“Conference of the Birds†is my weekly radio program on WNUR-FM. It airs on Tuesdays from 5-7:30 am Chicago time (UTC-5). And, of course, when technology cooperates, you can just come here for the archives. You can subscribe to the podcast with this URL (click here to subscribe in iTunes).

This week’s show was the convergence of Valentine’s day and my shift during WNUR’s annual phoneathon fundraiser. This is convenient, because I love doing my show and I love my listeners, especially the ones who call, comment, tweet, or otherwise provide feedback about what they hear. I built my playlist mostly from a subset of tracks in my iTunes library which have “love” in the title. That pool is over six days worth of music, so obviously I was never going to fit everything in, and the problem was aggravated by the need to spend some time telling people the call-in number and soliciting support. But I hope that wasn’t too obnoxious, and there are still a few days left if you’d like to support the station—we take pledges online… (there’s a new t-shirt this year we’re giving in thanks for pledges of $30 or more—the design is the new image for the blog post and podcast file.)

Enjoy!

Listen:

download program (141MB, 2 hrs 34 min)

Artist: “Track†– Album (Label)
Hüsker Dü: “Love is All Around†– Eight Miles High/Makes No Sense At All (SST)
Agent Orange: “Somebody to Love†– This is the Voice (Restless)
Wilson Pickett: “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love†– A Man and a Half: The Best of Wilson Pickett (Atlantic)
Johnny Osborne: “We Need Love†– 100% Dynamite (Soul Jazz)
Mike James Kirkland: “Love is All We Need†– Doin’ It Right (Luv ‘n Haight)
Unknown: “Give You My Love†– Boddie Bonus Disc (Numero Group)
The Sisters Love: “Give Me Your Love†– Give Me Your Love (Soul Jazz)
Big Maybelle: “That’s a Pretty Good Love†– Blues, Candy & Big Maybelle (Savoy)
Erykah Badu: “Love of My Life Worldwide†– Worldwide Underground (Motown)
The Coup: “Laugh, Love, … (Radio Mix)†– Pick a Bigger Weapon (Epitaph)
Greyboy: “Got to Be a Love (with Quantic & Sharon Jones) (Paul Nice remix)†– Soul Mosaic (Ubiquity)
Quantic and his Combo Barbaro: “I Just Fell In Love Again†– Tradition in Transition (Tru Thoughts)
Afro-Cuban All Stars: “Amor Verdadero†– A Todo Cuba Le Gusta (Nonesuch)
Lord Cobra y Los Hnos. Duncan: “Love Letters†– Panama! 2: Latin Sounds, Cumbia Tropical & Calypso Funk on the Isthmus 1967-77 (Soundway)
Elvis Costello: “They’ll Never Take Her Love From Me†– King of America (Columbia)
Anna Fermin & Friends: “Love Shack†– Poor Little Knitter On The Road: A Tribute to the Knitters (Bloodshot)
John Lee Hooker: “I Love You Honey†– The Boogie Chillen Man (Blues Encore)
Big Bill Broonzy: “Glory of Love†– Sings Folk Songs (Smithsonian Folkways)
The Velvet Underground: “Some Kinda Love (Closet Mix)†– Peel Slowly and See (Polydor)
Michael Yonkers Band: “Microminiature Love†– Microminiature Love (Sub Pop)
ESG: “My Love For You†– A South Bronx Story (Universal Sound)
Brian Eno & John Cale: “Lay My Love†– Wrong Way Up (All Saints)
Dr. John: “Bring Your Love†– The Essential Recordings (Purple Pyramid)
Fats Domino: “I’m In Love Again†– Blueberry Hill (Double Pleasure)
Sugar Billy: “Super Duper Love, pt. 2†– Super Duper Love (Fast Track)
The Staple Singers: “Tripping On Your Love†– Soul Gospel (Soul Jazz)
Donny Hathaway: “Love, Love, Love†– Extensions of a Man (Atco)
Stevie Wonder: “I Love Every Little Thing About you†– Music of My Mind (Motown)
Etta James: “Sunday Kind of Love†– At Last (Argo)
Billy Holiday with Lester Young: “Me, Myself & I (Are All in Love With You)†– Lady Day & Prez 1937-1941 (Fremeaux & Associates)
Ella Fitzgerald: “It’s De-Lovely†– Twelve Nights in Hollywood (Hip-O Select)
Tony Malaby: “What Is This Thing Called Love?†– Adobe (Sunnyside)
Ahmad Jamal: “Let’s Fall in Love†– Ahmad’s Blues: Live At The Spotlight (Chess)
DKV Trio: “Love Cry†– Trigonometry (Okkadisk)
Joe McPhee, Ken Vandermark, Kent Kessler: “I Leave You Love†– A Meeting in Chicago (Okkadisk)

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WNUR Conference of the Birds, 2012-02-14 (complete) [ 2:34:24 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

“Conference of the Birds†is my weekly radio program on WNUR-FM. It airs on Tuesdays from 5-7:30 am Chicago time (UTC-5). And, of course, when technology cooperates, you can just come here for the archives. You can subscribe to the podcast with this URL (click here to subscribe in iTunes).

This week’s show starts with a hip-hop block, then transitions over to a set of African music. From there, a less easily labeled block of funk/soul/latin ingredients, and as seems to be becoming the habit, it goes out on a block of jazz. There are a lot of good tunes this week: I hope that distortion which seems to have been creeping into some of the archives isn’t as bad as it’s been.

