After 23 sessions since October of 2009, we’re retooling the Refuge concept and putting it on ice for a while. Stay tuned to this site for information on the next Refuge incarnation.

Thanks to everyone who came through to have a drink with friends, spend some quality time with progressive music, and occasionally party like it was your job. Shouts out to all of our special guests: Brett from Boundless, Zo!, Tamara Wellons, Erik Rico, Nicholas Ryan Gant and Stef Renee. We also had evenings devoted to exclusive presentations of projects by Anthony Velez, Silhouette Brown, Sade and Sergio Mendes.

I can’t leave you without another round of Refuge highlights from my last set. These are dedicated to everyone who loves what they hear enough to come up to me and ask for track titles. I appreciate that more than you know.

Suntzu Sound presents 1Luv – “Black Daylight” (Blakai remix)

You might recognize the Slope remix as the anthem for our beloved Daylight DC. Shouts to the Suntzu Sound famalam out in Seattle. Blakai (one of the INNUMEROUS Bugz in the Attic permutations) first wowed me on “Afrospace”. I dig their bruk’ed take on this.

Oddisee – “Juba May”

This raw, jazzy instrumental workout is a cornerstone of Odd Spring, Oddisee’s final installment of his four EP seasonal series. Dude can really do no wrong in my eyes, on the boards or on the mic.

Ty – “Little Star” (feat. Wreh-asha)

Yes, I’m always talking about how dope Ty is. That’s because Ty is dope as hell. No, that isn’t circular reasoning. The progression from Awkward to Upwards to Closer and now Special Kind of Fool has been very rewarding to follow with ’nuff bangers along the way. Ty’s been a Refuge pick before but I really can rock every joint from the last album consistently in sets.

Till Brönner – “No Fusion Generation” (Mark de Clive-Lowe remix feat. Ovasoul7)

Well before the Serato era, I was obsessed with collecting everything that Mark de Clive-Lowe put out. I ordered a couple of cd’s from his native New Zealand because that was the only way to cop them. And when I tracked down a new copy of this 12-inch, I felt like I won a prize. This was a Vibe Conductor staple for a long time. This tune ended up on a compilation of MdCL collabs, remixes and loosies so it’s not as hard to find as it once was.

After half a century of blessing the world with the sounds of Brazil, jazz treasure Sérgio Mendes is releasing his 37th studio album and we’ll have it in hand for a listening session.

Bom Tempo showcases songs from the crème de la crème of Brazilian songwriters (including Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gilberto Gil, Joao Donato, Carlinhos Brown, Jorge Benjor, Milton Nascimento and Moacir Santos) and a song from his old friend Stevie Wonder, written especially for Mendes in 1977, the simmering “The Real Thing” (first recorded on Sergio Mendes and the New Brasil ‘77 album). While many of Mendes’ friends and long time collaborators are present on the album (including drummers Mike Shapiro and Vinnie Colaiuta, bassists Nathan Watts and Alphonso Johnson, guitarists Paul Jackson Jr. and Kleber Jorge, percussionist Gibi, vocalist Gracinha Leporace—the bandleader’s wife—and songwriter-arranger-vocalist Carlinhos Brown, who was integral to the success of the Brasileiro album), newcomers are also in the mix.

Next we’ll be graced by some live vocals from dear friend, arts maven and all around fly girl Stef Renée. After serving as a pillar of the Philadelphia arts scene, she’s back in her native Washington and I’d like to welcome her home properly.

Wednesday, June 2
Sérgio Mendes listening session and Stef Renée feature
Tabaq Bistro (basement)
1336 U St NW, WDC
9pm – until
21+, no cover

So yeah, I kind of left you all hanging after Nicholas laced us last month. I only did that to give you more time to cop everything in the archives. (err… right.)

The brother brought a packed room full of admirers and sang his face off to tracks from Border Breaker, Hittin’ Switches and a few surprises.

And here are some highlights from my set.

Slakah The Beatchild – “The Answer” (Feat. Melanie Durrant)

The T-Dot beatmaker is already responsible for what has been a Refuge anthem since week 1. This samba is so sexy that I actually had to play it twice. Expect “The Answer” to become a staple.

A Tribe Called Quest – “Go Ahead In The Rain”

Shout-out to all the beckies who come up to the DJ booth asking if I’ll play some Tribe while I’m spinning something from People’s Instinctive Travels… This doesn’t happen at Refuge of course, but at other gigs.

