Jazz Rooms return to Melbourne
Order of Melbourne:
Saturday 14th August
Feat. THE BOMBAY ROYALE,
Russ Dewbury/Blair Stafford + Guests
If you made it down to the last (A night at the) Jazz Rooms show at the Order of Melbourne, featuring POAO, you know what it’s all about. The POAO were dope! Quite possibly the best thing to happen at The Order of Melbourne – ever. Keeping with the outernational flavours, the next Jazz Rooms show will feature Bombay Royale + Jazz Rooms founder, Russ Dewbury.
FROM PRESS RELEASE: DJ Russ Dewbury, founder of the Brighton Jazz Rooms has become the first international dj/promoter to achieve a Distinguished Talent Visa for permanent residency in Australia. In a musical career spanning 23 years Russ has achieved a reputation as one of the best djs on the worldwide underground music circuit. Working with everyone from Art Blakey to The Roots Russ is also well known for his Jazz Bop live Festival, New Jazz Spectrum Radio show and many Record compilations and productions. Russ has recently relocated to Australia bringing with him a club concept that is much celebrated by the underground music community. Running consecutively for over 21 years in the UK, featuring all over the globe and now playing to packed houses in Sydney and Perth, “A Night at the Jazz Rooms” is a fresh new live/dj club night for Melbourne with Jazz at its core.
Expect a heavyweight mix of Jazz/Soul/Funk/Afro/Latin hooked up with Hip Hop/Drum n Bass and House (House? WTF!) brought to you by resident DJ and host Russ Dewbury and featuring some of the heaviest homegrown live acts and Djs around.
The Bombay Royale are a new Melbourne based 12 piece Indian Bollywood Funk outfit attracting a buzz after a handful of live shows. This innovative live ensemble play a high octane mix of slamming Disco, Funk and Surf tunes from 1960’s and 1970’s Bollywood. Drawing on a wide range of influences from Indian Cinematic music to Jazz, Funk and Afro luminaries Quincy Jones, Ennio Morricone and the Budos Band the band create a heady cocktail of Eastern and Western influences making for a sensational live experience.
Bombay Royale feature vocalists Parvyn Singh and Shourov Bhattacharya who sing largely in Hindi and comprise members from the cream of Melbourne’s live music scene, including bands such as Labjacd, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, San Lazaro, Mr Savona, Vulgagrad and Illzilla. Featured percussionist’s are Sam Evans, widely recognised as one of the finest tabla players in the country and multiinstrumentalist Josh Bennett who plays sitar, dilruba and tabla. The band gave their debut performance in April 2010 to wide acclaim and this is a project to keep your eye on. Experience the flavour of one of the world’s legendary club sessions as the “Jazz Rooms” returns to Melbourne after our slamming debut show!
Sealed for Freshness!
Posted by Rex in Fresh stock, Funk 45 of the Month on July 2nd, 2010
Funk 45 of the Month
Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro
(Ain’t Got Nobody)
Just A Rambling Man
bw. Tell Me A Bedtime Story
Chris had this to say:
“Insane!! Australian Exclusive…heavy heavy dancefloor funk from the Japanese KINGS of the funky JB sound. Shin tells me this 7″ is just about ALL SOLD out around the world. And we have the last 20 copies in the world!! Not only are these funky but they are sealed 7″s!!! The A side is really a super heavy dancefloor bomb, very fast and very heavy on the drums! The B Side is a super dope prestige flavoured number that would get them wiggling on the floor as well!! Starting off with the wah wah sound and then rolls into great solos. Do your self the favour!”
And I should add:
“Side B is of course a cover of Herbie Hancock – from the Fat Albert Rotunda LP (on Warner, not Prestige!). Man – this 45 is smokin’ hot! Sinister drumming on the plug side - burning guitar, searing horns – get on the floor or get burnt… Did I say this was smokin’ hot? Check it ya damn self. Don’t sleep, they’re flying out the door. ”
Comes in a factory sealed plastic sleeve. So fresh!
Gill = Daicos !!
I’ve lived in Melbourne for 10 years, and I couldn’t give a rat’s arse about AFL. I’ve upset many people by claiming to be a ‘conscientious objector’ when it comes to the the game that Victorians call ‘football‘. I could go on for days… but, on Sunday I put all my prejudices aside and joined 10,000 other ‘music lovers’ to support the 2010 Community Cup. With the likes of Chris “The Macedonian Marvel” Gill, Ethan “Manchild” Hill, and Zack “Rampage” Rampage taking to the field for the RRR/PBS Megahertz, I felt it my duty to at least go for a look (laugh).