Enjoy!

Listen:

download program (146MB, 2 hrs 39 min)

Artist: “Track†– Album (Label)
KRS-One: “Sound of Da Police†– Classics from Hip Hop’s Holy Grail (Sessions)
Tha Alkoholiks: “Make Room†– Hip Hop Forever (BBE)
Blue Scholars: “Blue School†– Blue Scholars (Massline)
Lyrics Born: “Callin’ Out†– Later That Day (Quannum Projects)
Tenor Saw: “Ring the Alarm†– 200% Dynamite (Soul Jazz)
The Upsetters: “Live Injection†– 200% Dynamite (Soul Jazz)
Purna Das Baul: “Sonogo Aian Dada†– Bauls of Bengal (Cramworld)
Musafir: “Roomal†– Dhola Maru (Sounds True )
Nat Saunders: “Round & Round the Barroom†– The Bahamas: Islands of Song (Smithsonian Folkways)
Nico & L’African Fiesta Sukisa: “Banoko†– 1968/1973 (Sonodisc)
Adikwa Depala: “C.C.T. Ebongisi Mokiri†– The World is Shaking: Cubanismo from the Congo, 1954-55 (Honest Jon’s)
Bowane: “Kotiya Zolo Te†– Roots of Rumba Rock: Congo Classics 1953-1955 (Crammed)
Pablito & l’Orchestre African Fiesta: “Domingo O Sabado†– African Fiesta (African)
Orchestre Kin-Bantou: “Bandoki 1 & 2†– Kin-Bantou (Sonafric)
Rex Williams: “Ererimbot Ayafung Oko†– Club Africa Vol. 2: Hard African Funk, Afro-Jazz, & Original Afro-Beat (Strut)
Tlahoun Gèssèssè: “Tchuheten Betsemu†– Éthiopiques 17: Tlahoun Gèssèssè (Buda Musique)
Betty Everett & The Willie Dixon Band with Ike Turner: “Tell Me Darling†– King Cobra: The Chicago Sessions (Fuel 2000)
5 Spiritual Tones: “Bad Situation†– Good God! A Gospel Funk Hymnal (Numero Group)
Doug Wintz: “Whelp†– Watts Funky (BGP)
Free Som Orchestra: “The King’s Bounce†– Ultimate Brazilian Breaks & Beats (Murge Discos)
The Apostles: “Six Pack†– Kapp 7″ (Kapp)
La Perfecta: “Toutt Moune Boule†– Creole Love Calls – Rythmes Latins Des Antilles (Isma’a)
Arsenio Rodriguez: “Porfiando El Gallo Muere†– La Pachanga (Fania)
Hugh Masekela: “Emavungweni†– Grrr (Verve)
Michael Zerang: “El Magnifico†– Redmoon Theater’s The Ballad of Frankie and Johnny (Eighth Day Music)
Taj Mahal: “A Little Soulful Tune†– Giant Step (RCA)
Golden Gate Quartet: “Let That Liar Alone†– Travelin’ Shoes (Bluebird)
Peter Tosh: “Treat Me Good†– The Toughest (Heartbeat)
Ian Gordon-Lennox: “Little Man’s World†– Low Brass (Altrisuoni)
Billy Tipton Memorial Saxophone Quartet: “Salvatore†– Saxhouse (Knitting Factory Works)
Misha Mengelberg/Steve Lacy/George Lewis/Arjen Gorter/Han Bennink: “The Happenings†– Change of Season (Music of Herbie Nichols) (Soul Note)
Joan Jeanreaud & PC Muñoz: “Hopper†– Pop-Pop (Deconet)
Matana Roberts: “Libation for Mr. Brown: Bid em in…†– Coin Coin Chapter One: Les Gens de Couleur Libres (Constellation)
Amir ElSaffar Two Rivers Ensemble: “Venus, the Evening Star†– Inana (Pi)
Karl E.H. Seigfried: “The Boxing Bassist Suite: Portrait of Jack Johnson†– Portrait of Jack Johnson (Imaginary Chicago)

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WNUR Conference of the Birds, 2012-02-07 (complete) [ 2:39:26 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

“Conference of the Birds†is my weekly radio program on WNUR-FM. It airs on Tuesdays from 5-7:30 am Chicago time (UTC-5). And, of course, when technology cooperates, you can just come here for the archives. You can subscribe to the podcast with this URL (click here to subscribe in iTunes).

Today would have been Alan Lomax’s 97th birthday, so I started the show with about 40 minutes of music he (mostly) recorded. I also started reading my copy of “Alan Lomax: the Man who Recorded the World,” which is, so far, great. Someone was moved to call who enjoyed the Ernst Reijseger/Molla Sylla collaboration and also the James Brown and Marvin Gaye, so that makes it a successful show.

Enjoy!

(PS I trimmed out the announcement breaks in the first part of the show because they were not audible. Whoops, blame the sleepy 5 am DJ. You’ll have to learn up on Alan Lomax yourself!)

