December can be kind of an intersting month in general–end of the year, multiple holidays commemorating light/sun/son/community… Mine started out with a wonderful night at Marula Cafe Barcelona!
The Hit Me! Funk Jam did their usual Thursday night vibe – locals laying it down and featuring a few guests on the mic and various instruments. Folks come out to party and they were already having a great time when I walked in! The next day was \”Constitution Day\” (national holiday) so I knew there was a good chance people would stay if I started out with the right vibe… The great thing about this venue is that it has an identity, so on a night where people are out folks will stop in to check it out. The set above is what I went with as my opening…
Session above is a little later on in the night. I handed off to Darkomedia after my set and he took it to the next level… The following Thursday I was booked to play in Switzerland–Geneva\’s Cafe Le Petite Reine, which is always a gas. The turnout seemed more noticeable than other times I\’d played there, the bartenders were happy (always a good sign) and it felt fun and like I was \”connecting\” with the crowd. Here\’s a link to my playlist from that gig: https://serato.com/playlists/djtbird/le-petite-reine-12-12-24 The next night, Friday, the venue was Grenzwert Bar, in Basel, which I have been playing since 2006–almost 20 years! The sessions below are from that night.
There\’s a bit more to the month, but it\’s late and I\’ll do another post with more \”goodies.\”
So after a fun session and meetup on Thursday, I made my way up to Basel the next afternoon to play my usual spots, Amber Bar & Grenzwert. The staff always looks after me and their clients enjoy the music I play. I was really fortunate that Friday one of my DJ buddies (actually, the person who got me started playing in Basel by introducing me to Grenzwert and owner Cecile), Kat LaLuna, was spinning for Radio X in Soft Space. DJ Feline, who has also hooked me up, was in the house too. I recorded Friday\’s session at Amber and you can listen to part one above! I\’ll be adding the other parts to my Mixcloud page over the next few weeks. After my session at Amber Bar, I went to see Alma Negra playing at a cool venue, Schall und Rach, that appears to be a jazz club! Unfortunately, I didn\’t last long there–though Diego & Dersu were playing stellar tunes–I was just wiped out. Saturday afternoon, I went to visit Klara (another spot I often DJ) and saw my buddy Nik, who was quite busy–due to the popular football matches being shown that weekend. That evening I spun at Grenzwert, had a great time and went to bed quite early so I could be on my game to catch the train Sunday midday… Upon my return to Geneva on Sunday, I dropped off my bags, changed my clothes and \”settled\” for a short while before heading back to Le Cormoran to play a sunset session by the lake as pictured above…
On Monday my host took me to meet an old friend of his in Fribourg. We had lunch with the old friend and his husband (a character) and then the 3 of us (the husband was busy after lunch) were taken around Fribourg on a personally guided tour by the old friend. These pictures are from the Cathedral of St. Nicholas (yes, that one!) First is a stamp (a room & board discount ticket, essentially) for pilgrims on \”The Way\” (El Camino) of \”Saint Jacques\” (Santiago) of Compostelle (Compostela.) Second are figures near the entrance of the cathedral. Is it just me or does the one on the right look like they\’re holding a mobile phone? Unfortunately, because I was concerned about time, we didn\’t get to see the old town of Fribourg–which sounds amazing to experience. Hopefully, I\’ll return another day and get to see that. Upon return to Geneva, my buddy Moez met me at Le Cormoran and then we headed off to Le Petite Reine for a last minute session before my return to Barcelona!
A few days after my return to Barcelona was a very popular holiday here, Sant Joan. Essentially, it\’s the celebration of the Summer Solstice and is full of fireworks, firecrackers and parties until late… We had planned to see Nickodemus of Wonderwheel Recordings at Nómada Beach Club in Sitges. Unfortunately, he needed to stay in NYC that weekend and had to cancel his engagements. Being the good guy that he is, he recommended me to the owner of Nómada since I was already in Sitges and we have a lot of crossover in our DJ style. Via Los Chicos Altos (me & my production partner Maxey Blaze) I have some releases on Nickodemus\’ label. Above are some pictures from that night courtesy of my \”ride or die\” (who also played a hand in getting me booked for Sant Joan.) Center photo is a fabulous percussionist and sweet human, Miguel Guerrero. Photo to the right is me with DJ Diego DeLippo (Bongo Lounge/Dope Brothers) who played before my set and Big Papi\’s Abraham Figueroa (formerly of Dos Trece.) Unfortunately, we didn\’t get any photos of Jade Rolt who opened and closed the night, but her music is featured in the video below with the \”winged\” dancers.
