John Morrison’s Top 5: Grover Washington Jr., new Nicholas Krolak, a Sun Ra reinterpretation, and more
Grover Washington Jr | still from video
Since music is both my passion and my profession, I spend a lot of time contemplating and reevaluating my relationship to it. This summer has been no different as music writing gigs have become increasingly scarce and I’ve been finding more joy and opportunities as a DJ. From radio and club gigs to private work, spinning records in public is a job that requires constant discovery as I’m always looking for the next gem to play out at a gig. That being the case, I find myself having to be reminded that I should be listening to music for my own personal pleasure as well. This month, I’ve stumbled upon a few things that satisfy my need to play for myself and my obligation to play for others. Here are five musical moments and releases that have defined this month for me.
Aroe & The Soundmakers – The Wreckshop Philly Golden Era Vol. 1
I don’t know how I missed this back in 2008, but Aroe & The Soundmakers’ The Wreckshop Philly Golden Era Vol.1 is a fantastic (and pretty thorough) mixtape highlighting ‘80s and early ‘90s Philly rap music. All of the heavy hitters are here including Tuff Crew, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, and Cool C, but the mix also includes deeper cuts from acts like Jewel T, Todd-1, and Plush Bros. Chaotic, bombastic, and packed full of jams, this mix is the product of a real love and respect for our city’s history.
Wild Style screening at Penn Treaty Park
On Aug. 29, Reel Nomadic and Sights & Sounds hosted a park jam/screening of Charlie Ahearn’s classic early hip-hop film Wild Style. The weather was perfect as families and music lovers were treated to some dome DJ sets by Matthew Law, Chick Da Funkman, DJ Skipmode, DJ Low Budget, and DJ JJC. Ayashi and Philth Spector also held it down with a dope live beat set featuring MC Scary Allen. At sundown, I introduced the film with a bit of the cultural and historical context. All in all, it was a dope day to gather and celebrate one of rare documents of early hip-hop culture.
Cee Knowledge – “Space Is The Place”
As one-third of the legendary hip-hop trio Digable Planets, Cee Knowledge has been combining hip-hop and jazz’s distinct sensibilities for decades. I’ve recently been spinning his 2002 reinterpretation of Sun Ra’s “Space is The Place” and it’s a sleeper jazz and rap combo from that period. The song’s bassline and drums form a deep, head-bopping groove, and Cee Knowledge’s unmistakable voice guides the journey. If you find a copy of the vinyl, you’re in for a treat because the single is more of a mini EP with two additional cosmic jams and instrumental versions on the flip side.
Grover Washington, Jr. – No Tears In The End / Body And Soul (Montage)
Speaking of vinyl pick ups, I recently grabbed a 7” of “No Tears In The End” by sax legend and adopted Philly son Grover Washington Jr. Mellow, yet uptempo with a minimal arrangement, “No Tears” is a slick jazz-funk gem. “Body And Soul (Montage)” is the stronger cut here with its dreamy melody and swooning, romantic strings.
Nicholas Krolak – Blue House (Live)
Blue House (Live) is a gorgeous new album from Philly bassist and composer Nicholas Krolak. The album opens with “Past Lives,” a deep, meditative piece that features a lovely solo from pianist Jay Epstein. Saxophonist Amanda Gardier shines on the ballad “The Long Goodbye,” and drummer Matt Jerrigan opens “80 (Irving Park)” with a swinging, creative solo. At the heart of it all is Krolak’s subtle, tonally rich bass playing. Blue House (Live) is a fantastic contemporary jazz record that is well worth your time and attention.