Mood Mosaic

Evans Pyramid

2010-11-07T17:28:00.003-05:00

We are looking for anyone who has any contact information or connection with the performers on this record or any Evans Pyramid or Royale release. We are a record label specializing in releasing rare and unreleased funk and soul. You can contact us at info@culturesofsoul.com. We would love to see this music receive the exposure that it deserves.

Cultures of Soul Records

2010-11-07T17:15:00.005-05:00

You may have been wondering why we haven't been posting for a long time. Well we have been quite busy. We've been working on our new record label and brand, Cultures of Soul. It's all things funk, soul, jazz, disco, afro beat, latin, and more. We've released 3 seven inches so far and are working on reissuing Stanton Davis' brilliant jazzfunk opus, Brighter Days. You can pruchase them at www.culturesofsoul.bigcartel.com.

Deano Sounds at Soulelujah!

2009-09-24T19:55:00.005-05:00

Finally, I got my chance to DJ at Soulelujah at ZuZu's over the weekend. I got a chance to drop some of my favorite soul tracks to a full dancefloor including Peanut Duck by Marsha Gee, Say Yeah Yeah by Yvonne Fair, and I Wanna Chance for Romance by Hector Rivera. Thanks again to Sean and PJ. See you back at the Highland Kitchen for Soul Shake this Saturday.

Mayer Hawthorne - Artist Of The Week (6/15/09)

2009-09-24T19:55:00.001-05:00

You've probably already heard about Mayer Hawthorne but this is a nice little vid that gives you some info about his backgroud. Check out his modern version of the New Holiday's Maybe So Mayve No.

Deano Sounds on Viva Radio

2009-05-22T10:01:00.009-05:00

One of the reasons I haven't been posting as much as on this blog as I usually do is because I've been working on my new radio show on Viva Radio. Unwritten by American Apparell, Viva gives its contributors the freedom to play whatever they want. My show called Cultures of Soul, is just that. I search for the rarest soul, jazz, funk, disco from all over the world. I play Brazilian funk, latin disco, ethno jazz, and much more. Check it out on Viva Radio on Tuesdays from 4 to 5pm or check it my archived shows here.

Our New Night: Soul Shake

2009-05-22T10:01:00.008-05:00

I've teamed up with my long time friend and DJ partner Jay Murphy for a new night of soul music specializing in deep funk, northern soul, sister funk, and everything in between. The night is starting to take off so come show off your favorite soulful dance moves. It's every Saturday night at the Highland Kitchen at 150 Highland Avenue in Somerville.

Deano's Cumbia

2009-05-20T17:28:00.016-05:00

You can do a lot of dances to this mix and you may even be able to do the cumbia. I don't know I just liked the way Deano's Cumbia sounded. It's got some latin, salsa, brazilian, afro beat, and cumbia funk.

Fabulous Three - Answer Me Softly
Manu Dibango - New Bell
Cesar Costa Fulho - E Os Sambas Viverao
Fruko y sus Tesos - Salsa Na Ma
Ray Mantilla - Gourdo Lobo
El Cid - New York to Georgetown
WJC and Roots Trunks and Branches - Rising
Malcolm's Locks - Get Up Stand Up
Raoul Zequeira - Hey Hey
Beginning of the End - Monkey Tamarind
Marsha Gee - Peanut Duck
Som Tres - Tanga
Ralph Robles - Taking Over
Antibalas - Dirt and Blood
Daktaris - Elfuhg Ibal Lasiti

Download Here

Back in Action: Soulfulness

2008-12-02T21:55:00.006-05:00

Once again we're back from a some time away. But we return with some gifts. I've created a new mix called Soulfulness featuring northern soul, disco funk, jazz beat, and sister funk.

Tracklisting:

The Moments - Baby I Want You
The Esquires - Ain't Gonna Give It Up
Creation - I Got the Fever
The Mirettes - In the Midnight Hour
Lou Courtney - I've Got Just the Thing
Mark Murphy - Why Don't You Do Right
Deirdre Wilson Tabac - Get Back
Ron Holden - I Need Ya
The Chevelles - The Gallop
Manu Dibango - Weya
A Different Bag - Let's Put It Together
Jo Armstead - I've Turned On
William Bell and Judy Clay - My Baby Specializes
Ella Fitzgerald - Sunshine of Your Love
Lou Rawls - Dead End Street
The Esquires - Listen to Me

Download Here

Advance Tickets for Barrence Whitfield

2008-06-18T18:15:00.002-05:00

You can purchase advance tickets from Ticket Web. Get them while you can before the show sells out.

Check out this youtube link for an amazing performance from Barrence and an interview.

Barrence Whitfield at Afro Juice

2008-06-12T11:10:00.002-05:00

We've just confirmed it! On June 29th Afro Juice will be host to Barrence Whitfield and the Savages. Barrence Whitfield's performance is a howling explosion of vocal energy that funnels the true grit and style of R&B, soul, blues, and roots rhythm. Barrence has played with or opened for such stars as: Bo Diddley, Tina Turner, George Thorogood, Robert Cray, The Reverend Solomon Burke, Los Lobos, Taj Mahal, Richard Thompson and many more.
For more information on Barrence go to his website at http://www.barrencewhitfield.com/.

