DAMN RIGHT, it's been 3 years since this blog has been updated!  😐
More coming soon.....until then, enjoy this tribute to the late David Mancuso...

Listen to "DJ Joe Barrett - Excursions of Soul - 11.15.16" on Spreaker.

RE-ACTIVATE!  Time to recharge this blog!  Especially now that my main man Tommie Cool and I are doing a new weekly webcast called SOULFUL UNDERGROUND!  We're bringing a talk format along with spinning soulful house, disco, and techno!  So, check out the some of the shows here SOULFUL UNDERGROUND!

OK, let's start this all over….a lots been happening since September 2011, which was my last blog.  So much is going on, it will take a scroll to explain it all. The only thing that counts is that a new MIX is up! Rocking some deep soulful house music, it's time to get on the ball with getting on some internet radio shows and getting in a spot.  Also, I've started teaching drums which is DOPE!  I would love to do this all day every day, so let's see what happens!!!  As for the mix, tracks are included by S, Kyodai, Cajmere and Gene Farris, MyNamE, Joey Negro, and At One F/Wynona. Some definite deep grooves for your ass! So check em' out on the podomatic player!  DOPE!  Till next time, one love, ONE HOUSE!

TheWeek, TheWeek, TheWeek…...

As it does, a bunch of new TV shows will be hitting, or missing, this week!  The only two I can think of that I'm really looking forward to are PAN AM and THE PLAYBOY CLUB!  Why??? I don't know…it's just what men do I think, so I'm on board!  Speaking of Pan Am...did you ever notice how tight the damn seats are in coach on a flight?  Who decided that people in 2's, 3's and sometimes 4's or even 5's are designed to sit that close together?  I've been on 4hr flights and can't even imagine the torture of a international flight...in coach! Greed???  Well, maybe...
So, our favorite social media party place, Face Book, made SWEEPING changes this week (like they do) and of course most of us were none the wiser when it happened!  Mass confusion has ensued as though a "nuculer" (--- thanks former President Bush) bomb went off! My initial thought is that the format looks very similar to twitter's.  One has to wonder how much more can be changed to enhance FB before it's no longer...facebook??? Want to see one of the best slept on kung fu flicks ever??? The One-Armed Boxer

It's Wednesday and I find myself sitting in a hotel room in Perrysburg, OH. I used to post up in places like The W Lakeshore Chicago or in Times Square, now I am in Hilton Garden Inn's and ish!  Whoa is me! Insurance company meetings are long…to loooong!  And wouldn't be so bad except they are usually information overload!  All day, I was thinking about this type of hip shit right here! Speaking of hip, jam sessions that claim to feature "jazz", should actually feature…jazz.  It's a real drag when you get to the jam session, there's hardly any listeners, the vibe is stale and the musicians are only playing 12 bar blues! C'mon…! The worst is when guys in the house band don't even know any standard jazz tunes!
Anyway, I think I will be having some exciting news about my musical journeys next week, so be sure to check back for it. In the mean time, enjoy this banger from back in the day!  I remember listening to this joint in my man DJ's basement when we were in high school!  LINDBLOM…SWOOP!

The week of travels...

Traveling can be a pain.  But it can also be dope if you enjoy it! I do!  So, my travels this week took me to Denver, CO. for work. The added bonus is I got to visit my cousin Chip and his family, a beautiful family! My little cousins are mad cool and funny and so is their mom.  We had a great time catching up and then, as all families do, went to get something to eat at a fine dining establishment...Del Taco! 
The work here has been OK, but I don't talk about work on this blog...so on to other stuff. Let's see..what else, I saw two deer Thursday night and they were HUGE! They are bigger up close than you may think! The hotel lost power so I had to walk up 6 floors to my room..that was nice. And I haven't really seen any mountains...so, Denver. OK experience, *** out of 5!  Had to get to the airport extra early, 1pm for a 4:08 flight, that got to Detroit at 9:00pm…and on a Friday night! Read here about the Denver Airport conspiracy! 
This is my birthday weekend, so hopefully I got a lot to get into. Ferndale art fair and DIY, DJ group meeting, NFL football, so I will be mighty busy!  A few recommendations for ya: I just finished Ice-T's book "ICE".  A dynamite read, this brother is as real as real can get.  He opens up about some things in his life that show you why and how he became who he is.  Very surprising and gives a fresh perspective on someone we've seen change, in certain ways, yet remain the same over the years.  Want a dope web site to check out??? The influence of Roy Ayers is all over music today.  Not the mainstream yack that permeates the airwaves or video, but the underground hip shit that we music lovers dig.  Check this site out and hear interviews, remixes, see dope photos and live performances of Roy and artists he has influenced over the years!!!  Interested in going vegan? Read the exploits of house music head and property expert Karyn as she drops the animal flesh from her diet and goes from "meat 2 vegan"!  I'll be back to post next week, in the mean time, enjoy this classic gem by Soul Brother #1!

Mi Familia!

Family is amazing!  We had a dynamite time at the Dan Ryan woods in Chicago with my Barrett family…super dope!  Cousins I hadn't seen in  along time or forever; aunts and uncles that are my grandfather's siblings; Cousins that resembled my dad, his sisters and my close cousins I grew up with. It was probably my best experience of the summer, outside of spending time with my own family.  I look forward to next years family reunion and a full year of re-aquainting with everyone I met and saw again!
Lots of other stuff going on too.  Big jam session @ my man Craig's house, lots of rain lately, the house set at 1515 B'way with Pirahna Head and Quentin Harris was nice...lots of bangin house music.  Also, on the sports tip, the Tigers are looking like they are going to wrap up the AL central title!  And finally...FOOTBALL!  Go LIONS!
I'm still working on my mix EP, that will be ready as soon as I either get a new mixer or fix mine. Three dope mixes are on deck, so stay tuned!  Check out this weeks hot track…
NEBULOSA by Kenichiro Nishihara!  Enjoy!

New Mix posted..and more!

DAMN! I been slacking! Here is a new blog post, courtesy of BEING LATINO ONLINE MAGAZINE! And enjoy the latest mixes here!

What the hell have I been doing!

The title of this quick post says it all. What the hell have I been doing? Music is my life! It is the essential element that makes me who I am! Whether it's drumming, Djing, listening, selling, marketing, talking about or making...it's MUSIC! I am promising that going forward, MUSIC will again take its rightful place in my everyday life! I will start by spinning more! That is the base! The jump-off point of my entry into a music career anyway. I will play drums more! My kit, my congas, my timbales, my Djembe, all of them! And for now give them the proper time! I will also broadcast on the net more! Do my usual Thursday Night Live DJ set of Deep, Soulful House and continue by dropping other podcasts here and there...all around...MUSIC! This I promise!

Doin' mixes on Thursday's now...

Short and simple...I wanna get the blog going again. And I'm just getting back into my music on the regular! DJing on Soulful House Music Collage radio every Thursday with a live webcast and then MP3 the mix to post on FB & TWITTER. Back rocking with the band, an organ/sax/drum trio playing jazz, soul jazz and funk. LIke they did in the 50's and 60's! That's the sound! The latest mix is on the podomatic player, so hit that and go to my page to download it if you like! Be back soon with some real blogging, new photos etc.!

Saturday Night Live #10

This has been a busy few weeks because I have missed posting the video of my last two mixes! AYYY YAY YAY! So, I'm back but busier than ever. Work is great, lots of travel involved but luckily very close to home so I am always able to get back in good time. Some cities have no vibe, I guess unless you live there. Columbus, OH was BOOORING! Nothing to do after work hours and no jazz spots! Cleveland was BOOORING! Nothing to do afterwork hours and no jazz spots! So, it's good thing I bring my music to keep me company and I have FACEBOOK and IM to talk w/ friends! I did get a chance to meet an interesting bro this week though. Peter Shankman, founder of the HELP A REPORTER OUT website, a site that was founded by way of facebook, then went on to be it's own site connecting people to reporters all over the world. He also introduced me and others to an item called a POKEN. It's a small item that fits on your keychain that digitally carries around all of your social contact information! It fits right into your USB drive and if you meet someone who has a "poken", you hold yours and theirs together and your social "business cards" are exchanged digitally. It is a truly amazing little unit and worth checking out here at www.doyoupoken.com.