Wednesday, May 5
Refuge featuring Nicholas Ryan Gant
Tabaq Bistro (basement)
1336 U St NW, WDC
9pm – until
21+, no cover

Erik Rico came through and did the damn thing last week armed with Ableton Live, a mean Moog plug-in, BHE’s MIDI controller and gang of new and old material.

[credit: Marq Few]

Of course there were a few warm up tunes before the live set.

Emmanuel – “Getaway” feat. Celetia Martin

SoulCulture hipped me and now I’m hipping you. I’m getting a faint but nice bit of Loose Ends vibes mixed with some Patrice Rushen on this tune. You know those are always good things in my world.

Johnny “Guitar” Watson – “In The World”

The bass line is EVERYTHING.

See you May 5? It’s like having your music collection come to life in your living room before having a house party. Next month we’ll have someone equally dope.

Rico has continued to evolve as a producer and artist and now fuses elements of live music and electronic music into a style of music that can best be described as “electrosoul”. “I see our generation as the last ones to bridge the gap between the organic human feel of live musicians and the computer generation.” Rico’s philosophy is that having the best of both worlds to extract from makes it easy to truly explore all the limitless options that art has to offer.

Wednesday, April 7
Refuge featuring Erik Rico
Tabaq Bistro (basement)
1336 U St NW, WDC
9pm – until
21+, no cover

Scoot over to Lifenotes Music if you’re tardy on the releases. And if you’re broke, cop this free download of his album of classic covers.

Erik will be rocking the joints you know as well as exclusive joints, like these right ‘chere.

For real, you should come through.

Also, it’s been a while since Refuge has hosted a special guest so Erik Rico will be coming through to hit you with all new material next week, April 7.

And finally, after the Erik Rico session, Refuge will no longer be weekly. Check for it on the first Wednesday of every month.

These highlights from last week’s set will freshen your library until we resume.

Al Green – “Love Ritual”

Reverend Al did afrobeat in 1975? Word? Now you know.

The Pharcyde – “Drop” (Da Beatminerz Remix)

This version always went hard. I’ve got a good amount of cue burn on my 12″ doubles.

Moodymann – “Black Mahogani”

I was getting in the proper focus for this week. Moodymann is a wild dude. You should explore more of his twisted genius in his RBMA lecture. ‘Sup, Detroit.

N’Dambi – “The World Is Beat” (Applejac’s Bruk-Up mix)

Applejac recently dropped this crucial EP so his presence at WMC would be felt although he won’t be able to make it this year. While others are on that Lalah Hathaway and that Reel People, my heater of choice is this gotdayum N’Dambi joint. Stank you very much for this project my ATLien friend.

See you next week.

Mark Ronson – “She’s Got Me” (feat. Daniel Merriweather)

The Mos Def, M.O.P. and Ghostface joints were always my sure-shots on Here Comes The Fuzz but I dug this one out and was reminded of how much I slept on it.

Mishal Moore – “Oh Lord” (Kenny Dope Remix)

I don’t know what happened to the album that Kenny was supposed to do with her but in the meantime you can watch a lot of fun videos on her YouTube channel. You can keep up with Mishal on Twitter too.

Shafiq Husayn – “Nirvana”

The drawback of dealing with a huge backlog of good music is that I often take a long time to get around to listening to some of the hottest shit. I picked up Shafiq’s solo project months after everyone had already been raving about it. Even if you followed all of Sa-Ra’s work closely, it would be hard to prepare for the experience of hearing Shafiq En’ A-Free-Ka for the first time. It’s a cosmic afro-space sonic landscape.

RJD2 – “Games You Can Win” (Feat. Kenna)

See the Shafiq comments. I sat on RJD2’s latest for a long time too but great sounds don’t have expiration dates. The Colossus is a fascinating listen. This Kenna joint is dope but not even in my top three tracks on the album. You should check it out for yourselves.

Trus’me feat. Amp Fiddler – “Can We Pretend”

Great dancefloor flip of a Bill Withers classic from this Brit DJ/producer with a hot hand in the game right now. Catch him in DC on March 20 as part of the Forward Festival.

Reggie B & Miles Bonny – “Doin Our Thang”

I initially wasn’t sold on the vocals and writing but this joint has an irresistible bop to it. Sometimes the whole is bigger than the sum of its parts. You agreed too, as many of you asked me about this tune.

Spring’s here. You should stop by.

Nona Hendryx – “Why Should I Cry?”

No, not Chaka or Vesta but one-third of LaBelle. Big shouts to ThePBG for getting it right, singing along AND doing her dance. This used to go hard. Word to Jellybean Johnson.

