BBC Documentary: Sun Ra, Brother From Another Planet

Speaking of Sun Ra, here is a really well done documentary on him from the BBC in 2005. Sun Ra was about many things but at the core but, to me, it was music, knowledge and change.

Sun Ra - Cry Of Jazz

Interesting mini film about Jazz. The beginning is filled with terrible acting and a canned situation but once you get past that it is a really interesting, informative piece on Jazz. The band featured here is the Sun Ra and his original Arkestra. It is the only known video footage of them as a group in existence.

Gil Scott-Heron - New York Is Killing Me (Chris Cunningham Remix) [Full ...

Erie, goose bump inducing art from Gil Scott Heron and Chris Cunningham.

Ravi Shankar at Monterey Pop (June 1967)

Ravi Shankar has left this world. He lived a long, amazing life and left behind a ton of music, inspiration and changed the face of world and pop music. We here at MadChange salute you sir. Enjoy this amazing 1967 performance at Monterey Pop. R.I.P. Ravi Shankar 1920-2012.
P.S. Can I marry one of your daughters?

Dave Brubeck Quartet - Live Jazz Gehört und Gesehen in Germany

Credit for the following words about Brubeck go to Paul Gallagher at the blog www.Dangerousminds.net :

Dave Brubeck claimed he had 2 ambitions when he first started out as a Jazz musician - “to play polytonally and polyrhythmically.”

He also said his inspiration for rhythm was the heart beat, for this was what we heard first, and last.

Brubeck was a giant of Jazz, whose passing at the age of 91, brings an end to one of the greatest eras of American Jazz.

He popularized Jazz like few other composers/musicians of his day, becoming a household name and the first million-selling Jazz musician, who also made the cover of Time magazine in 1954. The purists didn’t like him, and many classed his brand of Jazz as “easy listening”, but this is to do him and his music a great disservice.

Take a listen to the Dave Brubeck Quartet (Brubeck - Piano, Paul Desmond - Alto Saxophone, Joe Morello - Drums, Gene Wright - Bass), filmed in concert in Germany, November 6th, 1966.

Track LIsting:

01. “Take the ‘A’ Train” 

02. “Forty Days”
03. “I’m in a Dancing Mood”
04. “Koto Song”
05. “Take Five”

R.I.P. Dave Brubeck 1920-2012

Onra and Quetzal - Caramel Dream

The main reason I chose that last Smokey Robinson track that I posted is that killer guitar lick that sounds like the last bit of rain as the sun is coming back out. Onra & Quetzal sample it and Smokey beautifully right here. Shame so few people will ever hear this magic. Kick back and enjoy being one of the chosen few.

Baby Baby Don't Cry- Smokey Robinson And The Miracles- 1969

Smokey Robinson is one of the most prolific Soul artists of the 20th century and on many levels raised the bar for anyone who was in the Soul realm. Respect due for the MadChange delivered by this musical wizard.

Bill Withers - 1973 BBC Concert Complete

Bill Withers is the truth. Here is the Funk/Soul legend live for a half hour in London, 1973.