Galactic

Another perspective into the pleasantly diverse New Orleans music scene, this time through a contemporary lens. This is a promo for the new Galactic album Ya-Ka-May.

18th Century Soul

My dad introduced my to Irakere, the Afro-Cuban group formed in the 70's, headed up by Cuban brass legends Paquito D'Rivera and Arturo Sandoval and founded by pianist Chucho Valdes. Combine two of the best rhythm-heavy styles of music, Funk and Latin, throw in some blazing horns and you've got yourself a hell of a dish. I strongly suggest checking them out, but I've decided to share with you something a little bit lighter.
Here's a great clip of Paquito playing Mozart's Adagio with the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra. Everything's all ponies and daisies until Paquito brings it with some 12/8 soul straight outta left field. Makes for a beautiful contrast.

Lenny

I recently rekindled my love affair with the great Lenny Breau after re-listening to one of the first guitar albums I can remember pulling out of my dad's stack of cds, "The Velvet Touch of Lenny Breau". It's a live trio album where Lenny touches on different genres, tempos, moods, picking styles, he plays spanish, blues, classical, indian, jazz, he plays guitar, he sings, and I wouldn't be surprised if he played bass and drums. Lenny is one of the most under-credited guitarists in my opinion, but I have a sneaking suspicion that if you mentioned his name to any great guitar player post 1960 they'd have some words to say about Canada's contribution to the guitar community. Take a look at this excerpt from a biographical documentary about Lenny called "Genius of Lenny Breau" and let me know what you think. It doesn't matter if you chicken pick, shred, or play the blues, this guy is bound to hit a chord.

Note: If this is the first you're hearing of Lenny Breau pick up "the Velvet Touch of Lenny Breau". But the truth is, listen to anything Lenny plays and you'll be converted.

Me Sooo Hooooaanny

A friend of mine posted this video on my facebook wall yesterday. So far I've watched it 2,374 times and it hasn't gotten old. This is better than any yellow fever threesome you'll find on Porn Hub. Full credit for this post goes out to Mr. Micah Dubinsky, a true appreciator of the inexplicable effects of music.

Two things to check out:

1. The unbelievable musical climax at 5:12 that transitions from the double-time swing to a gritty half-time shuffle a la "Pretty" Purdie.

2. The drum solo

Note: If you're going to watch this video...wear a condom.