John Morrison | photo by D1L0 | courtesy of the artist
John Morrison’s October Top 5: Joe McPhee, Greg Weeks, ENESS, and more
Here’s what caught the Culture Cypher Radio host’s ear this month.
October has brought several fantastic releases from Philly artists and some novel and creative musical experiences throughout the city. Staying somewhat true to my promise to attend more live music events, I managed to catch a few cool gigs this month.
At the beginning of the month, I saw a truly mind-melting show organized by Fire Museum at the 2223 Fish Church. Free-jazz legend Joe McPhee headlined, with The Humanosity Project and the duo of madam data and Phillip Price opening.
I also attended a few friends’ DJ gigs this month, with the standout being the October 4 Ladies’ edition of Vinyl Tap 215. The vibes were high, and the lineup was stacked with Foxy Nora, Miss Maddie, Comrade Cota, and DJ Aura holding it down on the decks, playing an eclectic selection of tunes.
Clubfriends Radio & Records is an ambitious, interactive exhibition hosted at DesignPhiladelphia this month. Conceived by DJ Alexa Colas, the exhibition involved Colas literally moving her living room into DesignPhiladelphia to host DJs and attendees for some relaxed, intentional listening. From Lil Dave to Lady Prowl, Clubfriends has hosted some of the best wax-spinners in Philly. I also had the pleasure of visiting the space with a bag full of records on October 10. I played danceable R&B classics like The Whispers’ “Rocksteady” and house records like Jon Cutler’s “It’s Yours,” as listeners lounged on couches while others danced. Clubfriends Radio & Records is a lovely and creative subversion of the traditional listening room experience.
When saxophonist, bandleader, and composer Byard Lancaster died in the summer of 2012, he left behind a discography that is as spiritually profound as it is musically progressive. Among Lancaster’s extensive catalog of music, 1977’s opus Exodus is one of the great documents of the Philly jazz legend. Recorded partially at the first annual WXPN Jazz Awards Concert at WXPN-FM Studios, Exodus is a thrilling tangle of unbounded free improvisation and hair-raising solos.
Greg Weeks – The Heathen Heart
As founder of Philly psych-folk legends Espers, Greg Weeks has long established a reputation for his particular brand of haunting, riveting songcraft. Weeks’ latest single, “The Heathen Heart,” is a fine addition to his songbook with its slow, methodical groove and melancholic vocal melody. As the second single from Weeks’ forthcoming album (his first in 17 years!), If The Sun Dies, “The Heathen Heart” signals a welcome return for one of our city’s rock greats.
ENESS (feat. Peedi Crakk) – “Jingling Baby”
Veteran MCs ENESS and Peedi Crakk wield two of the best, high-energy rap styles in hip-hop. As lyrical showstoppers who combine humor with high levels of swagger, it’s natural that the duo would join forces on a track. Taking the beat and hook from LL Cool J’s mammoth early ’90s club hit “Jingling Baby,” ENESS and Peedi deliver a fun, uptempo bar-a-thon for the DJs and the dancers.
Zilla Rocca – Easy Street Mixtape
Speaking of fly and fun approaches to the art of rapping, Zilla Rocca’s Easy Street Mixtape is one of the most enjoyable rap releases of 2025. Rapping over classic beats from MF DOOM, Jay-Z, Lord Finesse, and more, Zilla brings charisma and real effort that’s been missing from a lot of underground hip-hop lately. Rap heavyweights like Fatboi Sharif, ALASKA, PremRock, AJ Suede, and others share mic duties, delivering great verses. The beat selection is on point, and the writing throughout this tape is razor-sharp without being self-serious. Highly recommended.