The HighLife

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

Hey there people!  Happy Monday!  Hopefully yours is unfolding all smooth and easy-like.   By design, it's been a while since wrote one of these.  But last weekend i heard a song, watched a show, got to thinking, and decided this was the best way to share my mind in this particlular case.  Welcome to The Jumpoff!

A-Side
This next artist has been featured on here a few times.  Her debut album had more of an old-school Lady 'Day feel to it, but her latest album (Epiphany - in stores now) has been infused with more updated sounds and such.  I'm all for versatility regardless of what you do, and this album is testament to that.  This is the title  track on the album; from the lyrics to the beat and everthing else in between, it's pretty sweet, just like the artist herself... Chrisette Michele - Epiphany


B-Side
This is possibly one of the easiest songs ever written, and i don't mean easy as in not difficult.  Despite the fact that i've known this song for ages, it always sounds ageless whenever i hear it.  From her impossibly superb debut album, Come Away with Me, this is... Norah Jones - Don't know why



And that will do it this time.  Hope the rest of the week is awesome.  Keep on keepin' on.  Until next time, be easy.
Afolabi