Last Night at the Mambo Beat Club

2008-05-23T14:15:00.007-05:00

I had a blast last night DJing at the Mambo Beat Club at ZuZu's in Central Square. The crowd was great going to the dancefloor for all the 60s beat, soul, and boogaloo Ari and I could serve them up. I'd like to thank for Ari for a great time. The Mambo Beat Club has unofficially released a compilation album featuring tracks selected by many of the nights luminary guest DJs including: Brother Cleve, DJ Vinny, Ty Jesso, Professor Z, and Ari himself, the Beat Train. For more info check out http://www.myspace.com/cheapthrillsagogo . You may be able to snag a copy for yourself if you ask nicely.

TAKE ME AWAY FAST

2008-05-09T13:59:00.001-05:00

Here is a trailer for a new documentary coming out about digging for rare records in Africa, Ghana specifically. Filmed by Leigh Iacobucci, who followed DJ Frank of Soul Explosion around on his travels in Ghana. Highlights that are making us salivate with anticipation are: Gilles Gnonnas performing his fathers' Afrobeat bomb "okpo videa bassouo" as well as interviews with El Rego, Gustave Bentho (Poly Rythmo) and Danialouh Sagbohan. You can beat we'll be the first to post when this film wil released.

IF THIS AIN'T LOVE (DON'T KNOW WHAT IS)

2008-05-07T16:49:00.001-05:00

I know this song and video has been out for a while now but I just thought I'd share it with everyone since it is so great. I love the subtly in performance and in the video. The song was recently remixed by Mr. Scruff for the dancefloor as well.

New Night: Afro Juice

2008-05-05T16:20:00.005-05:00

As we promosed we are back with a new night of live music and DJs. The premiere will be on May 25th at Church (formerly the Linwood) at 69 Kilmarnock St. in the Fenway. I'm be spinning Jazz/Funk/Soul/Afrobeat and there will be a special live performance by Jen Kearney and the Lost Onion. Jen Kearney is a great band with a soulful vocalist and driven by latin percussion. Check out there website for audio samples.

We're Back!

2008-04-16T13:16:00.003-05:00

Sorry for being away so long. We've been in middle of finding a new home since we got booted from our venue in March. We're back and we're turning Mood Mosaic into live/DJ night with the best local and national afro / jazz / funk / soul / latin bands and DJs performing. Our new venue will be Church (the former Linwood Grill) located in the Fenway. It's a great venue with a capcity over 200 and a great soundsystem and a stage. We'll let you know when Mood Mosaic is up and running but it won't be too long now. If you have a band interested in performing please send us their info and an mp3 of their work to info@moodmosaicsound.com.

Going Away Party for Professor Z-Jan. 23

2008-01-22T13:46:00.002-05:00

Our good friend Zeph is leaving to go to NYC soon. We are all so jealous. Come stop by and wish him well.

Things Got To Get Better

2007-12-12T10:49:00.001-05:00

If you haven't heard about the group Keb Darge is raving about check out this clip of Osaka Monorail now!

James Brown gives you dancing lessons

2007-12-02T22:25:00.000-05:00

I just thought I would share this with everyone. It's the legendary godfather of soul teaching you how to dance.

Charles Earland - Leaving This Planet

2007-12-02T22:12:00.000-05:00

This is the title track from Charles Earland's Leaving This Planet and features such great jazz musicians as Joe Henderson and Freddie Hubbard. The track an interesting mix of jazz, funk, and psychedelica.

Charles Earland - Leaving This Planet

Mix from VampiSoul Party

2007-11-10T17:09:00.000-05:00

I know I've been neglecting my blog but I'm back and I have a special treat for you. The complete 4 part session from our VampiSoul Party back in August, featuring myself and Professor Z. Check out our podcast to download all 4 parts.

Deano Sounds Podcast

DJ Kon's Mix at Mood Mosaic

2007-10-07T10:47:00.001-05:00

Last Wednesday's Mood Mosaic was off the hook with the help of guest DJ Kon. We managed to capture some of the magic and heat that he brought to Mood Mosaic. His mix takes you through funk, soul, rare disco and boogie with some latin thrown in for good measure. Thanks goes to Kon!

DJ Kon

Corazon-Al Belletto

2007-09-23T13:24:00.000-05:00

I just found this great version of "Corazon" by jazz great Al Belletto off his album Coach's Choice from 1973.

Al Belletto-Corazon

Northern Soul - This England

2007-09-13T19:50:00.001-05:00

For those who haven't seen this great vintage video check it out. It's from the 70s about northern soul from Granada TV in Manchester.

Just Announced! DJ Kon at Mood Mosaic Oct. 3

2007-09-02T11:52:00.000-05:00

We are very happy to announce that Boston's own DJ Kon will be spinning at Mood Mosaic on Oct. 3. Along with Amir, DJ Kon is part of the Kings of Diggin' series as well as putting together the On-Track and Off-Track compilations. For more info on DJ Kon check out this blog at http://playin4keeps.blogspot.com/ and his myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/konandamir.

Special Guest DJ / Tothedisco.com

2007-08-28T22:03:00.000-05:00

Keep your night open on October 3rd because we are hosting the relaunch party for Tothedisco.com at the Redline and we have a very special guest that we will announce once we have confirmation. If you've been reading our blog you'll know that Tothedisco.com is a great resource for articles on underground dance/dj culture.