Sherrick – “Just Call”

I won with this one. Folks guessed Loose Ends and that actually makes sense stylistically. Sherrick only had one hit other than this one and sadly passed away in 1999. I’m bringing this tune back though.

Five Star – “Let Me Be The One”

Part of a double play, I dropped “All Fall Down” too. UK stand up. This was just for funsies. If folks didn’t know Five Star I would have had to put them on punishment.

I wasn’t in retro mode all night of course. Right now I’m stanning hard for the homie Ty’s new project, so expect a lot excitement generated about it in this space. Again, UK represent.

Ty – “Emotions”

Every week, your new favorite song. Come by and check us out.

It’s been out for a couple of weeks but good music isn’t held captive by 1st week sales or blizzards.

If this is all foreign to you, play catch up here. The brainchild of UK future soul producer Dego (2000 Black, 4hero), keyboardist Kaidi Tatham (DKD, Agent K), and vocalist/songwriter Bembe Segue (4hero, The Politik) Silhouette Brown’s 2005 debut was the sexy, jazzy flip-side to broken beat’s jump up riddims.

We have two copies of the new Silhouette Brown album to give away at Refuge tonight to go along with a set featuring cuts from both albums and an exploration of Dego, Kaidi and Bembe’s extensive catalog. The first two folks to email me at djstylus AT vibeconductor DOT com with the answers to these questions will snag a copy of Two. Google is your friend.

1. Name the featured vocalist on Silhouette Brown’s debut.
2. Name the featured vocalist on the new Silhouette Brown album.
3. What classic hip-hop figure cameos on the new album?
4. Name the first single from the new album.
5. Name one project, collaboration or crew that Dego, Kaidi or Bembe are associated with that I didn’t mention above.

Last week I was deep in Two bliss and my 2000 Black crates as well. There were a couple of amorous couples in the building getting re-acquainted on date night. I think they rather enjoyed this cut:

Silhouette Brown – “Check It (Calling You)”

Every component of our Sade listening party worked out perfectly. From the food to the Sade themed cocktail samples courtesy of Ciroc (thanks Karim!), the art (big up Charles Jean-Pierre), the eager crowd of music lovers and party people and the sponsorship support. I speak on behalf of LSP in thanking April at Sony for allowing Refuge to host the event and hooking up our guests with great prizes. Soldier of Love comes out February 9. I’ve got mine on pre-order.

[photos: Dana Kristina-Joi Morgan]

Check Gerald Watson’s spot for more photos.

Before we listened to the new album, I played an all Sade set. Didn’t rock any Sweetback though! Outside of that bit of fail, the evening was spiced with great remixes that I pulled from my stash. How is it that three of the best Sade remixes are for “By Your Side?” Tell me in the comments which one is the hottest.

Sade – “By Your Side” (the Neptunes Remix)

This is a great snapshot of the Neptunes sound that dominated the scene ten years ago and the ability for them to adapt their club banging style to a ballad. This one isn’t so rare and was actually released on a single so you should be able to dig it up.

Sade – “By Your Side” (Cottonbelly Remix)

For those just tuning in, Cottonbelly is Stuart Matthewman, founding member of Sade and Sweetback. This smoldering afrobeat ember can be found on a rare compilation of his and also on the Red Hot + Riot album, which everyone should own anyway. Neptunes, I’ma let you finish, but Cottonbelly had the best “By Your Side” remix of all times… OF ALL TIMES! *shrug*

Sade – “By Your Side” (Naked Music Mix)

Let me stop playing. Cottonbelly has seniority due to his role in the band but I can’t give him the title that quickly. So much of the Sade discography captures the essence of carnal pleasure but this remix is one of the sexiest Sade songs in existence. I waxed nostalgic about Naked Music after week 12, but for anyone not hip, this label built their whole catalog on music designed for getting someone pregnant.

One thing that can never be replaced about vinyl is the thrill of the hunt and the emotional relationship you develop with the treasures you find. When this white label dropped, I felt like I was walking around with something rare, magic and powerful whenever I had this in my dj bag. Records like these make you feel like you should be porting them around in a Haliburton cuffed to your wrist.

Sade – “Stronger Than Pride” (Karizma K2 Mix)

Here’s the portion of the talent contest where a feature performs while the judges deliberate, although I want your opinions about this one too. It was feeling so good to me that I had to play it twice in the same night. I know you all weren’t mad either. Opening with what sounds like a distorted tuba and accordion (?!?) the track builds hypnotically with vocal loops, percussion and synths for four minutes before you even get to the first verse. By then it’s a spiritual experience. You must rock the whole 10 minutes. EPIC.

