Pick Your Tunes #26

Matt Hughes produces the INTERLUDE / monogamyaudio podcast , a portal for Soul, Funk, Jazz, Disco & Boogie; 100% vinyl, recorded to the highest audio standards.  At the centre of Matt’s set-up is the E&S DJR400, the ultimate DJ mixer; for which, Matt runs the Facebook Group connecting over 4,000 audio enthusiasts from across the global. Matt owned & ran the soulfulbeats  record label & party in West London, UK, a community of like minded music heads, drawn together by their love of all things soulful.

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

Earl Flint – “People Hold On” (Instrumental) (1984)

I’m a massive fan of the Rare Groove legend, Mr. James Philip Mason; he produced this majestic slab of wax in 1984 and this Dub/Instrumental has it all. Drenched in heavy 80’s reverb, at almost eight minutes long (2 minutes longer that the vocal version), this track simply builds and builds. Earl Flint’s vocal hooks are driven forward amongst heavily delayed claps and looping analogue synths hooks. Wait for the huge snare and that baseline money-shot; essential! (just watch your speed)

2.  What’s your favorite tune to chill?

Marvin Gaye – “Where Are We Going”  (2014)

With access to so much music at our finger tips, we can easily brush over genius, not allowing it the time, space and reverance it truly deserves. With this record, Marvin demonstrates his undeniable credentials and serves up a delightful arrangement that flows like caramel; most people don’t realise how deep he was musically. Add Donald Byrd on horn and what you have have is one hell of a record. Previously unreleased until in 2014, Blue Note and Motown pulled this bad-boy from the vaults. Amazing artwork and production by the Mizell Brothers. Chill brother, chill.

3.What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

Lani Hall – “Love Song” (1972)

A member of Sérgio Mendes & Brasil ’66, Lani Hall has such a sensual tone on this record; it is a crying shame that it ends after 3 minutes (I could easily listen to this all all night long). Produced by her husband, Helb Albert (owner of A&M Records), the track was written by and features the backing vocals of Lesley Duncan. Certainly the stand out track from Lani’s 1972, Sun Down Lady LP. Exquisite soul music.

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

Teodo’r – “Love Message” (1984)

This record never fails to secure a huge reaction and workout from the dance floor. It’s the combination of those near perfect horn stabs, sexy vocals and jazz funk grooves. Mixed in 1984 by George Rodriguez & Hippie Torrales, you can just imagine the likes of Tony Humphries destroying New Jersey’s Zanzibar with this track. Play it loud and the ladies smile; the guys just want to know where they can get a copy!

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

The Chris Rhodes Band – “Gotta New Lease On Love” (1978)

This is the real sh@t. From the first note you know your are listening to a very special record; I would go as far as saying a near perfect one! Out of Boston, Massachusetts, The Chris Rhodes Band committed very little to vinyl but were active on the scene in the early 70’s. My personal thanks to them for leaving this 7″ as a lasting legacy to their musical greatness. This one takes me back there every time, no mistake.

Follow Matt:

Mixcloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/monogamyaudio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.hughes.1088

Pick Your Tunes #25

 

 

Lucas Benjamin (31) is an Amsterdam-based DJ, promoter and all around musicologist.

He founded MORE BOUNCE, a bi-monthly Funk party in Amsterdam who also recently released their first Modern Funk compilation ‘Feeding U New Knocks Vol.1’. Besides that he is also a resident at Wicked Jazz Sounds and started his own label Wicked Wax. His roots are in the Hip Hop culture where he started out as young B-Boy at the age of 12 and started digging for records around the age of 15/16. He continued to combine this passion for dancing with DJ-ing until a few years ago when he decided to fully focus on the music.

 

1. What’s your favorite tune to cruise at night?

 

The Pinch – “Shot Out”” (1984)

 

 

One of the first tunes that came to mind, probably because of that pumpin’ bass line. First time I heard it my face morphed uncontrollably into different stank-forms. I don’t even have a car, but I imagine myself cruisin’ to this for sure. Shout-out to PPU for re-releasing this gem in 2010.

 

2.  What’s your favorite tune to chill?

 

Lamont Johnson – “Music Of The Sun”  (1978)

 

 

When I found this record it brought me into such a serene clear state of relaxation. From the wonderful strings arrangement, to the soothing soulful voice telling you about the music of the sun. This track is life.

 

3.What’s your favorite tune for a romantic evening?

 

Dwele – “Wake The Baby” (feat Boney James) (2008)

 

 

I’m a sucker for soft falsettos and Dwele is definitely one of the kings in that field. Dim the lights, put some candles on and light some incense, then press play and see how the mood will change instantly. 

 

4. What’s your favorite tune to shake your body down to the ground?

 

Fela Kuti – “Roforofo Fight” (1972)

 

 

I love to dance to so many different kinds of music but Fela conquered his own area in my soul and these grooves never fail to move me to the max. This track was also one of my gateways into African music which I still play a lot in my sets and even organise Afro Specials a few times every year.

 

5. What’s the tune that gives you instant nostalgia?

 

Cashmere – “Do It Anyway You Wanna” (1982)

 

 

One of the first video-tapes I had as a dancer was of a German B-Boy called Swift Rock and his tape was filled with excellent tunes like Manzel – ‘Space Funk’, Fatback Band – ‘I Found Lovin’, Unlimited Touch – “Searching To Find The One” and many others. But this one still touches me deeply after all those years.

 

Follow Lucas:

 

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lucasbenjamin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/more.bounce

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morebouncecollective