World Cup is now underway. Brasil's first game is Thursday. I don't enjoy the WC. For me, it's a month of suffering that only ends well if Brasil lifts the cup at the end. I've been fortunate enough to experience that twice in my lifetime (94 and 02). The other WCs have lead to heartbreak and depression for a few days. Brasil is a favorite to win every WC per usual. However, being a favorite and lifting the copa are two different things.

This isn't a WC mix, but there are drops from the 70 WC because Brasil 70 is considered the greatest team ever. Mix is actually inspired by Quasimoto. With Adventures of Quas; Madlib basically made an album mixing his favorite things; records, Sun Ra, and Melvin Van Pebbles. I took the same basic elements and added my favorite thing; Brasil futbol. Enjoy

Tres Campeao

Rustam Ospanoff - Jazzystan on Soho Radio. February 11th 2023

1. T. Honda - What's Going On (Jazz Room)
2. Andy Hay - I Believe In Love (Not On Label)
3. Love Is Everywhere (White label)
4. Jonah Yano - Always (Innovative Leisure)
5. Soul Supreme - San Fransisco Knights (People Under The Stairs) (Not On Label)
6. Thes One - It Was Meant to Be...
7. Thes One - Young Mike and Chris Floating Free (Piecelock 70)
8. Thes One - 90s Mike and Chris on the Porch (Piecelock 70)
9. Thes One - Mike and Chris leave for their First Tour (Piecelock 70)
10. Jazzanova - Face at my Window (Kyoto Jazz Massive Remix - Yoshi's Edit) (BBE)
11. Bernard Herrmann - I Work the Whole City (Arista)
12. Gang Starr - Dwyck Boogie (Vibes)
13. Digable Planets - 9th Wonder (Jim Sharp Remix) (Resense)
14. Spirit of Brotherhood - Go For It (Numero Group)
15. Skip Mahoney - Janice (Don't Be So Blind To Love) (Bobby DJ Guttadaro Remix) (BBE Disco) 
16. Forest - Crazy Days (Big Nice Records)
17. Romare - Your Love (You Give Me Fever) (Black Acre)
18. Wallace - Cynical Gringo (Tartan)
19. Kyoto Jazz Sextet - Succotash (Blue Note)
20. Gerardo Frisina - Duende (Schema)
21. Alex Wilson - Ain't Nobody (Not On Label)
22. Sipho Gumede - Something To Say (Vive La Musique)
23. Ahl Nana - Adji Kar Teri Miri (Radio Martiko)
24. Azymuth (J Dilla) - Rico Suave Bossa Nova (BBE)

Jazzystan on Soho Radio. February 2023

Mr. Big Happy is a graphic designer, artist, DJ, and music archivist from San Francisco, California. While he is an accomplished designer and artist, over the years he has always had a love for music and spends time searching for rare and obscure vinyl. Big Happy’s focus is the late 70s into the late 80s - modern soul, funk, boogie and disco.

https://www.nts.live/shows/the-big-happy-show/episodes/the-big-happy-show-14th-february-2023

THE BIG HAPPY SHOW - MISSOURI SOUNDS - 140123

Get Down with Illa J and Amp Fiddler. Introducing Illa J’s second single “Get Down.” This track offers a glimpse into the creative life of John Yancey, a versatile artist known for his skills as both a rapper and singer-songwriter. “Get Down” is from his upcoming album “No Traffic,” which is entirely written and produced by Illa J himself.

On this soulful track, Illa J is joined by Detroit legend Amp Fiddler on the hook. Fiddler’s contributions to the music industry are vast, having worked with some of the biggest names in the business, including Prince, Moodymann, and J Dilla. Speaking of J Dilla, it’s a ‘Fantastic’ fact that Amp Fiddler is credited with introducing Illa J’s older brother to the Akai MPC in the ’90s? That revolutionary moment changed the direction of music forever.

But let’s get back to Illa J’s lyrical prowess. In “Get Down,” John’s playful style and delivery are on full display as he runs through various aliases from JohnClef to JohnDWayne. With this track, Illa J showcases his musical versatility and gives listeners a glimpse into his world and creative processes. As the chorus says: “They Don’t Know,” and this is your chance to find out.

If you’re a fan of Illa J, don’t miss the chance to pre-order “No Traffic,” his first solo album on the iconic label BBE Music. And if you’re new to his music, “Get Down” is the perfect introduction to this talented artist. Finally, you can rest assured that this track is mastered with love by the Carvery Studios. So what are you waiting for? Get down with Illa J and Amp Fiddler today!

Illa J - Get Down (Instrumental)

Musica Maconda's head honcho Tim Garcia ran two hours of Brazilian sounds, jazz fusion, and broken beat, live from the arcade.

