Everything Is Possible...In Brazil

Here's a few fairly popular laid back grooves from Brazil to get everyone set for the weekend.

Wilson Simonal: Nem Vem que Não Tem

Though a seminal force in the development of Brazilian popular music, singer Wilson Simonal remains largely unknown outside of South America — the architect of the sound that dominated Brazilian charts during the late '60s, he was the nation's first black pop superstar, but his career never recovered from accusations that he was a police informant. Here's one of the highlights of his career from his 1967 LP Alegria, Alegria!!! but you'll have an easier time finding Gilles Peterson In Brazil from 2004.

Os Mutantes: Baby (1971)

Os Mutantes were one of the most dynamic, talented, radical bands of the psychedelic era — quite an accomplishment during a period when most every rock band spent quality time exploring the outer limits of pop music. Os Mutantes recorded Baby twice, once with some serious psychedelic fuzz guitar and organ in 1968 and this more mellow acoustic version from 1971 featuring Rita Lee on vocals. Find it originally on the LP Jardim Eletrico or more likely on the Luaka Bop release Everything Is Possible: The Best of Os Mutantes.

Raul Seixas: Metamorfose Ambulante

Raul Seixas was a fundamental rocker in Brazil. I have to admit I don't know too much about this recording but you can find it on many Brazilian compilations. I strongly recommend the City of God soundtrack from 2003. By the way the movie is great as well!

Brother Ray

It was never my intention just to celebrate birthdays on this blog, but they've been coming fast and furious these past few weeks and I cannot ignore the fact that the great Ray Charles was born on this day in 1930. I don't think I need to go into the importance of Brother Ray. Anyone who frequents this blog knows why he's great through his nearly 50 years of recording and we've all seen the movie. His demand for perfection in the studio resulted in some of the greatest recordings of the last century. On a personal note I don't think there is another male voice in all of music that can stir emotion in me quite like Ray. I also tend to agree with his philosophy on labeling music just two ways : good and bad. Hell, I even named my dog Ray Charles! So enough of my yakkin', here's a few funkier selections from Ray that you may or may not have heard. Here's to The Genius.

Ray Charles: Living For The City

This groove is arguably deeper than Stevie's original. Released as a single in 1975, you can find this track on The 1997 Ray Charles box set Genius & Soul: The 50th Anniversary Collection.

Ray Charles: The Jealous Kind

You may be familiar with Joe Cocker's rendition of this Robert Guidry tune, but I think Ray really nails it. Released on his out of print 1977 LP True to Life. The album that includes an array covers from Johnny Nash to Lennon/McCartney to Gershwin.

Aretha Franklin & Ray Charles: Spirit In The Dark (reprise)

This one's a real treat also found on Genius & Soul. An outtake from Aretha Franklin's legendary show at the Fillmore in 1971. Even though he's not too concerned with the lyrics at the start their chemistry is undeniable as Ray takes over offering the hippie crowd a lesson in soul their sure not to forget. "I CAN FEEL IT!!!"

The Soul of a Man

While known the world over as the undisputed King of the Blues, B.B. King at his best bears his soul with his underrated vocals and deep lyrics. At the same time his guitar Lucille can rip out your heart with a single note. Always a gentleman with an incredible life story (I strongly recommend Blues All around Me: The Autobiography of B. B. King ), B.B. is a national treasure not to be overlooked. Born on this day in 1925, I give you a few soulful classics from the ever humble King.

B.B. King: Hummingbird

Here's Bee's soulful rendition of a Leon Russell staple. Heartfelt vocals and searing fret work lead up to a triumphant gospel choir. Find this track on one of B.B.'s best, 1970's Indianola Mississippi Seeds.

B.B. King: Ghetto Woman

Eager to repeat the success of his crossover hit The Thrill Is Gone, B.B. seemed to try the same formula for several years to no avail. One result was this moving, though string heavy track co written with Dave Clark from the 1971 In London LP.

B.B. King: I Like To Live The Love

One of my favorite B.B. soul tunes from 1973's To Know You Is To Love You. Backed by the same Philly rhythm section that powered The O'Jays, The Stylistics, & The Spinners B.B. lays a smooth infectious groove.

