John Morrison’s Philly Top 5: a local Wings cover, King Britt’s Blacktronika, a listening living room, more

It’s hot as hell and summer is in full swing. Marked by a seemingly non-stop barrage of big concerts, small intimate shows and music-related programming, June was one for the history books. From King Britt’s Blacktronika festival to James Blake at Franklin Music Hall and a ton of local gigs and parties, I feel like I’ve spent the entire month bopping around town and experiencing the gift of live music. Here are a few highlights that have made this month in Philly’s music scene truly memorable.

Blacktronika Festival 

What can I say about King Britt and Art Philly’s Blacktronika festival? Between June 23 and June 29, Britt marshaled a formidable amount of talent to put a spotlight on Philly’s Black music history. Operating under the banner “Philadelphia Now and Then,” the festival resurrected six of the city’s most storied parties and hosted a tribute to Philly-born electronic music pioneer Dexter Wansel. Seven nights of incredible programming and a reminder of the deep history that still shapes our city.

Clubfriends Radio & Records

Transforming her living room into a public listening room, artist and curator Alexa Colas’ Clubfriends Radio & Records has emerged as one of the hot spots of music lovers in Philly. Some days you might walk into a small dance party, and another day you might catch a local legend sharing gems from their record collection. In June, Colas partnered with the Blacktronika festival to host talks with the organizers of some legendary Philly parties. Informative and accessible and intergenerational, Clubfriends Radio & Records is a dope project, connecting multiple strands of our city’s music culture.

Del Jones — Court Is Closed

Not a show or a party, but one of my personal highlights this month has been revisiting Del Jones’ 1973 album Court Is Closed. A righteously soulful meeting of jazz, funk and Black power poetry, the album was reissued in 2023 by the Now Again label. A legendary figure in Philly’s music scene and activism movements, Jones was a visionary whose music should have a wider audience. 

Billy Paul — “Let ‘Em In”

Speaking of local musicians who had their ear to the streets in the ‘70s, Billy Paul’s music encapsulated the life experiences of Black Philadelphians from romance to politics. With his 1977 cover of Wings’ “Let ‘Em In”, Paul injected new color and spirit into McCartney’s lyrics celebrating American Civil Rights icons. With its unstoppable, orchestral groove, Paul’s take has been a staple in my DJ sets this month. 

The Interpretations — “Soul Affection”

It’s been a little while since I’ve played out some funky 45s, but I keep a few loaded up just in case. Philly funk ensemble The Interpretations’ 1969 single “Soul Affection” is a great hidden gem for DJs and music lovers searching for some high-energy funk. Played at a blistering speed with a tight rhythm section, this one is great for when you want to push the tempo into the stratosphere. Add in a hyperactive vocal and a call-and-response horn section and you have a funky delight that’ll rock your next funk and soul night.