The HighLife

"God give you style, and give you grace."

American girl in Italy - Ruth Orkin

Feist - Mushaboom

"Go in this thy might..."

60 minutes.  That's all you'll need to be thrown into full-blown summer mode.  The group we're spotlighting today just might turn the rest of your summer (possibly year) into one big dance party.  I learned about them very recently, and have now become quite attached to their sound in my ears (all day every day!).  They're a french based group spearheaded by Jerome Caron, and a group of talented musicians who produce a very specific brand of "disco-house", that is irresistibly infectious.  Just press play and you'll see what i mean. 

So, for the next 60 minutes all you need to do is, turn up the volume as LOUD as possible, kick back, loosen up, and behold the unassailable might of...

Blackjoy







By the time this is done you should be bouncing wherever you are; work, home, train, wherever.  Just try not to scare people with your enthusiasm.  They're probably not as ready for the summer as you are.  So do feel free to share Blackjoy with as many people as you can.  I highly recommend getting your hands on a copy of Blackjoy Disco Jams, the only problem you'll have is liking it too much.  If that's possible.  Also, check out their blog for the latest on all that is Blackjoy.



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And that will do it for this New Music week.  Please do check out the groups and artists spotlighted all week, they're awesome and I know they'd think you're awesome too.  So get to know them.  Until next time, keep dancing, stay cool, and be easy.
Afolabi

 

"What is this, ice?"
As we proceed to give you what you need.  It's time to turn the temperature up a bit.  If you're a highlifer on the reg, you're well aware of the Flavorheard Music Providers.  As far as i'm concerned, the best dj crew on the planet, and that's no hyperbole.  They were on MofoRadio (WZBC 90.3) last night with Ghostdad, and will be on Galactic Fractures (WMFO 91.5) with PJ Gray on Sunday (Jul 12th) 12-2pm, holding it down if you need proof.  They've been tearing it up in Boston for a while, and now they have taken things to the next level.  Upped their game, if you will.  Guaranteed to get your summer going, they've produced a record that combines latin beats, tropical rythms, and seamless production, to create bangers that really sizzle.  Amphibious and the Bogart are...

Whiskey Barons


So to truly jumpoff your summer,  make the copping of the Whiskey Barons EP your next priority.  The Vinyl record and FREE Bonus mp3 cd can all be yours for $8 at Turntablelabs.com.  I'll spell it out, E-I-G-H-T!!!  No excuses, i've got mine already.  You can visit the Whiskey Barons MySpace, or the new Flavorheard.com for more goodness, like the days-old Flavorheard Radio Vol. 4 (rocksteady goodness! Press Play), and more.  Do it.  They just want to make you dance.

What it is people. Hope your mid-week is moving along well.  Today, the spotlight is on a talented duo of musicians/producers from right here in the bean.  Currently based in L.A. (Lower Allston, fyi) and headlined by brothers, Chris and Jonathan Reynolds, they've been plying their trade for a bit now, and have an album, Urbanomics, that's out right now.  I own a copy myself and it would behoove you to own one as well. 

Influenced by a wide spectrum of music from KRS One, to De la Soul to Zap Mama, their music provides deliciously varied flavors for the musical palette.  I caught them live at Harper's Ferry recently, and you know how there are cd's you listen to all the time, and then you see it live and it sounds even better than the cd.  Yup, that's what it was.  Do check them out if they happen to come by your way.  This is...

The Genetics




Check out TheGenetics.com for more on The Genetics.

What is soul? One dictionary decribes its as "the immaterial essence...the quality that arouses emotion and sentiment."

The group spotlighted today came to my attention a few weeks ago, through the wonderful world of the interweb.  Twitter to be exact, but that's neither here nor there.  What's important is that the connection led me to learn about a fabulous new artist that is sure to tear up airwaves very soon.  She describes herself as a "singer songwriter who relentlessly and unashamedly self-promotes".  Truthfully, her voice is all the promotion that's needed.  But i would be remiss, if i didn't big up her band, The Vipertones.  Who, from all sonic angles, are awesome.  I'd keep going, but then i wouldn't be taking my own advice.  Without further ado, this is...

Laura Vane & The Vipertones




Track list
Good morning
Roof off
Am i dreaming
Steam
Move no mountain
Album Promo



Their upcoming album, Am i Dreaming, will be out this month.  Stay tuned to lauravaneandthevipertones.com, their Myspace, and Twitter, for more on Laura Vane & The Vipertones.

Greetings and salutations friends!  Today, i'm kicking off a week of new music for your ears. Each day i'll be writing about a group that deserves your utmost attention, and to get it going we'll start with a amazing group from my hometown.

Smoke the Groove


I was at the homestead last week to visit the parentals, and while there i had the opportunity to be at probably the coolest party i'd ever been to in Harrisburg.  A good friend of mine had been invited by the lead singer, Joanna Kirby, to check out this party they'd be playing at.  I was in town and i figured why not.  We get there and realize that a whole block had been shut down for the "party".  Which upon closer observation proved itself to be a concert venue in the middle of the street; perfect.  A few other bands played before they came on; but once they were on, i had a strong urge to find me some glowsticks and dance my ass off.  Unfortunately i didn't really think that far ahead, so no shiny lights.

One song in particular, Isabel, had me moving way before i even realized i was moving, i just had to move.  And by the time they jumped into the best version of Mary J. Blige's "Real Love" i've ever heard, i was kicking myself for not having brought a camera.  Their blend of jazz, soul, and funk is tempered by a very independent vision of their sound.  You really just have check it out for yourself.  You can download a live set they performed at Harrisburg's Der Maennorchor here. 

If you like what you hear, you can also follow them on Facebook or MySpace to get the latest on Smoke the Groove.  I chatted with Joanna and Sonja Bontrager (keyboards) after they played, and they're really cool people on top of their excellent musicianship.  So if you happen to catch them at a Smoke the Groove show, or at one of their various independent ventures, do say hi. 

Joanna Kirby with DJ Ben Freeman