Jez Lloyd (Ink Project/Blind Colour) guest mix

Blue-in-Green:RADIO was proud to play host to our friend Jez Lloyd who jumped on our airwaves to present an incredible two hour show delving into reggae, rock'n'roll and some downtempo electronica for a show that originally aired 29/3/21.

As founder of Ink Project and Blind Colour Records, Jez has helped to cement his efforts as a true pioneer within the realms of soul-infused electronica having amassed a fantastic catalogue of music and incredible support from the genre's heavy-hitters.  Currently celebrating the release of their third album, 'Rhythm Spirit', both Ink Project and Blind Colour have also achieved the monumental milestone this year of having been making and releasing music for ten years!  It's a genuinely staggering achievement and theirs is a fantastic body of work amassed over those years.  

We're thrilled to have had two hours to delve into Jez's musical headspace for a truly fantastic show.

TRACKLIST:

1. Angelo Badalamenti - Twin Peaks Theme

2. Mazzy Star - Common Burn

3. The Alan Parsons Project - Voyager

4. Ozric Tentacles - Jurassic Shift

5. Drab Majesty - Dot in the Sky

6. Corlyx - White Wolf

7. Scott Walker - It's Raining Today

8. Troy Kingi - Aquarii B

9. Marvin Gaye - Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)

10. The Byrds - Triad

11. Steppenwolf - The Pusher

12. Barrington Levy - Money Makes Friends

13. Three The Hard Way - Prophecy In Dub

14. GusGus - Polyyesterday

15. Aphex Twin - Ageispolis

16. 박혜진 Park Hye Jin & Nosaj Thing - Clouds

17. Salami Rose Joe Louis - We’re Dumb

18. Owanj - Are Bones Alive

19. Ink Project - The End feat. Fifi Rong (Pitch Black Remix)

20. Stubborn Heart - Talking Gold

21. Biggabush - Bokoor Sound Special (Ventoux Remix)

22. Glenn Davis - Special

23. The Future Sound of London - Stolen Documents

25. Windy City feat. Moot Boxle - Acid Organics

26. Chaka Khan - I Feel For You

27. Gigi Galaxy - Let's Get It On

28. Nina Simone - Sinner Man (™Shall I Bruk It Remix)

29. Patrick Pulsinger - City Lights, Pt. 2

For more on Ink Project and Blind Colour:

- Biography: blindcolourmusic.tumblr.com/artists-ink-project

- Ink Project Instagram: www.instagram.com/blindcolourmusic

- Ink Project Facebook: www.facebook.com/InkProjectMusic

- Ink Project Twitter: twitter.com/inkprojectmusic

'M.O.T.H.' by Olivier St.Louis

The multi-talented and multi-faceted Olivier St.Louis releases his new EP 'M.O.T.H.' marking his official debut with First Word Recordings.

The imaginatively titled 'Matters of the Heartless' ('M.O.T.H.') certainly comes with much anticipation following the release of the singles 'Confliction', 'Running Wild' and 'Jump the Line' which have brilliant captured the versatile and inspired approach to Olivier's brand of alternative soul music.

The dynamic soundscapes that 'M.O.T.H.' relishes in showcasing throughout is very indicative of Olivier's years of incessant travelling.  Born in Washington, DC, St.Louis spent time studying in London, gracing stages across the world before ultimately settling in Berlin.  Each of the extended stops saw St.Louis increasingly immerse himself within the music he was surrounded by - finding inspiration from London's garage and rock scenes, releasing projects with Warp Records to releases with Berlin's Jakarta Records.  And dating back as far as 2011, under the name Olivier Daysoul, there were notable projects with long-time friend and collaborator, producer and rapper Oddisee, and a little later the UK's ambient/electronica styled, Bibio.

It's a resume that St.Louis could only revel in.  To consistently be surrounded by such a strong variety of influences and collaborators provides such a unique and distinctive perspective upon your own creations that the experience is invaluable.  The music on 'M.O.T.H.' acts as a perfect reflection of these varying styles and influences and a project that acts as a perfect fit for the continual efforts of First Word.  In the last year, the label has been able to boast some fantastic releases in Takuya Kuroda's 'Fly Moon Die Soon', Allysha Joy's 'Light It Again' EP and, of course, there is the upcoming album by Kaidi Tatham, 'An Insight to All Minds'.