For my first venture into the realm of Victorian Rules since moving to Melbourne more than 10 years ago, I have to admit it wasn’t actually so bad (but it wasn’t actually footy either??). There were streakers, strippers, rock dogs (and their dogs), copious amounts of ice cold Melbourne Bitter, thick plumes of green smoke and more beer guts than I’ve ever seen in one place. The only resemblance to real football (AFL that is) as I understand it, was the sheer volume of tattoos! (oh, and Chris Gill’s shorts).
In what can only be described as a ‘miracle’, the RRR/PBS Megahertz staged a final quarter revival to snatch victory in the dying seconds and take out the 2010 Community Cup. (sadly, I’d had all the footy I could take by this stage and left with about 10 minutes to go – certain that the Espy Rock Dogs would run out comfortable victors). With the final score 41-40 in favour of the the Megahertz, there is no doubt that the real winner on the day was music and the punters, followed closely by CUB. A MASSIVE congratulations goes out to Chris ‘Peter Daicos’ Gill for his his sterling performance which earned him the much-prized Steve Connelly medal for “Best on Ground”. Never again will anyone even imagine telling Chris that his son Otis might have to sit out of of the ‘half time’ Aus Kick game between Collingwood and Essendon (on Anzac Day), or even worse, suggest that Otis “could maybe have a run for Carlton next time”. Good on ya Chris – that’s one way to show those fools!
One of our Northside regulars managed to loiter around long enough to capture this fantastic image of Chris leaving the ground afterwards. The knock on the head he received early in the first quarter certainly didn’t upset his sense of style! Obviously – his dunlop volleys are in the yellow bag along with the Steve Connelly Medal and his heavily soiled Megahertz shorts and singlet thing. If you want the full rundown – tune into Chris’ radio show (Get Down on RRR) this Thursday from noon, where you’re sure to get the insider’s critique on what was arguably the greatest game of football ever!
Congratulations to all the players, organisers and bands who made it such an auspicious occasion. Who knows… next year I might even stick until the final whistle blows.
While you were sleeping…
Posted by Rex in Fresh stock, Recent releases, Record of the Month on June 18th, 2010
Records of the Month
Lee Fields: My World
Kings Go Forth:
The Outsiders Are Back
I love these records, my 4 year old daughter loves these records, my 62 year old mother loves these records, and even my friends in Sydney like these records! Pretty much says it all if you ask me.
Neither are actually new releases – BUT, both have dropped recently and are available at Northside. This is some heavy heavy shit. They’ll tear out your heart and soul - and then they’ll do it again. This is the kind of music that is dangerous to listen to while driving – it will have you zoning out; missing turn-offs, running red lights and exceeding the speed limit. They are so f*cking good I just can’t find words to describe… but let me try…
My World is amazing! Lee Fields and the Expressions take soul above and beyond all previous attempts of the new millenium. This is serious soul music with a healthy does of funk nastiness to boot. Tunes like ‘My World’ and ‘Honey Dove’ are beautiful; rich and lush like classic Philly and Chicago Soul, raw and lean like the best James Brown, and heart wrenching like Otis Redding or the deepest funk 45’s. Then - you have tunes like ‘Money is King’ – still soul, but with a funk edge that just makes you wanna smash some fool. The Expressions are an all-star line up that features Leon Michels (El Michels Affair), Homer Steinweiss + Tommy TNT Brenneck (The Dap Kings), Toby Pazner (The Olympians), Michael Leonhart (The Avrimina 7). Damn, Enough talk – buy this record today.
KIngs Go Forth follow up their succession of amazing 7-inch releases with what is perhaps the greatest funk record of the decade. The Outsiders Are Back is definitely an apt title for this incredible album. This Milwaukee-based group serves up heady mix of funk, soul and RnB with a spoon full of disco and pinch of reggae. Every cut is a stone-cold monster. Just ask the heads around town like Miss Goldie, Callum Flack or DJ Manchild – this shit is the shit. It’s hard to pick a favourite from this record (CD), but the instant-classic ‘One Day’ and latest single ‘I Don’t Love You No More’ are definite stand outs. Other tunes like ‘Now We’re Gone’ have become standards at nights like Soul A Go Go and every other credible soul night in the world. Get up, get in to it, get involved! This is an album that anyone with any inclination towards soul or funk music should own.
