new soul divas, Havana, and Chokolate
Coming soon to a record player near you. Before Kajmere Sound releases anything we have to be inspired. These two records I have played out with at least one curious request per spin. It is just good unpretentious soul with a lot class with feel good sprinkled in. Nikolay (Foreign Exchange) produced Havana’s record. This producer is on the next up list as far as I am concerned. Chokolate is touring with Charlie 2na and had worked on De La Souls last record. She has incredible melodic sensibilities and is a perfect compliment to Vitamin D who produces her music. This year is going to be strong year for these strong sisters and Kajmere Sound.
7. Dharma: Techniques for a more peaceful life.
I have been subject to many faiths in my life and I feel there is something for everyone’s temperament. There was a lot of pressure finishing this record and managing my business affairs. Regardless, we ultimately want to be at peace with what we are doing. I do realize now to get to a place where you are calm in reaction to life’s circumstances you have to be committed to it. I have always underestimated the power of meditation, but it has gotten me out of a few emotional messes recently.
8. Atmosphere Strut/Cloud One
Marcia Carr, our mother hen of England, turned me on to this record. She was suggesting it captures the Rebirth vibe. I have a couple of their 12″s, but the song “Dust to Dust” is definitely high on my current play list. It would be an obvious cover for us and maybe some day that idea might be further enticed. Regardless, good music just needs to be heard. You can’t deny “Disco Juice” as a dance floor heater either.
9. Groove On Down (Compilation)
I hit my man up, Cypren, from Soul BrotherRecords (UK) about 8O’s funk.
Disco Funk and Boogie has been on the come upthese past couple years and you can hear the influences in some of our music, so he suggested this comp.
Hands down one of the best comps that has come out in a while if your crates are in dire need of these kind of grooves. Anything you can spin at both a hip-hop club and/or a deep house night is a worthy investment.
10. Getting back to the basics of life.
Family, friends, having a somewhat normal schedule, exercising my mind, body, and soul, dusting off my MPC and getting back into production, the next Rebirth record, taking Kajmere to new heights. I don’t know how much time I have on this planet, so I try to live grounded to the important things. It is a lot harder to do than to say, let’s not kid ourselves, but choosing to want this peace, joy, and purpose is a choice you make and will come if you seek it.