Everything from house to funk to disco and everything in between can found there. The people at Tothedisco.com have decided to revamp the site and add more interactive features such as a blog, a place for the very best mixes, and a "Record Hut" with rare records to listen to and to buy. You'll still be able to check out articles on DJs, interesting features, and interviews with the most important players in club history. So stay tuned....

Africa Goes Disco Mix

2007-08-18T11:36:00.000-05:00

Not much to say about this mix except that I think it is one of the best I've done to date. A mix of dub, rare disco, african disco, and jazz funk.

Tracklisting:

1. Joe Gibbs and the Professionals - Power Pack
2. Masekela - Ashiko
3. Tony Valor Sounds Orchestra - Love Has Come My Way
4. Disco Warriors - Cumbaya Disco
5. Kalyan - Disco Reggae
6. Sam Most - Jungle Fantasy
7. George Benson - The World is a Ghetto
8. Cymande - Brothers on the Slide (Ruffy and Tuffy Edit)
9. Donald Byrd - Change(Makes You Want to Hustle)
10. John Ozila - Kandika

Download here

Check this Out: Terry Forest Jr.

2007-08-06T20:21:00.000-05:00

Here is a really interesting story brought to my attention from fellow Boston DJ, PJ Gray and his wonderful radio show and blog, Galactic Fractures. You know I love supporting my local musicians and shedding some light on well deserved artists that don't get much exposure.

Terry Forest Jr. was featured on Galactic Fractures and PJ had the honor of interviewing and having him spin a couple of his own tracks like "Branch N' Out." Go to Galactic Fractures to download the mix and interview.

Podcast Updated: Professor Z Sessions

2007-07-25T16:09:00.000-05:00

I thought it would be appropriate to start posting the DJ session Professor Z and I did back May at Mood Mosaic. I've put up 2 parts of the 4 part series featuring tracks by Xinga, Gil Scott Heron, Manzel, George Baker, Astrud Giberto, Lena Horn, Joe Cuba, and many more.

Enjoy here!

Classic Track: Dibango's Soul Makossa

2007-07-17T10:29:00.000-05:00

Here is a great article about one of my favorite tracks, Manu Dibango's Soul Makossa from our friends at http://www.tothedisco.com/.

Manu Dibango's Soul Makossa is an important record not just because it has a most dancable african jazz groove but because it is the first record that club DJs truly made into a hit record.

Originally from Cameroon, Manu Dibango was interested in music at an early age and eventually moved to France to study at Jules Ferry College in St. Calais and ended up in Paris later on. It is in Paris that he frequented Jazz clubs and built a reputation as an excellent musician. Manu traveled back to Africa in 1960 and visited many French and English speaking nations....

To read the rest of the article go to http://www.tothedisco.com/.

Vampi Soul Night August 15th

2007-07-10T11:21:00.001-05:00

Mood Mosaic is partnering up with Vampi Soul Records to bring you an exciting night of 60s latin, boogaloo, bossa nova, mambo, and salsa. Deano Sounds will be joined by Professor Z of Weekend Warriors fame.

To check out more info on Vampi Soul and to purchase some of their goods go here.

Mood Mosaic and ToTheDisco.com
Proudly present Vampi Soul Night
Featuring Deano Sounds and Professor Z
August 15th, 2007 8pm
The Redline
59 JFK St
Harvard Sq.

Deano Sounds Podcast Launched!

2007-07-10T11:20:00.000-05:00

I've finally launched the Deano Sounds Podcast. Every week I'll be digging deep in my crates to bring you the choiciest, rarest, and funkiest cuts from the likes of Fela Kuti, Eddie Bo, JJ Johnson, Jo-Jo and the Fugitives, Spanky Wilson, Byron Lee, Esther Phillips, Mark Murphy, Marcos Valle, Djavan, Som Tres, Joyce, Evinha, Jorge Ben, George Duke, Ray Barretto, La Charanga 76, Joe Cuba, The Harvey Averne Dozen, Willie Colon, Candido, Manu Dibango, The Chi-Lites, Ananda Shankar, The Cals, Betty Davis, Betty Wright, Speedometer, Nicole Willis, Bronx River Parkway, Village Crusaders, Cal green, Above and Beyond, Universal Robot Band, Prince Buster, Azymuth, Latin Brothers, Hugh Masekela, Tyrone and Carr, Joe Gibbs, Seu Jorge, Curtis Mayfield, West African Rhythm Brothers, and many more.

To subscribe click here.

Deano Sounds Podcast-Coming Soon!

2007-06-27T12:46:00.000-05:00

I know I've mentioned this before but the Deano Sounds/Mood Mosaic Podcast is coming soon. I promise it will be up and running by next week. I've just got to edit my mixes for quality and sign up with Godaddy.com for their podcasting service. I'll even post two or three of my archived mixes to make up for the lack of podcasts.

Afro Funktastic Mix

2007-06-19T16:31:00.001-05:00

I know it has been a little while since I've posted any mixes up here but I have a nice little treat for ya'll that I just created. A nice live mix of funky music from all continents. A little African funk, Brazilian funk, Soul Sister funk, Disco funk, and rocky funk. This is a full on uptempo funk mix, not for the faint of heart.

