House of Styles

R.I.P Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T20:44:00.002-04:00

By NED POTTER (@NedPotterABC) and COLLEEN CURRY

Oct. 5, 2011

Steve Jobs, the mastermind behind Apple's iPhone, iPad, iPod, iMac and iTunes, has died, Apple said. Jobs was 56.

Apple did not reveal where Jobs died or from what cause -- though in recent years he had fought pancreatic cancer and had a liver transplant.

"We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today," read a statement by Apple's board of directors. "Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve. His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts."

Jobs rivals in the development of personal computers, Microsoft co-founders Bill Gates and Paul Allen, immediately reacted to his death and highlighted his importance to their industry.

Allen called him "a unique tech pioneer and auteur who knew how to make amazingly great products."

Gates also extended his condolences, and added via a written statement, "Steve and I first met nearly 30 years ago, and have been colleagues, competitors and friends over the course of more than half our lives.

"The world rarely sees someone who has had the profound impact Steve has had, the effects of which will be felt for many generations to come," he added. "For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honor. I will miss Steve immensely."

More here at abcnews.go.com

R.I.P Steve and Thanks for everything!

Reason 6 Drops Tomorrow!!! Sample sounds Released on SoundCloud!

2011-09-29T18:09:00.003-04:00

Reason Listening Gallery by Propellerhead

Daddy Like!!! Daddy Like A Lot!!!

Also if you haven't heard. Reason/Record Duo Owners get to name their own price for the R6 Update. Now that's cool beans!

R.I.P Nick Ashford

2011-08-23T17:54:00.003-04:00

NEW YORK — Nick Ashford, one-half of the legendary Motown songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson that penned elegant, soulful classics for the likes of Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye and funk hits for Chaka Khan and others, died Monday at age 70, his former publicist said.

Liz Rosenberg, who also was Ashford's longtime friend, told The Associated Press that Ashford — who, along with wife Valerie Simpson, wrote some of Motown's biggest hits — died in a New York City hospital. He had been suffering from throat cancer and had undergone radiation treatment.

More Here

Arthur Lyman 2 for 1

2011-08-19T23:28:00.004-04:00

Arthur Lyman - Bwana'a & Bahia

Def Jam Lays Off Workforce, Hires Bruno Mars' Manager

2011-08-16T19:26:00.004-04:00

It's a sign of the times when prominent record labels are saying goodbye to the same employees who worked the campaigns of some of today's most popular rappers and singers. Def Jam, a storied entity in the hip-hop landscape, recently downsized, laying off more than 20 employees.

According to All Hip Hop, over 20 staff members and music industry executives like Chris Hicks and Jonathan McHugh were given their walking papers. However, both Hicks and McHugh will reportedly perform consulting work for Island Def Jam/Motown -- home to stars like Rihanna, Young Jeezy, Justin Bieber, Kanye West and Ne-Yo -- among other companies.

More Here at Allhiphop.com or theboombox.com

That old Def Jam just ain't what it used to be.
Ain't what it us to be.
Ain't what it us to be.

Get Ya Read On!!!

2011-08-05T09:35:00.002-04:00

September 2011 Issue

Rza To Release Headphones!!!

2011-07-13T09:16:00.005-04:00

The RZA teams up to release a new line of headphones.

This weekend, Swedish-based lifestyle company WeSC unveiled a new campaign promoting their line of Chambers headphones, a collaboration with Wu-Tang’s the RZA.

Following in the footsteps of numerous music artists and producers in recent years, Bobby Digital will be sporting his own brand of headphones. According to a report from Complex.com, the ‘phones will be offered in two designs — one for producers and DJs and one for street-wear.

In addition, reports say the headphones will be laced with LEDs that pulse to the beat of the music.

Chambers by RZA headphones are due out on August 26.

Watch the short trailer for the headphones below. Hit the official site to sign up to receive more information about the cans.

WeSC x RZA: Chambers By RZA from WeSC on Vimeo.

Source: abovegroundmagazine.com

Reason 6 Announced + Propellerheads Audio Interface

2011-07-12T20:13:00.005-04:00

Popular digital music app Reason has hit v6, and developers Propellerhead has celebrated by outing its first audio interface hardware. Now pulling the best of previously independent apps Reason and Record, including analog-style consoles, modeled EQ and extra effects, Reason 6 also also throws in a new “Pulverisor” crunchy compression tool, 64-bit compatibility and more. As for the audio interface, called Balance, it’s a combination two-in, two-out box and a basic control unit.