'Jump the Line' kicks the prject off perfectly - its sing-a-long hook and excellent production cement it as one of the EP's standout tracks right off the bat, the infectious energy of 'Running Wild' is another winner as is the Oddisee-assisted 'Confliction'.  (Be sure to catch the favour returned with St.Louis featuring on Oddisee's 'Go To Mars' from his 'Odd Cure EP' last year as well.)

'M.O.T.H.' is very much a soul album for contemporary times - inspired in its approach and unhindered in its vision.  A genuinely early highlight for the year and hopefully a project that marks the beginning of an ongoing relationship with First Word as well.

'Quarantine Blues' by Avishai Darash

'Quarantine Blues' is the new release from pianist Avishai Darash available through Italy's A.MA Records.

Well, it's certainly a title that anyone and everyone can resonate with - over the last twelve-plus months, the world has had to evolve and adapt to these new and extraordinary circumstances where face masks, social distancing, excessive amounts of hand sanitizer, home schooling and Zoom-based interactions have become our new "normal".  Yes, the notion of 'Quarantine Blues' is an experience that people the world over will forever have in common.

And while the past year has certainly impacted everyone, the impact on the music industry and independent artists and musicians has been particularly difficult to see unfolding.  Conversely, this can also be seen as a challenge that many have risen to - the need to continually create, even in less-than-inspirational circumstances, has led to some wonderful and inspired ideas and projects... which leads us to this exquisite release from Avishai Darash.

Initially introduced to A.MA audiences in 2018 through his 'Nomadic Treasures' collective and the following year through his solo full-length 'Samskara', the Amsterdam-based pianist and composer had introduced his distinct perspective on contemporary jazz - masterfully interweaving elements of his Middle Eastern heritage with the western influences he had started to become exposed to while studying in New York and subsequently moving to The Netherlands.  With 'Nomadic Treasures' and 'Samskara' both wonderfully innovative and thoughtful projects, Darash seeks to reinvent his sound once again with the release of 'Quarantine Blues'.

With this five-track EP comprised of Darash's new trio formation, which includes Arin Keshishi on bass and Udo Demandt on percussion, the complete set was recorded during one afternoon in Darash's living room after not having had the opportunity to play together for some time.  And the five tracks presented here are an absolute joy - 'Andalusian Love Song' captures such a pure and vibrant energy before moving to the introspective nature of 'Kartana'; 'She's the Perfume in the Wind' again skilfully manages to capture a real spontaneity in the recording managing to sound both impetuous and romantic at the same time.  The EP closes with a new interpretation of Darash's 'Lullaby for Bendavid', originally housed on Darash's 'Samskara' album.

While quarantine life has led to some life-changing and desolate moments for many, there is still joy to be found in these little moments of creativity and art.  Hopefully, the next time Avishai Darash and his trio get together, they'll have more than just an afternoon to create music for listeners to enjoy, but in the meantime, this EP will carry us through.

Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #81: Misery Loves Company ::: 'The Hero's Journey'

Welcome to Episode #81 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which sees Imran flying solo for the third in his Misery Loves Company series.

This episode sees the podcast embrace the concept of The Hero's Journey - through wide-ranging discussions and examples we explore the concept using Joseph Campbell's 17-step template of stories that involve a hero who goes on an adventure, is victorious in a decisive crisis, and comes home changed or transformed. And that's just as a starting point. From there, we explore soundtracks created for movies that don't exist and, even more niche than that, soundtracks created for video games that don't exist. There's a lot to unpack for this episode and it's a real joy to do so, so join us on our own journey through music.

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#81_Misery Loves Company 'The Hero's Journey'

'Graviton: The Calling' by Andrew McCormack

Ubuntu Music, 2019

Pianist Andrew McCormack's limitless talents were really put to the test in his debut record for Ubuntu Records.  The incredible ambition of 'The Calling' aims to represent the archetypal monomyth - in many ways the backbone of this entire episode - perhaps better referred to as "the hero's journey".  Professor of Literature, Joseph Campbell's theories regarding the common template of stories that involve a hero who 'goes on an adventure, is victorious in a decisive crisis and comes home changed or transformed' were famously outlined over seventeen steps.  The steps themselves have varied through the years - with further suggestions from psychologists ranging between 8-12.  For 'The Calling', McCormack and his team, which include vocalist Noemi Nuti, deliver ten tracks charting their very own captivating adventure – from the trepidation of 'Crossing the Threshold' to the unease and despair of 'Belly Of The Whale' and the triumphant 'Returning'.

'The Big One' by Crushed Velvet & The Velveteers

Royal Family Records, 2011

The following text is taken directly from the Bandcamp page for this release...