Well, on the music tip, I am attaching two video here because as thing always happen, my computer updated while I was spinning!!! So, it cut off for two minutes, so I have the first 30 minutes in one video and the rest of the show in the second. You can still enjoy the music as I am rocking some WBMX style house at the beginning, then I go into dropping the new deep house joints! Enjoy the music and I will be back to posting next week, so pass this blog along to other people you think would like the music! As always, please leave feedback and comments if you like!
JB

Saturday Night Live - Part I (the music starts at 1:11)


Saturday Night Live - Part II

Saturday Night Live #9

Chicago! It's my hometown and there is a certain part of it that I love. The memories of my childhood, I think of them often. I was sorry to see that the city did not get the 2016 Olympics, but I was even sadder to see video of a young boy beaten to death on the city streets! What are these young people doing to each other! It hurts to even talk about it. I grew up on those same streets and though I lost friends, it wasn't a regular occurrence. Now, you can almost set your clock by the number of incidents! I pray that my old hood and town will get it together before our total destruction!

Also, on a similar tip, I hope you will visit the following website:http://www.clicktoempower.org/
My employer, Allstate© Insurance, sponsors this site supporting victims of domestic violence. This is a subject I know of well and maybe someday I will write about the horror. But, for now I will ask that you please visit the site and become more informed and maybe you will be moved to help!

This week, the music is bangin' as usual. Starting with some NYC club bangers, some new house, then digging in the crates to drop some deep joints! I hope you enjoy! As always, please leave some comments and/or feedback! Next weeks mix will be a tribute to Osunlade!

Saturday Night Live #8

The LIONS won a game! yay. I'll take the win, even if it is against a team that HAS TO BE lowlier that my Lions...the Washington Redskins! All I can say is, that's what Washington gets for having a Native American bro on their helmets! Karma is a beeeyaaaa and I bet that franchise can prepare themselves for more misfortune. Anyway, uhhh....hmmm....MLB playoffs are coming up, let's hope the Detroit Tigers make it (mainly because I want to get to a game and see the Yankees set it off). I actually went and saw the play "Little Women" in Royal Oak, MI last Friday. One of my co-workers was in the production and did a fantastic job! Acting! Singing! Dancing! She had me thinking we were on Broadway!....well....at least OFF-Broadway! Celeste was dynamite though and it makes you wonder about all the people out there with these gigantic talents just waiting to bust out!!! I think she's gonna be in a movie someday or maybe even Broadway!....
MUSIC! Here is the video cast of the mix from the lab! I opened with old school WBMX classic joints, then went into some new deep house. Enjoy the tunes and as always, leave comments, feedback, etc! It just helps me keep the groove on lock for ya!

Saturday Night Live #7

How about a little "documentary" recommendation first??? My girl Rachelle Salnave-Gardner put her heart and soul into a documentary about Harlem, N.Y.'s historic 125th st. mart. Here is the link to her FACEBOOK® page where you can get information about the film, Rachelle and how to support her efforts if you like:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Harlems-Mart-125-The-American-Dream/37414870928

Good Luck my sister!!! Now, here is the video webcast of me spinning last Saturday night. I dropped some new house, Chicago house and then ended on some Philly Soul cuts. I even dropped a few afrobeat grooves! I hope you listen/view and enjoy AND drop comments etc.!

Saturday Night Live #6

DOH! Serena Williams set it off! Kanye West pulled a b*tch move on the VMA's! Congressman Wilson disrespects President Obama! Man, people musta been on edge all week! WTF! Anyway, I wasn't! I've been reading "The Pleasures And Sorrows of Work by Alain DeBotton. Very interesting take on "work" and why we do it, what makes it pleasurable or downright sorrowful! Check it out, it's a very interesting read!

Here's the webcast of the mix from Saturday! Got some Chicago house, new deep house joints, then some club classic joints! Hope you enjoy the music and as always, drop feedback or comments!

Saturday Night Live #5

Welcome to my BLOG! Before I get to the music, I am looking forward to seeing the new Halloween II by Rob Zombie! I enjoyed his first take on Halloween. Though you can never top the original, I think ROb did a great job with the Michael Meyers backstory. The end of the first remake was a little too "busy" also, but it was entertaining! Halloween II, here I come. R.I.P. to Ted Kennedy, the Kennedy who actually got a chance to "do" something in politics. No slights to his brothers, but JFK and RFK never really got to fulfill the promise they could have brought. Senator Kennedy was a good man! OK, on to the music...this is SNL#5, house, disco, club classics and at the end, I play a few Blaxplotation soundtrack jams! I hope you listen and enjoy and as always, leave commentary and feedback!

Saturday Night Live - #4

Here is the latest mix webcast from SOULFUL HOUSE MUSIC COLLAGE and my Saturday Night Live show! It's in two parts because of a internet glitch, but hey...the music is bangin' still! Enjoy and drop comments & feedback!

Saturday Night Live - vol #3

DAMN! It's hot out! Finally! Why does it get 90º and above in Detroit August? We need the weather spread out from May - September! Mother Nature...I gotta call you! Anyway, here is the video from this past Saturday's show. It's house, it's disco, it's WBMX! Enjoy the music, drop some comments and feedback...maybe, you can drop a request for next weeks show!

Saturday Night Live

YO! Here's a videocast of my mix from last Saturday night! I hope you enjoy the tunes as I kind of laid it back from the start and made it mellow!

Vinyl Fantastic #2 - Listen Hear!

What's up peoples! Welcome back to the blog!

Here's a video webcast of a mix I did last Saturday. A few technical difficulties along the way, but it's jammin' anyhow!!! ENJOY!

My Laid Off Life and House Mix #2 - Feel My Vibe!

Interviews!  Finally I had interviews!  After 2 months of unemployment, I was finally called by two companies I was highly interested in.  The initial interviews went great and one company I even had the crucial 2nd interview with the hiring manager!  Both companies look like they would be great fits for me, but honestly I am just excited that I know I am n the right track...whether I get the jobs or not.  But, I hope I do because it is definitely time to go back to work somewhere!

As for the music, I am enjoying podcasting music and providing people with a glimpse of how I vibe when I'm listening to music.  That's why I do different genres, but try to keep it funky and grooving.  AfroBeat, Latin Funk & soul, Vinyl Fantastic and House are all on the podOmatic. This week, I wanted to do a full-on mix of "deep" and grooving house music.  I hope that you enjoy it! Just hit the FEEL MY VIBE mix on the podOmatic, sit back and soak in the grooves! The tracklist for the mix is below!

FEEL MY VIBE!

1. Kiss Kiss Kiss - Ananda Project
   
2. Not Far Away(Roots Ext Mix) - Blaze
   
3. Into My Life - EOL
   
4. Tarzan - AME Mix - Roy Ayers
   
5. I Came From A Long Way - Cid & Niota (Nomumbah Mix)
   
6. Word Love (Jay's Mix) - Rhianna
   
7. Hiya Love - Kenny Bobien
   
8. Back Together - Hardsoul f/Ron Carroll
   
9. Dirty Drums - Christian Prommer
   
10. Can't Do Without - Peven Everett
    
11. Maracatueira - Sabrina Malheiros (Incognito Main Mix)
    

Vinyl Fantastics: Snap, Crackle & Pops!

Say it with me ya'll...VINYL!  Say it again!  And again!  I could never tire of music on vinyl!  The warmth of the sound, the album cover art, that black(or some other color) record spinning around on the platter like a baby on a sit n' spin, the weed seeds in the album jacket of the lost gem you found at RECORD ARCHIVE in Rochester, NY! 

The stories are endless, the experiences all similar and the need is all the same.  To hear your favorite or long forgotten or highly sought after record in the format to which it was originally intended to be listened...VINYL!  I love it and that's why this week I thought I would drop a podcast of some of my favorite jams on vinyl.  I could do a mix, but I think that many people like me wouldn't mind hearing some of these cuts in full length mode.  

So, here we go.  I hope you will enjoy this hour plus foray into my vinyl collection.  I hope that some of these records will make you reminisce, discover something new or just have you nodding, bouncing, grooving to my vibe.  The playlist is below, now...on to the music!

Click VINYL FANTASTIC on the podOmatic

Vinyl Fantastic #1

1. Davina - So Good
   
2. Victor Davies - Sound Of The Samba
   
3. Da King & I - Krak Da Weazel
   
4. Donald Byrd & Booker Little - Wee Tina
   
5. Natalie Cole - Annie Mae
   
6. Steve(Spacek) & I - Comeandgetme
   
7. M - Pop Muzik
   
8. United Future Organization - Vinyl Junkie
   
9. Kasso - One More Round
   
10. Jill Scott - Long Walk (Touch Of Jazz Remix)
    
11. Ebbo - The Way (Osunlade remix)
    
12. Brother 2 Brother - Chance With You
    
13. Urban Thermo Dynamic f/Mos Def - Manifest Destiny
    
14. Manu Dibango - Oboso
    
15. Brand new Heavies w/Syedah Garrett - Sometimes (The Ummah Remix)
    

My Laid Off Life: The Job (un)Fair!

