MusicLoad - Amazing Handpicked Music

The Police State..... is still at it and it's getting worse

Found this important song on the Facebook page of Mike Finnigan. Mike made a post that read: "I was in Chicago over the past weekend. (he is touring with Bonnie Raitt) It was insane. Not the protestors, the police. It felt like they were expecting an armed seige by some foreign power! Police were everywhere, sirens going off every 30 seconds, police cars racing all over town." That was a preamble to this link Mike posted. One of Mike's friends, guitarist Jack Morris Sherman, posted this song in Mike's thread, which leads us here:

Graham Nash - Chicago (off a Vinyl 45) *song starts at 25 seconds

A Call to Action to Resist and Reject The Police State

Graham Nash released Chicago back in about 1970. It was inspired by both the riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, as well as the trial of the Chicago Seven, where protesters at the convention were charged with intent to incite a riot. Hearing this song this week, it felt as if Nash wrote it last weekend during the Nato Summit, where the reality that we live in a Police State was felt strongly by those who were there to protest the wars led by the U.S. and Nato around the world.

Our liberty and freedom in America, and in and around the path of terror left by the U.S. war machine around the globe, has been slowly chipped away and dismantled. It's not what the founders intended for. Those founders left it in our hands to do something when the government is out of control. Do something we must! We must go beyond the call of duty, for liberty is now so threatened, far past being temporary as many politicians swore it would be after 9/11.

It's up to artists and fans to take the lead. Music can move mountains. Politicians still like to connect with leading artists. Leading and emerging artists should never back down, even in the face of adversity. The world saw what happened to the Dixie Chicks for saying what they believed, and it was a score for The Police State how it temporarily set the group back. Fortunately, the Dixie Chicks did not back down and went on to make a movie about that hard time in their life. We cannot allow artists to be beat down for expressing their views, in my humble opinion. Liberty and freedom is not perfect, in fact it can even be dangerous. But the alternative of tyranny at the hands of the police state is far less perfect to the point of evil dangerousness without end. The U.S. is well known to torture and assassinate. We drop bombs from unmanned planes, making us just as chickenshit as ever. We have adopted a preventative war approach, preemptively striking, invading and occupying countries when they have done nothing to us. This is all going against inherent American values.

Don't be afraid to stand up to The Police State. I am not talking about physical resistance. I am talking about peaceful resistance. Look these fuckers in the eyes and ask them questions? Am I legally required to answer your questions? Have you read The Constitution? Have you read The Bill of Rights? Are you upholding the Constitution or are you a member of The Police State? If or when they grab you, don't talk and don't resist. Don't even fall limp. Simply be prepared. Dress for jail. Use your mind and not your fists, otherwise you will be stooping to their pathetic level.

The best thing we can do right now is to become informed. It's not a conspiracy theory that we are now officially living in a Police State. It's a fact! Learn about it. Write about it. Write songs, write comedy, write letters to Congress and write letters directly to The President and Vice President. Fans should support the artists who are resisting The Police State. We can use music to bring about real needed change to restore liberty. As Graham Nash wrote and sang, "We can change the world".

This Kills!

From the moment I heard the voice, I knew I loved it. GC

tUnE-yArDs - Bizness (Live on KEXP-FM in Seattle Washington)

Connect direct with tUnE-yArDs at Tune-Yards.Com

;)

Amadou & Mariam - Sabali

First single from the 2008 album from Amadou & Mariam called "Welcome to Mali". These are artists whose group has a prolific body of work. This is just one of many great tracks. Enjoy! Peace Love Groove, GC

Connect direct with Amadou & Mariam Amadou-Mariam.Com

;)

Little Dragon

Out of Sweden.....

Little Dragon - Ritual Union

Connect direct with Little Dragon at Little-Dragon.Net

;)

The Books

The Books - An Owl With Knees

The Books - Beautiful People

Connect direct with The Books at TheBooksMusic.Com

;)

Toots & The Maytals - Spiritual Healing

Pressure Drop With Eric Clapton (Toots And The Maytals)

Toots & The Maytals with Bonnie Raitt- True Love is Hard to Find

Connect direct with Toots & The Maytals at facebook.com/tootsandthemaytals/

Connect direct with Eric Clapton at EricClapton.Com, Facebook.Com/EricClapton, Instagram.com/EricClapton and Twitter.com/ericclapton

Connect direct with Bonnie Raitt at BonnieRaitt.Com

;)

Song of the morning....