The vinyl release of the KGF album is not out yet, but we should have it really soon. In the meantime we have the CD and some of the singles (on Mr. C’s). Don’t sleep any longer – and take care when driving.
Diggin’ up the Tasman
Posted by Rex in DJ Mix (Downloads), In the crates, News on May 27th, 2010
Sure Be Nice
To Make Some Money
A Mixtape thing in 3 parts
Dig this ~ Here’s a pretty loose mix of tracks that I made for the shop (Northside) a couple of years back. It’s a collection of obscure and lesser known Australian and New Zealand records that I’ve found in my travels. It’s a mixed bag of jazz, blues/rock, funk, soul and more. Although some compositions are not necessarily originals - the interpretations of these classic tunes and ‘breakbeat standards’ are def worth checking out.
Strictly Australian and New Zealand artists. Some of these records are in pretty rough condition, so apologies for any background noise – at least you know it’s the real deal. The aim here was to compile some local tunes that have been overlooked on the ‘Heading in The Right Direction‘ and ‘Respect Overdue‘ Series’. Hopefully there are some tunes here you have never heard before…? A couple of these have been comped elsewhere since I recorded this mix, but there are still some extra tasteful moments within that will have you scratching your head. Enjoy!
There’s more than 85 minutes of audio here so it has been chopped it into 3 parts to make it a little easier to download. Click on the links (parts 1, 2 & 3) to listen and download.
Part 1.
1. METAPHYSICAL BREAK (EDIT): PETER O’MARA
2. A MESSAGE FROM THE REBELS
3. 3500: TODAY THIS WAY
4. SURVIVOR: RON BARRY EXPRESS
5. WORLD IS A GHETTO: ALAN LEE QUINTET
6. WORK SONG: THE DYNAMIC JUNE SMITH
7. THE GHETTO: SKYLIGHT
Part 2.
8. BACK ON THE STREETS AGAIN: BILLY THORPE
9. LOVE IS FOREVER: JEFF ST. JOHN
10. BRAND NEW BAG: THE ID
11. ODE TO BILLIE JOE: MARGARET ROADKNIGHT
12. ALL RIGHT IN THE CITY: QUINCY CONSERVE
13. IT’S JUST BEGUN: HOT CITY BUMP BAND
14. MOVE ON UP: QUINCY CONSERVE
15. MAXIMUM LOAD: MAXIMUM LOAD (aka JUNE SMITH)
Part 3.
16. THEM CHANGES: MISS RENEE
17. DJERBA (EDIT): LEEK SOUP
18. I FEEL GOOD: THE QUINCY CONSERVE
19. SPINNING WHEEL: WILLPOWER
20. ONLY TIME WILL TELL: JEANNIE LEWIS
21. ESPY SOUL STEW: DIANNA KISS*
* Never released on vinyl. CD release only
I’ve not supplied 100% accurate info in this tracklist for the obvious reasons. If you want to know anymore about any of these tunes, just hit us up and we can shed some light on some of the more mysterious artsits and tunes here. Hope you enjoy. If you’re feeling it – send donations to me (Rex) care of Northside records. Trying to raise $1,000,000.00 for ongoing vinyl research (and to pay the artists).
Shout outs to Johnny Topper, Takse, DJ Sheep (Tasman Connection), James ‘Votary’ Pianta, Dave Reitman, Katalyst, Vinko, Idem, Arks, Roger at Mainly Jazz and the rest of you (us) freaks. There are still more records out there…
Pictured right: just some records – not necessarily from this mix, but made in the same 2 countries.
Right Click, 1-2, 1-2…
Posted by Rex in Afro Funk, DJ Mix (Downloads), Fresh stock on May 3rd, 2010
By-products of the Timeless Series:
Quantic presents ADDIS to AXUM Mix
Northside has been a fan of Quantic’s explorations of African music for a long time now. In some ways we can thank Quantic for helping bring Mulatu to Melbourne for the first time this week. Here’s a hot little link to a recent posting of a super Quantic DJ set featuring some of the best Ethiopian music the west has uncovered so far!
Check it, DOWNLOAD HERE: exclusive-quantic-mulatu-show-mix
The Timeless Concert Series wasn’t just a series of stunning performances. All the shows were framed by our favorite DJs. From Madlib to J.Rocc to DJ Nuts and more. Cut Chemist even raised the bar with a one turntable romp!