Diego DeLippo (Bongo Lounge/Dope Brothers) dropping George Benson\’s cover of Donny Hathaway\’s classic \”The Ghetto\” accompanied by percussionist Miguel Guerrero.
One of the few quick jam sessions featuring Nathan Hunter on vocals, Juanlu Leprevost on bass, Miguel Guerrero on percussion and T-Bird looping a beat.
Another interesting element of the Sant Joan event was the jam sessions that would happen from time to time during the evening. The leader was local legend and one of the more important members of the live music scene, bassist/bandleader/producer Juanlu Leprevost. Juanlu was an original member of Ojos de Brujo, who were so big that some USA labels were licensing their albums. He also founded Calima and is an important member of Fabrica de Colores–which platforms local music artists. At one point Dani Macaco, another former member of Ojos who has gone on to do great things (including collaborating with Michael Franti on a tune with a video shot in Sitges), joined in!
Let\’s close this entry out with a video of people having a good time to some music…
Back in Confederation Helvetica (BKA \”Switzerland\”) playing records. I\’d forgotten until just before I left home that it was also Sonar weekend! I\’ve been blessed to play my second Art Week in Basel, though the trip began in Geneva. A new venue for me, Le Cormoran is right on Lake Leman (BKA \”Lake Geneva\”) and I did a live stream on Instagram of my first session. It\’s a wee bit abstract as it was a last-minute idea and the goal was more to document that it happened than to film myself. Shout out to the homie Moez, who hooked me up with the session and later introduced me to the members of 47 Soul who performed that evening at Usine. Getting excited for tonight\’s session at Amber Bar in Basel!
On my last trip to Switzerland I was blessed to play a new venue in a new city, La Petite Reine (The Little Queen) in Geneva! I have some lovely friends who live in the city and I\’d been going there to see them, but as a DJ, I was always hoping to pick up some new gigs. Finally, thanks to some good timing and well-connected DJ colleagues, I managed to get in touch with the talent booker who needed someone the weekend I wanted to be in CH (Confederation Helvetica, the official name of Switzerland.) Unfortunately, Moez wasn\’t going to be around when I was there, but I was well looked after by Matt & Cecilia. I have to thank Yann H (aka Ian Ash of Boogie Butt Records), Nickodemus & Nappy G (Wonderwheel Recordings/Turntables on the Hudson) who were my door and golden ticket… It\’s a fun little spot and if you happen to be in Geneva, you should definitely stick your head in!
More travel memories! I finally broke my (self-imposed) ban on traveling to the UK. I\’d been a bit apprehensive about going there post-Brexit. It just seemed like there were so many hurdles that the country was dealing with and I was thinking I would wait until they sorted all of that out. A wise British person I\’d met the previous year said to me, \”That may be a long wait, mate–go now.\” My true destination was Exeter, where some dear friends live, but the airport I flew into/out of was Bristol. If you know my music tastes, you should be aware of how important Bristol is in my music collection–Smith & Mighty, Roni Size/Full Cycle Crew, Up Bustle & Out, Cup of Tea, Massive Attack, Nellee Hooper, Stanton Warriors… I couldn\’t be that close and not at least take a peek at the town responsible for all of this fabulous music! My buddy and I headed into town and I snapped a few pictures before we wandered around a bit and eventually met with my friend Ollie, who I knew from his time in Barcelona, and Dave Cridge of Up Bustle & Out. Dave was great and very generous with his time, knowledge and wisdom. First picture is in the Bristol airport, the second is a street sign on the way to Bristol, third is a mural Dave showed us and the fourth is a mosaic next to our first parking spot in town. The mosaic touches on another of my fascinations, mythology. The subject are two ravens, Thought & Memory–servants of the Norse All-Father, Odin.
Speaking of the north… Thanks to Vibe Select Entertainment, I was invited to Stockholm, Sweden to assist with their event featuring guest DJ, Mr Thing (next to me preparing to tear the roof off!) Marc (aka Mr Thing) is a terror on the decks and the sweetest person you\’d ever meet off them. It was a gas to hang out with my buddy R.D. on his home turf, see a new part of the world (Finland & Iceland remain to complete my bingo card for the Nordics–apologies to Greenland & Faroe Islands) and get treated to the Cane Rum Society–a FABULOUS Caribbean restaurant with an astounding collection of rum. Did I mention that I got to open for the headliner? You can listen to what I played below.
