Even More Nicole Willis - New and Old

OK. Evidently by "tomorrow" I meant "96 hours later," but I wanted to let B's nice Redbone post have some time and I just got this up slower than I anticipated.

As I mentioned in the last Nicole Willis post there is a remix album of Willis's Keep Reachin' Up album with the Soul Investigators coming out soon. I am afraid I don't know if this Natural Self remix of "Feeling Free" is going to make that album, but I really dig it. Actually I've been digging Natural Self's production without reservation for some time now, and he certainly deserves a post of his own soon. Self's remix is in the same vein as the Mr. Scruff Remix from last post: dancefloor oriented with some great added elements (more elegant bassline madness) and keeping the basic outline and vocals.

Feeling Free (Natural Self Remix) - Nicole Willis and The Soul Investigators
from the 12" on Above The Clouds Records (2006)


Promise - The Repercussions
from the 12" on Mo' Wax (1992).

Like a lot of (obsessive) folks the greatness of Keep Reachin' Up has had me Still Diggin' Down into bins looking for other Nicole Willis output. She's had a remarkably long career delivering her soulful vocals in various settings for over two decades now. One part of her history that I've really developed an affinity for is her early to mid-90s work with the NYC-based, soul & hip hop group Repercussions. Up today is their track "Promise" which would sit lovely next to the Natural Self remix if there were club nights that played stuff like this any more. It has to be mentioned that this is the first ever release on the ultra-important Mo' Wax label also, so it is kind of neat (and nerdy) for the completists alone. Lots more information at her website.

Redbone - Potlatch

Judgement Day and Chant : 13th Hour
From Potlatch [Epic, 1970]

With six releases on a major and some moderately successful singles, I was surprised I had never heard of Redbone, especially since they have the added distinction of being one of the few commercially successful all Native American rock/pop groups in... well... history. Described as a blend of cajun funk and Latin soul, I was curious to hear how Redbone's Native American heritage manifested in the music. Turns out, it all comes together quite nicely.

Potlatch is Redbone's second album. It is a thoroughly enjoyable collection of down & dirty funk rock, some midtempo ballads (with lyrics of a specifically Indian perspective), and a touch of experimentation with traditional Native American music. The song-writing and musicianship is very strong throughout. Brothers Lolly [guitar, vox] and Pat [bass, vox] Vegas, and, guitarist Tony Bellamy were veterans of L.A.'s Sunset Strip, having played there professionally throughout the 60's. And, to further add to the "why haven't I heard of these guys?" feeling, they were accomplished session musicians having supported the likes of: Elvis Presley, Sonny & Cher, Dobie Gray, Odetta, John Lee Hooker, Everly Brothers, and more.

The most informative links I could find are here and here.

I had a hard time picking selections from this one; it's a solid record. Hope you enjoy.

Nicole Willis Remixed - Tempting Fate Soon at a store near you

NOTE: We're experimenting today with streaming mp3 instead of the usual downloads at the reasonable request of the good folks at Above The Clouds Records. Please let me know how this goes.

If This Ain't Love (Mr. Scruff Remix) - Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators


If This Ain't Love (Elizabeth Shepherd Trio Mix) - Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators


Following the astounding and thorough success of Nicole Willis and the Soul Investigator's brilliant Keep Reachin' Up, Above The Clouds Records is releasing a remix compilation of that album. ATC handles the UK distribution for the NW & TSI, so one can hope that their US label, Light In The Attic, will also be putting this out. However, currently their website appears to have no info on this.

While I am as hungry for Nicole Willis (and of course the amazing Soul Investigators) material as any of their adoring fans, the task of remixing such really superb and well loved tracks will mean a great deal of scrutiny. Of course the remix album is completely unlikely to match the original for cohesion and wall to wall brilliance, but the Mr. Scruff version really gets things started in the right way. A dancefloor version to be sure with big mixable intro and outro for whatever DJs might still be out there. While the Mr. Scruff version pumps up the boogie, jazz combo Elizabeth Shepherd Trio takes her remix into firmly dancey jazz track with great piano vamping.