"Royal Family Records' Alan Evans has unearthed a lost gem. Crushed Velvet and the Velveteers, a band born in 1974, once recorded a soundtrack to the motion picture "The Big One". This Shaft-meets-007 blaxploitation film unfortunately never made it to the big screen, as the movie was said to have been lost in a fire soon after completion. Earlier this year, Alan Evans discovered the original soundtrack and has brought it back to life for all to experience."

... and all of it is a delicious lie.

The project was actually created by Alan Evans (Soulive, Alan Evans Trio) in a bid to unveil his Crushed Velvet alter ego.  (This week's episode actually features a snippet of Evans from a past episode of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST discussing the project and the concept behind its mystique.) 

'Galactic Warrior' by Santiago Bosch

Self-release, 2019

Even without being told directly, the fact that thematically the multi-faceted pianist from Venezuela has strived to emulate the soundtrack to a video game would in complete honesty leap out at you – with song titles like 'Level 8', 'Main Menu' and 'Finding Your Way Out', and compositions which, at times, emulate the fervent and desperate pace of a hero committed to the fulfilment of his quest like those enshrined within an early-1990's Sega Mega Drive classic like Shinobi or Golden Axe. But the fact that this aesthetic is still presented as a contemporary jazz record is, well, fascinating.

The real strength and charm in 'Galactic Warrior' comes from the skill that Bosch demonstrates in interweaving these varying styles like incredibly subtle themes of electronica and jazz-funk into the arrangements.  'Persecution' is a notable mention as this overwhelming cacophony of sounds transports you through this surreal cosmic nightmare that you ultimately realise is best appreciated when you just give yourself over to it.

'Gaijin Blues II' by Gaijin Blues

Shapes of Rhythm, 2019

Exploring our fictional video games examples even further takes us to the work of the Gaijin Blues duo - Naphta and PlayStation Yoga Music.  Seeking boundless inspiration from Japanese Role Playing Games and that of a range of expansive adventure games like Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest and Phantasy Star, Gaijin Blues present their music through a variety of samples, live instrumentation and programming as they tip their hat to these epic soundtracks and narratives.

As perhaps best described by Gaijin Blues themselves, the following is taken from their Bandcamp page:

"This is a sequel to a story you've never experienced. You are the protagonist who is coming back home to see his world completely changed by seemingly harmless technology. Each track is a chapter in this tale. Collect the items, gather a party and use your wit and imagination to find out the truth. Because technology usually comes at a price…".  

'Lagos Pepper Soup' by Michael Olatuja

Whirlwind Recordings, 2020

And we conclude as we begin - with the hero's journey.  Bassist and composer Michael Olatuja created a wonderful project celebrating the music he has been fortunate to create with collectives from Nigeria, the US and the UK.  With exquisite production, and a fantastic array of artists enlisted for the project, 'Lagos Pepper Soup' boasts an awesome *cinematic* aspect to the whole album, thanks in large part to the beautiful orchestration throughout. The entire project comes off like an intricate sequence of events celebrating life, love, joy and hope – it’s the type of vision that forever emphasises the importance of a fully-realised album. 

March releases

'Satanic Nafs' (with The Gaslamp Killer & Mophono Remix) by Jaubi

Astigmatic Records

From sessions in 2020 that saw Ed "Tenderlonious" Cawthorne travel out to Lahore, Pakistan, with EABS pianist Marek Latarnik Pędziwiatr, we have the brand new single from Astigmatic's Jaubi collective with 'Satanic Nafs'.  The revered saxophonist and flautist managed to secure the Jaubi team for his own heavily improvised 22a project 'Ragas From Lahore' and has subsequently returned the favour for in light of Jaubi's new single.

Jaubi’s releases with Astigmatic have nicely presented the quartet’s music to western audiences and what is truly fascinating about their music is that, for a collective that creates Hindustani (North Indian) classical music, to see the impact of hip-hop culture permeate through their sounds is genuinely inspired.  From previous tributes to the music of hip-hop icons J Dilla ('Dilla Taal') and Nas ('Lahore State of Mind'), this year also saw Jaubi pay tribute to the music of MF Doom whose untimely passing, announced in December 2020, still rings raw with fans the world over.  'Figaro (Farewell MF Doom)' was lovingly unveiled and gifted to fans as a free download which proved to be a wonderful start to the year and a move that has been swiftly followed up with the release of 'Satanic Nafs'.

The Gaslamp Killer and Mophono once again reaffirm Jaubi's hip-hop credentials with an awesome, beats-heavy reinvention of the original spiritually intricate composition making this a great combination of tracks.