The next picture is something I saw during \”Art Week\” in Basel. I finally made it to the festival when the whole city seems to become an art gallery!
Unfortunately, Equilibrium Festival was postponed. However, my Swiss trip went as planned: a few days in Geneva, a few days in Basel. The pictures above are of a synagogue I noticed in the center of town and vegetables from a weekly market my friend in Geneva frequents. Shout out to Grenzwert & Klara.
I recorded most of my first session in Basel at Amber Bar, a new spot with a rooftop terrace and great view of the Rhine. Part 1 (above) is jazz-funk, hiphop & acid jazz.
Part 2 (above) gets into the latin bag, some more jazz & funky business and flirts with disco.
Part 3 (above) wraps up the session with various flavors of house, including broken-beat.
Here\’s a few pictures of the Swiss countryside taken from the train on my way back to Geneva. Below are more pictures from a previous trip.
Currently writing from Munich, Germany. It\’s my first time out here and I\’m playing for a private event on Sunday.
Arrived Friday and had a blast going out! Hung with Dusty from Jazz & Milk who took me to a family-oriented Italian restaurant ro start off. We were seated next to a few people who seemed to be having a great time. When they left, one of the men made a point of rapping his knuckles on our table and saying goodnight to us. Although a bit odd, it was definitely coming from a place of friendliness. I thought maybe he knew Dusty, but as it turns out he was just being social… Afterward we went to Corleone.cc to hear D2E3 who was PHENOMENAL!!! The venue is a lot of fun and his music just completed the vibe.
After that we got a kebap (traditional german food–via turkey) and went to hear the man from Kalakuta Soul rip it up at DIE REGISTRATUR. After a great set of funky-disco-afro-latin-soul we called it a night and went to the booth to give the DJ his proper respect. …At which point we were gifted the record you see at the top of this post!
I\’ve been informed by the other Chico Alto that I must try Schweinsbraten with Semmelknoede in a traditional restaurant with a beer garden. I guess I know what happens tonight..
Switching subjects, it\’s been a really busy summer! We like that and one of the things keeping me busy is more radio shows with Barcelona City Fm! Deep Tuesdays broadcast live from Bar 68 7-9pm, my usual Something Else! Radio Wednesdays 10pm-12mid and Vibe Select Barcelona Saturdays from 8-10pm with R.D. Tueday is a house session, Wednesday is eclectic and Saturday is Soul/R&B/Hiphop.
Other upcoming live gigs include:
Sat 20 August @ Bar 68 10pm-3am, Barcelona Sun 21 August @ Xiringuito Zero 4-9pm, Vilanova Fri 26 @ Bar 68 10pm-3am, Barcelona
Today is the first part of my Swiss \”Turntable Tour.\” 3 nights, 2 cities: Biel/Bienne (Thursday) & Basel (Friday/Saturday.)
The mix above is to commemorate an event I went to many years ago in Biel called \”Rap History.\” Each event would be themed around a certain year and the music would all be from then. I always liked the idea and wanted to play one. Unfortunately, they have ended and now they only exist as an idea and organization…
Tonight I\’ll be playing the place where it all started for me in Switzerland, Pooc. Tomorrow will be my traditional Friday at Grenzwert (2nd venue I ever played in this country) and Saturday will break new ground at Cafe Singer, a venue new to both me and Basel!
A while ago I was at someone\’s home and heard a mix of hiphop, latin and some other music that had a New York vibe to me. As it turns out, the music was from the soundtrack to the film Chef, which takes place not in NYC, but Los Angeles, Miami and along the road connecting the two cities (notable stop in New Orleans.) An explanation of why I sensed New York when I heard the music might be that the film\’s star & producer, Jon Favreau, is from Flushing, Queens (NYC.) Anyway, I was determined to make a mix that captured at least part of the New York \”vibe\” I heard. This mix is a bit more DJ-oriented than the music from the film, but I think that\’s it is no less NYC. This mix is the first of a series of city-themed mixes.
I\’ll be getting some inspiration soon from my upcoming trip to Switzerland. Thursday, 4 February I return to the first venue I ever played in Switzerland, Biel/Bienne\’s Pooc. Friday the 5th I play my second Swiss venue, Grenzwert in Basel. My debut at Cafe Singer is Saturday (February 6) and I\’m really looking forward to it!
By the way, I saw the film and recommend it. It\’s good experience of two of my favorite things, food & music!
Saw a few monks on the plane to Switzerland. They were all really nice and friendly. I had to ask one of them to move (she was sitting in my seat after I\’d already set up camp there.) The plane was half-full at best, so initially I felt bad telling her she was \”in my seat.\” She was very gracious and found it funny–problem solved.
