The HighLife

I don't know how many truly sunshiny days we'll have left before the sun decides it only wants to do half of its job for the next 5 months, and since i can still hear birds chirping it seemed like a good day to break you off with some Zach Deputy.  He a South Carolina native that makes his way around these parts quite often.  His music is never down or sullen, surprisingly soulful, deeply funky, and just downright fun.  He's a one man band (a la Keller Williams), but you forget that once the music gets going. 

He played at the Wormtown sidestage off Shakedown Street at Bonnaroo this year, and i was literally drawn, like a moth to a flame, to the sound.  Phish had their glowstick war, he had the haystack hoedown.  Straight up ridiculousness! And trust me, that hay was not pristine.  There's a video of the Saturday latenight hoedown that i found.  Everyone in it is getting down, except that it's 6:30 am.  There was another dance party further up Shakedown that morning, and if i hadn't already been in one hoedown earlier in the night/morning you might have seen a dude attached to a gigantic 3ft in diameter pink balloon tied to a 20ft string bouncing along to the music in the back of the crowd.   True story.  Anyhoo, check out more of his music. We'll definitely keep you posted about upcoming shows.  It's an awesome live experience.  He's a pretty chill dude too... Here's to sunshine.  This is Zach Deputy (Sunshine, She Say, Haystack Hoedown)

Welcome back ladies and gentlemen! It's been a bit.  I haven't really been on top of writing lately, as i'm sure some might have noticed.  I promise it's all been for good reason.  We're a year old now at The Highlife, and i thought i'd thank all of you out there livin' the highlife with a Jumpoff.  We're only just getting started people, and it seemed fitting to kick it old school to give you a glimpse of things to come on The Highlife.  Take for example, the image you're looking at right now.  Created by one of Boston's finest artists, Dan Szymanowski. You may not know him yet; that'll change.  But like i said, this is only just a preview. Welcome to The Jumpoff!



A-Side
This British house duo has been making me dance since high school, but i kinda eased off their sound once college hit.  Which would explain why i'd gone relatively unaware of their 2003 release, Kish Kash, for quite a while. Nevertheless, it made its way into my ears, and now it will make its way into yours. The juicy cuts at least. This is Basement Jaxx.



B-Side
Sometime last year i put up a post with the Entourage Season 5 closing credits soundtrack.  They're not killin' it so much this year; the show's still good though.  But the song from last week was absolutely solid. They dug deep to find an unreleased gem from the catalog of a music legend; I have nothing more to add... Marvin Gaye - Piece of Clay



And that'll do it for today.  I can't say when next i'll be posting, but it'll be sooner rather than later.  Live, love, be the highlife.  Stay cool.  Until next time, be easy.
-Afolabi

Flavorheard Radio Vol. 5 - Whiskey Barons Edition
Enjoy!

Raw unadulterated intensity.  Take those words individually or collectively, that's Teddy Pendergrass.  A lot of people don't know about this man or his music, partly because of a 1982 car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down, and that is unfortunate.  I read some recent reports from Philadelphia that said he was ill, and it got me inspired to show the man, and his talent at the height of his reign.  Here are clips from his legendary 1979 live concert, and from a 1981 concert before his accident.  They really give you a glimpse into the kind of magnetism that he had, especially on those of the fairer sex.  Look around the crowds, you'll see what i mean.  His band is as tight as any other band from the era, his backup vocalists bring their own individual brands of attitude to the stage (they might be my favorite part of his band), while he channels all that energy into a tour-de-force of funk, soul, and r&b.  Seriously, watch the clips, he is on point from the get. A lot of r&b singers today wish they had half as much soul as this man.  Though he may go by other monikers and nicknames,  his fans simply know him as Teddy.

Necessary viewing. Official video for Mayer Hawthorne & The County, "Just ain't gonna work out." Awesome video concept.   Plus, a barbershop quartet video. and another track, "I wish it would rain", from his album.

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.

3 hr set from the one and only DJ Jantine B, on San Francisco's KUSF 90.3.  Get your musical schooling from one of the best DJ's you'll find on either coast.  Kick back, relax, and get in the groove.

Listen - Sleeves on Hearts