Tracklisting:

1. Etta James - All the Way Down
2. Margaret Singana - Why Did You Do It?

3. Wood Brass and Steel - Funkanova

4. Barrabas - Woman

5. The Uhuru Dance Band - Agbadza

6. Miguel De Deus - Black Soul Brother

7. Manu Dibango - Soul Makossa

8. Above and Beyond - We Love Muhammad Ali

9. Universal Robot Band - Disco Boogie Woman

10. Irakere - Ilya

Click here to enjoy!

We Dig: Ebony Cuts

2007-06-12T18:15:00.000-05:00

This awesome duo of DJ Cuebism and Gloria drop some of the rarest and sickest disco, funk, and soul around on their radio show.

DJ Cuebism originally started out as a DJ spinning mostly electronic music but soon tried of that genre and began investing all of his money into weird disco records from New York circa the late 1970s. He even had his weird looking disco records shown at an art show in Hamburg, Germany in 2004. This led to the creation of the Ebony Cuts Radio Show on Hamburg's Tide 96.0 FM and online. DJ Cuebism is accompanied by the lovely voice of Gloria.

Their radio show has been host to some superb DJs from around world including; DJ Coolcut, Al Kent, DJ Friction, Dan Zacks, Kisyohi Urano, and Disco Patrick.

For more info and to hear some of their great mixes go to www.ebonycuts.com. There are also some cool clips of rare disco for you to sample as well.

Blackpool Mecca

2007-06-05T21:43:00.000-05:00

Here is an article I wrote for a great new web publication on dance/dj culture called ToTheDisco.
Here's an excerpt:

"The Blackpool Mecca was never as popular as the Wigan Casino but it did kick start Ian Levine's career and gave him an audience to play his rare and unique brand of northern soul to. This helped lead to the development of "the trainspotter."

The Blackpool Mecca was opened in 1965 and began as a huge concert/dancehall holding up to 3,500 people. By the end of the sixties the attendance numbers were considerably lower. It wasn't until the early seventies that the Blackpool Mecca or more specifically the Highland Rooms (where the actually dancing took place) started to build up it's attendance numbers. It was here that the DJ take chances as Levine did during his tenure at the Blackpool Mecca. Levine started DJing there in 1971, took a break in 1973 to DJ at the Golden Torch before returning to his residency at the Mecca. DJing along side Colin Curtis they remained the residents at the Mecca until the end of the decade.

Levine had one major advantage over his DJ competition and that was the resources and money to travel to America to get the rarest soul records. Being a soul fanatic or more specifically a Motown fanatic he would seek stores selling records on his trips to America with his parents. Mainly travelling to Miami, Ian picked up records by JJ Barnes, and San Remo Golden Strings before DJs were spinning them in clubs. Some of the key tracks that Levine spun first were; James Fountain's "Seven Day Lover", JJ Barnes' "Our Love Is In the Pocket", and "Hit and Run" by Rush Patrice.

Levine was an innovator not only because he was playing rare records but because he was playing records that fit in with the northern soul sound but pushed the boundaries into the direction of disco and funk. One of these such records was "It Really Hurts Me Girl" by the Carstairs which sounded like the missing link between northern soul and the Philly sound. The first sort of modern soul record. It was this sort of push that challenged Ian and his audience to evolve from the northern soul stomper sound towards something different. Unfortunately not everyone agreed that this music should be played at a northern soul club and the Wigan Casino crowd deemed it "disco shite" and continued with the strictly soul stompers"...For more click here.

Soul Sides Vol. 2 Contest

2007-05-24T18:01:00.000-05:00

Zealous Records have kindly given us a few copies of the new Soul Sides Volume 2: The Covers to give away at our album release party on Wed. May 30 at the Redline.

Be one of the first two people to answer this question correctly and come to the Redline this Wednesday to claim your prize. (Sorry out of towners you must attend the listening party to get your CD.)

Name the first track on my Sounds of Cellophane Vol. 2 Mix? Email the correct answer to: dj@deanosounds.com.

Soul Sides Album Release Party
Wednesday May 30th
Redline 8pm No cover
59 JFK St.
Cambridge, MA

Soul Sides Vol. 2 Listening Party May 30th

2007-05-16T16:15:00.000-05:00

It's official Mood Mosaic is proudly sponsoring a listening party for the new Soul Sides Vol. 2 the Covers album coming out on May 22. The listening party date for us is May 30th so be sure to stop by.

From the O's Dubs website:

"Following up on the success of Soul Sides Vol. 1, SSV2: The Covers is a tribute to cover songs - both soul remakes and remade soul. Compiled once again by Oliver Wang and presented by Zealous Records, SSV2: The covers includes 14 versions of songs you've heard before...just not like this, from Al Green's take on the Beatles' "I Want To Hold Your Hand," to Byron Lee and the Dragonaires giving Charles Wright's "Express Yourself" a remake to Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra's makossa-flavored cover of Willie Colon's salsa classic, "Che Che Cole." If you liked SSV1, SSV2: The Covers gives you another dose of some of the best soul, funk and Latin you never heard."

For more info and to pre-order your copying of the album go here.

Zeph and Deano Mix at Mood Mosaic

2007-05-08T20:37:00.000-05:00

I must apologize for the delay in posting. But I've got a really nice treat to make up for it. I'm posting just a taste of what's to come. This is a mix Zeph and I did last week at Mood Mosaic. It features tracks from Prince Buster, Mucho Plus, Xingu, Gil Scott-Heron, Curtis Lundy, Manny Corehado, and Eliana Pittman. This is just the first part of the mix. We recorded over 3 and a half hours of music. But to check out the rest of it you're going to have to subscribe to our podcast which is still in the works. We'll let you know when it becomes available.