Listen:

download program (135MB, 2 hrs 27 min)

Artist: “Track†– Album (Label)
Vera Ward Hall: “Trouble So Hard†– Sounds of the South (Atlantic)
Bessie Jones: “Go To Sleep Little Baby†– Sounds of the South (Atlantic)
Estil C. Ball & Orna Ball: “Jennie Jenkins†– Sounds of the South (Atlantic)
Almeda Riddle: “Chick-A-Li-Lee-Lo†– Sounds of the South (Atlantic)
Bookmiller Shannon: “Down in Arkansas Among the Sticks†– Southern Journey, Vol. 7: Ozark Frontier – Ballads And Old-Timey Music From Arkansas (Rounder Select)
Forrest City Joe: “Red Cross Store†– Sounds of the South (Atlantic)
Mississippi Fred McDowell: “Been Drinkin’ Water Out of a Hollow Log†– Sounds of the South (Atlantic)
Estil C. Ball: “The Poor Wayfaring Stranger†– Sounds of the South (Atlantic)
Mountain Ramblers: “Baptizing Down By the Creek†– Sounds of the South (Atlantic)
James Shorty, Viola James & Congregation: “Jesus On the Main Line†– Sounds of the South (Atlantic)
James Shorty, Viola James & Congregation: “This Little Light of Mine†– Sounds of the South (Atlantic)
Alabama Sacred Harp Singers: “Calvary†– Sounds of the South (Atlantic)
The United Sacred Harp Musical Association Singing Convention: “The Last Words of Copernicus†– Southern Journey, Vol. 9: Harp Of A Thousand Strings – All Day Singing From The Sacred Harp (Rounder Select)
Joe Armstrong & Group: “Knee Bone†– Southern Journey, Vol. 13: Earliest Times — Georgia Sea Island Songs for Everyday Living (Rounder Select)
Neil Morris: “Turnip Greens†– Southern Journey, Vol. 7: Ozark Frontier – Ballads And Old-Timey Music From Arkansas (Rounder Select)
Mainer Band: “Train 111†– Sounds of the South (Atlantic)
Lead Belly: “Irene†– Where Did You Sleep Last Night: Lead Belly Legacy, Vol. 1 (Smithsonian Folkways)
Vera Hall: “Boll Weevil Holler†– Sounds of the South (Atlantic)
Otis Webster: “Boll Weevil Blues†– Country Negro Jam Session (Arhoolie)
Harry Belafonte with Al Shackman: “Boll Weevil†– The Long Road to Freedom: An Anthology of Black Music (Buddha)
Louise et Lirvat: “Swing but Sweet†– Swing Caraïbe, Caribbean Jazz Pioneers In Paris (1929-1946) (Frémeaux & Associés)
Henry “Red” Allen: “You Might Get Better, But You’ll Never Get Well†– Chronological Classics Sampler (Chronological Classics)
Sidney Bechet: “Le Complainte des Infideles†– Vive la france (Epm)
Billy Eckstine: “Tenderly†– Everything I Have Is Yours: Best of the MGM Years (Polygram)
Baden Powell: “Consolação †– Poema on Guitar (MPS)
Luiz Henrique: “If you want to be a lover†– Barra Limpa (Verve)
Fantastic Melodyaires of South Carolina: “I Found the Lord†– The Pitch/Gusman Records Story (Fat Possum)
The Coasters: “Love Potion #9†– Red Run Red (Jukebox)
Marvin Gaye: “Hitch Hike†– That Stubborn Kinda Fellow (Tamla)
James Brown: “Mind Power†– Make It Funky – The Big Payback: 1971-1975 (Polydor)
James Chance: “Caravan/It Don’t Mean a Thing/Melt Yourself Down†– Irresistable Impulse (Tiger Style)
Ernst Reijseger – Mola Sylla – Serigne C.M. Gueye: “Baba†– Janna (Winter & Winter)
Konono No. 1: “Landu Mambu†– Live in Tokyo EP (Crammed)
Mlimani Park Orchestra: “Taxi Driver†– Zanzibara Vol. 5 (1978-1983) Hot in Dar – The sound of Tanzania (Buda Musique)
Roscoe Mitchell: “Linefine Lyon Seven†– Sound & Space Ensembles (Black Saint)
Andrew Hill: “Sideways†– Passing Ships (Blue Note)

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WNUR Conference of the Birds, 2012-01-31 (complete) [ 2:27:11 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

“Conference of the Birds†is my weekly radio program on WNUR-FM. It airs on Tuesdays from 5-7:30 am Chicago time (UTC-5). And, of course, when technology cooperates, you can just come here for the archives. You can subscribe to the podcast with this URL (click here to subscribe in iTunes).

This week’s show is mostly not for the listeners with the short attention spans. Many of the songs are in the 8+ minute range, although there are a couple of punchy soul and latin numbers in the mix as well.

Enjoy!

