...Faruq Z. Bey & the Northwoods Improvisers...

Faruq Z. Bey and the Northwoods Improvisers are a jazz group that I came across a year or so ago, and keep coming back to every now and then when the jazz bug bites me.  I've intended to put a mix together compiling this sort of stuff, but I haven't been able to get around to it.  Unfortunately, this past week, as I was revisiting some of his tunes, I discovered that Faruq actually passed away back in June.  So here, are a couple of tracks in memory of him and his great work.  You can also refer to the avant-garde jazz group, Griot Galaxy, to experience some of his earlier work from the 70's and 80's. Hopefully in the near future I'll finally be able to wrap up that mix that I've had in the works.  RIP Faruq Z. Bey.

*(((*)))(((SUN)))*(((RA)))(((*)))*

so i've been digging thru a trove of outrageously good videos on

youtube as of late. lots of outside jazz related stuff. the following

is not so much an outsider thing (especially considering that it

comes to us from the bbc), but it sheds a bit of light on one of the

most misterioso bands slash bandleaders to have ever graced

the cosmos: SUN RA!!!  i say a bit of light because le sony'r ra

was one of the most dedicated and unfliching personas of all

time.  many believed and still believe that he truly came from

another planet. if you are unfamiliar with SUN RA & his variously
named Arkestra then you ought take this worm-hole for a ride:

*(((*)))*(((keep a look-out for a post loosely related to this one sometime this week.)))*(((*)))*

(((Don Cherry)))---(((1978)))

Don Cherry is mainly known as one of the pioneers of free jazz from the trail blazing Ornette Coleman Quartet.  Images of him playing some variation of the trumpet (pocket trumpet, cornet, etc...) come to mind.  However, much of his musical career involved him traveling the four corners of the earth and participating in musical forms that sometimes had no resemblence to jazz.  In time he became a seasoned multi-instrumentalist of a wide variety.  He was a true student and explorer.  Initially, this seems to have been a personal journey into his African heritage, but it clearly struck an inspired nerve in him that never went away.  His experimentation with world music can be heard as early as 1968 on Eternal Rhythm, a live recording from the Berlin jazz festival.  Other stellar examples of this progression would include his Mu sessions recorded for BYG Actuel in 69 as well as Actions (co-led by Kryzstof Penderecki) and Blue Lake from 71.  Over the remainder of his career he covered a lot of territory.  As I researched this, 1978 seems to have been an especially rich year for him in this regard.  If you were to listen to the following recordings in their entirety, you might find some things you don't like, or at least I did.  Some tunes border too closely to a new age sound that I'm not entirely comfortable with.  However, there is a great deal to glean here as evidenced (i hope) by the following selections.  Please dig in.  I hope this inspires new pathes of interest and research.  Cheers!

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((        

Recorded At Studio Davout, Paris, France, June 1978.

Original LP release 1982 (Europa Records JP2009).

Sangam - Don Cherry / Latif Khan

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CODONA (ECM 1132)
Recorded September 1978 at Tonstudio Bauer, Ludwigsburg

Mumakata - Codona

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

Flying Fish - 1978

Sounds from the Bush - Mandingo Griot Society

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Another sideman session also done in 1978, but less suited toward this post can be found here.

Below is a short documentary filmed in Sweden the same year and broadcast on Swedish television. 
It was the thing that originally inspired this post.  Enjoy.

////XHOL//CARAVAN////

I'm going to resist the tempation to make a Gene Simmons joke here. If you're still with me, I'm actually going to preface this entry with some discussion concerning John Coltrane. I've been listening to a bunch of fantastic audio interviews that he graciously gave on various occasions in the early and mid sixties.  This was a very pivotal time for jazz on several levels and the discussions are long, unpolished and very culturally revealing. They portray what I perceive to be a humble, searching man. Anyhow, they deepened my appreciation for his music and personhood and brought me back to what I would consider my desert island song as far as jazz goes. I'm not going to go too deep here, because this is a whole nother post that I most definately intend to write at some point.  All the same, John Coltrane's "Ole" recorded in 1961 is a song worthy of your full attention.  At some point, carve twenty minutes out of your life, seek out seclusion, sit between the speakers, turn up the volume, and drop the needle on this monster of a tune.  Eric Dolphy, Reggie Workman, McCoy Tyner, Freddie Hubbard, Elvin Jones, Art Davis.  It's a game changer. 