Karizma is one of my top 5 favorite DJs. His sets are technical, soulful, funky and downright BRUTAL. It’s like musical masochism. Dude is a fucking monster on the decks. I’ve seen him make a roomful of the world’s best DJs draw inward and reflect on the meaning of their craft. His production work brings the same heat. Drawing from his background in Baltimore club, he blends sexy jazziness with jack-your-body beats.

He still releases his remixes on wax, which makes them that much more valuable. That was the only way you could get them until now. If you’re willing to suck up the import tax, you can own ALL OF THE K2 edits on CD. the $20 is worth it just for the Sade mix alone, not to mention the Faith Evans, Maxwell, Al B. Sure, Anita Baker…. just cop that joint and buy me a drink when you see me next as a show of gratitude.

So last week, Tami sang a few of her most popular songs to her five fans (not really) then Refuge turned into a juke joint. Here are a few cuts responsible for that.

Omar – “Feeling You” feat. Stevie Wonder

These two could really do a whole album together. Has Omar ever made a less than banging joint? That was a silly question.

Paulinho Da Costa – “Love Till The End Of Time”

The Grammys got me reminiscing on the Black Eyed Peas when they were still dope. And that got me reminiscing on one of my favorite jazz fusion joints ever by one of Brazil’s most esteemed exports.

Unlimited Touch – “I Hear Music In The Streets”

CHOOON!!

Nathan Adams & Zepherin Saint – “Holding On”

I’m glad that I can officially crown this a Refuge staple after giving “Circles” a well-deserved rest. Can these cats keep making anthems every time they drop a joint? Don’t want to put that much pressure on them but if they make a full album it could be a problem (in a good way). Zepherin Saint is on FB too. Go be his friend.

The Clonious – “One At A Time” feat. Musinah

Full disclosure, when this first came out, I kinda ignored it despite its release on one of my favorite labels. It was a collaboration between Muhsinah and another talented, up and coming RBMA attendee from Austria, and maybe I was hating a little inside because of all the times RBMA rejected me. DJ Stylus is human and has his faults. Thanks to DJ Brainchild, I got a second chance to fall into one of the most breathtaking tunes I’ve heard in recent memory.

This song sounds like what I imagine Na’vi sex feels like.

I love Muhsinah like cooked food and fancy beer. I won’t let my petty ego issues stand in the way of our love ever again. Much props to The Clonious too. I shook off the shame and bought both of his projects immediately.

Dianne Reeves & Grant Green – “Down Here On The Ground” (Ummah Remix)

The New Groove was several years ahead of the rush of legendary labels seeking to monetize their back catalogs through remix projects. I used to wear this cassette out.

Burnier & Cartier – “Mirandolina”

Que bonito!

Refuge makes me smile when someone is minding their business, I throw on a tune and they’re compelled to get out of their seat and groove in their own little world. Then they come to me and I can tell them the name of their new favorite song. I have to give props to DJ Day for getting me hip to this one.

Tam-Rock is re-launching her website and celebrating at Refuge this week. Join us this Wednesday! There will be girly stuff, like make-up giveaways and martinis and such. Considering my fanbase, this doesn’t bother me at all. She’s going to sing a few songs and give away some music too.

Ty – “What You Want”

I push Ty the way that Jehovah’s Witnesses push salvation. If you dig progressive, soulful, smart hip-hop and you don’t have any Ty in rotation then I feel like it’s my duty to help you see the light. This is one of my favorite cuts from his superb Closer album. Taylor McFerrin on the beatbox.

Petalpusher – “Rely On Me”

Naked Music’s best years were just magic. The beautiful series of nudes on the album covers and the gems in the record sleeves that never left your crate after purchase. I can’t look at these records without being flooded with memories of rocking sets with or having dancefloor moments to these songs. 10 years ago the Vibe Conductor concept was just forming and these tracks helped shape that early identity.

Fertile Ground – “Take Me Higher” (Waiwan Remix)

Felt like ending the evening with drum & bass so I did. Must do that more often. Maybe tonight?

Think it could work?

Here are some of the joints I pulled out early in the night when I was in that mood.

Middlewood Sessions – “Fall Back”

Fitting that since I invoked Gilles Peterson above, this was released on his Brownswood label.

Lonnie Smith – “Apex”

Records like this are why I still buy vinyl.

Jukka Eskola – “1974″

What a gorgeous smoker of a tune from this young Finnish trumpeter. This is one of those songs that you wonder where it’s been all your life once you hear it. It’s a bit hard to find. First released as a b-side to the “Buttercup” 12-inch in the image above, it was also on his 2005 debut album as well as a Raw Fusion compilation. I must thank Tigallo for putting me up on this one. Homie’s got a jazz ear too.