Listen:

download program (138MB, 2 hrs 31 min)

Artist: “Track†– Album (Label)
João Gilberto: “É Preciso Perdoar†– João Gilberto (Polydor (Brazil))
Tom Christensen: “Nostalgia†– Paths (Playscape)
Eri Yamamoto Trio: “We’ll Figure Out Blues†– In Each Day, Something Good (AUMFidelity)
Horace Silver: “Sighin’ and Cryin’†– Song for my Father (Blue Note)
Kahil El Zabar Trio: “The Ebullient Duke†– Love Outside of Dreams (Delmark)
Robert Marcel Lepage: “Mustang Dimitri†– Les Clarinettes Ont-Elles un Escalier de Secours? (Ambiances Magnetiques)
Chris McGregor Trio: “Church Mouse†– Our Prayer (Fledg’ling Records)
Live Action Brass Band: “…And Justice For All†– Horn to Horn (Outpost Productions)
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble: “Hypnotic†– Hypnotic Brass Ensemble (Honest Jon’s)
Nkengas: “Jungle Funk†– Club Africa (Strut)
Barry Waite & Ltd: “Funky Sting Part 1†– Out On A Funky Trip: Funk, Soul & Reggae From Randy’s (Motion)
Frederick Knight: “Here After I’m Hereafter†– The Birmingham Sound: The Soul of Neal Hemphill Vol 1 (Rabbit Factory)
Etta James: “Tell Mama†– Chicago Soul: Electric Blues, Funk & Soul Of Chicago In The 1960s (Soul Jazz)
Dizzy Gillespie & Machito: “Exuberante†– Afro-Cuban Jazz Moods (Pablo)
Roberto y su Nuevo Montuno: “Monina y Ramon†– ¡Arrollando! y con sabor (Antila Productions)
Cardinal Rex Jim Lawson: “So Ala Temem†– African Music Treasures blog (Voice of America)
Freddie Hubbard: “Mr. Clean†– Straight Life (CTI)
Miles Davis: “Spanish Key†– Bitches Brew (Columbia)
Sonny Rollins: “East Broadway Run Down†– East Broadway Run Down (Impulse)
Phil Ranelin Jazz Ensemble: “In Search of the One†– Perseverance (Wide Hive)
Darren Johnston’s Gone to Chicago: “Black and Tan Fantasy†– The Big Lift (Porto Franco)

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WNUR Conference of the Birds, 2012-01-24 (complete) [ 2:30:51 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

“Conference of the Birds†is my weekly radio program on WNUR-FM. It airs on Tuesdays from 5-7:30 am Chicago time (UTC-5). And, of course, when technology cooperates, you can just come here for the archives. You can subscribe to the podcast with this URL (click here to subscribe in iTunes).

This week’s show starts off in a bit of a “chamber” jazz vein, into a slightly more bop segment. Then there’s some funk, soul, gospel, a pair of reggae tunes, and then I hit a latin groove which I was enjoying, but for which I hadn’t brought enough of my own music. The last half hour or so is based on me quickly rifling through the “Continental Drift” stacks to keep the vibe alive… it wasn’t quite what I had in mind, but it worked out OK. The audio file here only has the first minute or so of Vonski’s “Have No Fear” before time ran out…

Enjoy!

Listen:

download program (142MB, 2 hrs 35 min)

Artist: “Track†– Album (Label)
Bar Kokhba: “Abdiel†– Lucifer: Book of Angels Volume 10 (Tzadik)
Jenny Scheinman: “American Dipper†– Shalagaster (Tzadik)
Thomas Dvorak: “Mr. Handagote†– Machinarium (Soundtrack) (Amanita Design)
Andrew Bird: “Carrion Suite†– Useless Creatures (Fat Possum)
Tin Hat Trio: “A Life in East Poultney†– Helium (Angel)
Alvin Batiste: “Picou†– Bayou Magic (India Navigation)
João Donato: “Little Boat†– New Sound of Brazil (RCA Victor)
Billie Holiday: “Blue Turning Grey Over You†– Billie’s Blues (Blue Note)
Oliver Nelson: “Doxy†– Taking Care of Business (Prestige New Jazz)
Mario Schiano: “Gambrinus†– Sud (Splasc(h))
Nicole Mitchell: “Center of the Earth†– Awakening (Delmark)
Steve Reid Ensemble: “Which One?†– Spirit Walk (Soul Jazz)
Herculaneum: “Dynasty†– Olives and Orchids (EF)
Karl Hector and the Malcouns: “Tamanrasset†– Tamanrasset (Stones Throw)
Incredible Bongo Band: “Okey Dokey†– Bongo Rock (Mr Bongo)
Kashmere Stage Band: “Kashmere†– The Funky 16 Corners (Stones Throw)
Gospel Soul Revivals: “If Jesus Came Today†– Good God! Born Again Funk (Numero Group)
Rose Davis: “Yes I’ve Been Crying†– 7″ (Play 101) (Play)
Melvin Davis: “It’s No News†– Detroit Soul Ambassador (Vampi Soul)
Max Romeo and the Upsetters: “Smile Out a Style†– War Ina Babylon (Island)
Beverley All Stars: “The Monster†– Funky Chicken (Trojan)
Rolling Stone and His Traditional Aces: “Igha Suo Gamwen†– Marvellous Boy: Calypso from West Africa (Honest Jon’s)
Orchestre Yaya Mas: “Rampa Rampa†– African Boogaloo: The Latinization of West Africa (Honest Jon’s)
Fruko y sus Tesos: “Manyoma†– The Afrosound of Colombia, Vol. 1 (Vampi Soul)
Puerto Rico y Su Combo: “La Cumbia del Pescador†– Cartagena! Curro Fuentes & The Big Band Cumbia and Descarga Sound of Colombia 1962-72 (Soundway)
Wganda Kenya: “Fiebre de Lepa†– The Afrosound of Colombia, Vol. 1 (Vampi Soul)
Afrosound: “Salsa con tabaco†– The Afrosound of Colombia, Vol. 1 (Vampi Soul)
Systema Solar: “Ya Veras†– Cumbia! Bestial: Urban Soundlab of the Latin Diaspora (Chusma)
Orquesta Original de Manzanillo: “A La Hora Que Me Llamen Voy†– El Son de Cuba (Milan Latino)
Papi Oviedo y sus Soneros: “Si te vas†– Encuentro entre Soneros (Candela)
Barbarito Torres: “El Amor de mi bohio†– Havana Cafe (Atlantic)
Armando Garzon with the Quinteto Oriente: “Pensamiento†– Boleros (Corason)
Chico Trujillo: “Loca†– Plato Unico Bailable (Oveja Negra)
Chicha Libre: “Indian Summer†– Sonido Amazonico (Barbes)
Von Freeman: “Have No Fear, Soul is Here†– Have No Fear (Nessa)

