Tag: Essentials

Earth, Wind & Fire — Essential Deep Cuts

Earth, Wind & Fire: 10 Essential Deep Cuts

Founded by Maurice White in 1969, the iconic funk and soul group Earth, Wind & Fire are considered by many as one of the greatest bands of all-time. The legendary group, that originated out of Chicago and then re-located to Southern California, has sold over 90 million records and received numerous prestigious awards, including being named to the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. On a personal note, EWF was my first favorite groups when I was a young kid and has had a major influence on me ever since.

Sun Ra Essential Records

BeatCaffeine’s 20 Most Essential Sun Ra Records

Sun Ra was one of the most originally unique and forward-thinking composers and bandleaders of the last century. Claiming that he came to Earth from Saturn to spread the message of peace, the experimental pianist/ keyboardist and his ever-evolving ensemble the Arkestra fused together 40s era big band swing with bebop, the blues, free improvisation, spacey electronics, call-and-response chants, and psyched-out jazz-funk grooves to create a signature sound that always seemed to push the boundaries. 

Hi-Tension

Bargain Bins #04: Special Brit-Funk Edition

This edition of BeatCaffeine’s Bargain Bins series features five essential 7-inch selections from the Brit-funk scene of the late seventies and early eighties. Through the support of pirate radio and deejays like Chris Hill and Colin Curtis, Brit-funk was an underground music scene that took place in both south and north London.

Randy Weston, 1926-2018

Randy Weston: The Essentials

A few weeks ago on September 1st, pianist, composer, and jazz legend Randy Weston sadly passed at the age of 92. The six-foot seven-inch iconic musician was one of the first to incorporate traditional African-influenced rhythms and instrumentation with jazz melodies.

George Benson - In Flight

Bargain Bins #03

This third edition of BeatCaffeine’s Bargain Bins series features three great seventies-era jazz-funk selections that can often be found for five dollars or less. 

Desert Island Series: TJ Gorton

Desert Island Selects: TJ Oliver-Gorton

Let’s play the hypothetical game. You are trapped on a deserted island. You have all the essentials to live (food, water, shelter, etc) and a record player (essential in my mind). In this, admittedly ridiculous scenario, you can only bring with you five records. What would they be?

Aretha Franklin

Five Aretha Franklin Records You Need In Your Life

This week (morning of August 16, 2018) we sadly lost one of the greatest vocalists and inspirational figures of our time in Aretha Franklin. The artist who has rightfully been declared the “Queen of Soul” sold over 75 million records, won 18 GRAMMYs, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in 1987, became the first women to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.