One of the musicians I admire the most is Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Inspiration: Mazarati | Stroke (1986)
November 8, 2009
Song: Stroke
Album: Mazarati (out-of-print)
Artist: Mazarati
NOT your fancy Italian luxury car.
Mazarati were a Minneapolis-based funk/rock band put together and produced by former Prince & The Revolution bassist Mark Brown. Stoke is a Funk joint from their self-titled debut album and it’s a JAM. You cannot listen to it at low volume people. Seriously. You see, while Minneapolis Funk (popularized by Prince) was designed for the hot n sweaty dance floors of the 80s, it’s just as potent today. Striped down, bare bones minimalistic Funk: where the lyrics don’t matter so long as your booty is shakin.
If you don’t dig it, then you jus cain’t handle the Funk baby.
Listen/Download:
Vumiko circa 2001 | Speak To Me (Groggy Fashion Show, Seattle)
November 4, 2009
Music Produced by Vumiko
Feat. Patty Wagnor
Video shot by Creative Media Alliance
‘Speak To Me’ was used for a fashion show video for local Seattle clothing boutique Groggy.
Vumiko circa 2002 | Our Nature (remix edit)
November 4, 2009
Written & Produced by Vumiko
Vocals Performed by Patty Wagnor
Inspiration: Michael Jackson | This Is It (no it isn’t)
November 1, 2009
One word: Brilliant nope scratch that.
There really are no words to explain the vast array of emotions I felt while watching this musical documentary, but I afterthoughts…
By now, everyone is aware of what this film is about; it chronicles the preparations for his 50 sold out ‘This Is It’ concert series at London’s o2 Arena. But it’s so much more than that. It’s an intimate look at the makings of musical magic by an extraordinary human being with a powerful gift and talent from the heavens above.
The theater wasn’t packed, but that’s okay. I thought it was cool that children were there…children who didn’t “grow up” with MJ like many of us did. They cheered and smiled because even they can recognize his amazing talent and imagination. Would you bring your kids to anything by Chris Brown or Brittany Spears say 30 years from now? Probably not. But Micheal was special and his appeal transcends all boundaries, space and time. Us older folks thoroughly enjoyed ourselves too. I heard many feet tappin and saw plenty of heads bobbin (mine included) to the jams.
For me, the film is a celebration of an incredible man and his music. It will provide love and inspiration for all those who are open to receive it. Looking back at the film, it was obvious to me that Michael’s spark and passion for music and performance art had been re kindled- he was enthusiastic about the shows that lay before him. This man has been through so much in his life, more than you or I can fathom, and yet there he was, the magic still within him and eager to share it with all of us all over again.
Yes, the film may be titled This Is It, but to me it ain’t over yet. Michael Jackson continues to lives on in all that he left behind.
Inspiration: Terence Trent D’Arby (where’d he go?)
October 25, 2009
The kids on YouTube like to call him a cross between Michael Jackson and Prince…with James Brown thrown in for good measure. I call him an eccentric musician and artist that time has long forgotten. You would probably remember him better by his two 1987 hit singles ‘Wishing Well‘ and ‘Sign Your Name,’ both beautiful, powerful songs. His music is generally more sincere than what you’ll find on today’s radio.
But the man just kinda faded away didn’t he? He had a distinctive, unforgettable voice and, like me, a slim figure. He had extreme talent, handsome looks and some were even calling him the ’second coming’ of Prince.
So what the heck happened to him? Well, Mr. D’Arby is no longer with us. See, on October 4th 2001, he legally changed his name from Terence Trent D’Arby to Sananda Maitreya. Remember when Prince became a damn symbol? Same deal here… except, Terence Sananda blessed us with a more pronounceable name…although he does have his own symbol too.
There’s more good news; he never stopped recording music. 2001 saw the release of ‘Wildcard’ and, for two straight years — 2005 and 2006 respectively – he produced an internet series of all new material titled ‘Angels & Vampires‘. In my opinion, it’s the best stuff he’s ever written. If you listen to his new music, it’s clear that HE left the music industry and not the other way around. It’s beautiful stuff man. If you never explored his music beyond his first album then you’re missing out on a plethora of black rock, funk, soul, and experimentation. I strongly urge you to seek out his newer material.
