ADAM DUNBAR: ECLECTIC RELAXATION

(Editor's Note: Adam Dunbar runs one of my favorite new blogs - Musica Del Alma - dedicated to the crossroads between Latin, funk and soul. Top-notch stuff and filled with the kind of tropical sabor that I thought would be perfectly matched to the summer season. --O.W.)

First off, hats off to O-Dub for doing a great guest post on my Latin blog, Musica del Alma.

For many out there summer can mean travel to exotic locales for adventure or relaxation. I have made it a point in the past to take long excursions whenever possible to places like South America and Indonesia in search of excitement and exploration. This summer, however, is my first as a contracted employee in the "real world", after recently graduating from college. With no prospect of travel on the horizon for quite a while (yeah, life is rough), I have instead focused my time this summer on exploring new styles of music and "digging deep" for hot records in the Bay Area. So for me, the summer song is a lifestyle and what I am constantly in search of hearing, whatever the season.


Richard Ryder and the Eighth Wonder: "PHASE III"
From the PHASE III 7" EP (Y'Blood Records, 1972)

The Phase III track represents the perfect song that I want to start off my exceptional summer day: one that can be played first thing in the morning and PLAYED LOUD. The moment those drums kick in over that majestic piano, you know this is going to be something special.

"I ain't singing no more sad songs
Gonna have to sing the whole day long"

So dope...

Exit 9: "Fly"
From the Straight Up LP (BRC Records, 1975)

Recorded by a teenage band from Canada, "Fly"'s youthful exuberance is both infectious and inspiring. If things weren't already hype, the Caribbean stylings of the second half of the song really heat things up!


Ray and his Court: "De Eso Nada Monada"
From the S/T LP (Sound Triangle, 1975)

¡Ay, que Tropical! A great song from a great record. I get the urge to fly south every time I drop the needle onto the grooves. ¡Vamos a bailar, mi gente!


Jorge Ben: "Criola"
From the S/T LP (Philips, 1969)

Heading further south brings us to Brasil and Jorge Ben Jor, the king of Tropicalia. The guitar of "Criola" really reminds me of the intro to Marlena Shaw's "California Soul", another classic summer song, and is a similarity which further establishes the track as quintessential to my ears.


The Chakachas: "Hot Hands"
From the Eso Es El Amor LP (RKM, 1977)

An old favorite of mine that does the job every time, whether horizontal in a hammock or feelin' the stress at work. They key is to relax. Love the way the song builds up and breaks down with ease as the drummer adds his style.


Poor Righteous Teachers: "Word Iz Life"
From the Word Iz Life 12" (Profile, 1996)

Word iz life, people! No Hip Hop songs gets me more hyped. Period.

Get out there and connect!

-Adam D.