Another week without a job!  DAMN!  I can hear the tumbleweeds rolling down the corridor of joblessness!  Now, it's been since January 15th.  And I have to say that I am NOT in a negative space at all.  As a matter of fact, I decided, on January 15th, that I am NOT going to let any of this get me down.  Shit, it ain't no sense in me getting in a rut because I happened to be on the conveyer belt of S*NY's "magna carta" of bad decisions(ringles included)!   Maybe the couple of leads I have will pan out.  One is with JVS Detroit helping other people less fortunate than I am prepare themselves for the job market.  Another is with a wireless provider that a friend is trying to at least get my resumé to the top of the pile.  So, keep ya fingers crossed for me that something will pan out this week.

Working with the career transition company this week was pretty cool.  I had a class on interviewing this week that was very interesting.  I could go on and on and on about the multitude of questions answers, possible questions and possible answers, facial expressions, handshakes, backslaps, cheek pinches, butt touches, handsignals that you should or should not give while you are in an interview.  I could do that!  But instead, I will just say this. If you ain't getting SOMEONE to help you with this part of the job search???  Then job search be DAMNED!  You won't be in the interview 5 minutes before you will be shown the door!  I'm going to have to go into that a little more in another post!  

But, I have to report on the latest job search "flim flam"!  WTF, JOB FAIRS!  Here's my advice on the so called "job fairs"...fuck a job fair!  We all know that every time there is a crisis, the scams begin making their presence known.  They come out like project roaches trying to get a scrap off a piece of fat back!  So, now that there's a job crisis...here come the job fairs, or un-fairs as I say!  In a nut shell, here's who's at the job fairs:

1)Companies with big names...hiring for internships.

2)Multi-level financial companies like Primerica.

3)Low paying, hard ass work jobs like Quicken loans.

4)Military, Corrections officers, Security Guards.

5)Technical/vocational schools, Community colleges, Universities looking to get you to "strengthen your skills" by taking classes.

6)Companies looking for cold calling sales reps.

There's your job fair.  Basically, these companies are promoting...their company!   How is Atlanta having a job fair and Coca Cola, the largest employer in Atlanta, ain't at the job fair?  How is a job fair in Detroit going on and the largest employers, the car companies, ain't there because they are too buys trying to get bailout money? AND all of their suppliers are going out of business!!!  So, here is what you do about the job fairs.  Get a list of what companies are going to be there.  Choose the ones you are interested in and go to their web sites and see what jobs they have open in the area you are looking in. If they do, print it out and take it with you to the job fair and discuss it with the people there representing the company.  OR, you can put it in your own hands and find a way to contact the company hiring manager for those jobs and get your info in their hands if you can.  So, please!  PLEASE!  If you're searching for a job, be very wary and careful of the "job fairs"!  As I leave you and close out this edition of "My Laid Off Life", remember that networking is the #1 way one will get their next job.  80% of people!  the job fair is probably...2-3%.  Which odds do you want to take?  Until next time, let me know what you think.  Ask me any questions. And enjoy the music podcasts over on the podomatic player.  HOLLA LATER!

Super Latin Funk #1

Welcome! Thank you for checking out this blog, which at the current moment is serving a dual purpose. Its initial focus was primarily music. A portal for my internet show on WKCRonline.com, which featured neo-soul, house, rare grooves, afrobeat and other assorted gems. If you check the archive, you will see the playlists of the many shows I had done in 2008. In 2009 it has become a headquarters not only for my music interests, but also for another project about my life as a person who has been laid off and the experiences I am going through job searching. You can read "my laid off life" stories here also. With that said, This weeks music feature is in respect to one of my favorite genres, Latin Funk! This show is going to feature a host of tunes that really burn! From the barrios of Spanish Harlem to the scenic shores of Brazil to the cultural epicenters of Puerto Rico and Cuba, Latino artists have taken the soul and funk of Black American soul music and infused it the the native rhythms and ideas from their own lands and come up with a music so hot when it's played, that I swear you can smell the grooves pulsating from the speakers! MAN! This first installment is going to include some of the most dynamic and fantastic grooves ever laid down! Funk, Soul, Salsa! Enjoy this first installment of Super Latin Funk and don't forget to check out the AfroBeat show and the house mix. Come back next week for more of "my laid off life" and more music! Here's the Play List:

http://www.zshare.net/audio/56906025e6275ef5/

Boogaloo Combo - "Boogaloo"
Cafe - "Si Paro Tu Amor"
Joe Bataan - "Shaft"
Toni Tornado - "Me Libertai"
Hélio Matheus - "Mais Kriola"
Willie Bobo - "Soul Foo Young"
Ocho - "Hot Pants Road"
The Latin Blues Band - "I'll Be A Happy Man"
Joe Cuba Sextet - "So What"
Quetcy Alma - "Deep"
Mongo Santamaria - "Lady Marmalade"
Tony Middleton & Bobby Matos - "Return To Spanish Harlem"
Bronx River Parkway - "Deixa Pra La"
The Spanish harlem Orchestra - "Llega La Banda"
Joey Pastrana - "King Of Latin Music"
An Caré - "Identify Yourself"
Roberto Roena Y Su Apollo Sound - "Sing A Simple Song"

My Laid Off Life #2

Holá people. I did a lot of stuff this week relating to the job search, but not a PEEP! NOTHIN'! NIL! NADA! I would have thought that at least one interview would have come from all of my e-mails, phone calls, networking, linked in-ing, but....I feel like and ugly duckling around prom time! Who's going to ask me to the dance and realize that they have actually landed a SWAN! Well, anyway, here's what's happened. I had a "negotiating the offer" teleconference class and a "market research" teleconference, then I had a networking class with the career consultants. Now maybe you know this, or maybe not, but stats show that up to 80% of job searchers will find their new job through NETWORKING! Either someone you know or through someone you know, you will get a job. So, that's my focus going forward since I am VERY good with people and getting to know people. The six other job search methods which make up the remaining 20% are, in order: Headhunters, Ads & Internet search, Job Fairs, Direct Mail, Cold Calling and, finally, Walk In. Ironically, this is the same mathematic ratio that cost me my job in the first place!!! 80%(probably more now) of all physical music sales came from the top 10 accounts! That left 20% of the pie to be divided up among 100+ other accounts! And guess what group I sold to??? That's right...."other accounts"! So, as you can see, networking is most likely the way I will get my next job. I also realized in the class that a lot of people have no idea how to network. Most people didn't have the social/lifestyle type job that I had. I mean, you could hardly compare the social skills I gained working the music industry glad-handing and convention scene vs. the guy at Visteon who was a wiring router technician. See what I mean? Well, here's what's next. I have the interviewing class next week and more teleconferencing. I have my eye on a couple of jobs, one in particular is a perfect fit! It a position with Red Bull©. I got friends in the Red Bull© organization and luckily I am able to use them as referrals on the web site application. Maybe that will get me through the filters that weeds out people! However, if I can get to the hiring manager, I am sure I can talk my way into an interview and those that know me know that once I get in there to interview and they meet me, I will get the job!!! I am keeping positive no matter what this next week brings! I will be posting a video portion of these blogs so be on the look out for that! I am looking at podcasting some job search stories and information in the upcoming weeks, so keep an ear out for that! Enjoy the music on the pod-o-matic player on my page here and if you feel like, it leave me a message! I appreciate you reading and more to come next week.....until then....HOLLA!

NO JOB NO MO'!

