Soul-Jazz Clap (Something Else! for Wtnr Radio.com 11/11/2010)

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The ubiquitous Something Else! Intro leads into a mellow classic by Herbie Hancock, \”Tell Me A Bedtime Story\” from his late 60s release, Fat Albert Rotunda. Jumping from jazz to jazzy hiphop, next up is L.A. hiphop group The Nonce\’s \”Keep It On.\” Another classic group associated with Los Angeles, although they originally hail from Oklahoma, The Gap Band and their not-quite-slow jam \”Outstanding (12\” Mix.)\” Keeping it local, the next track is by another Los Angeles transplant, Justo Almario, who has played with Mongo Santamaria, Charles Mingus and Roy Ayers, producer for the uptempo funky \”Sho\’ You Right.\” Dipping back in the hiphop bag, Showbiz & AG bring us \”Soul Clap\”–a dancefloor monster. Completely flipping the script, we go gospel next with Walter Hawkins And Selah and \”Where Will You Run.\” From Verve\’s Jazz Remixed compilation comes Space Jazz Dub Men\’s take on a Duke Ellington classic (with a twist from Incognito) \”It Don\’t Mean A Thing (Incognito Remix.)\” Although they don\’t seem to be credited, those vocals sound like Carmen McCrae to me. The next track is by a relatively new jazz vocalist, Sara Mitra. I\’m really enjoying her album April Song and the title track shows you why–fresh sound, yet firmly jazz. Next up is a group I\’ve dug for a long time but calling them \”jazz\” can start debates with some folks. Another title track, this time from Weather Report, \”Mysterious Traveller.\” Great playing, interesting sounds and a definite feeling of \”otherworldliness.\” Keeping it mysterious, Ninja Tune artist 9 Lazy 9 with a classic remix \”Electric Lazyland (Journeyman\’s Electric Lazyman.)\” Electronic music, but groovy and still quite \”moody.\” The wrap-up track of this set is by old favorites, The Easy Star All-Stars. From their remix album Dubber Side of the Moon, comes \”Money (The Alchemist Remix)\” their tweak of the Pink Floyd classic.