Friday, August 10, 2012

NEW RELEASES - U-NAM & FRIENDS, DIGGS DUKE, DJ KEMIT

U-NAM & FRIENDS - WEEKEND IN L.A.: A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE BENSON

A nice little tribute to soul, jazz and fusion legend George Benson – and a project that's a labor of love for Benson-devotee, soulful spirit and brilliant guitarist U-Nam – with an allstar lineup that features Ronnie Foster, George Duke, Patrice Rushen, Andreas Oberg, Tim Owens, Marcus Millers and others! Benson is an artist who embraced diversity and creative evolution – and this tribute does that legacy proudly. It’s rich with fusiony soul groovers that are laced with some truly impeccable guitar work. It's got some throwback swagger in spots, but it's also got some distinctly modern soul appeal – and an all around affectionate spirit. U-Nam plays guitars, keyboards and more here – on top of handling the recording and arrangements – and the guests bring their best! Includes "Weekend In LA" with Rhodes and clavinet by Ronnie Foster and vocals by Andreas Oberg, "Give Me That", "Shiver" and more with singer Tim Owens, "This Masquerade" with more great Fender Rhodes – this time by George Duke, "Hip Ship", "Before You Go/Breezin'" with Patrice Rushen, "Nature Boy" with Stokely Williams and more. ~ Dusty Groove

DIGGS DUKE – MASS EXODUS

Here’s a new collection of music from Diggs Duke entitled Mass Exodus. If it's best to approach music with a child's curiosity and an elder's wisdom, Diggs Duke is a boy with a man's aspirations. Mentored by alumni of classic jazz groups of Max Roach and Cecil Taylor, Diggs Duke combines jazz sensibilities with the R&B, Hip-Hop and Latin music of his 90's upbringing. The result is a stellar mix of raspy vocals, fascinating horn arrangements and adventurous song forms. Within the last year, the Washington DC-based singer, instrumentalist and composer has released a steady stream of quality music that's been dominating playlists from L.A. to Amsterdam to Indonesia. His debut EP, Gravity, popped up on many “Best of the Year” lists at the start of 2012 and was swiftly placed into the rotation of tastemakers across Europe, including Gilles Peterson in the UK and DJ Lefto in Brussels. Shortly after, another collection was released (Black Gold), followed by a pair of impromptu singles and several ambitious covers of Herbie Hancock and Thundercat. As November approaches, several more releases are in the works and it's becoming obvious that this young man can consistently create music that's timeless and original all at once. Tracks include “Crazy Like A Fox” and “Nine Winning Wives.” www.diggsduke.com / www.soundcloud.com/diggsduke

DJ KEMIT - EVERLASTING

A smoking little set from DJ Kemit – done in that great old school mode we used to love – in which a hip producer gets vocal help from a range of key contemporary singers! Vocals here are from the best of the best – Eric Roberson, N'Dambi, Osunlade, Frank McComb, Lady Alma, Carl McIntosh, Choklate, and others – each of whom step in on a different track, and really help shade in the different flavors of the record! Kemit comes up with a different groove for each guest – often one that really helps show them at their best – and titles include "Digital Love", "You Don't Know", "Funky 8 Ball", "Inside Out", "Summers Night", "Spread Love", "Never Go Away", "Fortune Teller", and "I Was I Am". ~ Dusty Groove

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