For the Mulatu show, Quantic brought along something very special .
In 2004 Quantic, Miles Cleret and B+ went to Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia to find records and meet with Mulatu Astatke. It was there and then the first thoughts of bringing Mulatu to LA were hatched. So it was fitting that Quantic came to LA to DJ for Mulatu and brought with him records almost all found on that first unique trip.
Ethiopia has many musical traditions indeed not all of them have made it to vinyl. But those chunks of plastic contain some secrets that you really have to go to Addis to find. Trawling ebay is never the same as a trip to East Africa.
Quantic made that trip. And at the Luckman Theater on February 1st, 2009 he buckled everyone in, and took us on a one hour flight back. Here is his DJ set in its entirety. Don’t be alarmed by the crackle, that’s what 30 plus year old records sound like.
Quantic and Mulatu records and CDs instore at Northside. I hear Chris even has a couple of autographed Mulatu LPs up his sleeve. Lean on him.
Lagos Disco Inferno
Posted by Rex in Afro Funk, Fresh stock, Recent releases, Record of the Month on April 13th, 2010
Believe the Hype
WOW! This record and the dedication that has gone into making it happen is amazing. In doing a little research for this release, I’ve found one of the best things on the web! Check out the VOODOO FUNK blog. The info, pics and love here is hard to beat.
From the press release:
Compiled by Frank Gossner of Voodoofunk.com, this record contains 12 tracks that represent the sound of Lagos in the late 1970s.
Dean Disi (Music Journalist and formerly Director of Lagos based label TYC Records) wrote the liner notes for this album: ”It was the era of sheer ecstasy. The music not only represents the vibrancy of youthful expressionism of the time but is also deeply rooted in African rhythm though not traditional in phraseology… This collection of songs marks the development of Nigerian urban pop culture… There was diametric difference in the music of the discos and the music play by the groups. Disco music as played by the DJs was essentially western. The fans could connect with this easily. It was hip, urban and stimulating. The young Nigerian groups were hooked on it and tried to play it but with a distinctive African stamp of their own.”
Some of the artists on this record were stars of their times while others remained in obscurity.
And here is what makes Nigerian Disco so special:
Lagos by the 1970s was a huge metropolitan city. Due to the oil boom, there was money to be made with music and nightlife and big international record labels like EMI, Decca and Philips had set up their recording studios that for a big part got equipped with vintage hardware handed down from their European franchises. So as the sound of the late 70s and early 80s in Europe and in the US got more and more modern and from todays point of view just plain shitty, overloaded with ugly sounding Roland keyboards, the sound of Lagos was dominated by powerful horn sections, heavy drums and percussion instruments. There’s plenty of early Moog synthesizers but no synth-generated strings or fake horns.
EMI’s house producer Emmanuel Odenusi had worked with Fela for many years, defining the sound of Afrobeat. Kayode Salami who produced another couple of tracks on this album also was responsible for the incredible sound of the famous debut LP by Psych-Rock group Ofege.
Lagos, a uniquely vibrant, gritty, energetic and sometimes quite dangerous tropical metropolis has always been much more than just a city. A state of mind where third world poverty met the oil boom, where African traditions clashed with Western decadence.
Make no mistake, this stuff will have you dance in a feverish rush in no time.
Side 1: DORIS EBONG - Boogie Trip 5:28 GEALDO PINO - African Hustle 5:25 GROTTO - Bad City Girl 5:34
Side 2: POGO LTD. - Don’t Put Me Down 4:37 ASIKO ROCK GROUP - Everybody Get Down 8:17 PARADISE STARS - Boogie Train 5:31
Side 3: DORGU - Rover Man 4:37 MFB - Boredom Pain 5:06 ESSIEN - Take Life Easy 4:14 TIROGO - Dancing Machine 4:03
Side 4: BLO – Root 3:24 NANA LOVE - Hang On 14:45
Record Store Day – April 17
The Bamboos explode at Northside Records!
It’s almost that time again – International Record Store Day. To celebrate, and entice you away from your laptop and illegal downloads for a day, Northside Records is proud to present THE BAMBOOS, appearing live instore at 3pm on Saturday April 17. We’re not sure where we are going to put them all, or how anyone else will be able to actually get into the store once the band is setup, but that’s a minor detail. The important thing is live music from one of Australia’s hottest soul/funk outfits. In past years we’ve been lucky enough to host Cookin’ on 3 Burners, but this is gonna be some next level shit! The Bamboos are set to tear up Gertrude St. with a frantic 30 minute set of smoking soul and funk tunes. It’s gonna be a riot!