**For the first time in our 8 year history, we’re asking you, our listeners to help support and build a better Balamii. By subscribing monthly you can contribute to the future of Balamii and help us to continue to nurture our creative community. From as little as £3 a month you'll help cover the cost of generating thousands of hours of great radio and support up and coming artists. As thanks, you’ll receive a code for 20% off our merchandise (code sent 24-48hrs after you subscribe) as well as being the first to hear about our events. Our goal is to develop new features that improve our service and therefore build a better Balamii for our family of artists and listeners.**

Subscribe here - www.balamii.com/supporters

Tim Garcia - May 2023

Thought it was a good time to do a tribute to one of my favorite indie labels, PM Records. Listening to their music is kind of like a sci-fi-jazz-adventure, where the sound isn't easily labeled but the music is taking the listener in all kinds of directions while keeping a solid groove. Hope you dig it! 

Tracklist: Steve Grossman, Doug Riley, Stone Alliance, Elvin Jones, Stone Alliance, Steve Grossman, Pat Labarbera, Don Thompson

May 24 2023

Subscribe!

Pullin from the Stacks - Episode 227 - PM Records Tribute

Running 60 minutes of house, broken and Brit funk, Last Nubian was joined by Flat White Records label boss Chris this month.

**For the first time in our 7 year history, we’re asking you, our listeners to help support and build a better Balamii. By subscribing monthly you can contribute to the future of Balamii and help us to continue to nurture our creative community. From as little as £3 a month you'll help cover the cost of generating thousands of hours of great radio and support up and coming artists. As thanks, you’ll receive a code for 20% off our merchandise (code sent 24-48hrs after you subscribe) as well as being the first to hear about our events. Our goal is to develop new features that improve our service and therefore build a better Balamii for our family of artists and listeners.**

Subscribe here - www.balamii.com/supporters

Last Nubian w/ Flat White Chris - June 2023

We love to support new artists at MIMS and Rupert Cox is no exception. The talented pianist is the latest signing on London's essential Albert's Favourites label, and today they share his beautiful debut single, "Embers".

Rupert is an engaging and versatile pianist whose sound has already reached people through work with China Moses, Judi Jackson, Rhys Lewis, Myele Manzanza and many more.

Citing Blake Mills, Genevieve Artadi and Brad Mehldau as pivotal influences, his solo music covers a huge range, often melancholic, reflective and cerebral but unafraid to play with positivity and joy at times. 

His introduction to the world, "Embers", carries the imprint of artists like Eno and Laraaji, a beguiling, ambient leaning piano exploration, lifted along by sparse percussion, sensitive synthesiser and guitar play.

Albert's Favourites co-founder Adam Scrimshire shared some more background on how the signing came about: "We kind of had a mission this year to see what was possible with the label and the most fulfilling part has unquestionably been seeing the family really grow, and grow through natural connections. Rupert was first introduced to me by Yusuf Ahmed of Qwalia, who came to us through Huw Marc Bennett. This is the dream really, all these personal connections and new friendships. Rupert's album is really special and we're grateful to get to represent it."

The single introduces you to some of Rupert’s rich sonic palette while leaving so much to be discovered. We can't wait to her more from this essential new creator in the London music community.

Buy/Stream

Exclusive Premiere: Rupert Cox "Embers" (Albert's Favourites)

So it turns out our DJ Sets were recorded this Past Saturday so I thought I'd share with you. Feel free to download & share with your friends & maybe I'll try to add the tracklisting later.

Kid Millions DJ Set - Live at Promises Bar 7/29/23

Was traveling last week but came home with a stack of goodies. Here's a few new and old soulful cuts to play on a hot August day! Enjoy, and don't forget to subscribe on Apple or elsewhere if you can!

Tracklist: Soul Surfers, Loving Cup, Tamba Trio, Maria Bethania Viana, Henry Mancini, Upp, De Vonne Armstrong, Patterns in Sound

August 9 2023

Pullin from the Stacks - Episode 233 - Slow Burners

Family affair in the booth as Marc Brown invited jkarri to guest on his October show. Together they ran an hour of vintage funk, boogie, and reggae from the likes of Mickey & The Soul Generation, Nina Simone, and Papa Bear & His Cubs.

**For the first time in our 8 year history, we’re asking you, our listeners to help support and build a better Balamii. By subscribing monthly you can contribute to the future of Balamii and help us to continue to nurture our creative community. From as little as £3 a month you'll help cover the cost of generating thousands of hours of great radio and support up and coming artists. As thanks, you’ll receive a code for 20% off our merchandise (code sent 24-48hrs after you subscribe) as well as being the first to hear about our events. Our goal is to develop new features that improve our service and therefore build a better Balamii for our family of artists and listeners.**

Subscribe here - www.balamii.com/supporters

Marc Brown w/ jkarri - October 2023

When I'm not at the dayjob, I'm probably at a record store. Pullin from the Stacks podcast most Wednesdays, available here, Apple Pods (please subscribe!) and elsewhere.

Pullin from the Stacks - Episode 227 - PM Records Tribute

DJ Ian Head