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.
Check it out
Buy it
Amazon
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Song
Eru Aiye by Lekan Babalola
Back story
Lekan Babalola is a Nigerian percussionist and bandleader. His only release available in the U.S. is the excellent Songs of Icon. He mixes jazz and Afro-beat into a potent and exciting sound. Though not well-known outside of Africa, that is changing since his recent involvement with Cassandra Wilson’s band. In the past he has worked with Roy Ayers, Miles Davis, and Fela Kuti.
Why this song
Long-time readers know I am a sucker for good bass solos. Eru Aiye begins with a nearly 3 minute bass solo! It then moves into an open and airy jazz ensemble piece featuring tight horn harmonies, and concludes with a bass solo. It reminds me a bit of both John Coltrane and Miles Davis in the late 1950’s. Which is not to say Lekan’s music is derivative. It is classic and modern all at once. This is among the best world-beat albums I’ve heard in a long time.
More info
Artist and album info
Check it out
I am trying out a different streaming service called Maestro.fm. Since Lala is stopping service as of May 31, I am trying out some alternatives. Please let me know if you have issues listening to the song.
Videos are hard to come by, but I found this one from a 2007 performance in Chicago. The video quality is not great, but you can get a feel for his immense percussion talent.
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