Both the Scruff and E.Shepherd versions appear on a single drop by Above The Clouds on September 24th, and the full remix album to be released sometime in October. Hopefully the super-excellent Natural Self remix of "Feelin' Free" will also make that album (I haven't seen a track-listing for that yet). More Nicole Willis tomorrow including that Natural Self track.

In Memorium: Joe Zawinul (1932.07.07 - 2007.09.11)

A Remark You Made - Weather Report
from the album 8:30 on Columbia (1979).

Scotch and Water - The Cannonball Adderley Sextet
from the album Cannonball Adderley Sextet In New York on Riverside (1962).

Yesterday, jazz pianist/keyboardist/composer Joe Zawinul passed away due to complications from skin cancer. He had recently turned 75 and was touring this summer. After gaining early renown playing with Cannonball Adderley (up today is Zawinul's composition from their live Village Vanguard dates in November 1962), Zawinul worked with Miles Davis's early fusion band. He, along with co-leader and fellow former Davis player Wayne Shorter, reached the jazz stratosphere with Weather Report in the late 70s. From Weather Report's live album 8:30 I've also posted a Zawinul composition that strikes a more mournful mood. O-Dub has up a couple of more enjoyable tracks at Soul Sides.

Much like the recently deceased and posted about Max Roach, there is little doubting Joe Zawinul's long and fulfilling life and the eternal legacy he leaves behind for his fans old, new, and future.

J Rocc for Funky President

Bubbha's Dance - J. Rocc
from the 3x12" Hella International on Stones Throw (2007).

You've Gotta Have Freedom (J Rocc Remix) - Build An Ark
from the EP Build An Ark Remixes on Plug Research (2005).

J Rocc of the World Famous Beat Junkies has been my favorite DJ since I first saw/heard him on the Word of Mouth Tour in late 1999. He was the first dude on stage; he walked out with no introduction and a Santa hat on, and my good friend Jeremiah asked me, "Who is this guy?" I said, "I don't know...maybe some local cat opening the show?" By four minutes later we both agreed if he was a local cat he was damn amazing and 30 minutes after that Supernat let us know this is J Rocc The Funky President, who we had heard of but never checked before. Think about that for a few seconds, how often has a DJ gone from zero to blow your mind in under four minutes of a set.

Of course, being my favorite DJ isn't going to make the 1st or even 2nd page of accomplishments on J Rocc's CV, as he is a world champion battle DJ, heavy associate of Stones Throw and all their geniuses, maker of the best mixtapes period (Sex Machine series anyone?). Lately, more and more production has been showing up by the estimable Pres. Rocc and that's the focus of today's post. First up his JR's contribution to the Stones Throw small run vinyl compilation from this year, "Buddha's Dance." J surely knows his way around a funky walking bassline and peppers the track with lots of sample snippets and horn lines. Listening to the snares snap on this proves that all the time J (Rocc) was able to spend with the late Jay (Dee) helped to ensure the latter's influence will live on.

Next, J opens up an extended dance remix of Build An Ark's "You've Gotta Have Freedom" from their album Peace With Every Step (2004). Build An Ark is a LA based soul-jazz group lead by Dwight Trible and Carlos Nino and boasting the great trombonist/arranger/composer Phil Ranelin as a member. "You've Gotta Have Freedom" is originally by Pharoah Sanders (it is on Journey To The One), and Build An Ark's rendition has been written about here at earfuzz previously. Rocc cuts back on Trible's vocals and makes an electronic dance track that is longer than Novad Djokovic's pre-service routine and a million times more enjoyable. The bassline is again a groovy sensation, but the way J balances the organ and piano elements sparsely throughout the song really make this an excellent mixing weapon.

According to the Stones Throw website J. Rocc is working on an album for the label, and Build An Ark are set to release their sophomore effort Dawn on September 25th. Looking forward to more good things from both.