WOW! After 17yrs...a tap on the shoulder and a YOU'RE DONE! Although I knew it was eventually coming because of the downturn in sales in the music business, I thought I would at least have until March, the end of our fiscal year. But nope! January 15th ended an illustrious, fun, vibrant, loooooooong career in the music business. With the same company at that!!! When I started at BMG in Atlanta as an intern in 1991, I NEVER thought it would end with technology taking us down. I mean, in 1991 computers were supposed to help! Fast forward to 1999 and along comes the popularity of NAPSTER and BAM! The beginning of the end! Well, enough about that! This blog is not going to be about the good old days or even the bad recent days! This is about the place I'm in right now...the in between....the time in the middle of your old job and your next job...the time known as.....MY LAID OFF LIFE!
I have been laid off since Thursday, January 15th, 1:22pm. Over the phone, Bob(last name withheld) and Nancy(last name withheld) called me to break the "news". Ironically, they were in a more somber mood than I was because not only was I OK with it, as I knew it was eventually coming, but they had the unenviable task being the bearers of bad tidings the whole day. In person visits and phone calls. By the way, the phone is a hella way to tell someone your taking their means of monetary survival away. But, for me, it was all good. I had been disenchanted with the job, the company, the business overall anyway! So, actually it was a relief! A part of my separation package would be a 3-6 month service with a career consulting company(Who will remain nameless..no free advertising!). This experience has been a most interesting part of my work sabbatical. Job hunting has changed in the years since I first went to work with BMG. And remember, when you are a part of a certain industry, your rules of hiring, interviewing, resume submitting is usually tailored for THAT industry based on the fact that your are either 1)being promoted within your own company 2)Going to a competitive company where they know your industry 3)Getting a job in a third party company that you have done business with or where you know someone. So your job search abilities, resume format, knowledge of the job market isn't going to be as strong as you think! I found that out quick! It's not that I didn't have the skills and all that, it's just that for 16 years, I hadn't had to really "job search" like I am doing now. Now, this is quite a bit to take in so here is what I'll do. In the next few days, I will post again. I will talk about what it's like to be in the house all day, what I'm doing and working with the career transition company. Until then.....

Higher Ground Music #24

I've been busy not blogging! Make any sense??? Well, I've been trying to load new music, find new hot music, busy with work, trying to vacation! There is not enough hours in the day OR days in the week! As I am writing this I am in the lobby of The W Hotel in Chicago on the lakefront! The Lobby is banging better than most clubs! Not a lot of people, but the music is jammin and they have the lobby set out! most lounges wish they were this nice and such a Metropolitan atmosphere! Well, on to the music show this week. New music is featured in the first hour of my show from Raphael Saadiq! The new CD is out 9/16, with the release party in Detroit the same night at Grand Central Lounge. The AfroBeat Explosion is rockin' this week too. So tune in at 11pm and enjoy! www.wkcronline.com
Here's the playlist.
1. Esperanza Spalding - Loro (5:02)
2. Toni Tornado - Me Libertei (3:31)
3. Raphael Saadiq featuring Stevie Wonder and CJ - Never Give You Up (4:13)
4. tREBLEFREE - Certified MC (Revised) (Instrumental) (3:02)
5. Raphael Saadiq - Let's Take A Walk (2:28)
6. Johnny "Guitar" Watson - Superman Lover (5:43)
7. Jazmine Sullivan - Need U Bad REMIX feat T.I. (4:21)
8. Raphael Saadiq featuring Stevie Wonder and CJ - Never Give You Up (4:13)
9. Robson George & Lincoln Olivetti - Aleluia (3:52)
10. Slum Village - Tainted (f. Dwele) (4:27)
11. Raphael Saadiq - 100 Yard Dash (2:18)
12. Noel Gourdin - I Fell (3:57)
13. Raphael Saadiq - Sometimes (4:06)
14. Oya Ye Ye - Snowboy & The Latin Section (5:44)
15. Crown Heights Affair - Dreaming A Dream (3:49)
16. Ofo The Black Company - Allah Wakbarr (3:32)
17. Eric (Showboy) Akaeze and His Royal Ericos - Wetin De Watch Goat, Goat Dey Watcham (10:09)
18. Ahanti Afrika Jah - Onyame (4:56)
19. Eyi Su Ngaangaa (4:30)
20. The Faces - Tug Of War (4:19)
21. The Daktaris - Super Afro-Beat (3:41)
22. Wale Oyejide - AfroFuture (4:03)
23. The Mebusas - Son Of Mr. Bulldog (5:21)
24. Thony Shorby Nyenwi - No Wrong Show (5:42)
25. Orlando Julius and His Afro Sounders - Mura Sise (7:00)
26. Orchestre Régional De Kayes - Sanjina (6:00)
27. Personal Touch - It Ain't No Big Thing (Re-Edit) (3:07)
28. Dr. Buzzard - Sunshowers (4:04)
29. Inner Life Feat Jocelyn Brown - Moment Of My Life (6:31)
30. Inner Life - I'm Caught Up (In A One Night Love Affair) (7:27)
31. Sabu - Aggo Elegua (4:31)
32. Donald Byrd - Flight Time (8:29)
33. Vikter Duplaix - Looking For Love (Critical Point 58th Street Mix) (3:53)
34. St. Germain - Sure Thing (6:22)
35. The Meters - Tippi Toes (2:28)
36. Kerri Chandler - On My Way (6:06)
37. Bohannon - Save their souls (4:54)
38. Roy Ayers - Hence Forth (3:52)

Higher Ground Music Show #22

DOH! Glad the week is over! I have to get serious about a few things. 1)Finding a spot to DJ. A lounge, a bar..something hip, but not a club. 2)Clearing up some financial matters. Credit cards, the scissors are a comin'! 3)Practicing my drums even more than I already do. Trap kit and congas. Music is what I love, but I love the performance aspect more than the business part. Anyway, I am glad the weeks is over. YES! Now on the music. I got some real dope vibes this week. Some grooves from Bazilian Beat Brooklyn, Res, Fertile Ground, Dwele. The AfroBeat Explosion is in full effect with some new jams. And as always, I'm peppering the show with house, latin, jazz, samba and neo soul. Hope you enjoy it. Here is the tracklist:
www.wkcronline.com

46. Doug Carn - Higher Ground (5:14)
47. Miguel De Deus - Black Soul Brothers (3:03)
48. Jazmine - I Need You Bad (4:00)
49. Toni Tornado - O Jornaleiro (1:58)
50. Almir Ricardi - To Parado Na Tua (2:55)
51. Nostalgia 77 - Cheney Lane (4:40)
52. wkcr.com tag (0:07)
53. Portishead - Lot More (4:21)
54. Res - Sittin' Back (4:05)
55. Kraftwerk - Trans Europe Express (3:20)
56. Albright - In Between Worlds (5:27)
57. Dwele - I'm Cheatin' - Dwele (3:42)
58. wkcr.com tag (0:07)
59. Incognito - N.O.T. (6:10)
60. 3Chairs - I Wonder Why (Edit) (5:56)
61. Zigo - Fancy (3:26)
62. Prince - Dear Mr. Man (4:14)
63. Nina Simone - Go To Hell (Mowo Remix) (4:33)
64. wkcr.com tag (0:07)
65. Afrobeat Explosion break 22 (0:23)
66. Bola Johnson - Lagos Sisi (3:22)
67. Kon & Amir - Kon & Amir present Off Track Vol. 2: Queens (William Onyeabor - Something You'll Never Forget) (8:39)
68. Dr. Victor Olaiya's International All Stars - Omelebele (5:52)
69. Super Eagles - Love's A Real Thing (3:01)
70. Eric (Showboy) Akaeze and His Royal Ericos - Wetin De Watch Goat, Goat Dey Watcham (10:09)
71. Tony Tete Harbor and the Star Heaters of Nigeria - Tete Muo Bu Muo (5:12)
72. wkcr.com tag (0:07)
73. The Martins Brothers Dance Band - Ochonma (2:53)
74. Fogo Fogo (8:59)
75. Bunzu Sounds - Zinabu (3:22)
76. Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra - El Machete (9:53)
77. wkcr.com tag (0:07)
78. 4hero - bed of roses (feat. jody watley) (4:19)
79. Willie Bobo - Fairy Tales for Two (4:23)
80. Peven Everett - Can't Do Without (6:12)
81. Sly & the Family Stone - Underdog (3:58)
82. Vikter Duplaix - The Way That I Feel (5:04)
83. WKCR ONLINE TAG (0:11)
84. The Five Corners Quintet - Jamming (With Mr. Hoagland) Featuring Mark Murphy (3:14)
85. Sharon Redd - I Love How You Feel (7:07)
86. The Blackbyrds - Reggins (4:08)
87. wkcr.com tag (0:07)
88. Eddie Palmieri - Muneca (4:01)
89. Angie Stone - Bone 2 Pic (Wit U) (5:18)
90. M.F.S.B. - My Mood (4:10)
91. Fertile Ground - Culture Bandits (5:09)
92. Show 22 outro (0:27)
93. WKCR ONLINE TAG (0:11)