Zeph and Deano Mix Part 1

Dig: New York Latin Hustle!

2007-04-24T16:30:00.000-05:00

This is a new compilation released on Soul Jazz Records featuring, New York latin music of course! But latin is such a generic word so let's be more specific. It contains all of the sub genres of latin music you can imagine such as: boogaloo, latin jazz, disco, funk, and salsa. The album features tracks by such latin luminaries as Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, and Ray Barretto but also lesser known artists like La Charanga 76 (a favorite of Dimitri from Paris) or Ismael Quinones.

You can pick up a copy from the good people at Forced Exposure.

Deano's Death Proof Mix

2007-04-16T18:41:00.000-05:00

I've taken this gloomy Monday to create my Deano's Death Proof mix, inspired by my Grindhouse night last Wenesday. I've done my best to take only two tracks from the original soundtrack and use to tracks from other sources to create a cinematic narrative to the movie through sound and song.

Tracklisting:

1. The Last Race - Jack Nitzsche
2. What Time Is It - General Crook
3. The Funky Fat Man - Burnett Bynum/Soul Invaders
4. The Funky Blizzard - Little Oscar
5. Love Is A Four Letter Word - Roy Budd/Paul Fishman
6. Cover Girl - Carl Spencer
7. River of Tears - Barbara Banks
8. The Wrong Girl - The Showmen
9. Stuntman Mike
10. Hold Tight - Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick, and Tich
11. Plaything - Roy Budd
12. Like Adam and Eve - The Reflections
13. She's Got to Have It - T.J. Stone
14. Whatever-However
15. Curse of the Hidden Vault - Peter Thomas
16. 11 Uhr 20 (Main Theme) - Peter Thomas
17. Marihuana Mantra - Kuno & The Marihuana Brass
18. Naturally Stoned - Helmut Zacharias
19. The Sinister Monk - Peter Thomas
20. How About You - Roy Budd

Enjoy!

Dig this! Waxing Deep

2007-04-09T17:48:00.000-05:00

Waxing Deep is a great radio show out of Federicton, New Brunswick in Canada. Run by Dan Zacks this show features all of the intersting funk, latin, disco, and everything in between that you've never heard but wish you had.

Waxing Deep is also a record label and they currently have a fantastic Cuban funk compilation that I recommend you buy immediately. The album is called Si, Para Usted: The Funky Beats of Revolutionary Cuba and it contains funk, jazz, beat, afro, and soul from the 70s and early 80s. All of the tracks have been legally licensed and lovingly remastered so you know you are getting a quality product.

You can check out the radio show and more at www.waxingdeep.org.

PJ Gray Guest Mix

2007-04-08T22:38:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the delay in posting this mix from PJ Gray's appearance at Mood Mosaic a few weeks back. PJ played a smoking set including tracks by Jacques Dutronc, Sharon Jones, and many other hidden gems that only PJ could uncover. You can download it here. For more info on PJ check out his Galactic Fractures radio show here

Jelly Jazz Interview

2007-03-31T17:42:00.000-05:00

Here's an interview with Jelly Jazz's co-founder Peter Isaac from one of our favorite sites on club culture and DJs, www.tothedisco.com. Go check out their website. They are published monthly and have articles on various DJs, clubs, music, and wonderful insights into the world of club culture history.

"For the last 14 years Jelly Jazz has been keeping jazz funkers in Plymouth, England dancing on the ceilings. Jelly Jazz has been host too many great funk DJs and live performances including; Mr. Scruff, Keb Darge, Gilles Peterson, Tim 'Love' Lee, Ian Wright, Simon Goss. Ursula 1,000, Jazzanova, The Quantic Soul Orchestra, Faze Action, The Five Corners Quintet, and The Bobby Hughes Experience. The club night originally started at the Quay Club on a Wednesday night but longtime resident DJs Peter Isaac and Griff are now moving the night to Fridays. To The Disco had the rare opportunity to speak with Jelly Jazz resident DJ and original co-founder of the night, Peter Isaac."

"What was the jazz, funk scene like when you started your night? Who were the main players on the scene? How has it changed? Can you give me a playlist from back then?

Back in 1993 when Jelly began the main players were Gilles Peterson, Patrick Forge, James Lavelle, Dean Rudland, Norman Jay, and DJ Food amongst others. The scene was incredibly London-centric centred around clubs connected with record labels like Acid Jazz and Talkin Loud, and there was also Dingwalls of course." to read the rest of the interview click here.

Trip to Chi-Town

2007-03-25T11:06:00.000-05:00

Last week I mentioned I was taking a trip to Chicago to do some crate digging. Well I'm back and it was a very fruitful trip. But instead of just putting my treasures up on this blog, I'm going to make you come down to Mood Mosaic to hear them.

The first stop on my trip was Dusty Groove. Not a great place to go digging but I did find a descent copy of Marcos Valle's Vontade De Rever Voce. Then I headed over to a store called Crazy Man Records. The guy there was somewhat crazy with the heat off in the store but I did find a nice copy of Skyy's 1980 album, Skyway.

