...And the Living is Easy

Here's my latest mix guaranteed to keep your 4th of July cookout cookin'.

The Babymaker Revisited

The Babymaker, The Quiet Storm, Slow Jamz Vol. 1.....call it what you will but if you can't seal the deal with this mix then you have problems. It's a story of love lost and then found in just over 67 minutes. Enjoy it with that special someone and if you have any ideas for what to call this beast please let me know in the comments and you just may receive a limited edition CD. Close the door, dim the lights...hit play...be gentle.


Setlist:

The Dramatics: In The Rain
Teddy Pendergrass: Love TKO
Cymande:Changes
Marvin Gaye: I Want You
Barry White: Dreamin'
Isaac Hayes: Something
The Isley Brothers: Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
Willie Hutch: Gimme Some of That Good Old Love
Minnie Riperton: Inside My Love
Staple Singers: After Sex
Marvin Gaye: Since I Had You
Curtis Mayfield: P.S. I Love You
Al Green: Livin' For You
Earth, Wind & Fire: It's All About Love

Rest in Peace Michael Jackson

Like everybody else the news about Michael Jackson shocked me. What really surprised me was just how sad I became. Michael's music really hasn't spoken to me in nearly 20 years and personality wise, well let's just say I felt he got a bit odd. As a child Thriller and to a lesser extent, Off the Wall were my life. As an budding artist Michael Jackson became one of my favorite subjects to draw second only to ET. I had the Beat It jacket (the black plastic knock off) and of course the glove and would moonwalk all over the kitchen. I vividly remember watching MTV from 10 AM until 10PM just to catch the Thriller video. So am I sad for losing Michael Jackson or am I mourning the loss of my childhood? I suppose a bit of both. One thing that cannot be denied is that Michael Jackson was an amazing one of a kind entertainer. Check out any of his performances on You Tube and you'll see how uniquely unreal he was. His singing style was unlike any other and he seemed to move like the laws of gravity simply did not apply. Hopefully folks will remember the music and not all the crap that seemed to drag him down. He was an icon but also a son, a brother, and a father. I never cared for the "King of Pop" moniker but he is definitely someone who changed the game forever. Go back and re listen to his music and you'll hear the genius who will hopefully find the peace he couldn't seem to find here.

Michael Jackson: I Can't Help It

For Michael

Just heard the shocking news about Michael Jackson....more to follow.

Purplish Rain

Here are the only two reasons to get the Prince tribute from this month's Spin magazine.

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings: Take Me With U

Mariachi El Bronx: I Would Die 4U

Why Can't We Live Together

Timmy Thomas: Why Can't We Live Together


This song is proof that less is more. Recorded as a demo in 1972 Timmy Thomas' rather simple song became a surprisingly huge hit. Thomas accompanies himself on organ backed by a cheesy rhythm box. It's the title track on his LP from 1974.

Tinga Stewart: Why Can't We Live Together


Tinga Stewart's 1977 performance is riven with emotion and in many ways far more powerful than Thomas's original. In Stewart's capable hands, the lyrics become an accusation, a demand, and finally an affirmation that indeed "we can live better." A stunning cover that leaves the original in the dust. This track can be found on Blood & Fire's exceptional compilation from 2001 Darker Than Blue: Soul From Jamdown 1973-1977.

Steve Winwood: Why Can't We Live Together


Taken from Winwood's 2003 "comeback" album About Time this version has a considerably more Latin vibe featuring Winwood on a Hammond organ, drummer Walfredo Reyes Jr., and guitarist José Piresde Almeida Neto. Congas and timbales flesh out the rhythm.

Koko Taylor 1928 - 2009

Koko Taylor is the great female blues singer of her generation. Raw vocal power and blustery swagger.”
– Rolling Stone

Koko Taylor is a national treasure…she packs firepower a lot of youngsters only wish they had.
– Chicago Tribune

Koko Taylor is the blues…a growling goddess of down-and-dirty. Sheer, unstoppable shouting power, full steam ahead and damn the torpedoes. There are many kings of the blues but only one queen. Koko’s voice is capable of pinning a listener to the back wall.
– Boston Globe

Raucous, gritty, good-time blues…Taylor belts out blues in a gravel voice with ferocious intensity. Foot-stomping music that’ rough, raw and wonderfully upbeat.
-- People

Chicago’s best blues singer…she has fire in her lungs.
--Chicago Sun-Times

Koko Taylor: I Don't Care Who Knows


Koko Taylor: Fire


Koko Taylor: Fish In Dirty Water


Koko Taylor: Get It While You Can


Check out Koko's legacy