Jazz Summer

Today, I am very, very excited to announce a new addition to musicosaurus. 

I will be posting links to playlists that I create from my own music library on 8tracks.com. Youtube videos are very good for certain things, like concert performances and education, but in other cases they can distract from the music. Also, it’s frustrating not finding particular songs that I really wish to share and perhaps, in doing so, save them from obscurity. 

So, without further a due, I present to you the first playlist. 

Jazz Summer features jazz from bebop to bossa nova, from Charlie Parker to Sonny Rollins, with no fillers in between. Made especially to jazz up your summer nights.

Enjoyyy

Hooray For Earth - Last Minute

Quick post tonight before I head to bed.
Check this song out. I thought it was pretty good. I'm usually not into that whole indie rock thing, but this song has a somewhat different vibe to it. Part retro, part electronic. Pretty catchy stuff.
Hope you like…

Don Carlos - Music Crave

Hello everyone!
Hope you're enjoying your Saturday. Today I feel like some more reggae…must be the heat of summer. Here's one of my favorite voices in reggae. Original member in Black Uhuru, Don Carlos had a successful solo career in the 80s.  This one's a cut off his Harvest Time from 1982 (great album from start to finish, btw).
Also, if you like the music, want to say your thoughts, or leave suggestions, please leave a comment.
Enjoyyy…

Abbey Lincoln - Exactly Like You

And finally, Friday. Let's start this weekend off right.
Here's the beautiful voice of Abbey Lincoln.
Hear her singing this jazz standard from her 1958 Riverside recording, It's Magic (pictured above).
Great tune to unwind and enjoy with a cocktail after a long day of work.

Atahualpa Yupanqui - Los Dos Abuelos

Here is Atahualpa Yupanqui performing Los Dos Abuelos in front of a small audience.
Watch this video and you'll understand why "Don Ata" is arguably the most important folk songwriter of Argentina.
Beautiful song delivered straight from his soul.

Dennis Brown - So Jah Seh and Wolves and Leopards (live)

Some more reggae for today!
And who better to deliver it than the Crown Prince of Reggae, Dennis Brown?
Born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1957, "the boy wonder singing sensation" recorded his first cut at the legendary Studio One when he was 11.
In this video we see him perform So Jah Seh and his own Wolves and Leopards live at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1979. He is backed by the We the People Band, led by bassist Lloyd Parks.

Chico Cesar - Se Voce Viajar

Acho se você viajar talvez eu fiquei na fossa…
How can this video only have 40 views on Youtube?!?!?
Great, catchy reggae by Chico César, gifted singer/songwriter born in Paraiba, Brazil. Here he is singing Se Você Viajar from his 1998 album Beleza Mano.
Enjoy this video clip in HD, and spread the word.

Franco et le T.P. O.K. Jazz

Bonjour mes amis!
What a treat I have for you today! A real musical treasure.
This Franco et le T.P. O.K. Jazz live on Télé Zaïre in 1975.
It's a bit long (47 min.) but it's worth every second. Excellent sound and video qualities. 


The lineup:
Michèl Boyibanda, Josky Kiambukuta, Wuta Mayi, Lola Chécain, Sam Mangwana, Franco, Mpundi Decca, Gégé Mangaya, DuPoole, Thierry Mantuika, among others.


The songs:
00:00 - Oko Regretter Ngai Mama
10:10 - Toyeba Yo
20:44 - Bondowé
28:20 - Présence Na Ngai Ebangisaka
38:30 - Nioka Abangaka Mpe Moto

Chuck Berry - Roll Over Beethoven

Happy International Day of Rock (one day late)!!!!
Been very busy these past few days, and I didn't get the chance to post anything dedicated to the International Day of Rock yesterday. Still, I can't let this opportunity pass to put some good, fun rock n' roll. Here is Chuck Berry performing Roll Over Beethoven live.
Have fun!

Tribalistas - Carnavália

Parabéns para você!
Today is a very special person's birthday.
I dedicate this song and post to you! Thanks for all your love and support. Love you!
Here are the Tribalistas (pictured above from left to right: Marisa Monte, Carlinhos Brown, and Arnaldo Antunes) performing Carnavália off of their 2002 eponymous album.
Você vai gostar!

Astor Piazzolla - Bandoneon Concerto I.-Allegro Marcato

Today let's go to Argentina and visit one of the most important figures in tango: Astor Piazzolla. Through his genius compositions and masterful bandoneon playing, Piazzolla took tango to unprecedented territories, transforming it into a beautiful, sophisticated art. Here's a video of him playing a dramatic bandoneon concerto, backed by an string orchestra.
Beautiful!

Oscar D'León - Yo Quisiera

Hoy nos vamos a Venezuela!
Today I bring to you a special video, featuring the one and only, el sonero del mundo, el faraón de la salsa, Oscar D'León. The song is Yo Quisiera interpreted live. Amazing bass and vocals, and outstanding (and hilarious) improvisational skills by this master of salsa. 
Saludos a todos mis hermanos venezolanos!
Turn up the volume, and get ready to dance!

Chico Buarque - Vai Passar

Monday morning…

How about a good samba to brighten up your day? This is one the most enjoyable songs I have heard. The song is Vai Passar by Chico Buarque (pictured above) off of his 1984 eponymous album. It reminds me of the great times I've had in Brazil, accompanied by some of the warmest and most genuine people I have met.

Make yourself a caipirinha, relax, and enjoy the beautiful melodies and voice of this Brazilian legend!

Afro-Peruvian Musical Heritage

Happy Sunday to everyone!
Today I bring to you a very well made video about the African musical heritage in Peru. Pictured above is a tambor de tronco, a once forgotten drum made from the hard trunk of a eucalyptus tree.
Featured in the video is the well-known cajón, as well as other lesser-known instruments, such as the checo and the tambor de botija. The cajita is awesome, and it is still commonly used in percussion groups in Peru. Also, be sure to check out the quijada de burro!
Enjoy.

Bob Marley and the Wailers - African Herbsman

Here we go!
It's a hot, summer day and nothing is better than some breezy reggae to cool off.
This first post is dedicated to Bob Marley, whose voice is the voice of the people.
Off of the compilation Soul Revolution Part II (highly recommended) comes African Herbsman, recorded by Bob Marley and the Wailers and produced by the legendary Lee "Scratch" Perry.
Enjoy.