Akiko with Corinne Drewery - Waters of March

Donna Summer's Last Dance - RIP - Love To Love You Baby

Donna Summer passed away today from lung cancer. TMZ reported: "Several sources are telling us Donna believed she contracted it by inhaling toxic particles after the 9/11 attack in New York City."

Many many years ago, had the privilege of meeting Donna Summer at A&M Records on La Brea & Sunset in Hollywood for a party. Can't recall who the party was for, but like it was yesterday, I still remember the moments, her warmth, and the exact spot we stood in on a soundstage that was set up for a party.

Love to Love You Baby is definitely one of the sexiest disco songs, ever.
Enjoy! Peace Love Groove, GC

Donna Summer - Love To Love You Baby

Donna Summer - Last Dance

Connect direct with the official Donna Summer site at DonnaSummer.Com

;)

Lisa Marie Presley

Lisa Marie Presley's latest video to the song You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet from her latest album titled Storm & Grace. Enjoy!

Connect direct with Lisa Marie Presley at LisaMariePresley.Com

JJ Grey & Mofro

Doesn't get any funkier than this... GC

JJ Grey & Mofro - On Fire

JJ Grey & Mofro - Mississippi

Connect direct with JJ Grey & Mofro at JJGrey.Com

Jimmie Rodgers - T For Texas

This song post via Mike Finnigan who is on the road with Bonnie Raitt at present and gigging in Meridian Mississippi. Mike wrote to his Facebook page: "We're in Meridian, Mississippi today, the birthplace of the great Jimmy Rogers (well, there's a plaque here that makes that claim, though hisrtorians identify Pine Springs, Mississippi, just north of Meridian, as his genuine birthplace). Rogers is acknowledged by many as "The Father of Country Music." Also, "The Blue Yodeler," and "The Singing Brakeman." His influence on all forms of Popular American Music, and all its genres was considerable."

Thanks for yet another great post, Mike. Peace Love Groove, GC

Besides being a legendary blues/soul vocalist and Hammond B3 player, Mike Finnigan is a prolific political blogger with a hard core following. When he is not touring with Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker, Taj Majal or any one of dozens of great acts, Mike is playing with a tasty blues group known as Phantom Blues Band.

And... by the way, Lynyrd Skynyrd covered this song...

Lynyrd Skynyrd - T For Texas (1976)

Connect direct with Lynyrd Skynyrd at LynyrdSkynyrd.Com

;)

Made You Die - Trayvon Martin Tribute (Rap)

It's a sign of the times. There is a national cry to resist the vigilante police state in America and the shooting of Trayvon Martin was the most recent flash point that is galvanizing many. This is not a feel good tribute song. This is hard core hip hip with some fierce rap featuring Yasiin Bey, Dead Prez, and mikeflo. Think. Be a weapon of mass dissent. Fight The Police State with your mind. Peace Love Groove, GC

"Made You Die" Trayvon Martin Tribute

;)

denmantau

via Mark Severino, heard about a young group from Hamburg Germany spending time in the United States and is doing concerts on the Venice Beach boardwalk. According to Severino, the group name, denmantau, means "Let's Get High" in a dying German dialect. Enjoy! Peace Love Groove, GC

denmantau - Crystal Clear

denmantau - One Eye For Many Faces (live on Venice Beach Boardwalk)

Connect direct with denmantau at denmantau.de

Gaby Moreno to perform The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

A longtime MusicLoad favorite artist, Gaby Moreno, will be performing on NBC's Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Thursday May 3, 2012. Gaby will be performing alongside Carl Carlton, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Lang, Shawn Mullins, Leland Sklar (one of my favorite bassists), Eric Burdon and others to perform the song "Toast To Freedom" to commemorate 50 years of Amnesty International.

I seriously, have so much respect for Gaby. She is one of those artists who has stuck her guns and been herself, all the way. When people tried to make her something that she was not, she kind of resists without being mean.... keeps a smile on her face while knowing who she is. She just goes her own way, every day. And to watch where she has gone.... it really makes me smile. She is the example of what it means to be a true indie in such a major way.

If you don't catch her on Jay Leno, she is worth chasing down on YouTube. Her songs are authentically her as she lives and plays in the moment and everything she does is magic. Her music has touched and even revived parts of my soul. Wishing that you'll be lucky enough that she and her music will touch yours too.

