Radio Show – Rarities

Tonight’s show is uncommon albums in my collection.

The criteria I used to make my choices are pretty straightforward:

1. The album is in my collection
2. Less than 500 people have it (on Discogs)
3. They can’t be all jazz albums

If you’re not familiar with Discogs, it’s an online marketplace that allows you to catalog your collection of Music, regardless of medium. You can view my library [here]. There are over 9,000,000 releases on the website as of January of 2017 and 379,423 contributors of which I have a score of 1. Not first place, nor last but one of 346,567. Probably somewhere around the low 300,000’s.

Discogs shows you how many people have a release, the last time it was sold, and the average Low/Mid/High prices that it sold for. There is only one selection on tonights show that has not been sold on Discogs. Alongside the album title/song is how many people have and want the album on Discogs.

If you want to pick up any of the albums in this post, click the album cover to check it out on Amazon.

Bobby Blue Bland & B.B. King – Together Again – The Thrill is Gone

(173 have 15 want)

I have two albums recorded by these two live, Together for The First Time, and Together Again. This one is my favorite of the two, but as I write this, I’m wanting to listen to the former for a comparison. The stage play between these two is hilarious. I would have loved to be there for this performance.

Kenny G (Featuring Michael Bolton) – Live (1989) Don’t Make Me Wait for Love

(129 have 42 want)

My first remembered concert was Kenny G performing in Jacksonville, Florida at a jazz festival. I was around 4 or 5, and that soprano sax was torture on my eardrums. I liked him on CD but didn’t have the aural capacity for him live. In hindsight, I wish I could have enjoyed that show. Enter this selection, there’s just something about Kenny G and Michael Bolton together.

The Foreign Exchange ‎– Authenticity – Make Me A Fool

(119 have 90 want)

If you’re not familiar with the Foreign Exchange, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Or you’ve been living under an aural rock, or you’re going to look them up right now…[here]. They didn’t press a lot of copies of this album, and I’m fortunate enough to have an autographed copy. I fell in love with their sound the first time I heard them; sometime during 2008 in my hometown of Washington DC.

John Coltrane – Giant Steps – Countdown

(225 have 267 want)

Jazz has always been a massive part of my life. My mother played a lot of Kenny G, Najee, and Miles. I developed my own tastes from my movie selections of my adolescence and teenage years. Love Jones was the first time my ears were graced with the tenor saxophone of John Coltrane, and now I have about 11 of his albums on vinyl. I think there are a few more to go.

Esperanza Spalding ‎– Emily’s D+Evolution – Rest In Pleasure

(318 have 114 want)

Having seen this album performed in its entirety live; twice, I can say that this is my most played Esperanza Spalding album. I’ve slowed down, it is one of my favorite albums and a special one. All of my albums are special, but I really bonded with the music of Emily (the alter ego of dear Esperanza).

Art Ensemble Of Chicago ‎– Les Stances A Sophie

(260 have 306 want)

I came across this album by recommendation of one of my trusted record store curators, and I knew nothing about it other than it was out of print. I’m a sucker for hard to find albums [that sound good]. Though the album was recorded in Paris, the band hails from Chicago. The movie director commissioned the original music for the film when the group had only two weeks left on their French visas. It’s amazing what a time crunch can do.

Soul Scratch ‎– Pushing Fire – Look How Far We’ve Come

(33 Have 12 want)

This is a WOKE album, but not from who you would expect to see on the cover. I have a growing collection of albums from Colemine Records. If you want that sound of the 60’s and 70’s soul, you have a bevy of artists on the Colemine label to choose from. I also have enjoyed music from [Surefire Soul Ensemble, Durand Jones & The Indications], all from Colemine. Do yourself a favor and take a listen.

Yasiin Gaye: The Return (Side Two) – Travelin’ Man Pt. II (Distant Lovers Mix)

(420 Have 213 Want)

Amerigo Gazaway is a talented producer with quite the ear for matching up artists to create beautiful recreations of their work. I first heard, Yasiin Gaye: The Departure (Side One) about 3 years ago and I’ve been singing praise for it ever since. Unfortunately, it didn’t meet the criteria to be on tonight’s show; as 567 people had it. I’m glad for that though, more people should enjoy good music. He recently released A Common Wonder which you can listen to and download for free from his Bandcamp page.