It should be stated that Coltrane's composition is based upon another, but I'll hold back on those details as well. As I've researched this song, I have come across a few covers (Pharoah Sanders, Noah Howard, etc...).  Recently I stumbled upon the following rendition by pioneering Krautrockers Xhol Caravan and have been really taken with it.  The others that I've heard have been great, but they've been done too much in the vein of the original and therefore fall terribly short.  Mere shadows.  The original is foreboding and visceral with a climax that peels the paint.  In a very different way, this version grooves.  It is at times funky, psychedelic, and slightly vague while staying true to the spirit of the song.  Though it isn't close to being in the same galaxy as Coltranes, it is easily my favorite cover.  That a couple of freaked out German kids laid this down in 1969 is down right fantastic.  Dig the additional videos and note the blonde haired boy playing the guitar against the organ. 

-------------------------------------------

Ole (John Coltrane) - Xhol Caravan 

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Part one of the videos that I had hoped to put up (including the above mentioned blonde haired boy) can be found here.  Unfortunately, the person who put them up disabled the embedding capability.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

//DAMIEN//JURADO//MARAQOPA//

thought it would be criminal not to raise a flag of praise for damien jurado's latest lp. josh & i have had maraqopa spinning on our players & in our heads since its release & it's really ringing our bells. we are both in agreement that this is his best material to date. it has genuinely stimulated great, sprawling discussion between us. you know you have something good when all aspects of the content generate conversations of length & real worth. if you haven't already, grab a copy & listen close! d

{{{Charles}{Bukowski}}}

Here's one more selection from the poetry I've been reading over the last year or so: Charles Bukowski (1920-1994). At least a year ago I'd seen a documentary entitled Bukowski: Born into This. Shortly after that I picked up The Last Night of the Earth Poems. I had heard of the man. The things that are said of him are true. To say that he is outrageously rough around the edges would fall very short. Much of what he said and did and wrote hold great potential for blushes and offended feelings. However, reading poems like the bluebird, and having a sense of his backround, I find him endearing despite his many faults. For all his crass, drunken sputterings, he is a very good writer. He had a simple cleverness and made readers of more hard-livin' blue collar folk than probably any poet ever did. His poetry is direct and very prose oriented. The below poem is in fact unlike much of his stuff in that it makes use of literary devices much more liberally. Enjoy

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gonna Find Me a Bluebird - Skeeter Davis & Porter Wagoner
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
the bluebird

there's a bluebird in my heart that
wants to get out
but I'm too tough for him,
I say, stay in there, I'm not going
to let anybody see
you.

there's a bluebird in my heart that
wants to get out
but I pour whiskey on him and inhale
cigarette smoke
and the whores and the bartenders
and the grocery clerks
never know that
he's
in there.

there's a bluebird in my heart that
wants to get out
but I'm too tough for him,
I say,
stay down, do you want to mess
me up?
you want to screw up the
works?
you want to blow my book sales in
Europe?

there's a bluebird in my heart that
wants to get out
but I'm too clever, I only let him out
at night sometimes
when everybody's asleep.
I say, I know that you're there,
so don't be
sad.

then I put him back,
but he's singing a little
in there, I haven't quite let him
die
and we sleep together like
that
with our
secret pact
and it's nice enough to
make a man
weep, but I don't
weep, do
you?

{{{{{-}}}}}}-{{{{{{-}}}}}}-{{{{{{-}}}}}}-{{{{{{-}}}}}
{{{{{-}}}}}}-{{{{{{-}}}}}}-{{{{{{-}}}}}}-{{{{{{-}}}}}

...Damien Jurado: Saint Bartlett...

This album came out back in May of 2010 and somehow, I missed it. I guess it's a case of better late than never. This album has so many great songs on it, many of which stay in the vein of Jurado and Richard Swift's collaborative collection of cover songs that they put up for free last year, entitled "Other People's Songs Volume 1". In fact, Swift is on board with this album as well, adding backing vocals and instrumentation. This is Damien at his "sunniest", if you could call it that. Check out the live version of "Cloudy Shoes" below. This record would have definitely been my favorite of last year if I hadn't slept on it. I hope that this is a foreshadow of things to come. Enjoy.

...A Few New...

These are a few songs/albums that I've been groovin on lately.

(((((((((((The Peoples Temple))))))))))))
))))))))))))))))))))))))(((((((((((((((((((((

I just found out about these guys through Insound's mp3 of the day. This album, "Sons of Stone", is full of great sounds. There's stuff that ranges from sounding like the Rolling Stones to early psychedelic garage, all with a lo-fi feel reminiscent of Ty Segall. Just some good tunes to jam out to. I love this stuff!!!!

"The Peoples Temple: Where You Gonna Go"


((((((((((((((Luke Roberts))))))))))))))))
)))))))))))))))))))(((((((((((((((((((((

This album came out in April of 2010, but somehow I missed it until just the other day when I was browsing around Thurston Moore's Ecstatic Peace Records + Tapes. I really like the sound that Mr. Roberts has on this album- nice and laid back. Give it an ear and check out the video for another one of his songs, below.