Happy B-Day Otis!

Give Me Fever

·Sharon Cash: Fever
A very groovy and desperate cover of the Eddie Cooley standard from the early 70's. Find it on the Ace compilation Living in the Streets, Vol. 2.

·Horace Andy: Fever
Classic 1970 Studio One track. Find it on many best of's. Why not try 1997's Skylarking

·Jingo: Fever
Relentless Afro Beat from the Last King of Scotland soundtrack.

·Toots & The Maytals: Fever
Toots at his soulful best on the 1976 gem In The Dark.

Keep a Thought for Bo

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Ailing rock 'n' roll pioneer Bo Diddley suffered a heart attack while undergoing a medical check-up, and is in stable condition in a Florida hospital, his spokeswoman said on Tuesday. The 78-year-old musician, whose distinctive rhythms and guitar style influenced rockers from Buddy Holly to the Rolling Stones and U2, felt unwell during a check-up last Friday at North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, Fla. He was transferred to the emergency room where he suffered the heart attack, spokeswoman Susan Clary said in a statement.
He underwent surgery so that a stent could be fitted to help blood flow to his heart. He was moved from intensive care to cardiac care on Tuesday morning, Clary said.
Diddley, whose real name is Ellas Bates [actually Ellas Otha Bates McDaniel:BWM], suffered a stroke in May. It left no physical disability, but it impaired his speech and speech recognition, his manager said at the time. In recent years he also lost some toes to diabetes.
Diddley helped lay the foundation for rock 'n' roll in the mid-1950s when he developed a syncopated "hambone" beat -- known as the "Bo Diddley" beat -- that was aped by Holly on "Not Fade Away," the Who on "Magic Bus," George Michael on "Faith" and U2 on "Desire."
He topped the charts in 1955 with the song "Bo Diddley" and went on to enjoy such hits as "Mona" (covered by the Rolling Stones), "Who Do You Love," and "I'm A Man."
He also cut an imposing figure on stage, sporting a pair of thick spectacles and playing a rectangular guitar. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, alongside bluesman Muddy Waters, and soul icons Aretha Franklin and Marvin Gaye. But he never received the same sort of mainstream recognition as his peers, and frequently complained that he never received a royalty check.

·Bo Diddley: Gun Slinger

Black Moses' 65th

The most difficult part in celebrating Isaac Hayes' 65th birthday is having to pick just 2 or 3 tunes from his vast catalog to share. Isaac's influence on music in the 60's and 70's is unparalleled. The self taught musician started his career at Stax Records as a saxophone player for The Mar-Kays and a piano player for the Stax house band, but Isaac would truly shine as a songwriter. Along with his writing partner David Porter, Isaac Hayes penned over 200 songs for Stax including When Something's Wrong With My Baby, B-A-B-Y, Hold On I'm Coming, and Soul Man. With his 1967 release Presenting Isaac Hayes, he stepped out from the shadows launching his solo career that truly ignited with 1969's Hot Buttered Soul. With his clean shaven head (an oddity in 1967), omnipresent shades and gold chains Isaac became one of the most unique figures in all music. 1971 found Isaac Hayes at his peak winning the Oscar for his theme from Shaft which was a number one hit that year. Hayes never stopped making music and although he's probably more well known to many as Chef on South Park, the music he created is what makes him a legend.

·Isaac Hayes: Do Your Thing (edited version)

This is undeniably one of Isaac's baddest grooves from 1971's Shaft soundtrack. I'm presenting the radio edit but I advise you all to check the album version that clocks in at over 19 minutes long. Right on!

·Isaac Hayes: The Look of Love

I had to try to cram at least one epic love track in here so here's Isaac's rendition of Burt Bacharach's classic from 1970's ...To Be Continued. Sorry about the low bit rate, but at over 11 minutes and limited server space I had few options. I love the jam from 4:30 on.

·Isaac Hayes: Never Can Say Goodbye

It's a cliche to say "when someone sings a song they truly make it their own", but I think that expression was made just for Isaac Hayes. There's never a doubt who's performing this cover of my favorite Jackson 5 hit. Find it on 1971's Black Moses.