Every Wednesday I’ve always got more treats to share.

Apparently this was all the New Year’s partying that some folks needed.

As these events were developing, I was playing out of my “make you shake your ass and sing along” repertoire. But before all that, we was chillin’ and this is how it went down. No categories on this post, just a few noteworthy joints.

Boogiemonsters – “Recognized Thresholds of Negative Stress” (Stressless Mix)

This has always been and will always be my jam. But being the contrarian that I am, I rocked the smoothed out remix last week. It definitely has its own charm.

The Sunburst Band – “Far Beyond”

This is an old staple of mine that I had to put on ice for a few years because I played it too much. Then when I bring it back out of retirement, it’s new to everyone! Another fantastic usage of Ahmad Jamal’s “Swahililand”.

Dorothy Ashby – “Cause I Need It”

Swingingest harpist I know of, and source material for some of Pete Rock’s best work.

As usual, your presence is requested.

Vibe Conductor Pick:

Kidkanevil – “When I Dig” featuring Kissey Asplund, Blu

It almost feels premature to be rocking this now because it’s such a spring jam. Kissey Asplund does her cutesy space kitten thing and Blu’s Dana Dane impression takes me back to happier times. Who’s Kidkanevil? I’m just finding out myself over a year after everyone else did.

Peoples’ Pick:

Eric Roberson – “Wanna Believe It Again” feat. Wayna

I got Music Fan First right before the first Refuge and been banging this tune ever since. It’s almost cursory to highlight it at this point because its jam status was instantly evident. But I love it. The dancefloor loves it. Other DJs reading this, if you like women, you should be playing it.

Nostalgia Pick:

SWV – “Coming Home”

SWV had a lot of great tracks outside of their established hits. Many solid cuts fell through the cracks in that transitional period when new jack swing was waning and R&B had yet to merge DNA with hip-hop.

Digging In The Crates Pick:

Rahsaan Patterson – “It Ain’t Love”

It feels like folks should shed clothing and inhibitions when this song drops. I’ve never seen it happen but perhaps subconsciously I wish it would.

Join us for another session tonight?

Diamond D – “The Hiatus”

Pulling this out last week was prescient since Refuge is taking a week off.

Kat is in the middle of her birthday week, is closing out Soul Overdose for 2009 and there was no way we could do the final one any other day than Wednesday. We’re suspending Refuge tomorrow and will resume on December 23. Of course, we’ve got a Grammy nominee to help you get over the hump and maybe a dual Soul Controller after party to boost the usual Jahsonic throwdown.

Soul Overdose with N’digo Rose, DJ Jahsonic and special guest Phonte

Wednesday, December 16
LIV
2001 11th St NW
doors: 9PM
tickets available at LilSoSo.com
door purchase availability NOT GUARANTEED.

Nuspirit Helsinki – “Silent Steps”

I can’t believe it’s going on eight years since I first got hip to the wave of future hybrid jazzy soul that was rolling out of Scandinavia. The Gothenburg scene was popping in Sweden. Copenhagen was kragenoff. Even Finland was getting it in. The first Nuspirit Helsinki album is so mandatory. It’s held up really well over time.

Mica Paris – “I Should’ve Known Better”

The B-side wins again, which is why I posted the 12-inch label instead of an album cover displaying this luscious singer. Remember when the flip side of every single contained an exciting new adventure? This tune dropped in 1990 but was never officially released on an album until 1998. By then it was a well-established classic. I feel like I can never be a big enough stan for black Brit soul. Did y’all know Mica dropped a new record this year? Honey had the scoop on that this summer.

J. Rawls – “Hebejeebees”

Sometimes I feel like the Liquid Crystal Project jazz albums by this Ohio producer best known for his hip-hop work with Lone Catalysts are some sort of well-guarded secret. If that’s the case, they’re a secret I’d rather share.

Antonio Adolfo – “Cascavel”

I would have missed out on this tasty slice of funky Brazilian fusion jazz if it weren’t for Gilles Peterson. Compilations are your friends.

Want more? Come hang.

The pre-Thanksgiving session was fresh. No one was there then everyone came through all at once. I almost made Brett repeat his set because he played so many hot records early on. But then he had more hot records so it was all good.