The next day I braved a long journey all the way to the edge of Chicago's southside to a store called Mr. Peabody Records. This store has been a visit for DJs, producers, and collectors of all kinds including Dimitri from Paris, members of Slum Village, Glenn Underground, Eldee Young of the Ramsey Lewis Trio, Theo Parrish, members of the Chi-Lites, and many more. The staff was very hopeful in finding me what I wanted. I left with many great funk, disco, and boogie records including: Above and Beyond's "We Love You Muhammad Ali", Sparque's "Let's Go Dancing", and Creme D'Cocoa's "Doin' the Dog."

On the final day I went to Hyde Park Records near the University of Chicago. It turned out to be a haven for funk 45s and at a fraction of the cost of buying online. I picked up a nice copy of The Beginning of the End's "Funky Nassau" The Party Brothers' "Let Me Be the One", and Kenny Hamber's "Show Me Your Money."

We hope to see this Wednesday at Mood Mosaic. We have PJ Gray guest DJing and I'll be spinning many of the tracks I picked up in Chicago.

Deano Sounds' Greatest Covers Compilation

2007-03-21T14:06:00.000-05:00

Sorry about the delay in posting this compilation inspired by last week's Mood Mosaic cover night but I away visiting friends in Chicago. But here it is in all of its glory. Enjoy!

Tracklisting:

1. Marlena Shaw - Let's Wade in the Water
2. Shirley Bassey - Light My Fire

3. Armado Pereza - Ain't No Sunshine

4. Ray Charles - Eleanor Rigby

5. Mario Cavagnaro - Soul Sacrifice

6. Maceo Parker - I Got You (I Feel Good)

7. Ramsey Lewis - Slippin Into Darkness

8. Stevie Wonder - We Can Work It Out

9. Elis Regina - Golden Slumbers

10. Grant Green - House of the Rising Sun

11. Sharon Cash - Fever

12. Bryon Lee and - Live and Let Die

Deano Sounds' Greatest Covers

Mix from Galactic Fractues Radio Show

2007-03-15T12:42:00.000-05:00

PJ of Galactic Fractures has uploaded my mix that I did on his radio show last Sunday and you can go to his website here to download it.

Playlist:

Nicole Willis & the Soul Investigators - If This Ain't Love (Don't Know What Is) (Timmion 2005)
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - how long do i have to wait (Daptone)

Deano Sounds takes over...

Freddie Hubbard - People Make The World Go Round (CTI)
Waters - trying hard to look inside (irma (comp))
Letta M'Bulu - What Is Wrong With Groovin (Comet (comp))
Eliana Pittman - Vou Pular Neste Carnaval (EMI (repress))
Martinho Da Vila - Hino Dos Batutas De Sao Jose (RCA)
Edson Frederico - Tava Mas Nao Tava (Mr Bongo (comp))
El Cid - New york to georgetown (Transair (comp))
Vaughn Mason - Jammin Big Guitar (Brunswick)
Magic City Featuring Fire - Let Rock (Sunshine Sound)
Speedometer - Crew Cut (Kennel Klub)
Connie Price - Time To Kill (Now Again)
Anthony King - Filigree Funk (Jazzman)
Meters - Handclapping Song (josie)
Carleen & the Groovers - Right On (Jazzman (repress))
Chakachas - Stories (AVCO)
Willie Rosario - Calypso Blues (comp)
Wilson Simonal - Maquilagia (Odeon)
Barbara Acklin - I Call It Trouble (Brunswick)
Shorty Long - Sing What You Wanna (Soul)
Gwen McCrae - Rocking Char (Black Cat)
Manzel - Midnight Theme (comp)
K Frimpong and Vis a Vis - Aboagyewaa (comp)
? - ? (Honest Jons)
Alton Ellis - Can I Change My Mind (heartbeat)
Toney Lee - Reach Up (Radar)
Wilson Pickett - Funky Situation” (Big Tree)

PJ closes out the show...

Frank Lynch - Young Girl (My Records)

Thanks again to PJ for letting me DJ on his magnificent radio show. PJ will be joining us at Mood Mosaic on March 28th so mark your calendars now.

Mood Uncovered: A Night of Obscure Covers

2007-03-14T09:46:00.000-05:00

I've been inspired by the blog called Undercover and my friend Chris's Mint Julep night to do a night of obscure covers. Expect to hear all my favorite covers like Kim Weston's "Eleanor Rigby", Marlena Shaw's "California Soul", a Jimmy Smith version of "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" as well as many others. Look out for a compilation to follow in the next few days. It starts at 8pm tonight. I hope to see you there.

On the Radio: Galactic Fractures

2007-03-09T16:15:00.000-05:00

PJ Gray has graciously invited me to guest DJ on the Galactic Fractures radio show on Sunday from noon-2pm. If you live in the Medford, MA area you can listen on 91.5 FM. The rest of us can check it out at www.wmfo.org. For more information on Galactic Fractures and to subscribe to PJ's podcast go to www.galacticfractures.com.

If you don't know about PJ Gray and his Galactic Fractures show then you've been living in your grandma's basement listening to broken 45s for the last five years. PJ Gray is the king of funk and soul in New England and his radio show has been host to his vast (and I mean vast) collection of funk and soul 45s.

Expect to hear some jazz groovers, a little reggae, and funk of all diasporas from me on Sunday.