While Balance can only record in stereo, in fact there are eight connections so that multiple sources can be kept wired up and simply be switched between, avoiding cable juggling. There are hardware controls to trigger Reason’s tuner tool, and the ability to “heal clipped recorded audio” even if gain levels have been too high, thanks to Reason automatically grabbing some extended input beyond the manual gain, just in case.

Reason 6 will ship on September 30, priced at $449; the cut-down “Essentials” package will be $299. $499 gets you the Balance audio interface and a copy of Essentials; an upgrade to the full version of Reason 6 is $169.

Coming To The Stage........... NEW LINK ADDED!!

2010-05-14T19:49:00.008-04:00

Ladies and Gentleman! Boys and Girls! I give you the Most Official!!!

Most Official - Revenge of the Boom Bap

Alternate Link

Tracklist
1. Intro
2. Not the Same
3. None of yall Better
4. 3 The Hard Way ft. Knonam & Muja Messiah
5. Next Level ft. Global (D.A.P.O.)
6. Above the Crowds ft. St. Paul Slim & Knonam
7. 10 Rap Commandments
8. Like Me ft. Knonam
9. Take the Money ft. Kayne
10. Understand ft. Trama
11. Smoke
12. Do it All
13. Bout to Begin ft. Shadow

As you know I don't post hip hop here because I like to try to give you hard to find or forgotten gems. So for me to post this right here you know it has to be official. This is the type of hip hop that reminds you of the reason why you fell in love with the culture. I'm going to keep it simple as always and let you be the judge. But if I were you I wouldn't pass this one up!

-Styles

**Bonus**

Most Official - I'm Ya Guy

http://www.mostofficialonline.com/

No It's Not The Lion King OST

2010-05-07T23:26:00.003-04:00

Matata - Feelin Funky 1974

Compilation Time!!!!

2010-04-27T17:26:00.002-04:00

VA Creative Musicians (A Collection Of Highly Underrated Gems From 1963-1976)

Time to Clock In.......

2010-04-24T22:34:00.003-04:00

Funk Factory - Funk Factory 1975

Yeah It's Funky! So clock in and get to work on listening to this joint right here.
-Styles

Michael Leonhart is Dope!!! 4/20

2010-04-15T07:49:00.016-04:00

Born into a musical family, Michael Leonhart has developed into one of the most imaginative musicians of his time, sought throughout the music and entertainment world as a trumpet player, producer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and singer-songwriter.

As a solo artist Michael has released six albums -- "Aardvark Poses" (1995), "Glub Glub vol. 11" (1997), and "Slow" (2002) all on the Sunnyside label; "The Suzy Lattimore EP" (2005) & "The Ballad of Minton Quigley "(2006) self released and 2008's "Hotel Music" on limited edition vinyl with hand painted covers released through St. Ives (an imprint of Secretly Canadian). He has composed and performed music for movies, television, dance, fashion shows and theater, and has appeared on over 100 albums.

At age 17, Michael was honored as the youngest Grammy recipient in history, cited as the most outstanding musician in a U.S. high school. That same year ABC World News named him "Person of the Week". Michael has performed with Steely Dan since 1996, recording two albums with them, including 2000's Grammy winning Album of the Year "Two Against Nature" on which he was a featured soloist, arranger and conductor. He has performed and/or recorded with such diverse artists as A Tribe Called Quest, Arif Mardin, Arto Linsday, Bill Frisell, Bill Withers, Bobby McFerrin, Bonnie Raitt, Brian Eno, Busta Rhymes, Caetano Veloso, D.J. Spooky, David Byrne, Henry Mancini, James Brown, John Barry, Joshua Redman, Lenny Kravitz, Levon Helm, Mark Ronson, Michael McDonald, Mos Def, Natalie Merchant, Q-Tip, Raekwon (Wutang Clan), Slash (Guns and Roses/ Velvet Revolver), Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Todd Rundgren, and Wynton Marsalis.

Most recently, Michael recorded with Yoko Ono as a featured member of the Plastic Ono Band for her upcoming album, "Between My Head and the Sky". Michael also appears on upcoming albums by Sharon Jones and the Dapkings, Foreigner, Sean Lennon, and Yuka Honda (Cibo Matto). After 40 plus recordings as the house trumpet player for Truth and Soul records, the Brooklyn based funk and soul label will release Leonhart's heavy-funk concept album "Seahorse and the Storyteller" late this year.

