Barbee not Barbie
November 19, 2008 by ListenThinkReact
What happened to Ray Barbee? The one time skate phenom has, in my opinion, put out some exceptional albums in the past, but seems to be on an extended hiatus.
As one of the first African-American pro skaters, Barbee was undoubtedly one of the best and most fluid street skaters in the late 80’s/early 90’s.
Now he has flawlessly transitioned into a professional musician and his creative ways once again continue to shine.
Check out a few of my favorite tracks from his two releases, Triumphant Procession and In Full View.
Listen to it yourself over at Rhapsody, it is FREE, yes FREE up to 25 tracks a month. If you do not have a Rhapsody player you can acquire one by clicking here.
Once you have acquired the Rhapsody player click the following link to listen. Enjoy!!!
Listen to the Ray Barbee Playlist!!!
Favorite Tracks - (basically, as you will notice on Rhapsody playlist that I have created, I like it all, something about his groove that I really enjoy)
- There’s a Proper Time and Procedure for Every Matter
- Find Enjoyment
- A Man’s Wisdom Gives Him Patience
- Encouraged By Improvement
- The Limitations Are Beautiful
- In Full View
- Another Perspective
- Taking Liberties
- To Soar On Wings Like Eagles Now That Would Be Nice
- Moment By Moment
Check out Ray in this live performance
Rhapsody Releases Live Phish and At the Roxy
November 18, 2008 by ListenThinkReact
First I would like to thank J. Shifty over at Ribaldry and Schmaltz for updating me on the Live Phish status on Rhapsody. Yes, the newly released At the Roxy and several other Live Phish albums are now available on Rhapsody so get over there and enjoy it while you can.
- Check out the recent review of At the Roxy over at the Rolling Stone.
Better yet, listen to it yourself over at Rhapsody. If you do not have a Rhapsody player you can acquire one by clicking here.
Once you have acquired the Rhapsody player click the following link to listen. Enjoy!!!
Loungey Head Nod, but with a Street Kick
November 17, 2008 by ListenThinkReact
Monday’s Are Beat
Mark Farina’s sixth installment of his astounding Mushroom Jazz series is potentially one of his best. He has made a name for himself over the last 15 years through building San Francisco’s house scene. The album is downtempo at its best and a necessary listen for fans of jazz, house, hip-hop, soul and R&B. The man has been working on his craft since he was 15 years old and his efforts are eloquently displayed on his latest album.
“I look at my job as a modern day traveling minstrel, to bring new music to as many places as I can, and expose obscure records that, otherwise, might go hidden.” - Mark Farina
Listen to the album in its entirety
Here is a sample of one of his earlier releases
Enjoy!!!
Paving the Way with the Courage of Conviction
November 13, 2008 by ListenThinkReact
The recently elected, Barack Obama, has quite a few predecessors to thank and none more obvious in my opinion than the late Shirley Chisholm. Yes, MLK, Jr. received most of the attention and for good reason, but I rarely heard any of the pundits speak about the late Shirley Chisholm and how, as a political figure, she paved the way for African-Americans and women alike.
The following is must read about her life and struggles and how she persevered to make the difference we are witnessing firsthand on the political stage today.
Several years ago, NPR broadcast a discussion about the 2005 film about Shirley Chisholm’s 1972 run for President of the United States, appropriately named Chisholm ‘72, Unbought & Unbossed.
Shirley Chisholm 1972
I Don’t Mind - I’m Just Wasting Time
November 11, 2008 by ListenThinkReact
With four projects in front of me and a book to finish writing my motivation level is at an all-time low today. I need some inspiration! Maybe a post will start me in the right direction.
I discovered ALO a few years back on a six-week road trip out west. A few friends of mine had VIP passes to the 10,000 Lakes Music Festival in Minnesota and we just could not turn down the passes and more importantly, the opportunity to hang out with our friends.
Here are a few of my favorite tracks: