Calvin Valentine "Keep Summer Safe (Mello Music Group)"
Having already produced for such hip-hop luminaries as Nas, De La Soul, Illa J, and most recently Ryan Beatty (as well as his stint as drummer for the rock band Medium Troy), its time for Cavlin Valentine to once again step out from behind the mixer and into the spotlight. Keep Summer Safe is the producer/hip-hop artists latest LP. Chilled out, wavey vibes (Mello Music’s PR calls it “meditative late night head nods) that are part throwback to the heyday of early rap and exceedingly modern-not Soundcloud modern or anything like that. This is meticulously crafted and sonically rich. Plus, his skills as emcee are second only to his production skills. Check out the west coast sounds of “911 Turbo.”
Waxahatchee "Great Thunder EP (Merge)"
I’ve heard some pretty mediocre thunder in my life. I’ve even heard what I would qualify as good thunder. But great thunder? That is rare! You know what else is rare? Talent like Katie Crutchfield’s. Which is what makes her new Waxahatchee EP Great Thunder so… um… what’s the word I’m looking for here… oh, right. Great! Katie went back to the well and re-recorded some songs originally slated for an experimental recording group called Great Thunder (there’s that thunder again!). A departure from her sound of late, gone is the full band, and here she is stripped down and solo, produced by Brad Cook at Justin Vernon’s April Base Studio. So check out the solo Katie sounds of the shoop-heavy piano ballad “Singer’s No Star” and the gentle Omnichord hints of “Slow You Down.”
Chris Liebing "Burn Slow (Mute)"
It’s been over ten years since techno-king Chris Liebing has released an LP. Well, its like Pink Floyd said… “and then one day you find, ten years have got behind you. No one told you when to run, here comes that techno fun!” Although–this time around–if you are expecting the same fast-paced dance music he’s released in the past, you will be surprised by what this album holds–unless you pay careful attention to the album’s name: Burn Slow (Mute). This is something of a slow burn. The beats are still there, but maybe just a tad more relaxed. Check out the first single “Polished Chrome (The Friend Pt. 1)” featuring Gary Numan!
Various Artists "Tribute: Newly Recorded Blues Celebration of Delmark’s 65th Anniversary"
To celebrate their 65th anniversary, famed Jazz and Blues label Delmark Records asked current blues artists to re-record new versions of classics the label released over their storied career. To celebrate the signing of Delmark Records to Bank Robber Music’s roster, I’m writing this blurb (hi Delmark! Thrilled to have you aboard!) Here you’ll find covers of tunes made famous by Junior Wells, Magic Sam, Jimmy Dawkins, Big Time Sarah, and more. Those songs are performed by current and classic artists like Jimmy Burns, Omar Coleman, Lil’ Ed, Shirley Johnson and many more (ok, 9 more). Recorded in the studio Delmark built back in the 90s to be able to record and release new blues albums, and all of the artists here are backed by the raucous, rollicking house band. Check out the legendary Jimmy Burns performing Big Joe Williams classic “She Left Me A Mule To Ride.”