Posted by: Jay

In my continuing effort to confuse the hell out of everyone who may be attempting to figure out just what kind of music I play, I present my new podcast: “The Warmup”. It’s BPM ranges from 85 to 135. It has some tracks that really could be described as “funky lounge step”. It’s chalk full of breaks, Hip Hop, funk, and even features some bass wobble. It’s like no set you’ve ever heard from me before.

And you know what? I LOVE it. As I’m you may have heard somewhere I’m doing this new Happy Hour party, so expanding my mid-tempo, lounge flavored music not only was must, but proved to be incredibly liberating.

So now I’m really curious: what do YOU think if this mix? Seriously, is this some thing you could get your lounge on to?

DJ Jay - “The Warmup” (right click and “save as…” to download)

Tracklist:
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Posted by: Cor

Everyone’s favorite jazz-house producer (okay, mine) has a brand new single out. There are a few different versions of The Phantom, but the one below is by far the most danceable.* Check it out below, and because I’m a nice guy, have a bonus Parov track on the house. Go on, you deserve it.

The Phantom (1930 Version)

Ragtime Cat

*You can check out the original version and buy the track over at Beatport.

Posted by: Cor

It’s about damn time I put a few Parov Stelar tracks up here for you guys; I’ve been a fan for years and I still haven’t given him his due propers. Like Gramatik, he combines old jazz samples with beats and breaks to great effect, though Parov keeps his beats more uptempo, giving house and breakbeat tracks an infectious 1930s swing vibe. Check out some sample tracks below, and if you find yourself wanting to bust out the ol’ Charleston, then shuffle on over to Amazon for a wide selection of his work.

Kisskiss

Get Up On Your Feet

Libella Swing

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And lastly, if you’ve been digging the jazzy stuff I’ve been posting here recently, don’t miss this Tuesday night, when I’ll be spinning once again at the SF Green Drinks monthly gathering at 111 Minna (at the corner of Minna and 2nd street, as if you didn’t know that.) I’ll be on the decks from 7-9 pm, providing a soundtrack of sustainable nu jazz and downtempo in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Word on the street is I’ll even be joined by a special guest star from the Beatery crew. Hmmmm… who could it be? I guess you’ll have to show up to find out. See you there!

Posted by: Cor

The other day I ventured into Beatport’s “Chill Out” section looking for some new downtempo, noticed the top ten chart was dominated by this dude I’d never heard of, Gramatik. So naturally I gave the tracks a listen and was delighted to hear a soulful blend of electronic, hip hop, breaks, jazz and soul. Fans of Mocean Worker, RJD2 and Ninja Tunes artists Mr. Scuff and Herbaliser know the sound. I’m a fan. I’m not sure whether to call this cut and paste, trip hop, jazz-hop, acid jazz, nu jazz, but I fucking love the stuff. How the hell did I miss this guy before now? Well, better late than never, I guess. I bought the full album Street Bangerz Volume 2 immediately, and I’m sure I’ll be going back for Volume 1 before long.

Not only does Gramatik rock the jazzy style like champ, but browsing through his extensive catalog I found he’s no slouch when it comes to electro and tech house either. Check out the hiphop/jazz/soul/breaks tracks below, and hit the link at the bottom to hear the tech house track Equilibrium. And then go get yourself some Gramatik.

Hit That Jive

Just Jammin’

Don’t You Know

Straight Off The Block

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Gramatik on myspace

Amazon download links:
Street Bangerz Vol. 1
Street Bangerz Vol. 2
Pretty much all his stuff, a la cart (88 tracks)

Expand for Equilibrium…
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