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WNUR Conference of the Birds, 2012-01-17 (complete) [ 2:34:36 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

“Conference of the Birds†is my weekly radio program on WNUR-FM. It airs on Tuesdays from 5-7:30 am Chicago time (UTC-5). And, of course, when technology cooperates, you can just come here for the archives. You can subscribe to the podcast with this URL (click here to subscribe in iTunes).

No overarching themes or gimmicks to this week’s show. Just music: a fairly diverse mix, I guess, although in blocks without too many whiplash transitions. Not too much talking, for what it’s worth.

Enjoy!

Listen:

download program (144MB, 2 hrs 37 min)

Artist: “Track†– Album (Label)
Indigo Trio with Michel Edelin: “Call Back†– The Ethiopian Princess Meets the Tantric Priest (Rogueart)
Nomo: “The Seams†– Nomo (Ypsilanti)
Kenny Burrell: “Wavy Gravy†– Midnight Blue (Blue Note)
Bobbi Humphrey: “Jasper Country Man†– Blue Break Beats, vol. 2 (Blue Note)
The Positive Force with Ade Olatunji: “The Afrikan in Winter†– Spiritual Jazz: Esoteric, modal and Deep Jazz from the Underground 1968-77 (Jazzman)
Dudu Pukwana and Spear: “Ezilaini†– In The Townships (Earthworks)
Art Ensemble of Chicago: “Thème de Céline†– Americans Swinging in Paris (EMI)
Quantic & his Combo Barbaro: “Mambo Los Quantic†– Tradition in Transition (Tru Thoughts)
Franco et l’OK Jazz: “Yamba Leo†– Merveilles du Passe, Vol 3 (Frochot Music)
Ensemble Aux Calebasses: “Donnez Moi la Main†– Meringue! (Cook)
Attila the Hun: “Man Man Biscoe†– The Golden Age of Calypso (Buda Musique)
Dennis Alcapone: “Teach the Children†– Trojan DJ Box Set (Trojan)
Diamond Joe: “Wait a Minute†– Get Low Down: The Soul of New Orleans 1965-67 (Sundazed )
Martha and the Vandellas: “Nowhere to Run†– Dance Party (Motown)
The Pilgrim Jubilee Singers of Chicago, Illinois: “Pearly Gates†– The Old Ship of Zion (Mobile Fidelity)
The Staple Singers: “Oh La De Da†– Wattstax: the Living Word (soundtrack) (Stax)
Black On White Affair: “Bold Soul Sister, Bold Soul Brother†– Wheedle’s Groove: Seattle’s Finest in Funk & Soul 1965-1975 (Light in the Attic)
Eddie Bo: “Check Your Bucket†– New Orleans Funk (Soul Jazz)
Calypso King & the Soul Investigators: “Some Funk†– Soul Strike! (Soul Fire)
Soulsations: “Broadway Shing-a-Ling, Pt. 1†– Eccentric Soul: Mighty Mike Lenaburg (Numero Group)
Blind Lemon Jefferson: “Prison Cell Blues†– Anthology of American Folk Music (Smithsonian Folkways)
Dave Van Ronk: “Please See That My Grave Is Kept Clean†– The Folkways Years, 1959-1961 (Smithsonian Folkways)
Fred McDowell/Johnny Woods: “Shake ‘em On Down†– Arhoolie 40th Anniversary Box Set (Arhoolie)
Prisoners at the Ramsey and Retrieve State Farms, Texas: “I Need More Power†– Negro Prison Camp Worksongs (Smithsonian Folkways)
Vester Jones: “Cluck Old Hen†– Traditional Music from Grayson and Carroll Counties, Virginia: Songs, Tunes with Fiddle, Banjo and Band (Smithsonian Folkways)
Bayta Ag Bay: “Aicha†– Music from Saharan Cellphones (Sahel Sounds)
Rasha: “Aguis Mahasnik Biman†– The Rough Guide to the Music of Sudan (Rough Guide)
Haruna Ishola and his Apala Group: “Kosi Ninu Eiye†– Apala Messenger (Indigedisc)
Johnny Hodges: “You Need to Rock†– Side by Side (Verve)
Atomic: “Nära Grensen†– Feet Music (Jazzland)
Gamelan Pacifica: “Rain†– Trance Gong (What Next)
Shivkumar Sharma, Brij Bushan Kabra, Hariprasad Chaurasia: “Dhun – Mishra Kirwani†– Call of the Valley (EMI)
Plaw: “Briing (Tube Zither)†– Bamboo on the Mountains: Kmhmu Highlanders from Southeast Asia and the United States (Smithsonian Folkways)
Matana Roberts, Josh Abrams & Chad Taylor: “Sons of Slaves†– Sticks & Stones (482 Music)

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WNUR Conference of the Birds, 2012-01-10 (complete) [ 2:37:08 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

“Conference of the Birds†is my weekly radio program on WNUR-FM. It airs on Tuesdays from 5-7:30 am Chicago time (UTC-5). And, of course, when technology cooperates, you can just come here for the archives. You can subscribe to the podcast with this URL (click here to subscribe in iTunes).