Entry will be free, and aside from the band, Northside will be offering some other special deals to celebrate Record Store Day, like Chris’ famous 6 reissues for $100, give-aways and dance demonstrations from the funky man himself. If you want to see the Bamboos up close, we suggest you get in early because it’s gonna get damn steamy with so much funk in one place. 3pm sharp. Don’t sleep.
More information about Record Store Day can be found on the official website, along with a comprehensive list of all the record stores who will be participating around the world. Keep vinyl alive and dip into your deep pockets for one very special day of train-spotting and nerding-out. ‘Nuff said.
Blisterfinger: Pimp my own shit…
Who writes this rubbish?
I’ve been pimping the Northside bizniz for some time now, so just for a sec I’m going to talk about my own shit!
When I’m not working at the shop, writing highly opinionated record reviews and making slanderous comments about Chris Gill on this blog, I work doing a bunch of other things – Graphic Design, Copywriting, Promotion and the odd DJ spot. I’ve been doing it for longer than I care to mention and during this time I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing people. A lot of my work, especially my freelance design, has been music related and that’s why I’m here blowing my whistle on the Northside blog.
Some of clients over recent years include such record labels as BBE, Unique, Invada, Universal, Crookneck and Obese, artists and musicians including Space Invadas, Katalyst, Dynamo Productions, Fdel, Flow Dynamics, Raph Boogie, A-Love, F&d, Mnemonic Ascent and many more. Other projects and clients of note include Behind The Beat (Gingko Press), PBS FM 106.7, Beci Orpin (online store), Revolver Upstairs and of course, last but not least, Northside Records.
Sounds kind of glamourous? Well, it ain’t. The music industry is in a rapid state of decay, and musicians and record labels (and record stores) never had any money to start with! It’s really for the love of music and a chance to work with artists and labels I admire. Sure it has some perks, like free tickets, backstage passes and some free booze – but unfortunately my landlord is not willing to accept these in exchange for rental accommodation…. which brings me to my point, shameless self-promotion.
You may have seen the link to BLISTERFINGER on the Family & Friends section of this website? That’s me, and that is what I call my ‘mixed business’. Check out the Blisterfinger myspace page, and stay tuned for my new website and folio online soon. If you’re looking for a designer, art director, copywriter, DJ, or just someone to make slanderous comments about you, hit me up via any of the contacts on the links below – or get in touch with Northside for more info. Hope I didn’t bore you too much!
Soul-A-Go-Go Returns
Saturday April 3
9pm onwards…
Soul-A-Go-Go is back after 3 months of rest, rehab and record collecting. There may be new venue, but the same good times are guaranteed when PBS presents Melbourne’s finest monthly night of Funk & Soul dancefloor burners. Just as with the previous nights, the Johnson will operate two rooms, splitting the Soul DJs and Funk DJs across 2 floors. We’re not really sure what PBS have up their sleeve for the re-opening night – but expect the new Soul A Go Go to be bigger and even better than before.
The soul room will be shaking to the sounds of Vince Peach, Pierre Baroni, Emma Peel, Richie 1250 and live band Saskwatch! In the funk room it’s gonna get nasty with DJ Manchild, Miss Goldie and Zack Rampage tearing it up for PBS, along with special guests - Northside’s one and only Chris ‘Funky Sneakers’ Gill and Minister for Misinformation, Rex aka. Mistarex.
It’s not often that any of the Northside Crew appear on the same bill – so both Chris and I are looking forward to burning the house down with our favourite and most ferocious funk 45’s and vinyl rarities. I’m also excited about seeing Melbourne’s best and most innovative DJ dance moves from the original master of the ‘hip drop’ and long time pundit of the Dunlop Volley, Chris ‘I’m Busy, I’ll call you back’ Gill. We’ve said it before – but we’ll say it again: Sensible shoes is a must. Get Down!
Check the PBS website or keep your eye out for PBS posters featuring Tina Turner (hopefully not singing Nutbush), for more information. Rest assured, no one in the funk room is gonna play Nutbush. Just to prove it I thought I’d best knock up a Northside rebel flyer.