Funky Cutz from Last Night's Mood

2007-03-08T11:35:00.000-05:00

The listening party for Air went great last night. I had to get a little funky after all that mellow music from Air but the evening ended great. For your listening pleasure I've included a 40 minute mix from last night. There are some great funk tracks on it from the straight up funk of Tommy Bush's "Skin It Back Parts 1 And 2" to Ellen McIlwaine's brilliant cover "Higher Ground" to the symphonic jazzy-house groove of Isolee's "Beau Mot Plage" and many others.

Also, be on the look out soon for the Mood Mosaic Night podcast once I can figure out how to set that stuff up.

Deano Sound's Funky Mood Mix

Brother Cleve at Mood Mosaic

2007-03-05T22:22:00.000-05:00

As some of you may know we had a special guest DJ spin at Mood Mosaic in January. None other than DJ Sharaabi Kapoor or as he is known in Boston, Brother Cleve. Here is some background info about Brother Cleve's experience with Indian music:

"In the 1970's, decaying urban movie theaters in the US screened hundreds of action films, mostly of the blaxploitation and chop socky variety, to an audience of weed smoking inner city youths, digging not only the kung fu fighting but the hard funking soundtracks as well.

DJ Br. Cleve was a regular denizen of these old Boston grindhouses, theaters like the Astor, Saxon, Gary, Center, Publix and Symphony Cinemas. Little did he know then that halfway around the globe, audiences in decaying movie palaces in Bombay, Delhi, and Calcutta were digging the same type of film, but Bollywood style -- "brownsploitation" flix filled with gamblers, diamond smugglers, dope pushers, thieves, martial artists, terrorists and saree-clad go-go dancers, all set to masala spiced funky beats.

After years of vinyl archeology in the bazaars of India, Br. Cleve has morphed into his alter-ego DJ Sharaabi Kapoor, and, at Redline on January 17th, will be presenting the dopest, deepest sitar beat tracks from some of the wildest movies ever made."

So sit back and take sometime to listen this rare mix of Sitar Beats and Bollywood Funk from DJ Sharaabi Kapoor.

Brother Cleve Mix Part 1

Brother Cleve Mix Part 2

Brother Cleve Mix Part 3

Listening Party for the new Air album: Pocket Symphony

2007-03-02T19:52:00.000-05:00

Typically, we don't promote new music but because Air is in the style of Mood Mosaic we will be hosting a listening party for their new album, Pocket Symphony this Wednesday at the Redline. The new album features guest vocal performances by Jarvis Cocker and Neil Hannon. (We're big fans of these two and their vocals are so Britpop on the new record

The event starts at 8pm so don't be late or you'll miss out on getting any Air goodies from the good people at Astralwerks. For more info and to hear a sneak preview of the new album go to: www.myspace.com/intairnet or www.pocket-symphony.com.

Gone Crate Digging

2007-02-28T11:01:00.001-05:00

Since I've been looking for gainful employment I've had a some time to go digging for records at local thrift stores. Here are some of the gems I found.

I found this one at a thrift store in Malden. I didn't look carefully at the record when I bought it because when I came home the damn thing was warped. But I got one track out of it and it only cost a buck.

Vic Taylor- Let the Power Fall on I

I kinda of cheated with this one and went to Stereo Jacks in the Porter Square area to pick this one up. But it's got none other than my favorite Lonnie Liston Smith on it and it was only a bleeding $2.99. Now that's thrift store like prices.

Gato Barbieri - Ninos

Gato Barbieri - Vidala Triste

This one I picked up in Allston on the basis that the cover just looked so damn cool. The tracks are alright. There are some nice soulful slow jams on it.

Grady Tate - I Just Want to Be There

I've been on a kick to find some samba funk records and I was a happy customer when I found this one at Diskovery in Brighton Center. This is one of the only few funky tracks on it but it's damn worth it. Milton Nascimento is one of Brazil's most celebrated singers in Brazil and throughout the world. Milton was born in Rio de Janerio but moved to the Minas Gerais region as a little boy and began playing in groups until he took a job as a radio DJ. After working on a degree in Economics he went back into music and eventually got to record an album in the U.S. Although, "Milton", "Minas", "Gerais" "Milagre dos Peixes" and the two volumes of "Clube da Esquina" are considered his most popular works he has many great rare funky clubs albums like the "Tostao a fera de ouro" EP.

Milton Nacimento - Reis E Rainhas Do Maracatu

Don't forget to stop by Mood Mosaic. I might be throwing some of my thrift shop finds on the platters.

New Mix: Sounds of Cellophane Vol. 2

2007-02-26T19:01:00.000-05:00

It's finally here after last Wednesday's special edition of Sounds of Cellophane, a new mix compilation mixed, selected, and engineered by Deano Sounds. This mix features some rare music from the 1972 film, "Sitting Target" by Douglas Hickox. Sitting Target, the first British film to receive an R rating features some amazingly bizarre instrumental music.

There are many great Italian film composers on this album as well including Gianni Ferrio, Stefano Torossi, Franco Micalizzi, and Stelvio Cipriani. Also on the mix are tracks from other spy films, thrillers, bollywood films, etc. I've even included bits of dialogue from some films featured on this mix. Sit back and listen to this mix of spectacular soundtracks.