Connect direct with Gaby Moreno at Connect direct with Gaby Moreno at Gaby-Moreno.Com, Facebook.com/gabymorenoband, Twitter.com/gabymorenomusic and Instagram.com/gaby_moreno

International Recording Artist, Gaby Moreno.
Photo Copyright MusicLoad.Com

Saxofunk Girl - Candy Dulfer

MusicLoad presents the music of saxophonist Candy Dulfer

Candy Dulfer is the international funk and contemporary jazz artist from Amsterdam, Netherlands. She is a very independent minded artist. Sure, she's collaborated with greats like Prince, Dave Stewart, Van Morrison and many many others, but she is not a puppet or a side musician. If it isn't funky or it doesn't have soul, she probably won't be there. Hope you enjoy these handpicked clips below. GC

This track is from her 1993 record, Sax A Go Go (audio/video sync is off - sorry)

Here are some live videos :)

Candy Dulfer - My Funk (live)

Candy Dulfer - Life Of The Party

Candy's father, Hans Dulfer, is a particularly badass edgy tenor sax man with his own unique sound. This next track is a song written by Hans.

Candy Dulfer Funky Stuff - Our House Is Not A Home (Live)

Candy Dulfer & Funky Stuff - Saxuality - Live 1990

And, last but not least, here is a song that is a staple song for the smooth jazz radio circuit in the U.S.A, over 20 years after it was first released in 1989 as the soundtrack for the Dutch movie De Kassière. I hate "smooth jazz" with a passion, but this song is great!

Candy Dulfer - Lily was here (Live)

And finally, a track of her latest 2011 release. It's not my favorite compared to everything she has done, but it isn't bad at all.

Candy Dulfer - Crazy

Connect direct with Candy Dulfer at CandyDulfer.NL, Facebook.com/CandyDulferOfficial, Instagram.com/RealCandyDulfer and Twitter.com/CandyDulfer

;)

Priceless Video of Chaka Khan with Rufus

Stevie Wonder wrote this song which was released by Rufus & Chaka Khan in 1974. It's the voice of Bob Hope introducing the act for this Live concert which was broadcast on TV. Enjoy! Peace Love Groove, GC

Rufus & Chaka Khan - Tell Me Something Good

Connect direct with Chaka Khan at ChakaKhan.Com

Connect direct with Rufus at Rufus.Org

;)

Femi Kuti - Truth Don't Die (Live Takes)

One of the great artists from Lagos, Nigeria! Fema Kuti uses music, his mind, body and soul as a tool for speaking truth to power and making people think and unite to bring down corrupt power. Think! Be True. Peace Love Groove, GC

Femi Kuti -- Truth Don't Die (Bonnaroo 2004)

Femi Kuti- Live at the Africa Shrine (In Tribute to Fela Kuti)

Connect direct with Femi Kuti at myspace.com/femikuti

;)

Lance Lopez - Smoking Hot Texas Guitar

When in need of some hard edged blues/rock/soul in the vein of Stevie Ray Vaughn, tune into Lance Lopez.

Lance Lopez - Didja (Studio Version)

The above recording features: Lance Lopez - Guitars/Vox, John Garvin - Drums, Daniel Williams - Bass. Recorded at the Dallas Sound Lab in August 2003
Engineered by Don Moore - Produced by Lance Lopez and Eric Gales

Lance Lopez - Skank (Studio Recording)

Above recording features Lance Lopez - Guitars***Jamil Byrom - Drums***Wes Stevenson - Bass. Produced by Lance Lopez ***Engineered by Don Moore. Recorded at Bass Propulsion Laboratories - Dallas,Tx additional overdubs and Mixing at Soundcrafter Ranch - Wylie,Tx. August-October 2005

LANCE LOPEZ - SALVATION FROM SUNDOWN

Written by LANCE LOPEZ Produced By JIM GAINES - Recorded at LUMINOUS SOUND - DALLAS,TEXAS and ARDENT STUDIOS - MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE Engineers: CHRIS BELL, ADAM HILL & JIM GAINES
Mixed by PETE MATTHEWS & JIM GAINES - Mastered by BRAD BLACKWELL - Euphonics Masters, Memphis
L L - GUITARS/VOX TONY VALDEZ - BASS CODY NORMAN - DRUMS

Connect Direct with Lance Lopez at https://www.facebook.com/LanceLopezBand

Bonnie Raitt is back :)

My friend Mike Finnigan, the legendary Hammond B3 player and super soul/blues/gospel vocalist, posted to FB that Bonnie Raitt is back in action. They just performed on Ellen yesterday and Bonnie and the band sound as fantastic as ever.

