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 15 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?