Higher Ground Music #21

MR. MAYOR! OK, everyone knows what's going on in the Detroit area wtih the mayor. I just hope this can get resolved and the area can move on..or I'm going to have to! Sorry metro dDetroit area! I love ya, but I may have to collect up the fam and bone out! I see NO forward progress in this area...nothing that makes me want to stay and keep my family here. OY! Anyway, did you ever realize how great of a movie El Cantante is? Check it out if you haven't! I got some great jams this week on the show. A new tune off the upcoming Raphael Saadiq record, coming Setp. 16th, some old school with The Doors, Don Cherry and Lonnie Liston Smith, the AfroBeat Explosion with some for sure floor stompers, some broken beat, neo soul and house. Enjoy! The new show hits at 11pm est.
www.WKCRonline.com
Heeeeeeeeeeeeer's the play list!
1. James Hardway Collective - This Hard Way (7" Vocal Version) (3:42)
2. Los Amigos Invisibles - Calne (4:12)
3. Raphael Saadiq - Love That Girl (3:06)
4. Don Cherry With The Watts Prophets And Voices From The Stolen Moments TV Show - Apprehension (4:39)
5. Lonnie Liston Smith - Devika (Goddess) (5:18)
6. The Doors - Riders On The Storm (7:11)
7. Silvio Cesar - A Festa (3:24)
8. Marlena Shaw - Feel Like Makin' Love (4:48)
9. Jamiroquai - You Are My Love (3:55)
10. Cymande - Bird (4:26)
11. Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson - The Bottle (5:10)
12. D'Angelo - Jonz In My Bonz (5:56)
13. Rita Lee - Agora E Moda (3:43)
14. Christy Azuma & Uppers International - NAAM (4:31)
15. Manu Dibango - Weya (5:58)
16. Marijata - No Condition Is Permanent (7:02)
17. The African Brothers - Sakatumbe (6:40)
18. The Sahara All Stars - Alikali Adajo (8:50)
19. Oscar Sulley & The Uhuru Dance Band - Olufeme (2:35)
20. Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra - Che Che Cole (4:06)
21. Tha Apagya Show band - Tamfo Nyi Ekyir (3:56)
22. Joe Mensah - Africa Is Home (8:52)
23. Tony Allen - Asiko (7:57)
24. The Mackrosoft - The Immortality Project (6:43)
25. Christian Prommer's Drumlesson - Drumlesson Vol1 (Strings Of Life) (4:30)
26. Cid & Niota - Na Wuti Musika (I Come From a Long Way) (Afriki Soul Mix) (4:57)
27. Robert Strauss - Mr Feelings (Close Your Eyes Featuring Saidah Baba Talibah) (6:01)
28. Brooklyn Soul Boys - Fort Green Jazzmatazz (6:57)
29. Agent K - Ladies (4:23)
30. Neoelectrique - Come On Over (4:48)
31. Aya - You're Not The Only One (4:49)
32. Donald Byrd - Blackbyrd (7:20)
33. Ed Lincoln - Cochise (2:25)
34. Break Reform - medusa (dynamic syncopation remix) (3:35)
35. Slowly - Nimble (4:45)

Higher Ground Show # 20

BUSY WEEK! It's summer, so keeping things moving is a priority. Kids to the pool, cut the grass, trim the hedge, make the music! It's all gotta be done! So, in the middle of it the show has to go on. So, he're what's happening on the music show this week. I got the brand new single from Raphael Saadiq and let's just say the Motown Sound is still fresh and bangin'! There's some jazz with Roy Hayne and Christian Prommer's version of the house classic Can You Feel It. The AfroBeat Explosioin's got some funky bangers and a couple of traditional joints. The 5 Spot this week features house grooves from The Ananda Project and then there is an assortment of other goodies throughout the show. Enjoy!
www.WKCRonline.com

1. Raphael Saadiq - 100 Yard Dash (2:20)
2. Slum Village Feat. Kanye West & John Legend - Selfish (3:45)
3. The Sunburst Band - Journey To The Sun EP (Our Lives Are Shaped (Album Version)) (5:23)
4. Christian Prommer's Drumlesson - Drumlesson Vol1 (Can You Feel It) (5:44)
5. Sergio Mendes - Somewhere In The Hills (O Morro Nao Tem Vez) - Featuring Natalie Cole (4:01)
6. Spacek - Eve (Jay Dee remix) (5:39)
7. Isaac hayes - Walk From Regio's (2:22)
8. James Brown - Make It Good To Yourself (3:18)
9. Roy Haynes - Satan's Mysterious Feeling (6:40)
10. South Shore Commission - Free Man (Disco Version) (7:28)
11. Poison - Let Me Lay My Funk On You (3:01)
12. Lukie D - Center Of Attraction (3:51)
13. Gwen McCrae - Rockin' Chair (3:19)
14. Tok Tok Tok Feat. Tokunbo Akinro - About (4:33)
15. Louie Vega Presents Luisito Quintero - Gbagada, Gbagada, Gbogodo, Gbogodo (8:59)
16. Kon & Amir - Kon & Amir present Off Track Vol. 2: Queens (William Onyeabor - Something You'll Never Forget) (8:39)
17. The Daktaris - Super Afro-Beat (3:41)
18. Bukky Leo & Black Egypt - Dem Go Shout (3:48)
19. Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra - Hilo (4:49)
20. Ahanti Afrika Jah - Onyame (4:56)
21. Peter King - African Dialects (4:56)
22. Wale Oyejide - Lekan Babalola- Oba Awon Oba (Wale Remix) (4:59)
23. Chief Checker - Africa Irie (5:42)
24. Femi Kuti - Sorry Sorry (6:38)
25. Manu Dibango - New Bell (6:30)
26. Ananda Project - Universal Love (4:50)
27. Ananda Project - Where The Music Takes You (4:56)
28. Ananda Project - I.C.U. (4:12)
29. Ananda Project - Breaking Down (5:52)
30. Ananda Project - Straight Magic (4:01)
31. Supercat - Ghetto Red Hot (Hip Hop Remix) (3:56)
32. Visual - The Music Got Me (Mastermix) (7:55)
33. The Dierdre Wilson Tabac (UK) - I Can't Keep From Crying Sometimes (3:20)
34. Soho - Hot Music (5:07)
35. Metro Area - Strut (5:33)
36. The Sound Providers - Autumn's Evening Breeze (3:57)
37. Madonna - Holiday (4:05)
38. Labelle - What Can I Do For You? (4:04)
39. Portishead - Lot More (4:22)
40. Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers - Bustin' Loose Part 1 (3:52)

Higher Ground Music Show # 19

Blues musicians are super dope! I got a chance to talk with and hang with Buddy Guy on Saturday the 19th in Chicago. Man, he is cool as indoor AC! He had a lot to say about radio not playing blues and some funny stories about his kids not knowing all he had done in music because they had never heard his songs being played on the radio. The he did a 4 song set that lit Best Buy up! OK, on to my music show for this week. I'm dropping new cuts from Dwele, Sa-Ra, 3 Chairs, Noel Gourdin & Hil St. Soul. I got some classics from Soul For Real and Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, The Afro Beat Explosion is in effect as usual, and in the 5SPOT some new indie soul from Albright. www.WKCRonline.com starting at 8pm with last weeks show and the new show at 11pm. Here's this weeks playlist:

1. Kon & Amir - Kon & Amir present Off Track Vol. 2: Queens (Bob Brault Org. - Bilboquet) (3:33)
2. Dwele - Free As A Bird - Dwele (3:26)
3. Nat Dove & The Devils - Ghetto St. U.S.A. (3:46)
4. 3Chairs - Untitled (2:12)
5. Kindred (The Family Soul) Feat. Ursula Rucker - We (3:45)
6. Soul For Real - Candy Rain - Remix w/ Heavy D. (4:25)
7. Common - Communism (2:18)
8. Dave Brubeck - Take Five (5:26)
9. Hil St. Soul - If I Was You (4:20)
10. The Brand New Heavies - Gimmie One Of Those (3:41)
11. The Cheebacabra - Rebirth Of The Electric Ant (2:53)
12. Noel Gourdin - Too Late (3:45)
13. Heath Brothers - Smiling Billy Suite Pt. 2 (4:24)
14. Greyboy - Parkside Bounce (5:00)
15. Sa-Ra Creative Partners - Glorious (4:47)
16. Rahsaan Patterson - The One For Me (3:25)
17. Ageisheka (5:03)
18. Tunji Oyelana & The Benders - Ifa (5:01)
19. Eric (Showboy) Akaeze and His Royal Ericos - Wetin De Watch Goat, Goat Dey Watcham (10:09)
20. Fela Kuti - Gbagada Gbagada (9:21)
21. Hwehwe Mu Na Yi Wo Mpena (7:49)
22. Sir Shina Peters and His International Stars - Yabis (6:58)
23. Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra - War Hero (Guajiro) (5:26)
24. The 3rd Generation Band - Because Of Money (5:53)
25. W'awu Do Ho No (3:10)
26. Albright - Tainted (5:23)
27. Albright - Ghettoland (6:07)
28. Albright - Dunno' What (3:41)
29. Albright - In Between Worlds (5:27)
30. Albright - Its Alright (3:37)
31. Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam - I Wonder If I Take You Home (6:44)
32. Tony! Toni! Toné! - I Couldn't Keep It To Myself (5:18)
33. Tortured Soul - Love Everlasting (4:47)
34. The Pharcyde - Passing Me By (5:03)
35. Skull Snaps - Trespassing (4:00)
36. Quantic - Politick Society Featuring Noelle Scaggs (4:40)
37. Cerrone & Louie Vega - Love & Dance Ritual (Love Ritual (Album Version)) (3:55)