Michael Leonhart & The Avramina 7 - Seahorse and The Storyteller

This one right here! I said this one right here is a straight adventure.
Michael Leonhart & The Avarmina 7 take you on a funky, soulful, psychedelic ride.
Backed by a 16 piece funk collective featuring members of The Dap-Kings, Plastic Ono Band, The Penomenal Handclap Band, Budos Band, Menahan Street Band, El Michels Affair, and Antibalas, among others should let you know that this album is the Truth.
I got my promo copy in the mail from the good people at Truth & Soul Records and popped the CD in and listened to it straight through. All killers no fillers is all I gotta say.
I say there's no better way to celebrate 4/20 (which is when the album drops, but you can pre-order it now) than to grab this album roll up a fat one and enjoy!

-Styles

MAKING OF SCOPOLAMINE

Truth & Soul Records
http://www.myspace.com/michaelleonhart

For Your Gear Lust.....

2010-04-02T21:43:00.004-04:00

May 2010 Issue

Apr. 2010 Issue

Get the DVD that goes with it here.

Funky Soul

2010-03-30T23:08:00.003-04:00

Willie and The Mighty Magnificents - Play That Funky Beat

All I have to say is that this is a must have. Some dope stuff on here, trust me.

Cool Jazz...

2010-03-22T12:15:00.003-04:00

Sonny Stitt & Paul Gonsalves - Salt & Pepper 1963

Check out the gear....

2010-03-14T21:23:00.004-04:00

Feb. 2010 Issue

Mar. 2010 Issue

2010-03-13T14:57:00.003-05:00

Brenda Tabs and the Tabulations - Top and Bottom Singles Collection 1969-1971

Here's another one to pull some sample from. But even if you don't make beats it's just some sweet soul music to relax and chill too.

E. Badu on EQ

2010-03-11T14:54:00.003-05:00

Can't wait for the new E. Badu album. I'm lovin' the first single.
See what she has to say in EQ Mag.

How 'Bout Some Library Music? Sure Why Not!

2010-03-05T05:14:00.003-05:00

KPM VA Library Afro Rock

Afro Rock by Vecchio

These 2 albums have some dope funk based rock tracks. Great sample fodder for the beat makers and even if you don't make beats you'll still want to grab these.

For the Beat Makers

2010-01-22T05:56:00.003-05:00

Propellerhead - Reason Soul School - the classic sounds of the three capitals Soul'a: Detroit, Memphis and Cincinnati. This oldskul! With Reason Soul School, Propellerhead Software's funk flavored ReFill, the soulful sound of the 60's and 70's is up for grabs. You won't find grooves rarer than these.

The Reason Soul School ReFill explores the classic sounds coming out of soul's three capitals: Detroit, Memphis and Cincinnati – and puts them in the midst of your Reason rack. Featuring twelve unique soul and funk instrumentals and all their musical elements – bass, drums, guitars and horns – this ReFill gets under the skin of the music. It's like having access to every channel – every instrument – on an old school rare groove multitrack tape!
MOAR TAPES
Live and lively

Composed exclusively for this ReFill and recorded using the finest in vintage technology, all material was played live by funk savvy musicians – simultaneously, without overdubs, for that genuine feel. The sound? Raw, gritty and authentic. Just like all those records you never dared to sample. We dare you not to sample this one.
REX:ed and ready

Every single drum fill, bass line, guitar riff and horn lick featured in Reason Soul School is in Propellerhead's REX format for full flexiblity and tempo independence.

Complementing the mass of loops and licks are the carefully multisampled versions of the included instruments. Perfect for adding embellishments and variety to to your soul stew.

Soul Keys
Also with this ReFill comes Reason Soul Keys, a vintage scented bonus ReFill containing keyboard patches for Propellerhead's finest sound libraries: Abbey Road Keyboards, Reason Pianos, Electro Mechanical (free download) and Reason's own Factory Sound Bank. Reason Soul Keys gives you a wide range of keyboards made to go hand in hand with Soul School: Celeste, Piano, Organ, Clavinet, Wurlitzer, Rhodes and more. Enjoy.

Manufacturer: Propellerheads
File type: ReFill

Get it Here

Get familiar with Dennis Farnon

2009-12-11T05:01:00.004-05:00

DENNIS FARNON - Boosey & Hawkes 1974

Buy It

More Jazz

2009-12-03T19:19:00.003-05:00

Shunzoh Ohno - Bubbles 1975

Get it!

Good Stuff Right Here!

Jazz Time

2009-11-27T09:29:00.004-05:00

This week I give you Japanese Jazz Pianist Mikio Masuda.