Jaguar Wright – Denials Delusions And Decisions – The What If’s

(73 Have 39 Want)

Jaguar Wright was the answer to my soulful wishes when she dropped this album in 2001. She hit covers of songs from my childhood and sang over Scott Storch beats cementing her place in the Neo-soul genre. I liked her follow up album “…And Your Point Is” from 2004, but not so much “Divorcing Neo 2 Marry Soul” from 2005. I did like her cover of Woman to Woman, but it wasn’t her first album. Nor should it have been, as progress is life.

Sweetback ‎– Sweetback – Softly Softly

(33 Have 30 Want)

In 1999 the question, “What would Sade be like without Sade?” was answered and Sweetback made their debut. Having great synergy and several awards under their belts was icing on the cake, but they went and collaborated with the likes of Maxwell (who’s featured on this track), Amel Larrieux, and Leroy Osbourne (of Sade). The follow-up album Stage [2] released in 2003 was my soundtrack on my first deployment. I was searching for a good copy of the LP while I’m writing this, but it was never released (sigh).

Amy Winehouse, Antonio Pinto ‎– Amy (The Original Soundtrack) – We’re Still Friends

(81 Have 90 Want)

Amy Winehouse is one of three women I can listen to that covers Donnie Hathaway. The first being his daughter, Lalah Hathaway and the second being Vanessa Fernandez. Sadly we won’t be hearing any new music from Amy, but if you haven’t heard this track from her; you’re welcome.

Show Recordings

Don’t forget to tune in to the show live on 89.1 FM KNSJ from 10PM to 11PM PST on Thursday. You can stream the show at www.knsj.org or using the TuneIn App.

As always keep spinning.

Tom

I hope you enjoyed this post, to receive updates from Vinyl for The People delivered to your e-mail, subscribe here! Don’t forget to follow us on social media, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Background Tracks:

Robert Glasper Experiment (Featuring Norah Jones) – Let It Ride
Esperanza Spalding – One

Vinyl for The People Radio Show – Between The Sheets

Tonight’s episode is a selection from one of my go-to playlists for getting in the mood for lovemaking. We’ll be covering a few genres as well as spanning a great deal of time. So, get your candles, toys, and partner ready for an epic hour.

Sade – Diamond Life – Your Love Is King
Catalog #: FR 39581

No bedtime playlist is complete without Miss Adu. Pick any album and you’re golden.

Nat King Cole – Unforgettable – (I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons
Catalog #: DT 357

Can’t let this OG crooner escape the show. Unforgettable is a must have for any R&B lover. I’m working on a sample or two from this album.

Melody Gardot ‎– My One And Only Thrill – Our Love Is Easy
Catalog #: ORG 161

This is an entire album of sexy. Check out her catalog don’t miss out.

Sadly some selections didn’t make the show

The only downside to having an all vinyl show is that I don’t have all of the albums that are on the complete playlist. There are over 200 songs…and that would be much longer than my hour show. Perhaps I’ll revisit this topic in another episode.

D’Angelo – Brown Sugar – Lady
Catalog #: B0022834-01

It was hard to decide which D’Angelo album would make it to the show, but going with the first is a safe bet.

Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan* ‎– Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan – Sweet Thing
Catalog #: ABCD-909

While this was overall a party album, this is a stand out that made many magic moments. What’s your favorite Rufus song? Let me know in the comments.

Teddy Pendergrass – TP – Feel The Fire
Catalog #: FZ 36745

Teddy P is another of those artists that you can’t let escape a sexy time mix.

When I’m setting the mood…

Candles have been a staple in my home since I lived in my moms’ garage. Scented, unscented and manner of shapes and sizes. They add depth to the experience.

Vanessa Fernandez – Use Me – Simply Beautiful
Catalog #: GRV 150-1

Use Me has made several appearances on the show and is in my top 10 albums in my collection. This Al Green song is masterfully translated by Vanessa.