Higher Ground Music Show # 18

This has been a hectic week, but it always is when I travel. Peace out to the OKAYPLAYER at the Detroit picnic! We did it up like we always do and getting to know all these guys is cool! I will be hanging with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame bluesman Buddy Guy tomorrow at Best Buy in Downers Grove, IL. Best Buy is carrying music instruments in select stores now, so we shall see how that goes. It's also been mighty hot in Chicago..DAMN! For the music this week, I got new jams from Incognito, Noel Gourdin, Hil St. Soul, Esperanza Spalding(a personal favorite) and Robin Thicke. The second hour of the show will be a one hour AFROBEAT explosion. I had such a great response to the show last week, that I am doing an hour of afrobeat on the show from now on! I am attaching a link to download an hour of last weeks afro beat show. The third hour is a 5 spot segment featuring new music from Dwele. The new album Sketches Of A Man is out now! I also have some Latin Salsa, a mini deep house mix and much more. Starting at 8pm tonight. www.wkcronline.com
Also, here is the link to the afro beat download
http://www.zshare.net/audio/156748657d2529e6/
the playlist for the new show....
1. Esperanza Spalding - Precious (4:24)
2. Robin Thicke - Magic (3:35)
3. Hil St. Soul - Black Rose (3:42)
4. Noel Gourdin - Better Man (3:47)
5. Al Green - Stay With Me (3:23)
6. Jaguar Wright - Free (4:13)
7. Anthony David - Spittin' Game (4:14)
8. Incognito - Step Aside (5:58)
9. Sergio Mendes - Acode - Featuring Vanessa Da Mata (4:28)
10. Spacek - Eve (Jay Dee remix) (5:39)
11. Kon & Amir - Kon & Amir present Off Track Vol. 2: Queens (Trama - Straight Groove ) (4:23)
12. Van Mc Coy & The Soul City Symphony - The Hustle (3:47)
13. Down To The Bone - Smile To Shine (5:49)
14. Soull II Soul - Back To Life (3:50)
15. Rob - Make It Fast, Make It Slow (5:29)
16. Seun Kuit - Think Africa(Radio Edit) (3:16)
17. Ofo The Black Company - Allah Wakbarr (3:32)
18. Kon & Amir - Kon & Amirpresent Off Track Vol. 2: Queens (Bentho Gustave Titiou-Poly Rythmo - Iyame Dji Ki Bi Ni) (4:10)
19. Eyi Su Ngaangaa (4:30)
20. The Sweet Talks - Kye Kye Pe Aware (4:50)
21. Moussa Doumbia - Keleya (6:41)
22. Dynamic Africana - Igbehin Lalayo Nta (6:49)
23. Wale Oyejide - Olodumare (2:50)
24. Fela Kuti - Authority Stealing (8:20)
25. Wale Oyejide - Jump & Funk (6:34)
26. The Budos Band - Ghost Walk (2:09)
27. Dwele - Free As A Bird - Dwele (3:26)
28. Dwele - Feels So Good - Dwele (3:20)
29. Dwele - A Few Reasons ( Trust Pt.2 ) - Dwele (3:48)
30. Dwele - Open Your Eyes - Dwele (3:21)
31. Dwele - Brandi [featuring Slum Village]- Dwele (3:24)
32. Joe - Deep House Mix #2 (24:56)
33. Eddie Palmieri - La Verdad (4:22)
34. Mark Dimmond - Aguardiente (5:40)
35. Willie Bobo - Bon Sueno (2:30)
36. Malcolm McLaren Presents The World Famous Supreme Team - Hey DJ (Original 12" Mix) (6:14)

Higher Ground Music Show #17

Peace and happy after 4th of July week..I guess??? We are deep in summer and well, it's July already! DAMN! Anyway, I am finally able to mp3 my shows, so I am going to drop the first hour of my shows on mp3 and begin podcasting them so they will be available to those who can't always listen on a Friday night. Anyway, I would like to thank Dusty Groove Records, Dearborn Music, Traxsource and Beatport for always having the jams for me to get and play on the show. You should check these spots out if you can. For the music this week, I want to focus on Afro Beat. I LOVE AFRO BEAT! There's no question about it. West Africa was putting out some bangin' funk back in the 70's! But there is also a lot of new afro beat that is hot too. Seun Kuit, one of Fela's sons, Antibalas, Kokolo Afrobeat Orchestra, Tony Allen is still making music. So, join me Friday at 8pm for a re-cast of last weeks show and then at 11pm for a 3 hour Afro Beat EXPLOSION! http://www.wkcronline.com/
Here is the playlist for tonights new show!
1. Bongos Ikwue & The Groovies - You've Got To Help Yourself (4:10)
2. Dynamic Africana - Igbehin Lalayo Nta (6:49)
3. Bola Johnson & His Easy Life Top Beats - Ezuku Buzo (2:56)
4. Fela Kuti and Ginger Baker - Let's Start (7:51)
5. Ify Jerry Crusade - Everybody Likes Something Good (3:26)
6. Kon & Amir - Kon & Amir present Off Track Vol. 2: Queens (Super Boire Band - Samba) (5:36)
7. Fela Kuti - No Agreement (4:51)
8. Ebo Taylor Jr. & Wuta Wazuri - Mondo Soul Funky (4:58)
9. Tony Allen & Tweek - Leroy (5:50)
10. The 3rd Generation Band - Because Of Money (5:53)
11. Fela Kuti - Water No Get Enemy (4:12)
12. ALex Konadu - W'awu Do Ho No (3:10)
13. Tony Allen - Kilode (5:13)
14. The Apagya Show Band - Kwaku Ananse (3:12)
15. Bukky Leo & Black Egypt - Black Egypt (Intro) (3:31)
16. Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra - War Hero (Guajiro) (5:26)
17. Manu Dibango - New Bell (6:30)
18. The Ogyatanaa Show Band - Ageisheka (5:03)
19. The Daktaris - Super Afro-Beat (3:41)
20. Amp Fiddler - Afro Strut (5:13)
21. Orlando Julius - Ijo Soul (2:58)
22. Tunji Oyelana & The Benders - Ifa (5:01)
23. Tony Allen - Ise Nla (5:20)
24. Gyedu Blay Ambolley & The Steneboofs - Simigwado (4:40)
25. Sir Shina Peters and His International Stars - Yabis (6:58)
26. The Budos Band - The Volcano Song (2:41)
27. Kon & Amir - Kon & Amir present Off Track Vol. 2: Queens (Dan Satch & His Atomic 8 Dance of Aba - Je Nr'okan) (3:04)
28. Kon & Amir - Kon & Amirpresent Off Track Vol. 2: Queens (Orchestre Black Dragons de Porto-Novo Dahomey-ESaF'aiye) (3:17)
29. The Faces - Tug Of War (4:19)
30. Bunzu Sounds - Zinabu (3:22)
31. Peter King - African Dialects (4:56)
32. Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra - Beaten Metal (5:52)
33. The Immortals - Hot Tears (2:49)
34. Fela Kuti - Zombie (5:17)
35. The Ogyatanaa Show Band - Disco Africa (4:11)
36. Marijata - Mother Africa (5:09)
37. Kon & Amir - Kon & Amir present Off Track Vol. 2: Queens (Kapingbdi - Wrong Curfew Walk) (5:03)
38. Seun Kuti - Think Africa (6:55)
39. The Daktaris - Eltsuhg Ibal Lasiti (5:06)

