Around The World… (Something Else! 5/28/09 on www.WtnrRadio.com)

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Hey folks, something special this week — a theme! In preparation for a gig at a popular Barna spot, Brazelona Sessions (every Tuesday @ Sidecar Factory 12-5am) I decided to go \”worldly.\” Brazelona Sessions is one of the few, if not only, regular world-music dance clubs in Barcelona. My buddy Nickodemus from Turntables on the Hudson (new album pictured) plays there every time he comes to Barcelona (a few times a year.) Although I will be sticking to world-music for that night, there\’s a lot of \”wiggle-room\” — I can play music from as many continents as I want, just as long as it all flows and people dance…

Getting back to the show, the ever-present \”Something Else! Intro\” opens up the show and then we dive head-first into the rhythms with \”What Is This?\” from Sergio Mendes\’ grammy-winning album Brasilero. I\’ve always adored that song and don\’t get enough opportunities to play it. Next up, Finland goes latin with \”Diana Park Nights\” by NuSpirit Helsinki. I don\’t know how it happened, but those Finns really get jazz and latin… \”Ring My Bell\” by Blood Sisters is from one of my favorite cover albums Hustle – Reggae Disco: Kingston, London, New York on the Soul Jazz Label. \”Sips & Magic\” feat. The New York Gypsy Allstars is from the new album by the aforementioned Nickodemus. Bellydance is huge in Barcelona and you can hear why Nickodemus would be able to play here so much. A slight move \”eastward\” in the sound (say, India) is provided by the intro of \”Superbowl Sundae.\” Often Ozomatli is considered a latin-hiphop fusion, but since the beginning they have had other musical influences as demonstrated by this song from their first album. \”Don\’t Joke With A Hungry Mother\” by Spanky Wilson & The Quantic Soul Orchestra Vs Lanu is a slight afro-feeling remix of a track I always liked (Seiji\’s remix of \”Don\’t Joke With A Hungry Man\”.) While looking for electro-house tracks online I stumbled upon \”Acid Bells (Martyn\’s Dark Mix)\” by Efdemin–broken-beat percussion madness. An evergreen for deep house djs & fans is Dubtribe Sound System\’s \”Equitoreal\” for the slight tribal vibe and great groove. \”Wha Blo\” by Phil Asher presents Focus is something I came across on my London trip earlier this year–thanks to the shop Sounds on Portobello Road! We close out with a song I\’ve always loved since it came out in the pre-superstardom era of Michael Jackson. One might wonder what on Earth Mr. Jackson is doing in a world-music set, but \”Workin\’ Day and Night\” is full of exotic percussion (check the tabla pattern at the top) and without at least one surprise during the set wouldn\’t that would be dull?

Enjoy the set and if you\’re in Barcelona June 2nd, come by Sidecar Factory (Pla