Tracklisting:

1. A Man Alone - John Barry (The Ipcress File)
2. Rhythm and Sex - Gianni Ferrio
3. Naked Camera - Herbie Hancock (Blow Up)
4. Theme from Charade - Henry Mancini (Charade)
5. Theme from Sitting Target - Stanley Myers (Sitting Target)
6. Dialogue
7. Fearing Much - Stefano Torossi
8. A Ciascuno Il Suo - Luis Enriquez Bacalov
9. Bang, Bang (Shot My Baby Down) - Nancy Sinatra (Kill Bill)
10. Dialogue
11. Getting Nowhere in a Hurry - Roy Budd (Get Carter)
12. Flute Sequence - Franco Micalizzi
13. Dialogue
14. Face To Face - Stelvio Cipriani
15. Main Hon Lilly - Raul Dev Burman (Bond 303)
16. Na Na Na Yeh Kya Karne Large Ho - Kalyanji-Anandj (Bombay 405 Miles)
17. Dialogue
18. Straight Target - Stanley Myers (Sitting Target)
19. Battle at Piz Gloria -John Barry (On Her Majesty's Secret Service)
20. Sote Sote Adhi Raat - Sapan-Jagmohan (Siskeyan)
21. Meu Nome E Ze - Antonio Pinto and Ed Cortes (City of God)
22. Fever - Jingo (Last King of Scotland)
23. Dialogue

http://rapidshare.com/files/18461095/Sounds_of_Cellophane_Vol._2.mp3.html

Sounds of Cellophane Volume 2

2007-02-19T16:11:00.000-05:00

This week at the Redline it's another addition of Sounds of Cellophane. Back in November I hosted a night of soundtracks featuring music from Spy Thrillers, Blaxploitation, Enrico Morricone, etc.

This time around I'll be spinning soundtracks by Peter Thomas, Lalo Schifrin, Henry Mancini, Herbie Hancock, Piero Piccioni, J. J Johnson, Rahul Dev Burman, and John Barry. Featuring some of the greatest Blaxploitation, Spy, and Bollywood films of the 60s and 70s.

So join us this Wednesday at the Redline. There may even be a Sounds of Cellophane mix coming out of this.

Our Valentine's Day Special

2007-02-18T18:49:00.000-05:00

As we all know Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate love so this past week we tried to add some samba magic, bossa nova love, and plain old swinging jazz to our Valentine's Day Mood Mosaic.

Our first track "Stay" is from the lovely Astrud Gilberto and her 1967 album Beach Samba.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/01-stay-mp3-h3x.html

The track "Swing Negrao-Brasil Pandero-O Samba Agora Vai-E Com Esse Que Eu Vou" by Elza Soares and Roberto Ribeiro is a funky samba medley with a really interesting vocal accapella scat by both singers.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/01-swing-negr¦o-brasil-pandeiro-o-samba-agora-vai-e-com-esse-que-eu-vou-mp3.html

The final track of the week is "Le Coeur Qui Jazze" by France Gall, an uptempo jazz vocal number.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/france-gall-le-coeur-qui-jazze-mp3.html

I recommend

2007-02-18T18:30:00.000-05:00

Check out this comp from the guys and gals of Brazilian Beat Brooklyn:

It's a great mix CD featuring all the rare true Brazilian funk and samba rock you'll ever need. I love to break it out at Mood Mosaic on a cold Boston night to remind everyone that summer is still a season in New England. We're hoping one day that the people behind Brazilian Beat Brooklyn will come to Boston to guest DJ at Mood Mosaic.

For more info on the music, the DJs, the night, and where to purchase the album go to http://www.brazilianbeatbrooklyn.com.

Article in the Boston Phoenix

2007-02-17T18:04:00.000-05:00

I know it's a bit late but check this article about us from the Boston Phoenix on 1/11/07:

http://www.thephoenix.com/article_ektid31155.aspx

Thanks again to David Day!

Our first Mix

2007-02-17T10:51:00.000-05:00

To get you acquainted with the Mood Mosaic sound and what we're all about I've posted one of our earliest mixes from myself, Deano Sounds. The mix contains wide range of genres from the bossa nova groove of Astrud Gilberto to the dub sounds of Joe Gibbs to the driving jazz hi hats of Bobby Cole to the spaced-out jazz of Lonnie Liston Smith and ending with the deep funk of Val McKenna.

http://rapidshare.com/files/16914692/deanosounds_redline_mix.mp3.html

Welcome!

2007-02-17T10:08:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Mood Mosaic Night Blog. The Mood Mosaic Night was started back in October of 2006 and currently finds its home on Wednesday nights at the Redline at 59 JFK St. in Cambridge, MA.

The night is based on the Mood Mosaic compilation albums that were released in the late 90s. You'll hear everything from the Bossa Nova beauty of Astrud Gilberto to the funky African horns of Fela Kuti to the driving bass of Brazilian funksters, Bando Uni Black to the sweeping melodies of soundtracks by Peter Thomas to the northern soul stomp of Gloria Jones and more.

Here on this blog you'll find live mixes from the night, suggested listenings, mp3s of artists that were played last week, and info on the music that's being spun. So be sure to check us out on a weekly basis and add us as your friend on myspace at www.myspace.com/moodmosaicnight. But of course of if you are in the Harvard Square area on a Wednesday night stop by.