Higher Ground Music Show #16

Summer's here! Seems like we wait so long, but it's finally here! This weeks goings on...Stevie Wonder was in Detroit on Monday and ROCKED THE SHOW! Stevie's show is amazing! Thanks to my man Todd for providing the tickets by way of my our main man in politics Buzz Thomas! The rest of the week as uneventful after seeing Stevie in concert, so on with the music for this week! This Friday, starting at 8pm is the re-cast of last weeks show, and the playlist can be found below this blog. As for the new show this week that starts at 11pm, new music is gonna hit you from Robin Thicke, Incognito, Esperanza, Sergio Mendes and Kon & Amir. By the way, Kon & Amir are featured in The Five Spot segment of the show. So, check out the playlist, tune in and enjoy! http://www.wkcronline.com
1. Incognito - I've Been Waiting (4:28)
2. Johnny "Guitar" Watson - Superman Lover (5:43)
3. 3Chairs - Misty City (4:31)
4. Jaguar Wright - One More Drink (4:44)
5. Al Green - Just For Me (3:58)
6. Aloe Blacc - Bailar (3:55)
7. Fearless 4 - Rockin It (6:33)
8. Crown Heights Affair - Dreaming A Dream (3:49)
9. Naked Eyes - Promises Promises (3:51)
10. Sergio Mendes - Waters Of March - Featuring Ledisi (3:58)
11. Capleton - Chalice (3:55)
12. Tok Tok Tok Feat. Tokunbo Akinro - About (4:33)
13. Kon & Amir - Kon & Amirpresent Off Track Vol.2:Queens(BenthoGustaveTitiou&L'InternationalPoly-Rythmo-AgnonDjidjo) (7:59)
14. Kon & Amir - Kon & Amir present Off Track Vol. 2: Queens (Abacothozi - Theme Maboneng) (6:24)
15. Kon & Amir - Kon & Amir present Off Track Vol. 2: Queens (Kapingbdi - Wrong Curfew Walk) (5:03)
16. Kon & Amir - Kon & Amir present Off Track Vol. 2: Queens (Judy Pollack & 33 1/3 - Come With Me ) (3:12)
17. Kon & Amir - Kon & Amir present Off Track Vol. 2: Queens (Trama - Straight Groove ) (4:23)
18. Beady Belle Feat Beate S Lech - Goldilocks (4:45)
19. Junior - Mama Used To Say (6:44)
20. Rufus & Chaka Khan - Rufus & Chaka Khan - Do You Love What You Feel (4:33)
21. Teena Marie - Square Biz (6:28)
22. Rosalia De Souza - Bossa 31 (Buscemi remix) (4:13)
23. Norman Connors - Stella (3:18)
24. Maxwell - As My Girl (3:11)
25. The Ripple - Get Off (3:20)
26. Joe Barrett - Deep House Mix #1 (26:48)
27. Robin Thicke - Magic (3:35)
28. Angie Stone Feat. Betty Wright - Baby (4:50)
29. Mary J. Blige - Beautiful (Black Star Remix) (4:42)
30. Michael Longo - Like A Thief In The Night (5:31)
31. The Miracles - Do It Baby (2:57)
32. Michael Wycoff - Looking Up To You (4:05)
33. Jimmy Jones - Live And Let Live (2:42)
34. Jojo Ruo & His Challengers - Brick By Brick [Prev. Unrel.] (4:30)
35. Avani - Heads Up (5:22)

Higher Ground Music Show # 15

What's the deal people? Hope all is well this week. Minneapolis was bangin' last week. First Ave. club is just as it was in Purple Rain! Except, Billy Sparks wasn't there!!! Minneapolis was a lot of fun though and shouts out to my man Brian R. for getting me out to get some grub, Jordan at Fifth Element Records for keeping the hip hop vibe alive up in "Minnie", and of course, all my SONYBMG peoples for making me feel like I'm a part of their office, even though I am only there once every two months or so. I am off to Chicago this week and I LOOOOVE Chicago in the summer time! Staying in downtown hotels, kickin' it on Rush St. & the Mag Mile and of course jogging on the gold coast or lake front! I LOVE IT! The music this week is hot as always! New music from Jazmine Sullivan, Anthony David, Cyndi Lauper, Steve Spacek, Jennifer Lopez, and classics from Loleeta Holloway, The Main Ingredient, Souls of Mischief and much more. Music starts at 8pm est and as always, here's the playlist for the new show, which starts at 11pm.
http://www.wkcronline.com/
1. Jazmine - I Need You Bad (4:00)
2. D.O.N.S. - Bus Stop (4:03)
3. Lucy Pearl - Lucy Pearl's Way (2:52)
4. Melky Sedeck - High Heel Shoes (2:45)
5. Rahsaan Patterson - no danger (3:56)
6. Rhian Benson - Sing To The Child (3:40)
7. Peter Hadar - Never Again (3:08)
8. Noel Gourdin - You're The One (2:39)
9. Gordon Chambers - To Love Again (Featuring Ledisi) (3:36)
10. Pyeng Threadgill - Can We Pretend? (4:45)
11. Alison Crockett - When I Think of You (3:14)
12. Steve Spacek - Dollar (3:37)
13. Amel Larrieux - Just Once (3:37)
14. Julie Dexter - Love (3:11)
15. Anthony David - Spittin' Game (4:14)
16. Anthony David - Something About You (4:55)
17. Anthony David - Smoke One (4:07)
18. Anthony David - Lady (4:42)
19. Anthony David Feat. India.Arie - Words (4:04)
20. Donnie - Beautiful Me (3:34)
21. Femi Kuti - Beng Beng Beng (4:43)
22. Guru - Feel The Music (3:57)
23. Leela James - Music (4:03)
24. Outside - Kaleidoscopic Summer (6:16)
25. The Meters - Just Kissed My Baby (4:44)
26. Erykah Badu - Me (5:36)
27. Greyboy - Ruffneck Jazz (4:47)
28. Souls Of Mischief - '93 Till Infinity - Instrumental (4:44)
29. Jennifer Lopez - Hold It Don't Drop It (3:55)
30. Nathan Haines Feat. Guida Da Palma - O Misterio (Yam Who? Remix) (6:23)
31. Cyndi Lauper - High and Mighty (4:43)
32. Luisito Quintero - Aquilas Coisas Todas (Louie Vega EOL Remix) (6:22)
33. Loleatta Holloway - Runaway (4:44)
34. The Main Ingredient - Happiness Is Just Around The Bend (6:21)
35. Ohm Guru - Uno (4:44)
36. Barriere - Seducao (6:20)
37. Local 12 - Tirame Con Ganas (5:52)
38. Mr. Fingers - Survivor (4:42)

Higher Ground Music Show #14

Hola peoples! Hope all is well. Well, HIllary Clinton gave up her fight this week and decided she would SINCERELY back Barack Obama. I think the democrats are finally moving in the right direction! This Thursday and Friday I am in Minneapolis, MN working and attending the 40th anniversary celebration of The Electric Fetus record store! Let's say those words again...RECORD STORE! Remember those??? Speaking of the music business, the Handleman Company in Troy, MI is getting out of the music business. Their business was racking(setting up and maintaining) the music space in K-Mart & Wal*Mart's. Several wonderful people will be out of work because of this : (
The company felt that the could no longer maintain in the current record industry. I remember when they were the #1 account of all the record companies and now - KAPUT! Anyway, I will be hitting Chicago next week and with the weather getting very, very nice, I am sure I will love it, even though GARRETT'S popcorn on Michigan Ave. is closed now! There are other locations, but that one was my favorite! Well, on to the music for this week.
http://www.wkcronline.com
Got some new music from U.K. artist Adele, Anthony Davis, Portishead, Kindred The Family Soul, Raphael Saadiq and more! Friday, 8pm re-cast of old show, new show starts at 11pm.