To sum it up; he’s married, resides in Italy now and just released a new album called ‘NIGOR MORTIS‘. Yes he still plays live, but tends to stay in Europe where he is more appreciated as an Artist. He’s a man doing things on his own terms now and I applaud him.
What was once lost, is now found. Listen/download his cool track ‘Castilian Blue’ below..
Discography
1987 – Introducing the Hardline
1989 – Neither Fish Nor Flesh
1993 – Symphony or Damn (highly recommended)
1995 – Vibrator
2001 – Wildcard
2005 – Angels & Vampires – Volume I (highly recommended)
2006 – Angels & Vampires – Volume II (highly recommended)
2007 / 08 – NIGOR MORTIS
Learn More: Official Site
Vumiko Music: Mystery Lady (demo excerpt)
October 22, 2009
Its been awhile since I’ve posted about my own music, so let’s jump right in shall we?
‘Mystery Lady’ is a track I’m working on for the album…its got a Rock/Blues sound to it and is intentionally raw. See, what I’ve got here is a short demo excerpt but it gives you an idea of where the song is headed. Those of you who enjoy overproduced rock songs might not dig it, but stick around and give it a listen anyway.
Now, there ain’t a man in this world who hasn’t encounted a “Mystery Lady” at some point in his life…so Gentleman, this is for you. And Ladies, throw yo hand in the air if you’ve got a bit of Mystery in ya! Cause we love you anyway.
Mystery Lady (demo excerpt)
Written, Produced and Performed by Vumiko
Lyrics:
She wont follow u
She wont care for u
She’ll never cry for u
She’ll lie to u-
it’s true
What’s a man to do?
You’re like smoke in the room
I open my window
and u blow right thru
Your love is so hazy
it’s your history baby
You’re drivin me crazy
with your mystery lady-
it’s true
Robert Palmer | I Didn’t Mean To Turn You On (1986)
October 21, 2009Another day, another jam.
In 1984, under the production of legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, R&B singer Cherelle released her debut album, Fragile. It featured her first R&B top ten single, “I Didn’t Mean to Turn You On”, which became a hit again when pop singer Robert Palmer covered it on his 1986 album Riptide and was also covered by Mariah Carey for the soundtrack of the 2001 movie Glitter.
Robert Palmer’s version is stripped down, sexier and funkier, whereas Mariah’s version is exactly the same as Cherrelle’s production wise. My fav is Palmer’s.
Palmer took it to another level though and made it his own. Not to mention the video, which is both iconic and simply irresistible. He was def one of the coolest white dudes on the music scene at the time- he had soul and swagger like Bowie.
Ladies, he didn’t mean to turn you on. Honestly. And Gents yes, his background band IS meant to turn you on.
Inspiration: What I’m Into Right Now…
October 12, 2009Terrence Trent D’Arby | Wishing Well (1988)
Phil Lynott | Dear Miss Lonely Hearts (1980)
David Bowie | China Girl (1983)
My Fave MJ: The Way You Make Me Feel
September 24, 2009Michael Jackson // The Way You Make Me Feel (1987)
After much late night deliberationn, I’ve decided that my fav MJ video is ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’ When I was a kid I would watch it over and over (and still do).
My fav parts in the vid are when he suddenly yells “Hey!” at the girl and everyone stops and stares (at which point he does a sly finger gesture..so cool). Other fav part is at the very end when he and his “gang” proceed to dance electric against the backdrop of a blown fire hydrant, then slip away into the night. Pure Brilliance. Really now, watch the way he moves during that whole sequence. It’s all about the subtle embellishment and nuance of his movements.
Anyway, yeah, he gets the girl in the end….but check it- they don’t tear each others clothes off, heck, they don’t even kiss; they simply…embrace…
What’s your fave MJ?
