A Blues Return: Oakland, CA

          (Lee Romney, Los Angeles Times / December 6, 2011)

Oakland, California. 7th Street was the place which was bustling with shipyard workers and sailors, musicians and locals meeting up at the soda fountains and soul food restaurants, shops and other businesses that lined the street, back in 1950's after World War Two.

"Twenty-one years. That's a bite out of anyone's life," says Ronnie Stewart, a local blues artist who also founded the city's blues society; that's how long it took him to get the city's musical past recognized.

84 musicians will have plaques in their names lined up 7th street soon, as a historical nod and an honoring, to the city's bustling blues & Jazz scenes.

Maybe I'll have a walk of fame in Kuwait's Salwa street someday? :P

via L.A. Times

Kuwait Music ft. Ali Sleeq: Core Conviction

Core Convictions #2: Ali Sleeq

Another initiative taken by Kuwait Music, Core Conviction is the place to vent out about the music scene in Kuwait; I'm featured in this mini forum. I hope everyone can participate to get your voices heard.

Cheers to KM as usual.

Jazz is Not Cool Anymore - Nicolas Payton

See why here.

It's a sarcastic article of course; however the message here is about people being stuck in one place with a closed mind.

Newspaper Article from '83 on Muddy Waters' Death

This is an interesting time piece that was written in the Milwaukee Journal, at the time of Muddy's passing away.

The archived news article is here.

Hubert Sumlin, blues guitarist in Howlin' Wolf's band, passes.

Another great loss to blues and music world... guitar great Hubert Sumlin, best known for playing in Howlin' Wolf's band, and with many others including Muddy Waters, a fine solo artist in his own right, has passed away yesterday in New Jersey from a heart failure. He was 80 years old.

He helped shape Chicago blues with his guitar playing and spot on rhythms, performing on many blues standards that are timeless until today.

Here's a sampling of his work with the Wolf; RIP Hubert!!!



[Official Site]

[News Article]

"Ill Street Blues" - Kool G Rap

I was listening to some old school hip hop, remembering my high school days.

This track is a classic gangsta rap record that embodies the sound of the early '90s perfectly. The video contains a few vintage images of blues / jazz musicians and some bluesy piano loops sampled from Joe Williams "Get out of my Life Woman".

Check rap legend Kool G Rap and DJ Polo in this bangin' track, and the original song by blues & jazz musician Joe Williams.

Fun Lovin' Criminals: A Seriously Underrated Band

I'm probably one of the biggest fans of the Fun Lovin' Criminals (FLC) in the region.

I have all their CDs (legit) and I've followed them ever since their first album Come Find Yourself came out in 1996 until now.

Their style incorporates blues as the root, but with hip-hop vocals sung by Huey Morgan, keyboards/bass/electronic production by Fast, and drumming by Frank from the UK (their 3rd drummer), blending in lounge and rock all in one.

They have a hardcore, mafioso/criminal and social based themes in their songs; they also represent their hometown of New York City, and many of their songs pay tribute to the Big Apple, as well as common themes of inner city lifestyle and issues, as mentioned in one of their songs "I Can't Get with That": We all bleed red even racist motherfuckers.

They have found big success in the UK and Europe; it's unfortunate that their native USA have not been as welcoming; however it's mostly due to the way the music industry there is.

They came to Dubai in 2007 once but I was in Lebanon at the time and I was unable to go, which is a real shame given how much I love these guys.

I really would like to all of you to check out their music... it's witty, comical, and serious at the same time.

Much love to the FLC, with the mucho grande style!

Offical Site

Select tracks:

Sonny Rollins Spotlight in the Washington Times

Jazz and sax great Sonny Rollins has a three page article in the Washington Times, where he discusses many aspects of his life and his history. See the full article here.

Rollins is one of the leaders and originators of the "hard bop" style of Jazz which kicked off in the early '50s, and has played with legends Charlie Parker and Miles Davis amongst many others.

He's written some of the greatest jazz standards and he remains active today, and has been nominated for 2 Jazz Grammy Awards for Best Solo and Best Album.

Here's a classic track by Rollins for your enjoyment:

The Jazz & Blues Grammy Nominees

While most of the world will only look at "Best Male, Female, Pop, Rap and Rock" awards, this is a reminder that the Grammys cover the entire musical spectrum.

The nominees were announced yesterday, and here are the Jazz & Blues nominees (after the jump)

My Badass Skyrim Warrior

I have crafted Legendary Daedric Armor for my warrior knight. Besides looking like a boss, it has the highest armor rating in the game. Cost a fortune to get the materials and hard to find rare items but it was well worth it.