To mark the occasion of an old friend being the first Refuge guest DJ, this recap will be a bit different. The first two tunes are under the heading of…

Joints That Brett Rocked That I Will Be Adding To My Sets Immediately:

Bennson – “Let The Love” (Yam Who Remix)

I’ve been running the album version since it came out almost exactly a year ago. But skimming through the remixes online made me miss out on the Yam Who joint that didn’t command my attention until I heard it in the club. In that context it sounds like Tom Browne in his prime consulted on the recording. That means all kinds of dancefloor win is involved. If I still had hair, I think that this song could make me spontaneously sprout a jheri curl. And by the way, dude is from Australia.

I was totally unfamiliar with this one, despite so many big name cats playing it. A little digging hipped me quickly. This is one of those studio alchemists with multiple names for multiple projects, one of which was also on Raw Fusion. I don’t get down with techno but this cut is right in that deep house lane that flirts with techno but stays soulful. Theo Parrish should be proud of this young German who bears his influence. All I envision when I listen to this is some low-lit, sweaty club rub-n-grind action. It’s not just me, is it?

Vibe Conductor Pick:

Ok-Ma – “Bwoy Gal” (Lanu Remix)

One of those not-new-but-new-to-you joints. I’m never mad at those, but just annoyed that I never really have the right space to play this tune, or when I do I forget to pull it out. That’s why I started this party. The Opolopo mix is broken beat for pop sensibilities and is my favorite but Lanu’s version gets the booties shaking.

Nostalgia Pick:

Eddie Kendricks – “Date With The Rain”

Out of hundreds, this is may be the best song about rain that I’ve ever heard. And that’s saying something. Epic b-boy record too.

I’m looking forward to kicking it with some new friends tomorrow. Might you be one of them?

Have a listen to Brett’s latest podcast and get familiar.

Download audio file (elepodcast%20006%20112209.mp3)
[download Elevations Radio Jubilation 006]

Refuge
with special guest Brett from Boundless [Elevations Radio / Sugar Lounge]
Wednesday, Nov. 25
Tabaq Bistro (basement)
1336 U St NW, WDC
9pm – until
21+, no cover

Here are some highlights of the set I rocked after Zo!’s show & tell time.

Vibe Conductor Pick:

Strange Fruit Project – “Fresh For Life” feat. Thesis

I’ve been following these guys since Soul Travelin’ when hearing hip-hop in this style out of Texas was rare. After a long hiatus as a group while beatmaker S1 racked up production credits, they’re serving up a new EP that forecasts good things for them in the near future. Check out the first video from the M.A.S.K. EP and a highlight from their last full-length project.

Peoples’ Pick:

Electric Wire Hustle – “Perception”

That classic Minnie Riperton sample made an appearance in week 1 and will never get old as long as it’s flipped properly. The music blogosphere can sometimes smother a new artist with adoration before they prove that they deserve the hype. In the case of Electric Wire Hustle, I’ll hop on the bandwagon with everyone else and not be ashamed. When Uncle Q led a stream of folks to the booth for a round of “Who’s that’s”, I knew this was the audience pick. This electronic/organic trio joins forward looking soul artists already representing New Zealand on the international stage like Mark de Clive-Lowe, Lanu and Fat Freddy’s Drop, to name but a few. Get like them.

Nostalgia Pick:

Mighty Ryeders – “Evil Vibrations”

Just occasionally reminding folks of songs that they know, but don’t know that they know.

Digging In The Crates Pick:

Loose Ends – “Don’t Be A Fool”

“Hangin’ On A String” was inescapable but I didn’t explore the rest of Loose End’s catalog until high school when I played my Look How Long tape until it crumbled into dust. Then I came up on the cd and wore the grooves out on that. If I had seen this performance when it aired I would have DIED.

Next week: Pre-Turkey Day Jam, house party style.

Zo’s work is a Refuge staple and should be heavy in your personal rotations. There’s surely no shortage of it, with his nine solo albums, numerous features and high profile collaborations that are among the best modern soul releases of the last 5 years.

Zo! has stepped up to a new level since joining up with Nicolay and Phonte as part of the Foreign Exchange Music imprint. This partnership has so far yielded Zo! & Tigallo Love the 80’s and Leave It All Behind, with more to come in 2010.

With all this creative output, I know the homie has to be sitting on some nuggets that have never been outside his home studio or graced ears other than his own. Thus was born the idea for Zo’s Secret Stash.

Zo hosts a listening session of rare highlights from his body of work. They could be joints that have never come out and might never see release. They could be in-progress joints. There might even be a sneak peek at some of the material from his upcoming solo project, if we’re lucky and he’s comfortable with that. For the early shift at Refuge, we’ll be turning the spot into Zo’s own screening room where he handpicks material to share exclusively with Refuge fam.

