Continuing on with the weekely Five On The Black Hand Side feature series where I ask fellow DJ’s, collectors and music lovers about 5 choice selections that are essential to them. Records that may be rare or not, format doesn’t matter but quality does and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s about about. Records in each of our collections are supposed to be personal and no two collections should be alike especially when it comes to grails. DJ’s play different records in different fashions at different times and with honesty in playing the music, comes authenticity which is becoming even more rare during a time where clout chasing has become more of a norm than the music itself.
For this weeks guest, I wanted to bring someone in who has both the rare and not so rare and who plays them in such a way that is both experienced and authentic. Who can carry a floor from opening to closing and never disappoints with the selections which is obvious from the type of reception he receives with the first drop of the needle. Ren Sweater Funk is a staple in the scene and someone with standards not only in the records he chooses to collect and play but as a good human and that’s something that’s more important now than ever. So when I asked him to drop a Five On The Black Hand Side, I knew it would be very personal and honest picks that should be in everyones crates or have passed through their hands at one point or another and that’s exactly what he delivered.
Quincy Jones – “The Dude” LP
It is the foundation of my taste in music. I first discovered this album from my father. He would play this album on Sunday afternoons or long road trips. My personal favorite – “Something Special”. Quincy’s production and lead vocal by Patti Austin creates a smooth and sophisticated midtempo groove that doesn’t get enough recognition. The subtlety of the keys, horns and the background singers help compliment Patti’s lead vocals.
Gil Scott Heron & Brian Jackson – “It’s Your World”
Jazz-Funk fusion that wastes no time jumping right into the groove with Gil-Scott on vocals and Brian Jackson on the Fender Rhodes. The background support of congas adds another layer of funk reaching musical bliss.
New Order – “Ceremony” (Version 2)
During my adolescent years, this first New Order single started my path down towards the post-punk and new wave genre for the next several years. An ode to Ian Curtis from their previous band Joy Division drew intrigue for me. I first discovered this track from my next door neighbor after moving to Los Angeles in the mid 80s.
Jaffa – “Elevator” (Live Mix)
I don’t remember exactly how I found this instrumental but I know it was during the early 2000s during my house phase. I think my friends and I stumbled across it. It was so dope that I had to drive from San Jose to San Francisco to buy the last copy at Amoeba records during the time of release. A completely slept on track and still play it to this day.
Family Of Eve – “Please Be Truthful”
I first discovered this track from Keb Darge’s Deep Legendary Funk Volume 1. During the late 1990s to the early 2000s, this pivotal track transitioned my taste from 1970s deep funk into my current taste in modern soul, boogie and disco.