"Luke Roberts: Somewhere To Run"

"Luke Roberts: Unspotted Clothes"

(((((((((((((((My Morning Jacket))))))))))))))))))
))))))))))))))))))))))))))((((((((((((((((((((((((((((

It's been a long time since My Morning Jacket has put out something that I've been interested in hearing, but after reading a few reviews of their forthcoming album, Circuital, and after hearing the two songs below, there may be hope for them yet. I enjoy the mellow sound of these tunes, but I have also heard some other numbers from this album which have not impressed me quite as much. Either way, check out the tracks and make your own decision, and then listen to the whole album when it comes out on the 31st.

"My Morning Jacket: Movin Away"

"My Morning Jacket: Wonderful (The Way I Feel)"

{michael kiwanuka}-{tell me a tale}

Once again, thank you to Aquarium Drunkard for the fresh tips - this time on Michael Kiwanuka (i swear AD's got a deal w/ the devil). AD recently put up the official video for this number, so shoot over there to hear the studio cut w/ some absolutely stunning musicianship across the board. I don't know what else Mr. Kiwanuka has up his sleeve, but this one is dead-on. Can't wait to hear more. The above video comes via Black Cab Sessions. If you haven't already, check them out for certain, cause they're got a treasure trove of goodness (be sure to see Bill Callahan, Fleet Foxes & Damien Jurado). Sorry for the lag & tiny output here at !!crescere!! as of late - the weather is fine, life is busy & the personal creative processes are at work! Wishing everyone the best ~ Dougie F.

...How Old Are You...

Some of you may already have seen this, but due to the excitement and anticipation of receiving my 2xLP of Helplessness Blues, I thought that I would post this. This is a pretty endearing view of Robin Pecknold. I hope you enjoy it and can pick yourself up a copy of the new record on Tuesday (May 3, 2011).

How Old Are You? from Fleet Foxes on Vimeo.

Fleet Foxes - Grown Oceans

New album entitled Helplessness Blues comes out May, 3rd - can't wait! Dig this new video.

...Destroyer of Brains...

I know, I know....Destroyer of Brains is not exactly the kind of band name that makes me think, "Ooh, this is going to be good", but put the name aside for a second. What grabbed my attention about this band was that Chris Schlarb is involved in the project. I'm a fan of I Heart Lung and Schlarb's solo work, and since Doug has been posting all these great jazz tunes, I've been thrown onto a little bit of a jazz kick, so I figured I'd give it a chance. It didn't hurt that Destroyer of Brains put the two tracks I found, up for free over at Sounds Are Active. Boy, was I pleased. Not only is Schlarb involved, but members of Breakestra are all up into this. Come to find out it is a 6 piece free jazz project. You can get more band info, contributors listing, and the two tracks over at the band"s SAA page. Also, check out Chris' website for more specifics on the project. If you're mildly interested in jazz, or even if you're not, give this one a whirl.

"Destroyer Of Brains: Song For Charles Rocket"

"Destroyer Of Brains: Love Is The New Black"

Song For Charles Rocket (Take 2) from Chris Schlarb on Vimeo.

...Soil & The Sun...

This is a band that I came across a while ago and really enjoy. Doug may remember this song from the "Summer Camp" mix I made last June. This past week, I met a great guy, Ted, that is in town interning for a few months and lives in community with some of these guys when he's back in Michigan. He sent me this video, and I thought that I would share it with you guys. I hope to have them out our way to play a show, sometime in the future. Please, check out their bandcamp site to stream their albums and purchase their music at a very reasonable price.

Soil and the Sun: Raised in Glory from Audiotree Live on Vimeo.

Rumor has it that they're going to be opening up for Portugal the Man. If you've only got a few minutes, check out the video above which is an excerpt from a live studio interview. If you've got some time to spare, make sure to check out the session in its fulness at Audiotree Live.

...Steve Young, Little Wings, The Stepkids...

In this post, I'm going to give you a little bit of everything- something old, something new, and a taste of something that's not even released yet.

First of all, something old...

These songs are off Rock Salt And Nails, an album by Steve Young -no, not the San Fran 49ers quarterback- rather, a country singer from the 60s and 70s. Although, not as widely known as some of his peers, his songs were covered by Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr., and the Eagles. This album, from 1969, has a diversity of styles on it, but the stand out tracks, in my opinion, are the ones that take mellow country songs and infuse them with a bit of soul.
"Steve Young: That's How Strong My Love Is"

"Steve Young: Love In My Time"

Next, something new...

