20 favorite records reviewed, 20 more album recs, plus a smattering of singles and live sh*t. A collection of works that resonated with me most, during this complex, confounding revolution around the sun.
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Among the more underrated projects in Jerry Garcia lore is Reconstruction, a Bay Area jazz-funk sextet formed by bassist John Kahn in early 1979. Historians often categorize Reconstruction as an iteration of the ever-fluid Jerry Garcia Band, rather than stand-alone ensemble. Anecdotal evidence points to the notion that Jerry was more of a sideman or special guest in this particular instance and capacity, relegating Reconstruction to outlier status in the annals of the Garciaverse.
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Welcome CHRIS LITTLEFIELD (Trumpet- Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe) to Episode 035 of The Upful LIFE Podcast ! In addition to being a brilliant musician and veteran funk/R&B trumpet player, Chris is a longtime friend going back over fifteen years. It was tremendously rewarding to get with him for a riveting 90-minute conversation that is at once informative and inspiring. Chris Littlefield takes us into the reality of his surroundings, unpacking a plethora of insight and ideas.
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On August 24, 2000, three childhood friends and I pulled up to the Taj Mahal Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and stepped into the most spectacular concert I’ve had the privilege of experiencing in my 42 years on this rock, thanks to D’Angelo & The Soultronics on the Voodoo World Tour.
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Packed with an abundance of uplifting soul, funky grooves, and another batch of vibrant tunes, Bobby Deitch Band is back with Work With Whatcha Got!, the group’s second full-length album. Brimming with Bobby Deitch’s trademark New York vibe, the record reveals a collection of tracks more colorful and evolved than its predecessor
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*The Upful LIFE Podcast* is back with Episode 026 featuring Ryan Jalbert of The Motet.
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Episode 024 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast* welcomes Hammond B3 organ maestro WIL BLADES to the show for a lengthy conversation about his career, Bay Area music culture, saddling up to jazz and funk legends, the Adam Deitch Quartet, Amendola vs. Blades, and beyond.
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Foundation of Funk featuring members of Dead & Company live from LOCK’N 2018. FOF Includes George Porter Jr., Zigaboo Modeliste, Ian, Ivan, and Cyril Neville, plus Tony Hall.
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An ominous introduction hovers and hesitates, uncorking four-on-the-four French tech-house, and before you know it, Boom! Mama. There. Goes. That. Man.
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