Sai Hankuri: An Experiment in Afrobeat

This is the mix I've had in mind since starting the downloads. Sai Hankuri (which translates to “Have Patience”) is a compilation of innovators and up and comers ranging from 1970's Nigeria to modern day Iowa embodying the glorious sound that is Afrobeat. As is the case with many of the worlds best genres, Afrobeat originated out of hardship and a desire for social change and is still used as social commentary and critiques to this day. There's much more to say on the matter, but it's better heard from the artists that created and were inspired by this amazing genre.

Some Kind of Jam proudly presents:

Sai Hankuri: An Experiment in Afrobeat

1. Mad Man Jaga - Hankuri

2. Euforquestra - Ochosi

3. Sir Shina Peters & His International Stars - Yabis

4. ALBINO! - Jing Bongwa

5. Mifuné - Supercrush

6. Ernesto Djedje - Zadie Bobo

7. Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra - Beaten Metal

8. Toubab Krewe - Devil Woman

9. Tunji Oyelana & The Benders - Iwo Ko La Dami

10. Orlando "Cachaito" López - A Gozar El Tumbao

11. Chicago Afrobeat Project - Bscg2

12. Mahmoud Ahmed - Atawurulegn Léla

13. Fela Kuti & The Africa 70 - Black Man's Cry (feat. Ginger Baker)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THIS MIX

Featured Artist: Funktion

Funktion

Funktion, the 8-man band based in Kalamazoo, MI, delivers their dare-you-not-to-dance blend of funk and soul with a hip-hop beat that isn’t afraid to straddle genres – including rock and jazz. This lends to a gritty and some times flat-out rambunctious flavor in their live shows. Whether they’re entertaining in a small basement bar or a Chicago club, the rhythm section lays down a skillful, yet simple groove, while up from the center comes a shockwave of energy from the driving percussion and soulful vocals. Don’t worry, the horn line isn’t just for show. They provide slinky, yet powerful grooves, subtle vocal harmonizing and when the mood strikes, some dance moves that beg the audience to join them. Funktion’s high-energy performances are as intoxicating as whatever’s on tap. Night after night their live shows bring the kind of soul-stirring experience usually reserved for Sunday mornings. - Emily Haines

Funktion In-Studio Session

Hello friends!

Well it took eons longer than I originally thought, but I finally have a stable internet connection and therefore will be updating this puppy quite a bit more often. I'm still working on a fresh mix to be posted next week, so in the meantime I have for you one of my favorite in studio performances from the days at WIDR. At this point in time Funktion and Some Kind of Jam go way back, but this performance was the Kalamazoo based band's first appearance on the show. This was before their roster beefed up to its current eight members, but one listen to this jam session will prove without a doubt that the original six could handle themselves just fine.

Here's the track listing and you can download the mix by clicking RIGHT HERE!

1. Body Heat

2. Hypnotize

3. Number 4

4. 1+1+1 is 3

5. Mellowship Slinky

6. Where It Goes

7. Pass The Peas

If you're interested to find out a bit more about the Funktion boys they're currently the Featured Artist on this very blog, or you can visit them on Facebook.

Featured Artist: The Gourds

The Gourds

Whether you think The Gourds non-sequitur loving n'ere-do-wells or post-modern lyrical geniuses, their mandala-like musical vignettes and gulps of down-home authenticity can not be denied. Musical lifers and road dogs to the end, Kevin 'Shinyribs' Russell, Jimmy Smith, Max Johnston, Keith Langford and Claude Bernard remain at once roots music's envelope pushers and its torch bearers, its purveyors of Joyce-ian density and nickel novel groove - its Jekyll and its Hyde.

While the Gourds studio efforts have all been well received, their high-energy live performances and constant touring have earned them the reputation of a band that must be seen to be appreciated. As a result, they enjoy a dedicated fan base that is happy to follow them from town to town, and have become a favorite among those who tape live music.

On a random note, it was The Gourds and NOT Phish that made the bluegrass cover of Snoop Dogg's "Gin and Juice" over twelve years ago. If you thought that was good take a listen to their original material.