The Constorium of Greater Minds

Changin times, changing tunes. Here’s a new one for the faithful. The as yet untitled track is somewhat of a departure from my old style of sampling and looping old vinyl. It’s been inspired by some other stuff I’ve been getting into lately, but nothing worth mentioning because I don’t want to beg the comparisons. It’s still in a rough draft state; I can’t seem to stick with one thing long enough to consider it “finished.” Just getting some ideas down….

Untitled Rough Mix

Gentlemen…
Too long has the world above the clouds paraded its dominance over man. I say no more. We [The Consortium] shall take the hills, valleys, slopes and glaciers on our own accord. In the past reverence of our exploits may I be so bold as to suggest the fraternity convoke on the days surrounding the winter’s solstice.

one of my favorites

James D. Yancey, you may know him as your favorite producer’s favorite producer, died at the age of 32, just three days after releasing his final, seminal album. J Dilla was a musical genius, he belongs in the musical canon, colleague of Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, or John Coltrane.

February plays host to tributes throughout the world, as fans of all stripes come out to celebrate the man and his eternal music. I recently visited one of a series of tribute events in Los Angeles. Illa Jay, House Shoes, J Rocc, and Madlib all were there to reminisce and smile at the memories we all shared.

I hit the bar. Madlib orders a Martini next to me. I finger at the bartender and order two shots – Tequila. And two waters, tap, please. After reminding Julie of the tragic story of the famed producer (she’s been to her fair share of Dilla related events), we concurred that it was necessary to drink in his honor.

Turning to Madlib, I ask him what J Dilla’s drink was. He leans in. Hawaiin punch. I can’t believe it, but somehow I can. Motioning, he tells me how J Dilla preferred to smoke. It all made sense. Marijuana is the link that ties all of the hall-of-fame musicians together.

So this February, if you can’t make it to a tribute jam on your block, throw on some Champion Sound, and smoke ‘em if you got ‘em, for Jay Dee.

(legal disclaimer: I make no representation of what Madlib, aka Otis Jackson Jr., actually said or meant in any conversation with me. I’m a fan, and I’m not trying to blow up spots, slander, or defame his reputation as a serious,  professional artist)

My mother always said I had good taste in office supplies. I used to think that it was just one of those things that my mom said because I was her son. Things like I could be anything, do anything, or go to any school I wanted to. Fortunately for me, I’ve recently discovered finer writing instruments and stationary products. That just about redeems my mother for those other things being less true.

On a recent trip to little Tokyo in LA, I came to Kinokuniya bookstore.

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