This is what Dusty Groove has to say:
A majestic set of spiritual jazz numbers -- performed by a core trio of Japanese pianist Miko Masuda, bassist Tsutomu Okada, and drummer Motohiko Hino -- with guest performances by Terumasa Hino on trumpet, Takao Uematsu on tenor, and Hideo Miyata on flute! The added horns really push the album strongly past the usual trio style of the time -- and it's clear that all players are drawing lots of inspiration from the post-Coltrane generation in the US -- using new freedoms to really express themselves in their music, yet never going to far outside in their pursuit of a soulful sound. The tracks are all long and soaring, with some really great rhythms.

Miko Masuda - Trace (1974)

Welcome To The Ghetto

2009-11-20T02:04:00.005-05:00

If you don't know about 'em, look them up. If you ever find a vinyl copy for cheap snatch it up.

That is all!

!Rare Album!

Damn! Damn! Damn!

2009-11-09T22:54:00.006-05:00

I know I haven't posted in a couple weeks, but it has been for a good reason. The free time I usually have to share some of my favorites was used to try my hand at a remix competition. I was my first time and I'll have to say it was Damn good fun. I'm just a hobbyist so I usually just make beats and do nothing with them, so this was a chance to challenge myself and see what I could do. Being that I had never created a remix I had to learn fast. So if you haven't been over to 4 Brothers Beats get over there and check out all the entries. I'm glad I'm not a judge, because there a lot of bangin' entries to pick from.

Warp to 4BB Blog

Warp to Damn! Myspace Page

And while you there pick up that Damn! EP.
Then follow the link to Dusty Groove to get the album "Lets' Zoom In"

-R. Styles

This Bitch is Black (she said it not me)!

2009-10-09T00:29:00.011-04:00

Enjoy the album it's a heater!

Yvonne Fair - The Bitch Is Black

Check out the CD reissue at Amazon!

Bonus Bonus Bonus!!!

China Folk Music

Sick Day!

2009-10-02T01:39:00.002-04:00

I've been feeling under the weather all week so I'm taking a sick day. So instead of posting I'm sending in a few subs. Follow the links.

-Styles

V.A. - BLACK IS SOUL. PAMA SINGLES COLLECTION (2000)

VA - Bang Bang Lulu - Pama Records

Chinese Stax?

2009-09-25T00:50:00.008-04:00

CHARMELS - "As Long As I've Got You" sampled for C.R.E.A.M

Well here we are again. Another week and another post. Once again I had something different I was going to post besides what I am posting today. It was a compilation but I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet. So I'm posting the Soul of Hip Hop, but wait there's more. Since the post I had planned had two volumes I'm going to throw in a tasty treat to get sour sampling on for all you beat makers. If your not a beat maker it's still a something nice to listen to in my opinion. Well since I'm tired and tired of typing, I'll give you these and I'm off to bed. Enjoy!

1. 24-CARAT BLACK - "Ghetto: Misfortune's Wealth"
2. THE EMOTIONS - "Blind Alley"
3. BOOKER T. & THE MGs - "Melting Pot"
4. THE BAR-KAYS - "Humpin'"
5. THE DRAMATICS - "Get Up and Get Down"
6. ISAAC HAYES - "Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic"
7. ISAAC HAYES - "Hung Up On My Baby"
8. DAVID PORTER - "I'm Afraid the Masquerade Is Over"
9. WENDY RENE - "After the Laughter (Comes Tears)"
10. CHARMELS - "As Long As I've Got You"
11. THE SWEET INSPIRATIONS - "Why Marry"
12. RUFUS THOMAS - "Do the Funky Penguin (Part 1)"
13. LITTLE MILTON - "Packed Up and Took My Mind"
14. WILLIAM BELL - "I Forgot To Be Your Lover"

Bonus! Bonus! Bonus!

I'm Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-18T03:46:00.006-04:00

Yeah I know it's been a while but sometime you gotta take a break. Stop and smell the flowers. Spend time with the fam or just veg out. I know a lot of you won't even read this because your just here for the music. Well I'll get to that now. Who cares where I've been and what I've been doing. The important thing is that I'm back with music and more. More now also means you have to put up with my rants and run on sentences. All right now for some music.

I had a nice post all ready, but before I drop a post I like to see if someone else has already beat me to it. And yes the post I had prepared was already floating around. So I'll tell you what I was going to post and where to get it.

Two dope albums in my opinion and you can get them over at zamboni. So jump over there grab 'em and leave a nice comment.

So moving on to what I'm posting. I saw these around the blogs but not both at the same spot. So here's you chance to grab both at the same time, same place. These are 2 funky compilations right here so you better get them before they are gone.

VA Dramatic Funk Themes Vol. 1

VA Dramatic Funk Themes Vol. 2

Get it while it's hot and I'll see ya, next week!