Song
Full Time by Regina Carter

Back story
Regina Carter is an extraordinary jazz violinist whose most recent release, Reverse Thread, is a collection of re-imagined African folks songs. She received a ‘Genius Grant’ from the MacArthur Foundation in 2006, and this gave her the financial freedom to research and record this effort over the past few years. The wait was worth it, as this is one of the best jazz releases of 2010 thus far.

Why this song
Full Time features a melodic, syncopated bass-line, against-the-beat Kora sounding a bit like a rhythm guitar, funky drumbeat, and Regina’s vibrant, warm-toned violin. It is a propulsive number based on a celebratory folks song. Though technically difficult, she plays with an emphasis on fun and expression, rather than just showing off her amazing chops. It’s an exciting and joyful song, and is a good starting point for Reverse Thread.

More info
All About Jazz
All Music

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Songs
A Peace of Light, The Day, and Right On by The Roots

Back story
The Roots are a Philadelphia-based hip-hop group known as one of the best live bands performing today. They are currently the house band for the Jimmy Fallon Show, and somehow managed to find time to record and release a new album, How I Got Over. It is filled with live instrumentation and varied guests, anchored by ?uestlove’s drumming and Black Thought’s spot-on MC work. It’s an album whose message and vibe is perfect for these tough economic times. A New York Times review described it as “a serious deliberation on perseverance: a message for an era of recession.” Anyone thinking that hip-hop is dead and gone should give this a listen.

Why these songs
I was intrigued that the Roots employed several indie-rock acts on their newest release, so I decided to highlight three songs instead of just one, all featuring female singers. These songs aren’t necessarily representative of the album, but are wonderful nonetheless, especially enjoyed back to back.

A Peace of Light is a gentle introduction, featuring the beautifully eery, tight vocals of the Dirty Projectors. ?uestlove’s arrangement is top-notch.

The Day takes us into a familiar behind-the-beat Roots groove, featuring the Icelandic singer Patty Crash. Guest MCs Blu and Phonte add weight to a song about simply making it through, well…the day.

Right On features an irresistible hook sampled from from the alt-indie singer-songwriter/harpist Joanna Newsom. Not to mention the best groove on the album. Guest MC STS trades verses with Black Thought in 3 and a half minutes of soul, hip-hop, and pop perfection.

More info
All Music
Wikipedia

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