I flew with Swiss Air and along with accruing miles on my \”frequent flyer\” account, not having to pay extra for checked luggage AND being served drinks (juice and water) plus a snack (pretzel shaped bread with butter on it) I discovered another reason to fly with them to a small airport like Basel (I usually would fly with EasyJet)–NO WALKING ON THE FREEZING TARMAC!!! It\’s amazing how little things can make such a big difference. …Did I mention the complimentary chocolate? I was actually encouraged to take as much as I liked (I took a polite 2 small bars.) While the serious chocoholic friends of mine would sniff disapprovingly at the milk chocolate we were offerred, it was free.
On the bus to town, I had my bags on the seat next to me (oddly, the luggage racks weren\’t very close or convenient–the Swiss are usually very good about practicality and organization.) A few stops later, a woman boarded the bus looking like she was about to die of exhaustion so I did the kind thing and offerred my seat. I think she was going to be polite and decline, but her condition got the better of her and she accepted gratefully. Unfortunately, a few stops later I had to get off and people were boarding (they board through any open door in Switzerland–but everyone buys their ticket before boarding.) As the Swiss are also known for being very timely, I was afraid I wouldn\’t be able to grab my luggage and disembark in time–but everything turned out fine and someone rushing to the stop was even able to board.
I was treated to dinner before my set at Acqua Lounge and opted for the vegetarian menu (the other choices were fish & meat–beef.) I understand that in Italy (the restaurant is Italian) it is common to have a set offering for the evening–here at least you get to choose meat, seafood or vegetables. It was definitely not gluten-free, with the bread sticks, green salad with cheese-toast for croutons, pea-filled wheat ravioli (only 4, but all very delicious with an amazing sauce,) and the main dish of grilled vegetables on bread slices in tomato sauce. That main doesn\’t sound very exciting, but mostly because I don\’t know the proper terminology to \”jazz it up.\” It was amazing. I probably could have had a proper dessert, but after such a foodgasm I didn\’t want to ruin it by eating too much. I had an espresso that arrived with chocolate truffle-drops (I think Hershey has probably trademarked \”chocolate kisses\” as a sweet.) After that I was eager to get up and earn my supper!
After fiddling with various wires, audio cables and electric sockets I was finally ready to play some music. To fit with the ambiance already set by the music, I started out with some deep house and within minutes, people started to dance. Normally, that\’s how I like to get things going (i.e., people dancing in short order) but as this place is a restaurant and bar, I\’m used to people chatting, drinking and not dancing. Since it seemed people wanted to party (on a Thursday, no less) I kept the music in that vibe… If you\’ve been to one of my sets, you know that I generally prefer to \”change up\” the music so it doesn\’t feel like I\’m playing the same stuff all night. Even when it\’s a night of a particular musical genre, I find ways to wiggle around within those limits. At a certain point, I felt that I\’d taken the house as far as I could and needed to change the energy, so I did something kind of adventurous… I played the song below–which was sampled in a really big club hit.
…They ate it up! So then I played a few more soul classics, switched to Pharrell\’s \”Happy,\” a D&B remix of Lorde\’s \”Royals\” (get it here, it\’s on the reggae tip–kind of a nose-thumb at Lorde as she claims to hate reggae,) Fugees\’ \”Ready Or Not\” remixed by DJ Hype (or it Zinc? the whitelabel confusion continues,) into another Ganja Kru (DJ Hype, Zinc & Pascal) joint, this time a twist of \”Lowrider\” by War. The mini-D&B set was followed by \”Welcome to Jamrock\” (Damian Marley) and its source material, \”World A Music\” by Ini Kamoze (yes, the \”hotstepper.\”) Bringing the tempo (and energy) back up, I played some hiphop, snuck in some Jon Lucien (to be fair, it was the break of one of the hiphop tunes) and then laid down the funk before heading into disco and then back to house…
All in all, it went well and we turned what we expected to be a slow night into quite the party…
Tonight it goes down at another friendly venue, Grenzwert! See you there?
Headed out to Switzerland on Thursday and I\’m super-excited to return to the fabulous restaurant and lounge that is Acqua in Basel!
I\’ll also be playing Friday and Saturday night, so I\’ll post about those events as well…
We\’ll see how my new \”genre\” flies: \”global electronic soul.\” I think it sounds like it encompasses the range of what I do without taking 20 minutes to explain…
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