Miles Davis – Sorcerer – Sorcerer
Catalog #: MFSL 2-435

Sorcerer is an album recorded in May 1967 by the Miles Davis quintet. It is the third of five albums that this quintet recorded. The album’s cover is a photo of actress Cicely Tyson, who at the time was Davis’s girlfriend (later his wife).

Norah Jones – The Vinyl Collection – Come Away With Me – Turn Me On
Catalog #: AAPP NJBOX33

Sweet, sweet Norah. This box set can take you through the gambit of emotions, but her first album is still my favorite.

The Isley Brothers ‎– Forever Gold – (At Your Best) You Are Love
Catalog #: PZ 34452

Hello, would have made this list if I hadn’t played it on the show last week. It’s easy to pick the Isley brothers to go on this list.

Bonnie Raitt ‎– Give It Up – Nothing Seems To Matter
Catalog #: BS 2643

This album surprised me. It was bought without a listen, and this song sounds like one of those rainy night ballads that you put on while keeping warm beneath the sheets.

Maxwell ‎– blackSUMMERS’night – Fingers Crossed
Catalog #: 88985326691

Maxwell needs no explanation. Ever.

Show Recordings

Don’t forget to tune in to the show live on 89.1 FM KNSJ from 10 PM to 11 PM PST on Thursday. You can stream the show at www.knsj.org or use the TuneIn App.

As always keep spinning,

Tom

I hope you enjoyed this post, to receive updates from Vinyl for The People delivered to your e-mail, subscribe here! Don’t forget to follow us on social media, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Background Music on the show:

Sade – Smooth Operator
Maxwell – Gods

Happy Birthday, Vinyl for The People!

“Today is a special day, not just any day…”, I launched Vinyl for The People a year ago today.

Hawaii Record Fair 2015 — July 26th, 2015 at the Hawaii Record Fair

Coincidentally, I also turned 33…which means I’m 6 years from retirement.

I’m very excited to be entering our second year and excited to be introducing our record cleaning service. Wet cleaning for your records utilizing a VPI 16.5 and an ultrasonic cleaner. Our inaugural cleaning package includes two stage cleaning, inner and outer protective sleeves, before and after pictures and return shipping. Excited is an understatement, because I can’t wait to clean all my new digs from my trip to California. I want you to hear what I hear from a freshly cleaned album. If you’re interested Contact me to learn more.

In addition to that I’m working on a project for release this fall…details to come.

To celebrate our first year, I made For The Love of Records:

You all have made me want to offer more for Vinyl for The People. I’m so glad for the opportunity to share something I’m so passionate about while helping the vinyl enthusiast community.

I would like to personally thank everyone that has supported Vinyl for The People. Specifically, I would like to thank the artists, record stores, and online vendors that have allowed my collection to grow, the interviewees that took time from their busy lives to share their experiences.

Lastly, I’d like to thank my friends and family for sharing the Vinyl for The People story, both online and in person.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Cheers to many more years of celebrating music.

As always, keep spinning.

-Tom

Blue Note Hawaii and why you need to visit a Supper Club

I’m writing this while listening to Gretchen Parlato – The Lost and Found, enjoying a neat glass of Oban 14, (cheers Sean!)

Last Saturday night was nostalgic of what used to be my favorite Supper Club, Anthology. Miriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines the word as a, “collection of literary passages or works, especially poems by various authors; a collection of works of art or music.”

Early arrival was a must, always a packed house

I was afforded the opportunity to see so many talented artists on its stage, Lalah Hathaway, Goapele, Eric Roberson, Lee Ritenour, Leela James, Natalie Cole, Meshell N’degeocello…I could go on and on, but all I will ever have of Anthology are past memories. They closed their doors New Year’s Day 2014. It lived up to the definition, surely…and closed out its time in a dramatic fashion.

jazz photo 1 — Inside Blue Note Hawaii – “I wish there were a place like Anthology here in Hawaii.” I said to Jim Williams, my first interviewee of our Living in Stereo series. He replied, “There is a Blue Note opening in a couple of weeks.” That was December.