1. Lewis Taylor - Bittersweet (5:36)
2. Fertile Ground - Broken Branches (4:09)
3. Rahsaan Patterson - The Day (5:02)
4. Anthony David - Smoke One (4:04)
5. Spacek - Motion Control (4:18)
6. Portishead - It Could Be Sweet (4:20)
7. The Police - Shadows In The Rain (5:02)
8. Loose Ends - Slow Down (5:02)
9. 4hero - something in the way (feat. bembe segue & kaidi tatham) (5:02)
10. Cee-Lo - Closet Freak (3:37)
11. Raphael Saadiq - Doing What I Can (4:19)
12. Aya - Slippin' (4:11)
13. The Moments & Whatnauts - Girls (3:05)
14. The Chi-Lites - Stoned Out Of My Mind (3:05)
15. 80's Joint - Kelis (3:12)
16. Anna Mazzotti - Eu Sou Mais Eu (3:14)
17. Larry Gold - Everybody (Featuring Cristal Oliver) (3:14)
18. Kindred The Family Soul - As Of Yet (3:19)
19. Gwen McCrae - Funky Sensation (6:32)
20. Barrio Jazz Gang - Linda Cancao (5:19)
21. Maxwell - Get to Know Ya (4:18)
22. Adele - Chasing Pavements (3:30)
23. Adele - Cold Shoulder (3:11)
24. Adele - My Same (3:15)
25. Adele - Melt My Heart To Stone (3:23)
26. Adele - Right As Rain (3:17)
27. Sir Shina Peters and His International Stars - Yabis (6:58)
28. Kaskade - Samba Love (5:17)
29. The Immortals - Hot Tears (2:49)
30. Eyi Su Ngaangaa (4:30)
31. Tony Tete Harbor and the Star Heaters of Nigeria - Tete Muo Bu Muo (5:12)
32. Various Artists - Cubano Chant (4:43)
33. Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra - Hilo (4:49)
34. Cal Tjader - Evil Ways (5:13)
35. Joe Cuba Sextet - Bang! Bang! (4:04)
36. Willie Bobo - Mi Fas Y Recordar (3:56)
37. St. Germain - Latin Note (5:57)
38. Zeb - My Own Boat (5:36)
39. Azymuth - Depois Do Carnival (6:12)

Higher Ground Music Show #13

What a week! BARACK OBAMA! ...Saturday May 31st, quite a lot was going on in Detroit. The Eric Roberson show, Frank McComb and Sy Smith show, Paul Mooney was in town and tore the audience up as always! The Pistons were eliminated from the NBA playoffs and The Redwings win the Stanley Cup! The Democrats seemed to come a step closer to uniting by counting the Florida and Michigan delegates, then Barack Obama secured the democratic nomination for President! So, there was quite a bit on the local and national front. As for the music show this week, we are paying homage to the funky soul music of Black Cinema. Whether the movie was considered "Blaxploitation" like Blacula, Abbey, Coffee, or JD's Revenge or a straight forward movie featuring a Black cast like Lady Sings The Blues, Claudine, Sparkle, or Love Jones, these movies have all had one thing in common...the strenth of the soundtrack. So join me on the show Friday, at 11pm as I will be diving deep in the Black Cinema soundtrack genre. Here is the playlist:
1. Vikter Duplaix, Ms. Saigon - Stimulation (3:45)
2. Omar - I'm Still Standing (4:27)
3. Noel Gourdin - I Hear You Talking (4:02)
4. Raul Midón - I Would Do Anything (3:34)
5. Break Reform - medusa (dynamic syncopation remix) (3:35)
6. Nico Gomez - La Lupita (3:39)
7. Ocote Soul Sounds & Adrian Queseda - Tamarindia (Thievery Corporation Remix) (4:22)
8. Peter Hadar - Deep In Love (3:59)
9. Faith Evans - You Used To Love Me (Ummah remix) (3:58)
10. Peven Everett - Ghetto (5:41)
11. Larry Heard - To Try (5:30)
12. Amp Fiddler - Superficial (5:21)
13. Nat Dove & The Devils - Petey Wheatstraw (3:17)
14. Nat Dove & The Devils - Ghetto St. U.S.A. (3:46)
15. Nat Dove & The Devils - Zombie March (3:20)
16. Aretha Franklin - Hooked On Your Love (4:58)
17. Aretha Franklin - I Get High (4:10)
18. Aretha Franklin - Jump (2:16)
19. Isaac Hayes - Hung Up On My Baby - Tough Guys (6:21)
20. Isaac Hayes - Run Fay Run (2:50)
21. Isaac Hayes - Buns O' Plenty (4:47)
22. Isaac Hayes - The Red Rooster (4:39)
23. Isaac Hayes - Joe Bell (4:35)
24. Willie Hutch - Theme Of The Mack (5:35)
25. Willie Hutch - Slick (3:36)
26. Willie Hutch - Brother's Gonna Work It Out (4:47)
27. Curtis Mayfield - Superfly - Curtis Mayfield (3:10)
28. Curtis Mayfield - Junkie Chase (Instrumental) (1:40)
29. Curtis Mayfield - Eddie You Should Know Better (2:20)
30. Gladys Knight & The Pips - On and On (4:18)
31. Gladys Knight & The Pips - Claudine Theme (Instrumental) (4:21)
32. Gladys Knight & The Pips - Make Yours A Happy Home (4:34)
33. Marvin Gaye - "T" Plays it Cool (4:26)
34. Marvin Gaye - Main Theme From Trouble Man (2:34)
35. Marvin Gaye - "T" Stands For Trouble (4:46)
36. Gene Page - Blacula(The Stalkwalk) (2:41)
37. Gene Page - Run Tina Run (1:31)
38. Gene Page - There He Is Again (2:48)
39. Gene Page - Blacula Strikes! (1:24)
40. James Brown - Make It Good To Yourself (3:18)
41. James Brown - Blind Man Can See It (2:20)
42. James Brown - Make It Good To Yourself (3:18)

Higher Ground Music Show #12

Hi all, first I hope everyone had a great week. I did! Not just kickin' it with family, but I was called to play drums at Detroit's famous Baker's Keyboard Lounge on Saturday the 24th! I got to play with some fantastic musicians, Scott Gwinnell on Piano, John Baron on Bass and me on Drums as we backed Singer Shahida N'urallah. It was fantastic! Don't miss comedian/actor Paul Mooney at Arturo's in Southfield on Saturday the 31st for two shows! As for the Higher Ground show this week, you know I'm playing the joints! Neo Soul, Afro Beat, Latin Soul and Funk, Rare Grooves, Deep House, Lounge Chilled out Beats, and so much more. Click on the link to go to http://www.wkcronline.com and enjoy the show! Music starts at 7:45pm with a re-cast of last weeks show and the new show at 11pm est. Here is the playlist for this weeks show:
1. MAP - Intercitydriver (4:59)
2. Boogaloo Combo - Hot Pants Road (2:05)
3. Djinji Brown - Cigar Wars (5:20)
4. Roy Haynes - Roy's Tune (5:09)
5. Cyndi Lauper - Lyfe (3:38)
6. Al Green - You've Got The Luv I Need (4:14)
7. St. Germain - What You Think About... (4:47)
8. Blue Six - All I Need (6:05)
9. Cottonbelly - I Hear You Dreaming (Ananda Project Remix) (5:39)
10. Chico Hamilton - El Toro (Marc De Clive Lowe Remix) (5:19)
11. Freestyle Fellowship - Park Bench People (5:12)
12. Donald Byrd - Change (Makes You Wanna Hustle) (5:09)
13. Aya - You're Not The Only One (4:49)
14. W'awu Do Ho No (3:10)
15. Hwehwe Mu Na Yi Wo Mpena (7:49)
16. Wale Oyejide - Lekan Babalola- Oba Awon Oba (Wale Remix) (4:59)
17. Sir Shina Peters and His International Stars - Yabis (6:58)
18. Peter King - African Dialects (4:56)
19. Bukky Leo & Black Egypt - Secular Society (4:19)
20. Ify Jerry Crusade - Everybody Likes Something Good (3:26)
21. Tony Allen - Asiko (7:57)
22. Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra - El Machete (9:53)
23. Jamiroquai - Alright (3:42)
24. Jamiroquai - Space Cowboy (3:38)
25. Jamiroquai - Feels Just Like It Should (4:33)
26. Jamiroquai - Seven Days In Sunny June (4:02)
27. Jamiroquai - Stillness In Time (4:17)
28. Willie Bobo - Soul Foo Young (3:26)
29. Roy Ayers - Red, Black & Green (4:40)
30. Curtis Mayfield - Junkie Chase [Full Length] (4:18)
31. Isaac Hayes - Do Your Thing (3:20)
32. Gladys Knight & The Pips - Make Yours A Happy Home (4:34)
33. War - Nappy Head (Theme From 'Ghetto Man') (4:09)
34. Trina Broussard - Inside My Love (4:14)

JB

I'm bloggin now......

This is the first blog of mine centered around music. Right now it will be centered around my internet music show, Higher Ground, which plays on Friday's from 7:something pm - 2am eastern time on wkcronline.com. I'm playing all kinds of music, but it's music I feel is of super high quality. Neo Soul, Old school genres of funk, soul, rare grooves, lounge music from all corners of the world(Cuba, Italy, Spain, France, India, Tokyo, Australia), Jazz, Latin, Afro-Beat, or basically, anything chill worthy, club worthy, lounge worthy, or ear..worthy???(is that a word!) Anyway, here is a link to the internet station: http://www.wkcronline.com/

Join me on Friday at 7:something pm for the re-cast of my previous weeks show and then 11pm starts the new show. I will also be searching the word wide web for new emerging artists to add some extra "flair" to the show.