I've been a big fan of Little Wings, and Kyle Fields in general, for quite a few years, so I was super excited to hear that Marriage Records was releasing his new album, Black Grass, this month. The last Little Wings album, Soft Pow'r, was released way back in 2007, so there definitely had been some anticipation building inside of me. Well, the record is here, and I am not disappointed. Mr. Fields remains consistent- mellow vibes, off kilter vocals, and easy grooves...the steady beats give it a little more of a band feel, but they don't sacrifice the intimacy that I have grown to expect from Kyle. Get a feel for it below.

"Little Wings: Little Bit"

"Little Wings: How Come"

Finally, something upcoming...

I just discovered these guys yesterday. I don't know much about them, but I'll share what I've got. First of all, they call themselves The Stepkids. They are putting out a 12" single entitled Shadows On Behalf/ La La in April, on Stones Throw Records and you can expect a full length from them sometime in the fall. I'm not sure what the entire album will sound like, but if the songs and video below are any indication, it's going to be BEAST!!!! Stones Throw and the soul revival strike again!!! Make sure to check out their live set and interview over at BTR.

"The Stepkids: Shadows On Behalf"

"The Stepkids: Legend In My Own Mind"

...New Wonder...

Here's the video for a new song from Bonnie Prince Billy and The Cairo Gang. The song, "New Wonder" is actually the b-side from a 10" single titled Island Brothers. The single is being put out by Drag City and will benefit efforts by EDGE Outreach to provide clean water and education to people in Haiti. It's a killer tune.

Christmas Snippets

a tip of the hat to a few of my Christmas favorites:

you are my flower

i can't stop listening to this song.  i absolutely love it.  a man i work with and assist has a fantastic classic country collection and i found this gem as a result.  this is a slightly different version in terms of instrumentation, but just as good, and you gotta love the old footage.  stuff like this makes me pround to be an american - classic country is precious.

...{the end is at hand}-{Jesus music, vol. 1}...

If you enjoy rare, psychedelic music...or if you enjoy "Jesus Music"...or if, like me (& Doug), you can get down with both, then, boy oh boy, do we have a post for you.

You may not know it, but Doug and I have been brewing up this little treat for a while. In our never-ending search through music of all types, but especially psychedelic and folk music, we kept bumping into these great, almost unheard of records- albums from the Jesus People Movement of the 1960's and 70's. Although some of the tunes from that movement may have had a cheesy quality to them, there's some really interesting stuff that came out of that period and subculture as well. As much as Doug and I love making mixes, upon discussion, we realized that we had never made a comprehensive mix of songs from this category. So, we decided to work cooperatively to make this compilation for you to enjoy. If you have any interest in "outsider" music, then I think you'll find these tracks to be pretty engaging.

While putting this together, we discovered that we have a bunch more stuff to share, so this will be the first volume, with several more to follow sometime in the future. These posts are intended to turn people on to these obscure artists. If you like what you hear, feel free to check out the following link to support the artist by purchasing a recording: http://www.one-way.org/jesusmusic.

Also, keep your eyes peeled at your local record stores. Many labels are re-issuing rare, outsider, records, like these, as the interest in them increases. Let us know what you think. Dig? Want more........................... Get Volume 2...

...a collaboration between doug & josh...
(2 forty minute halfs combined to make a whole lotta goodness):


"The End Is At Hand pt.1"
Creation, Lord I saw You cry - Azitis (1971)
Almighty God - Wilson McKinley (1972)
Someone Who Cares - Gospelfolk (1969)
Come Into My Life - First Revelation (1974)
Spirit Move Me - Ray Lemay (1979?)
Jesus Is - 2nd Chapter of Acts (1972)
This Bird - Fraction (1971)
On Solid Rock - Out of Darkness (1970)
The Rapture - The Last Call of Shiloh (1972)
Second Best Friend - Infinity Plus Three (1971)

Get the entire 1st half of the mix at: http://www.mediafire.com/?1tbn387xkoh8bbt

"The End Is At Hand pt.2"
"A Love Song (Reprise)"- Love Song (1972)
"The Edges of His Ways"- Linda Rich (1969)
"Son of God"- Parchment (1972)
"Sailing On A River"- Glass Harp (1972)
"The Bible"- D R Hooker (1972)
"Pressed Down Shaken Together"- Pressed Down Shaken Together (1972)
"Kingdom"- Harvest Flight (1971)
"You And I"- Search Party (1968)
"All Across The Nation"- All Saved Freak Band (1979?)
"Will The Circle Be Unbroken"- U.S. Apple Corps. (1970)
"Romans 10:9"- Selha (1972)

Get the 2nd half of the mix as individual tracks at:

http://www.mediafire.com/?ek914debfleca3z

Give One Way Trip- Jesus Music Vol. 2 a listen

...Check out these interesting videos documenting some of the "Jesus Movement"...

music and poetry: paleo