In it’s 6 months of operation Blue Note Hawaii has consistently hosted an all star line up. Kenny G performed for their Grand Opening, (you can pick up one of his autographed saxophones in their gift shop), Chaka Khan, The Wailers, Ravi Coltrane…my nostalgia now has reason to fade.

bluenotehawaii_seating — With seats for 320 , (100 more than the flagship location in New York), there are no bad seats.

The first show I saw was Jose James and while I wasn’t familiar with his music, my love is a fervent fan. My head was bopping, to his witty lyrics, nostalgic love songs, and Hip Hop improv. The crowd and I were well engaged. After the show there was a meet and greet, we took pictures…and of course I asked was any of his music on vinyl, he replied “Yes, yes it is.” Cheers Mr. James.

The dining options are plentiful, but you can see Aloha in dishes like the Beef Short Ribs served with a polenta made from Kahuku corn (grown here on Oahu) served on a bed of collard greens.

As far as libations are concerned I’m not one to venture away from my usual Gin and Tonic, with cucumber…no lime. However, in the spirit of trying new things…I decided on an Old Fashion, prepared with Bullit bourbon.

This week I had the opportunity to sit down with Marco Olivari, General Manager of Blue Note Hawaii. We talked about everything from the history of the space the Blue Note is in, his record collection, and what brought him to the land of Aloha.

See what Marco had to say in a couple of weeks…

The original Blue Note opened its doors in Greenwich Village, New York, 1981. Pop ups from legends such as Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennet, and Liza Minelli aren’t uncommon. Currently there are 6 locations worldwide (Hawaii, New York, Milan, Beijing, Tokyo, and Nagoya), with a 7th opening soon in Napa Valley. Unlike my fateful love affair with Anthology, the Blue Note brand has established itself as a pillar in the global music community.

No longer melancholy for live musical experiences, I anxiously await my next trip to Blue Note. There are a few items on my calendar through the fall, such as Joan Osborne, The Manhattan Transfer, and Chick Chorea. I see now, much like the Vanessa Fernandez album I’m awaiting a repressing of…sometimes you have to be patient for the good stuff. I see a future between the two of us. I have a new favorite Supper Club.

In the next post, Robert Glasper Trio…

Until next time, keep spinning.

-Tom

As an aside, Anthology is now Music Box. So, if you’re in San Diego check them out.

“anthology.” Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, 2016. Web. 10 July 2016.

Esperanza Spalding gave me the shirt off of her back (Watching Emily’s D+Evolution)

In all honesty, I bought her shirt. Rosetta and I went to see Esperanza Spalding three weeks go and got to enjoy her and the band perform Emily’s D+Evolution in its entirety. I had the opportunity to see her perform the same album with the San Diego Orchestra in September of last year [the video below] (before it was released).

Left with baited breath, I listened to the rest of her catalog on repeat until the release of Emily’s D+Evolution in March of this year. Gladly there was a single, One (my second favorite song on the album) and it holds a lot of significance for me and further affirmed my desire to pick up the album on vinyl. Less than one week before I met my love; One was released on Tidal. I was swiping on Tinder and was enticed by an afro and beautiful smile.

Rosetta and I reminisce over our first day from time to time, but I never told her about the song. Specifically, when I heard the song my thoughts gravitated to her. I frequently talk about how impactful music is in our lives, but little did I know how this album would be so tied to my life.

In Rosetta’s office is a tiny canvas on her bookshelf. My best attempt at drawing; written on it, “I love you, unconditionally.” Unconditional Love (Alternative Version) my favorite song on Emily’s D+Evolution isn’t on the LP. Listening to this song for the first time caused my eyes to water. The juxtaposition of the band and her voice move me every time I hear it.

If you have a turntable and haven’t picked up Emily’s D+Evolution, you are wrong. Pick up your copy here. Seeing Esperanza is a treat in and of itself. Sharing the experience with the One that I love Unconditionally; priceless.