Today’s show begins with a memorial for the late Sam Rivers, who among other accomplishments, performs on the namesake album for the show. I’m no Sam Rivers expert, but it was a pleasure to spend 45 minutes going over some of his music.

The rest of the show was solidly in the jazz vein, including an old track by DKV trio, who I saw put on a great show at Hideout last week, and a track from Herculaneum, who celebrate the release of their next album tomorrow night. (Unfortunately I didn’t have that album to play, but hopefully we’ll get it at the station soon.) Several other tracks I played today are either new to me or rediscoveries—it felt fresh to me, and hopefully it will to you as well.

Enjoy!

Listen:

download program (133MB, 2 hrs 25 min)

Artist: “Track†– Album (Label)
Dave Holland Quartet: “Conference of the Birds†– Conference of the Birds (ECM)
Sam Rivers: “Dawn†– Sizzle (Impulse)
Sam Rivers Rivbea Orchestra: “Arcs†– Aurora (Rivbea Sound Company)
Sam Rivers Trio: “Smoke†– Firestorm (Rivbea Sound Company)
Steven Bernstein w/the Sam Rivers Trio: “Lucky†– Diaspora Blues (Tzadik)
William Parker Raining on the Moon: “James Baldwin to the Rescue†– Raining on the Moon (Thirsty Ear)
Letta Mbulu: “Aredze†– Letta Mbulu Sings (EMI Import)
Mary Lou Williams: “Medi I†– Zoning (Smithsonian Folkways)
Oscar Pettiford: “Titoro†– Another One (Bethlehem)
Ethnic Heritage Ensemble: “Brother Malcolm†– Three Gentlemen from Chikago (Moers)
Jason Stein Quartet: “Little Big Horse†– The Story This Time (Delmark)
World Saxophone Quartet: “Picasso†– Breath of Life (Nonesuch)
Vijay Iyer: “Epistrophy†– Solo (ACT)
Trevor Watts & Veryan Weston: “Exchanged Frequencies†– 5 More Dialogues (Emanem)
DKV Trio: “Double Holiday†– Baraka (Okkadisk)
Herculaneum: “Puerto Jimenez†– Olives and Orchids (EF)
Nicole Mitchell Black Earth Strings: “Mama Found Out†– Renegades (Delmark)
Eastern Blok: “Tesla†– Eastern Blok (self-released)
Ibsen’s Ghosts: “Improvisation #1†– Ibsen’s Ghosts (Not Two)
Darren Johnston’s Gone to Chicago: “Two Ways of Running†– The Big Lift (Porto Franco)

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WNUR Conference of the Birds, 2012-01-03 (complete) [ 2:25:14 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

“Conference of the Birds†is my weekly radio program on WNUR-FM. It airs on Tuesdays from 5-7:30 am Chicago time (UTC-5). And, of course, when technology cooperates, you can just come here for the archives. You can subscribe to the podcast with this URL (click here to subscribe in iTunes).

This week’s show went a little long because my successor was late to the station. The archive cuts off after the Kronos Quartet take on Bill Evans’ “Five.” Thanks to the caller who made a request, as well as the couple of other folks who rang in late in the show. It’s always a treat to talk to folks who are listening real time. (But of course, you podcast listeners are welcome to provide feedback here in the comments or via Twitter.)

Despite the lack of holiday themed music, this is the last Conference of the Birds for 2011. Here’s hoping that 2012 is the BEST YEAR EVER for all of the listeners.

Enjoy!

Listen:

download program (146MB, 2 hrs 40 min)