Maybe there might be another one of these in the chamber.

Wednesday, Nov. 18
Tabaq Bistro (basement)
1336 U St NW, WDC
9pm – until
21+, no cover
Zo’s Secret Stash begins at 9:30.

Vibe Conductor Pick:

Kaidi Tatham – “I’m High”

This song almost broke my iPod’s repeat feature. The album was only released in Japan so it can be difficult to track down but diligence will reward you. Kaidi Tatham is the Herbie Hancock of broken beat. In the seven years since his last solo project as Agent K, he’s blessed us with DKD, Silhouette Brown, 2000 Black and a gang of features, remixes and collaborations. Google all those names, he has more than a few. Jazz chops combined with electronic techniques and soulful sensibilities – that’s where the magic happens.

Peoples’ Pick:

Benny Sings – “Unconditional Love”

If you didn’t know about all the soul in the Netherlands, there’s always time to catch up. It’s hard to describe Benny Sings to folks who haven’t heard him, but they always ask “Who is this?” This video is more helpful than any description.

Nostalgia Pick:

The Brand New Heavies feat. Grand Puba – “Who Makes The Loot?”

Classic Hilfiger and backpack flavor! I sure wouldn’t be mad at a Heavy Rhyme Experience vol. 2.

Digging In The Crates Pick:

Kashif – “I Just Gotta Have You (Lover Turn Me On)”

I’m also healing relationships at Refuge. You didn’t know?

Working on something special for next week with someone who’s got a hot hand in the game right now.

And here are some more of the treats I was eager to share.

Vibe Conductor Pick:

Zo! – “Somethin’ Special” feat. Yahzarah

The internets blew the hell up on Tuesday when the multi-instrumentalist of The Foreign Exchange, The Els, and Zo! & Tigallo dropped his Just Visiting Too… project FOR DE FREE. Zo! rounded up the artists you know and love on the Foreign Exchange imprint and covered a slate of jazzy soul classics.

Let’s rewind for a minute and revisit the original featuring Quincy Jones and the incomparable Patti Austin.

So folks were chillin’ and vibing… until they weren’t. Somehow a party broke out. I blame DJ Ten. And a set of soulful house jams anchored by…

Peoples’ Pick:

Quentin Harris & Monique Bingham – “Poor People”

Quentin Harris has long been a beast. And Monique Bingham has long been an object of my fanboy adoration. Put them together and you’ve got an anthem that people hear for the first time and swear that it’s always been their favorite song.

Nostalgia Pick:

Tara Kemp – “Hold You Tight”

Everyone remembers this song. No one remembers the name of the artist. That’s what I’m here for. Next time you see Vickey, ask her to show you her Tara Kemp dance. It’s awesome.

Digging In The Crates Pick:

Skyy – “High”

Sure wish I could link to an online purchase site for this one, I played a
vinyl re-issue. I definitely need to increase the rollerskating fonk quotient of this party.

Who are you going to tell about Refuge next week? Word of mouth is the best word.

Refuge is about discovering and sharing new sounds. This Wednesday, get an advance listen to the new release from Philadelphia’s Record Breakin’ Music from 9 – 10pm and be one of 5 winners of a Record Breakin’ prize pack:

- 1 copy of the Anthony Valadez Audio/Visual : Sounds inspired by all things visual CD
- 1 copy of the Anthony Valadez Celestial Blues Mixtape
- 1 limited edition Record Breakin’ 7-inch single

The first five (5) people to send an email to ‘refuge AT vibeconductor DOT com’ with “Anthony Valadez” in the subject line will get the goods. You must be present to pick up your giveaway.

Anthony Valadez – Audio/Visual : Sounds inspired by all things visual
Official Washington, DC album release party
Wednesday, Nov. 4
Tabaq Bistro (basement)
1336 U St NW, WDC
9pm – until
21+, no cover

More on Anthony Valadez:

Audio/Visual is the debut full length from artist, club and radio dj, playwright, Anthony Valadez. This album is a collection of beats that became modified with the addition of live instrumentation to add texture. The concept of the album is based on the merger between sight and sound. Each song, sample and layer is inspired by a visual that inspired Valadez.

“I’ve always been inspired by the visual element of everyday life” Valadez explains. “From my college days in taking public transportation to driving home late at night from gigs, my mind takes mental snapshots that stay with me while I play with keys, percussion and the mpc to create sounds.”

The opening track ‘Vibrations’ is a clear indication that this is not your typical beat album but rather experimentation with samples, live bass lines, melodic chord changes and soulful elements.