'Carrot Cake' [Satoshi and Makato Remix] by Pan Amsterdam

Def Pressé

Originally produced by the French DJ and producer, GUTS, 'Carrot Cake' initially found its home on Pan Amsterdam's 'HA Chu' full-length released in 2020.  This year, however, has seen the track receive a new lease of life courtesy of the Japanese production duo comprised of brothers Satoshi and Makato Tomino.  Amsterdam's unique and off-kilter delivery has been incredibly fortunate to have married itself to some brilliant production exemplified on 'HA Chu' and the preceding EP, 'Elevator Music', courtesy of names including the aforementioned GUTS, Malik Ameer and thatmanmonkz - Satoshi and Makato's distinct Casio-inspired compositions make a wonderful playground for Amsterdam's vocals, ingeniously reinventing the track and firmly asserting themselves as producers we'd love to see collaborate with Amsterdam again for music in the future. 

Starting life as a trumpeter in New York, Leron Thomas’s musical journey saw him struggle to fit into the city’s jazz scene like the proverbial square peg in a round hole.  Thomas would eventually set the trumpet aside and claim centre stage as a lead vocalist, releasing his solo effort ‘Cliquish’ in 2015.  Collaborating with Scott Moncrieff – better known as the prolific producer thatmanmonkz – helped set Thomas on to a new path all over again resulting in his further reinvention into the boundless witticisms of Pan Amsterdam. "A jazz musician died, Pan Am was born."

'You Bring The Sunshine In' by The Soul Sound Collective featuring Elaine Simpson

We've gushed countless times about The Soul Sound Collective's thrilling take on contemporary soul music and the myriad of influences that permeate their distinctive and inspired compositions.  With the collective having been founded by multi-instrumentalist and producer, Craig Sims, and boasting the talents of bassist Tim Higgins and guitarist Simon Lee,  the group have hit such an awesome rhythm of consistently releasing some wonderful projects.  

With their first single having been released nearly three years ago, Sims & company can boast three instalments of their 'Music and Minds' series of EPs, along with the more alternative project, 'An Experimental Journey'.  

While the group have excelled as purveyors of lush instrumental soul music, their collaborations with a great range of vocalists have also led to some fantastic results - their tracks with Flyt are continually winners as were the songs 'Love Is Real' featuring Kyra Simone and 'Isn't It All' featuring Steven Bamidele.  'You Bring The Sunshine In' partners the Collective with vocalist Elaine Simpson who soars over the infectious summer groove.

Blue-in-Green:PODCAST #80: Shola Adisa-Farrar

Welcome to Episode #80 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which sees Imran connect with Brooklyn-based singer and songwriter, Shola Adisa-Farrar.

Following the release of 'Lost Myself' in 2016, listeners were introduced to the indelible talents of Adisa-Farrar as her beautifully presented debut record partnered her with Florian Pellissier and his Quintet.  Released through the "afro soul & tropical funk label", Hot Casa Records, the album was an exquisite take on contemporary jazz and thrived from its gentle amalgamation of styles and influences - from tinges of reggae and hip-hop to respectful nods towards icons like Herbie Hancock and Nina Simone.  

'Lost Myself' remains a rare treasure still and an exciting launch-pad towards the artist that Shola continues to evolve into.  With the years in the interim taken up by extensive touring and performances that have seen the artist grace stages in the US, France, Mauritius, Ethiopia and Jamaica - this year marks an exciting return to the forefront as a slew of new music is scheduled so far resulting in the singles 'Lately' and 'Feel Immortalised', and the upcoming EP with producers, The Hogstad Brothers.

Shola Adisa-Farrar presents a distinct warmth and charm into her music that is infectious.  Driven by her unwavering passion and commitment to her craft, her journey is genuinely thrilling to watch unfold.  This week we have the pleasure of Shola's company and we discuss life as an independent artist during such extraordinary times, performing overseas, maintaining creativity during quarantine and, of course, her full range of new music.

Blue-in-Green Sessions · Blue-in-Green:PODCAST_#80_Shola Adisa-Farrar

The Blue-in-Green:PODCAST unveils new episodes on the first, second and third Mondays of the month. This podcast series runs in conjunction with the online radio station, Blue-in-Green:RADIO which celebrates 21st century soul, jazz, funk, Latin & hip-hop music. These shows are designed to give you some insight into the incredible range of talented presenters we're so lucky to host from all over the world and to geek out musically with us.