Artist: “Track†– Album (Label)
Rahim Alhaj: “Taqsim Maqam Hijaz†– When the Soul is Settled: Music of Iraq (Smithsonian Folkways)
William Parker & Hamid Drake: “Sky†– Summer Snow (AUMFidelity)
Pedro Mestre & Chico Lobo: “Agreste†– The New Brazilian Music (BM&A)
Elis Regina: “Upa Neguinho†– In London (Philips)
Extra Golden: “Ok-Oyot System†– Ok-Oyot System (Thrill Jockey)
Prince Nico Mbarga: “Nature†– Aki Special (Rounder Select)
Montgomery Express: “Montgomery Movement†– Does ‘Party Fever’ & Other Songs Of The Montgomery Movement (Ikef)
Beverly Crosby: “That Didn’t Stop Me†– Keb Darge’s Legendary Deep Funk, Vol 2 (BBE)
Winston Wright: “Moon Invader†– Greater Jamaica Moon Walk Reggay (Culture Press/Jet Set)
Talking Heads: “Slippery People†– Speaking in Tongues (Sire)
Laurie Anderson: “Sharkey’s Day†– Mister Heartbreak (Warner Brothers)
Lotz of Music: “Begoña Blues†– Puasong Daffriek (Laika Records)
Nick Drake: “Saturday Sun†– Five Leaves Left (Island)
Muhal Richard Abrams with Malachi Favors: “Sightsong/Two Over One†– Sightsong (Black Saint)
Johnny Lewis Quartet: “Chitlins Con Carne†– Shuckin’ and Jivin’ (Ubiquity)
Jackie Brenston And His Delta Cats: “Rocket 88†– Sun Records Story (Charly)
The Wellis Band: “Bindiga†– Ghana Special: Modern Highlife, Afro Sounds, Ghanaian Blues 1968 – 1981 (Soundway)
Sun Ra: “Hours After†– The Singles (Evidence)
Ethnic Heritage Ensemble: “Black as Vera Cruz†– Hot ‘n Heavy (Delmark)
Eastern Blok: “Hubble†– Eastern Blok (self-released)
Indigo Trio with Michel Edelin: “Top Secret†– The Ethiopian Princess Meets the Tantric Priest (Rogueart)
Lee Konitz: “Foolin’ Myself†– Motion (Verve)
Warne Marsh: “I’ll Remember April†– Live in Hollywood (Xanadu)
Vijay Iyer: “One for Blount†– Solo (Act)
Kronos Quartet (with Jim Hall): “Five†– Music of Bill Evans (Landmark)
Andrew Hill: “Mahogany†– Mosaic Select (Mosaic)
Amir Elsaffar Two Rivers Ensemble: “Venus, the Evening Star†– Inana (Pi)
Von Freeman: “Boomerang†– Have No Fear (Nessa)
Paul Chambers: “We Six†– Mosaic Select (Mosaic)

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WNUR Conference of the Birds, 2011-12-20 (mostly complete) [ 2:39:47 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

“Conference of the Birds†is my weekly radio program on WNUR-FM. It airs on Tuesdays from 5-7:30 am Chicago time (UTC-5). And, of course, when technology cooperates, you can just come here for the archives. You can subscribe to the podcast with this URL (click here to subscribe in iTunes).

In some ways, this is a typical Conference of the Birds show. I didn’t have any overarching themes, but I found a good number of nice tunes to share.

Enjoy!

PS once again, you can download any of the several volumes of “The New Brazilian Music” from Brasil Music Exchange on BandCamp, if you’re so inclined. You may also want to check out DJ ByLamplight’s Majestic Coal Chute, vol. 4 mix, where I first heard the Robbs cut which is on this week’s show

Listen:

download program (142MB, 2 hrs 35 min)

Artist: “Track†– Album (Label)
Jackie Wilson: “Baby Workout†– Beg, Scream & Shout: the Big Ol’ Box of 60′s Soul (Rhino)
Papo Felix & Ray Rodriguez: “Work Out (Part 2)†– Papo Felix Meets Ray Rodriguez (Ghetto Records)
Speedometer: “Work It Out†– Hot, Funky & Sweaty: The Sound of Heavy Funk & Soul Today (Hard Soul Records)
Betty Davis: “They Say I’m Different†– This Is It (Vampi Soul)
Greyboy with Quantic & Sharon Jones: “Got To Be a Love†– Soul Mosaic (Ubiquity)
Nina Simone: “It Be’s That Way Sometime†– Silk & Soul (RCA Victor)
Eliana Pittman: “Nem Saudade†– Eliana Pittman (Odeon)
Lecuona Cuban Boys: “Rumbas Cubanas†– Congas & Rumbas from the Unforgettable Band (Yoyo Music)
Lloyd Glenn: “Rompin’ Rumba†– Essential Masters 1947-1957 (Master Classics)
Tito Puente: “Guaguanco Margarito†– Mambo Birdland (RMM)
Rail Band: “Demba†– Belle Epoque, Vol. 2: Mansa (Sterns)
Ignace de Souza: “Adan Egbomi†– The Great Unknowns (Original Music)
Akwaboa’s Guitar Band: “Anyina Boa†– I’ve Found My Love: 1960′s Guitar Band Highlife (Original Music)
Digable Planets: “Graffiti†– Blowout Comb (Pendulum)
Hamid Drake & Bindu: “Hymn of Solidarity†– Reggaeology (Rogueart)
Linton Kwesi Johnson: “Story†– Tings An’ Times (Shanachie)
Mighty Sparrow: “Sweet Loving†– Hugo Mendez Presents Tropical Funk Experience: Island Jump-Up: Hot Sounds From The Caribbean 1968-75 (Nascente)
Banda Black Rio: “Mr. Funky Samba†– Maria Fumaca (WEA Brazil)
DJ Guga de Castro y su Iracema: “Compositor da Rale†– The New Brazilian Music, Vol. 4 (BM&A)
Anzala, Dolor, Velo: “Ti Fi La Ou Te Madam†– Tumbélé!: Biguine, afro & latin sounds from the French Caribbean, 1963-74 (Soundway)
Jay Mitchell: “Goombay Bump†– Cult Cargo: Grand Bahama Goombay (Numero Group)
The Robbs: “Last of the Wine†– 7″ (Dunhill)
Art Neville: “Bo Diddley†– Get Low Down: The Soul of New Orleans 1965-67 (Sundazed )
Syl Johnson: “Come On Sock It To Me†– Complete Mythology (Numero Group)
Hollywood Flames: “Buzz-Buzz-Buzz†– The Doo-Wop Box (Rhino)
Roy Hogsed: “Snake Dance Boogie†– Hillbilly Boogie (Proper)
Chuck Wagon Gang: “I’m Headed For the Promised Land†– The Gospel Tradition: The Roots & the Branches, Vol 1 (Legacy/Columbia)
The Skylarks: “Holilili†– Township Jazz ‘n Jive (Music Club)
Sun Ra Arkestra: “S’Wonderful†– Music from Tomorrow’s World (Unheard Music/Atavistic)
Mark Helias’ Open Loose: “Cinematic†– Atomic Clock (Radio Legs)
Indigo Trio + Michel Edelin: “Return of the Sun†– The Ethiopian Princess Meets the Tantric Priest (Rogueart)
Kidd Jordan: “Harrison Carries Out the Coffin†– On Fire (Engine)
Joe McPhee/Michael Zerang: “Crescent City Lullaby†– Creole Gardens (A New Orleans Suite) (NoBusiness)

