Summer Sound: Deep Winter

…just posted a new music player on the soundcloud. Preesh to GKoop, the producer on these tracks.

The Messy Jiverson Reunion

We are stoked about the upcoming Messy Jiverson show on Wednesday, November 21.  It’s been around 2 years since we last played together live and the tunes are feeling real fresh again.  The band’s line up will be a 7-piece for this show.  For more show info visit our FB Event Page, messyjiverson.com, loyalfamily.com or 2720Cherokee.com and I hope to see you there!!

Gift Of Gab - 'The Next Logical Progression' has dropped!!

It’s time for the new record from Gift Of Gab to drop!  It’s called The Next Logical Progression and it was produced by G Koop out west in Oakland CA.  Gift Of Gab is one half of the group Blackalicious that has released three LP’s of classic status.  Check out Gift Of Gab’s website at http://giftofgab.tv/ or his Madison House artist page here.  The new record is full of hard beats, mad keyboards, and of course great lyrics from one of the most talented in the game.  The record also features George Clinton of Parliament Funkadelic as well as other great guest vocalists.  I am playing keyboards these three tracks; Wack But Good People, Dream Master, and Beyond Logic.  Other guest musicians include fellow Berklee alumni Graham Richards (O-Man) on keyboards, Benjamin Wright on bass, Samantha Kravitz on vocals, and mastering engineer Anthony Caruso.  Enjoy!!

 

..more New Music Released f. George Clinton + Kim Manning + G Koop + Nate Carpenter

The Indie Gogo Campaign for George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic continues on with another EXCLUSIVE TRACK released only to those who contribute $1 or more this week towards the goal of the campaign.  Once again, George Clinton is battling in court for the rights to original music he created and is asking for crowd contributions to help him and Parliament Funkadelic improve their studio conditions.  To check out the full details of the campaign, visit the campaign page HERE at IndieGogo.com.  This weeks exclusive track features Kim Manning, Parliament Funkadelic vocalist, along with George Clinton on vocals, production by G Koop, and I am again featured on the Moog Synthesizer.  The track was mastered by Anthony Caruso.  Again, be sure to visit the campaign page and contribute to the cause of funding further explorations in funk!  Thanks for your support and enjoy the track!!

George Clinton IndieGogo Campaign + New Exclusive Track Release

As you may or may not have heard, George Clinton has been in countless battles in recent years over copyrights to original material recorded by him.  To overcome this theft and intellectual injustice, he and his funkadelic crew have started a campaign through the popular website IndieGogo.com.  George is looking to raise much needed funds towards the restoration and preservation of original recordings, to aid in further production of funk, and improve conditions in his studio space as he continues to battle for rights to his own songs.  As of the time of this post, the fans of the funk have come together to raise $14,600 dollars towards the goal of $50,000.

I am pleased to announce via the campaign that for this week only, there is a BRAND NEW EXCLUSIVE TRACK available for download for those who contribute at least $1 towards the goal for the campaign.  The track features Kandy Apple Red and George Clinton on vocals.  It was produced by George Clinton, Michael “Clip” Payne, G Koop, and I am a guest artist on the Moog Synthesizer.  This track is available for download to those who contribute this week only, so don’t delay!!

You can check out the campaign details by clicking HERE
….or jump straight to making a contribution and downloading the exclusive track from here by clicking CONTRIBUTE.

Celebrate J DILLA – Feb 10 @ The Gramophone

On February 10, we will celebrate J Dilla live at The Gramophone with at special show featuring a tribute set by DOWNSTEREO w/guest MC’s, sets by Nappy DJ Needles, and a Beat Battle hosted by Finsta.  Part of the proceeds from the door will go to the J Dilla Foundation so be sure to come out and support a great cause.  The one and only James Yancey has always been a huge influence on us and contributed so much music during his short stay in this life, so this evening will be a great opportunity to recognize and remember all the amazing music that Jay Dee got to make.

 

Gift Of Gab - Protocol f. Samantha Kravitz

The brand new and upcoming Gift Of Gab solo album titled The Next Logical Progression drops March 27th on Quannum Projects.  Gift Of Gab (Blackalicious) is one of the best out there and on this one he raps over fresh new funky beats from gold record hip-hop producer GKoop of Oakland CA.  The album also has some other great guest artists such as George Clinton (Parliament Funkadelic) and other fellow Berklee alumni.  I was fortunate enough and super stoked to get to play some pianos and synths on a handful of the tracks on this record during a visit to GKoop’s studio last summer.  Check out the first leaked FREE download track Protocol featuring the one and only Samantha Kravitz and stay tuned for more news on this release.

FREE DOWNLOAD: Gift Of Gab – Protocol f. Samantha Kravitz

01 NLP
02 Introlude
03 Rise f Raashan Ahmad & Zumbi (of Zion I)
04 Protocol f. Samantha Kravitz
05 Everything Is Fine f. George Clinton & Latyrx
06 Toxic f, Martin Luther
07 Wack But Good People
08 Effed Up
09 Market & 8th
10 Dream Warrior f. Ms K
11 So So Much
12 Beyond Logic

'Speak Easy' Independent Movie Premiere 11.1.11

I am excited to announce that the premiere of the film ‘Speak Easy’, which I myself along with Gavin Duffy composed the original score to, will debut at Chase Park Plaza on November 1, 2011. It was a pleasure to work on and I am very excited to see it up on the big screen. Here is some info from the Facebook Event Page. I hope you can make it out to see the film next Tuesday and thanks for your support.

62 minuntes – Independent – Super Low Budget – HD Video

Narrative Fiction – Dark Comedy

Barney Monroe has lived in his house for thirty years, and hasn’t lifted a finger. Content with drinking beer and entertaining guests in the basement speak easy, Barney’s biggest problem seems to be the growing line for the bathroom and the need to find a plunger.

An amusing cast of characters populate and support SPEAK EASY, a portrait of a South Saint Louis Hoosier; as just another day at Barney Monroe’s house unravels.

Shot entirely on location in South Saint Louis – Benton Park Neighborhood, at Dick’s and the Historic Lemp Mansion.

Preview:



Written and Directed by: Billy Benner

Produced by: BAM Concepts

Starring: Dick Pointer

Featuring: Peter Vincent Kruchowski, George Malich, Sarah Jones, Simon Duffy, Marty Tino Cosentino, and Robert S. Spruill

Musical Performances by: Catherine Kustelski, and Black James

Original Score by: Nate Carpenter and Gavin Duffy

With: the Bunch Brigade, Fred Friction, John Koins, Scotty Hooper, Larva Lu, Eleanor Balson, Johnny Vegas, Jennifer Shriner, Will Huie, Vincent Long, and more.

Special Thanks to the entire cast and crew, your energy and contributions to our project have been crucial to our success. Shout OUT to: the Lemp Mansion for providing craft services and First Punch Film Production for generous lighting/equipment support.

SPEAK EASY – Independent Movie Premier – 11.01.11 – Chase Park Plasa 7:30pm

A $10 ticket price goes to support independent movie making in Saint Louis. Seating is limited so please consider pre-ordering your tickets. For details talk to Billy or Mike.