I was talking with my father in the early AM last night while I was in the lab working and he brought a classic record to my attention that got a lot of spins on his record player in the city of Cleveland during my up bringing. The harmonies in the background matched with the strong lead, instrumentation, and lyrics makes Wild Flower by New Birth a classic!
Wild Flower - New Birth
Peace,
AB
It’s been a minute but I’ve been working. My family Slum Village released there Album “Villa Manifesto” last week!!! I’m featured on two tracks “Dance” and “We’ll Show You.” In addition, I wrote and arranged Dwele’s vocals for the record titled “Don’t Fight The Feeling.” Please go out and support this project.
Also,
I’ve been working with Black Milk on his upcoming release titled “Album of the Year.” He released an official trailer last week that features me on vocals.
Check it.
Stay tuned,
AB
It’s a beautiful Monday morning in my hometown of Cleveland, OH. As I sit here at Ma dukes computer I feel that it’s only right that this weeks “Shot of Soul” should focus on an up and coming artist out of the OH-Ten (ohio) who is one of my partners in crime. Afaliah is originally from Columbus but resides in Brooklyn, NYC now. If you’re in the city check her show out!! It’s DOPE!! She dropped a video last week for her single “Ms. U” which is also available on iTunes. Really dope joint!
Enjoy!
Afaliah - Ms. U
Peace,
AB
Plain and simple, Rick James doesn’t get the credit he deserves! Observe how to body a funk set in a onesie!
Peace,
AB
This is one of my favorite grooves with one of my favorite singers on lead vocals (Phil Perry) when he was with “The Montclairs” out of East St. Louis. Enjoy!
The Montclairs - Baby (You Know I’m Gonna Miss You) Pt. 2
Peace,
AB
This is hands down the best version of “It’s A Man’s World” titled “It’s A Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World” brought to you by The Godfather of Soul “James Brown.” The Horns at the beginning are incredible!!!!!!!!!! The rhythm section is in the pocket as usual and it just gets no better than this feeling. I have no words for James’ singing over this amazing arrangement. I’ve said enough!
Enjoy!
James Brown - It’s A Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World”
Peace,
AB
Our generations music has been fueled by classic music from the past. The majority of people are unaware of the samples and music replayed by artist today. Today’s “shot of soul” is for the original artist who may be credited in the liner notes but uncredited in the eyes of the public. The material created by using the originals are dope but would not exist without the incredible music that was created decades ago!
ENJOY!
Curtis Mayfield - Think
*Used by Beyonce’ for “Resentment”
Kool & The Gang - Sea of Tranquility
*Used by D’angelo for “Send it On”
Johnny Hammond - Can’t We Smile (The Mizell Brothers on Vocals)
*Used by Erykah Badu on “Time’s A Wastin”
Peace,
AB
My brother Daru Jones put out a project titled “Spirit & Soul-Hop Sampler 09″ at the end of last year that has some dope joints on it. My favorite record on the album is tilted “The Edge” featuring Aischa (who me and Daru met on our European tour with Black Milk last summer) and Coultrain who is a dope singer/songwriter out of St. Louis.
Enjoy!
Daru Jones feat. Aischa & Coultrain - The Edge
If you’re in DC this Friday I’ll be performing @ LIV Night Club! COME THROUGH!
Peace,
AB
I’m a student of Marvin Gaye because of his amazing arrangements as well as his live performances. This is one of my favorite Marvin performances because he starts out on the piano and it’s rare that you find footage with Marvin playing the keys.
Enjoy!
Student of My Dream available here-http://usershare.net/ed490oah0z4t
Peace,
AB
I flew out to Detroit on Friday to do a show with Black Milk at University of Michigan on Friday evening and was suppose to return back to the east coast yesterday but the ULTRA snow storm cancelled my flight until tomorrow. This cancellation has created a great opportunity as I’ve been recording with Black, Slum Village, and 14KT all weekend and will continue to do so today. There is some incredible music coming out of Detroit this year so stay tuned.
With that being said, Detroit has always created incredible music and George Clinton is one of the masters of funk. This is one of my favorite records by Parliament off of my favorite Parliament album “The Clones of Dr. Funkenstein.” This song was sampled for “Cold Blooded”replayed by Questlove, James Poyser, and Roy Hargrove on Common’s “Like Water For Chocolate” album.
Parliament Live in Houston 1976 - Funkin’ For Fun
Enjoy!
Student of My Dream available here-http://usershare.net/ed490oah0z4t
Peace,
AB