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WNUR Conference of the Birds, 2011-12-13 (complete) [ 2:34:49 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

“Conference of the Birds†is my weekly radio program on WNUR-FM. It airs on Tuesdays from 5-7:30 am Chicago time (UTC-5). And, of course, when technology cooperates, you can just come here for the archives. You can subscribe to the podcast with this URL (click here to subscribe in iTunes).

I really like the way this week’s show came together. In a relatively rare situation, most of the first hour is programmed as I worked things out the night before, through a mildly curated shuffle-play process. I’m happy to share great tracks from a number of relatively new acquisitions, alongside a few classics.  I’m particularly keen on the first track, which comes from the recently kickstartered “Music from Saharan Cellphones” complation.

(Also, Stephen started his show off with some nice Herbie Hancock, so I left that in, as well as his first announcements on his show—consider it a little promo for a fellow DJ)

Enjoy!

PS note that some of this week’s music is available for your free, unfettered, and legal download, so check out:

Listen:

download program (144MB, 2 hrs 38 min)

Artist: “Track†– Album (Label)
Group Anmataff: “Tinariwen†– Music from Saharan Cellphones (Sahel Sounds)
Elements of the 7th: “The Move†– Rhythm Process 2x(y) + 3 (Quadraphonic Sound Module)
Bobby Womack: “Nobody Wants You When You’re Down and Out†– Facts of Life (The Right Stuff)
Negib Ould Ngainich: “Guetna†– Music from Saharan Cellphones (Sahel Sounds)
Soul Rebels: “Take It High Now†– No Place Like Home (Soul Rebels)
Spider Harrison: “Beautiful Day†– The Funky 16 Corners (Stones Throw)
Rev. Utah Smith: “I Want Two Wings†– Slide Guitar Gospel (1944-1964) (Document)
The Coctails: “Hip Hop†– Popcorn Box (Carrot Top Records)
Karl Hector & the Malcouns: “Koloko Pt. 1†– Sahara Swing (Stones Throw)
Corey Harris & Henry Butler: “Why Don’t You Live So God Can Use You?†– Vu-du Menz (Alligator)
Mighty Reverlaires: “You Can’t Hide†– The Pitch/Gusman Records Story (Fat Possum)
The Orchestre Novelty de Brazzaville: “Instrumental†– The Orchestre Novelty de Brazzaville (Voice of America African Music Treasures blog)
Melvin Davis: “Find a Quiet Place (And Be Lonely)†– Detroit Soul Ambassador (Vampi Soul)
Afro Soul System: “Tink Tank†– Bambara Mystic Soul – The Raw Sound of Burkina Faso 1974-1979 (Analog Africa)
Gospel Ensemble: “What You Need†– Boddie Recording Company: Cleveland, Ohio (Numero Group)
Sound of Soul: “Gospel Train†– Boddie Recording Company: Cleveland, Ohio (Numero Group)
South Shore Commission: “You Got Me Hummin’†– Eccentric Soul: The Nickel & Penny Labels (Numero Group)
Orchestre Baobab: “Utrus Horas†– Pirates Choice (Nonesuch)
Andrew Bird: “Hot Math†– Useless Creatures (Fat Possum)
Cool Chris & Vinnie Esparza: “Track 12†– Trap Door II Mystery Mix (Dis-joint)
Os Mutantes: “Bat Macumba†– Os Mutantes (Polydor)
James Taylor Quartet: “Tough Chicken†– Message from the Godfather (Ubiquity)
Davis Coen: “Mambo Chillun†– Ill Disposition (219 Records)
Buddy Lucas: “That Thang†– M-716-A 7″ (Mohawk)
Mamukueno: “Rei do Palhetinho†– Angola Soundtrack – The Unique Sound of Luanda (Analog Africa)
Balacobaco: “Funk Como Le Gusta†– The New Brazilian Music, Vol. 4 (BM&A)
Felipe Cordeiro: “Legal E Illegal†– The New Brazilian Music, Vol. 4 (BM&A)
Jumpsuit: “Walking into Sunshine†– Too Funky for the Rock and the Roll (Jumpsuit)
Actis Band: “Dulcinea†– Garibaldi (Leo)
Getatchew Mekuria & the Ex & Guests: “Aynotche terabu/Shemonmwanaye†– Moa Anbessa (Terp)

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WNUR Conference of the Birds, 2011-12-06 (complete) [ 2:37:36 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download