“I got bored of beat music with simple loops that really go nowhere and I wanted to challenge myself in creating a palette that allows me to change the texture or mood within a song”.

Valadez enlisted the vocal talents of Stockholm’s Kissey Asplund and Los Angeles’ Wendisue on a few of the tracks. Nevertheless, the majority of the project is an instrumental soundscape accompanied with the musicianship of Dexter Story (Life Force Trio, Build an Ark), Shaunte Palmer (Raphael Saadiq, Talib Kweli) and Evan Lasrey. You can tune in to Anthony Valadez every single Monday night live on 89.9FM KCRW and worldwide at www.kcrw.com. He also holds down several dj residencies in the Los Angeles area.

Vibe Conductor Pick:

Hawthorne Headhunters – “She Wanna”

Singing, rapping, banging out them beats… Black Spade is on it. And he’s one of those cats who has so much stuff going on that he creates new names under which to do it all. Please get familiar, and then check Black Sp-, or rather Stoney Rock’s new group Hawthorne Headhunters.

Peoples’ Pick:

Erykah Badu and Rahzel – “Southern Gul”

Could also be included in the “Songs That DJs Should Play More Often” category.

Nostalgia Pick:

Rebbie Jackson – “Centipede”

I was pretty much only aiming to elicit a squeal from ThePBG, although she wasn’t the only one who appreciated it.

Digging In The Crates Pick:

Chuckii Booker – “(Don’t U Know) I Love U”

When my iPod throws this joint at me on shuffle, I turn into one of those weirdos on the Metro singing LOUD AS HELL in my own little world.

Next week: an album listening party and special giveaways. Stay tuned.

Vibe Conductor Pick:

As much as I like to smash off a party, I also enjoy just sharing tunes with a room full of folks socializing and appreciating the sounds. Early in the night I dropped one of my favorite tracks from the Jazz Refreshed compilation, Femi Temowo’s “Wood & Strings”.

Click the album cover to listen to the project in its entirety.

When I read that Femi took up jazz guitar after being inspired by Wes Montgomery, I wasn’t surprised. Here’s why:

Peoples’ Pick:

Slakah the Beatchild – “D.A.N.C.E.”

I ended the night with this one, and for those who haven’t heard it in my sets and mixes since this summer, it was an instant earworm. Toronto’s got some freshly ground goodness brewing these days. Been seeing Slakah the Beatchild in album credits, on blogs and in music press for a minute.

Nostalgia Pick:

Brownstone – “If You Love Me”

Sometimes you just want the ladies to get really happy and sing along really loud. We DJs enjoy that.

Digging In The Crates Pick:

Madonna – “Human Nature”

Forgot about this one, didn’t ya? Still goes hooard in the clurb. Word to Madge.

See you next week, right? Of course!

“Where do you play regularly?”

This comes from a place of flattery, as it means they enjoyed my set, want to hear me again, and assume that any DJ that’s halfway decent automatically has a residency at a club somewhere.

But this question can be frustrating, because that assumption doesn’t coincide with the real world in which there are way too many DJs, too few progressive venues, too many politics, and gigs are dependent on connections and popular tastes rather than ability. I play out a lot, but other than the radio show, I haven’t had a residency since 2003.

After the Soul Controller 18th anniversary, an opportunity opened up at just the right time in the right space. The basement of Tabaq is intimate, warm, and equipped with a solid sound system. They were enthusiastic to have me and we’re going to give it a go with a concept I’m calling:

Refuge…

…a space for serious music heads and also a playground to break new records and unearth rare overlooked gems. Some selections will be nostalgic too, but not the same retro, “old school” records that get caned to death.

Every week I’ll create a narrative and then continue the conversation here at VibeConductor.com about what I’m playing, the moods I’m trying to create, and what you, my audience, is feeling.

With the runaway success of The Main Ingredient, I see this as a companion event that fills a complimentary musical niche and strengthens the Soul Controller brand.

I envision Refuge as a listening room that can escalate into a full-out jam if the energy goes that way. I won’t be compromising and I will be stretching out. I’m also looking forward to using this event to bring in guests doing some of the most interesting, forward thinking soulful music in the game right now. If you’ve enjoyed our past sessions with Taylor McFerrin, Joy Jones, Lady Alma, Daz-I-Kue and Uprock Recordings then you know what to expect.

Refuge

with DJ Stylus (Soul Controllers)
and special guests

Every Wednesday starting Oct. 21
Tabaq Bistro (basement)
1336 U St NW, WDC
9pm – until
21+, no cover