musicaldemon’s Neighborhood

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RR

KCRW DJ Garth Trinidad was in New York visiting artist Sade earlier this week and sent back the following report from the East Coast:

From Garth:

New York always treats me right. This time it’s spoiled me somethin' wonderful.

I was graciously invited to Jazz at Lincoln Center to hear the long-awaited new album from Sade titled "Soldier of Love," along with a few industry heavies. I thought, perhaps I'll just wait for the advanced copy in the new year. After all, it does get a little chilly this time of year out that way. Then, it was mentioned she and the band might fall by to say hello, etc. Upon hearing that, I did whatever needed to be done to ensure my attendance. This included dragging my family to the mall during the holiday rush to help me nab a sweater, some gloves, and other East Coast essentials that Californians don't really need.

This is a band that has been together 25 years, with a sound that remains defiant of general category. This is a woman who's had me and countless others vexed with her stunning beauty, beguiling movement, and bewitching sound. She's a real live siren, a mythical creature that appears once a decade to exercise her seductive prowess. I know I'm putting a lot on it, but c'mon, I'm a man speaking of Sade Adu. She stands alone.

After some mingling and catching up with folks, an official looking English bloke spoke a few words before launching into the album. I immediately excused myself from all conversation and walked slowly to the sweet-spot in the room, the place where the sound is the warmest and brightest. I stood, listening intently, drowning out the infamous, never-ending hum of NYC hustle-speak. The record is nothing short of exceptional. Another sumptuous round with a champion of sound. No more than 10 cuts deep, it is filled with the classic, sonic richness they're known for, along with a couple of minor departures that explore dance floor-worthy tempos and drum programming. I can't wait to play more of it.

The English bloke appeared again and got on the mic. The room hushed as if all in unison were thinking "OMG, is she really here??". Before I knew it, she sauntered out, distinguished bandmates in tow. I waited patiently, trying hard not to look like an overgrown groupie. Not sure I could help it though. Someone introduced us. The room was loud, but when she spoke, I only heard the warm tenor of her voice saying "hello" in that deadly British timbre. She has a phenomenal smile. I thought to myself, "say something idiot!", and I believe I uttered something like "uhh...thank you". Otherwise, I didn't speak and just stood there with a silly, boyish grin. I forgot to get a picture with her the first time. Or maybe I did that on purpose, so I could be next to her twice.

The short trip was the best NY adventure yet. SSaw a few old friends, made some new ones, partook of mouth watering baby shower leftovers with Top Chef host and former Guest DJ Padma Lakshmi,and will cherish the day I met Ms Adu forever. Shouts to big Mike and the crew at Sony, DJ She-Rock, big time Stuart Matthewman, ex-west coaster Kavi, the Empire Hotel staff, and Padma's mom!

Read more at garthtrinidad.biz

RR

UK’s Zero 7 reinvent themselves with each new release, but never fail to produce music that is mesmerizing and beautiful. The musical duo of Henry Binns and Sam Hardake invite a host of contributors on each of their albums. They’ve worked with KCRW favorites Jose Gonzalez and Sia in the past and joked about the idea of a “The Last Waltz”-type concert with dozens of special guests.  Sia doesn’t make an appearance on their latest release because she is busy at work on her upcoming solo album, but the band said future collaborations are definitely possible. 

For their forth studio album “Yeah Ghost,” Zero 7 picked up the tempo a bit and invited jazz and soul singer Eska Mtungwazi into the line up. The band says they struggled to get a handle on the kind of record they wanted to make so it was more sonically diverse than some of their previous work. “Swing” is a clear favorite here in the basement and it was fantastic to hear reworked versions of other songs off the album.

Check out the set here

RR
 

Alice Waters

Chef Alice Waters pioneered a new way of eating focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients that are produced sustainably and locally. She’s been a model to many in the culinary world and we’re happy to have her as the latest addition to KCRW’s Guest DJ Project. Alice touches on the sensual aspects of both eating and music listening -- from the track that keeps her dancing in the kitchen to a surprising choice from an acclaimed indie rock band.  Here are some of Alice’s thoughts on Nina Simone’s appropriately named “I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl”  

“It's a beautiful, sensual song and I am always trying to get people to open up and to touch and to taste and to smell and really engage in a different way with food.  I was really drawn to the words in this song and the way that it brings you into that experience. I play it when I'm cooking in the kitchen, and it's so beautiful and so deep in its sensual appeal.  

Check out her full set here

RR   

2009 was a great year for music in Los Angeles. On air we hosted the radio debut of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, a joyous celebration of life and love with the intensity of a religious revival, and the haunting debut from local beat technician Nosaj Thing, a gorgeous merger of hip hop and electronica, which was a mainstay across all our music shows. Also, the recent nomination of Silversun Pickups for a “Best New Artist” Grammy – which is funny to many of us who have been seeing them live around town for the last 5 years – is a sign of LA’s powerful music presence.

Over the next few days, I’ll be posting about some of the newer bands bubbling up to the surface who we expect to see some great things from in ’10.

Local Natives

This band made my best of ’09 list even thought their album doesn’t officially come out until next year on Frenchkiss Records and both Anne Litt and Garth Trinidad are big fans.  The Local Natives play celebratory rollicking rock with beautiful melodies. They have an exceptional live show and, after becoming regulars on the Eastside club scene, they built a huge fanbase across the pond with nonstop touring. These guys worked hard this year and won over a lot of ears and hearts. Keep an eye out for the release of their debut album “Gorilla Manor.” For those of you in LA, go see them live on Tuesday, December 22 at The Echo (with another great local act, Voxhaul Broadcast, who is getting spins from Nic Harcourt)  

http://www.myspace.com/localnatives

Buyepongo

KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez says they are “one of the most amazing live, young, vibrant cumbia bands in Los Angeles.” They keep in the tradition of cumbia and also know how to keep a dance floor moving! They’ll be playing on New Year’s Eve at the Rhythm Lounge in Long Beach.

http://www.myspace.com/buyepongo

Jail Weddings

This 10-person collective creates drunken anthems that owe a debt to Phil Spector's Wall of Sound and are a favorite of KCRW DJ Dan Wilcox. They have an EP called “Inconvenient Dreams” out now and a few shows coming up around town, including tonight in at Surf City Saloon and on Saturday, Dec 19 at The Smell.

http://www.myspace.com/jailweddings

RR

Sea Wolf’s debut EP was an instant hit here at the station. Founder Alex Brown Church followed it up with two stellar full lengths, the second of which came out this Fall called “White Water, White Bloom.” Sea Wolf’s music is orchestral, eloquent, and moving but also catchy. With the exception of the fantastic opening track “Wicked Blood” and “O Maria!,” which were written in LA, the rest of the album was written in Montreal. Alex had fallen in love with a girl who lived in Montreal while on tour with his previous outlet Irving (check out their CD “Death in the Garden, Blood in the Flowers” if you’re not familiar).  Alex sang a bunch of new songs and older favorites like “You’re a Wolf” and “Middle Distance Runner” on MBE for a set that is definitely worth checking out. 

RR