Bonnie Raitt - Right Down The Line

Had the pleasure of meeting Bonnie Raitt once, in the back of a beer pub on the Santa Monica Pier as the fantastic Teresa James performed with her band The Rhythm Tramps. Turned out Bonnie is a big fan of Teresa James. Teresa has that intangible elusive thing, a sound and a twang that is undeniable. That's why Bonnie was there. Connect with Bonnie Raitt at BonnieRaitt.Com

Here is a nice taste of Teresa James that is a live performance of my favorite song from one of Teresa's albums titled The Whole Enchilada, which I highly recommend buying. It's fantastic! When I close my eyes and listen to this song, especially the studio version, it just takes me away. This live take took place at Delbert McClinton's Sandy Beaches Cruise #12. Turn it up, click play, close your eyes and enjoy! Peace Love Groove, GC

Teresa James - Love Is For All Time

Connect direct with Teresa James at TeresaJames.Com

And... BTW.... Speaking of Mike Finnigan, never ever get tired of hearing this recording that Mike made decades ago. The song is Hard Times, which was written by Ray Charles. It sure has a place in the right here, right now, for so many impoverished people in the world who are down on their luck. This is another song to just close your eyes to, however, the subtitled story at the end is a nice story about how Ray Charles reacted to hearing Mike cover Ray's song. Apparently, Ray Charles thought Mike Finnigan had put more heart and soul into playing and singing Hard Times than Ray himself had put into it. That says a lot right there.

Mike Finnigan - Hard Times

and just found this great rare unreleased recording of Mike singing one of the greatest classics from the heart of the civil rights movement in the United States, if not one of the greatest classics of all time. Mike once told me, in a Facebook thread, about how he was playing with black artists during that era when this song was written. He spoke of the hatred that some had... the racism. Mike feels this music, for he was there. It's not just a pretty song.

Mike Finnigan w/ Bill Lynch - A Change Is Gonna Come

And, this is amazing! Shows what a blues prince Mike Finnigan really is.

Mike Finnigan and The Serfs - Evil Days

Connect direct with Mike Finnigan at PhantomBluesBand.Com

;)

Remembering Earl Scruggs and Flatt & Scruggs

R.I.P. Earl Scruggs. As one poster said it best on YouTube, "Look up Bluegrass in the dictionary, and you oughta find Lester, Earl and this song."

Flatt & Scruggs - Foggy Mountain Breakdown

Flatt and Scruggs - Mountain Dew (live at Carnegie Hall)

As a kid who grew up in the 60's & 70's, my first exposure to the Flatt & Scruggs was via television on The Beverly Hillbillies. Not only did they write the theme music for the show, they appeared in several episodes.

Beverly Hillbillies with Flatt & Scruggs Pearl Pearl Pearl

But they were so much more than real life characters on The Beverly Hillbillies. A website, The Flatt and Scruggs Preservation Society, is devoted to the legacy of both Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs.

Connect direct with the official Earl Scruggs site at EarlScruggs.Com

;)

Ayo with M and Sly Johnson

MusicLoad has featured Ayo here many times, and she is most worthy of yet another post of these wonderful recordings just found. Enjoy! GC

Ayo with M and Sly Johnson - How Many People

Ayo with M and Sly Johnson - It Hurts

Connect direct with Ayo at AyoMusic.com, Facebook.com/AyoMusicOfficial, Instagram.com/AyoMusic and Twitter.com/AyoMusic

;)

SHEL

SHEL, a band of four sisters named Sarah, Hannah, Eva and Liza, is one of my absolute favorite rising bands out there. ~~If you are in New York tonight, Monday April 2, 2012, please go see a free SHEL concert at Rockwood Music Hall at 7:30PM.~~ It's sure to be a lovely show for all! And, if you want to get backstage, you can probably get there if you bring Sarah some ginger chews.

If you don't know about SHEL, here is a little bit about them. Enjoy!
This is SHEL (They have grown a lot since this video was made, but you'll get the idea)

SHEL - Toyland

I first learned about SHEL via Eva Holbrook after I had already fallen deeply in love with her music. She is a gifted songwriter, arranger, instrumentalist, and angelic vocalist. Eventually I learned of the group with her sisters who all share the same giftedness. Once I heard their whole band together, I knew I had landed in music heaven.

Eva Holbrook during the songwriting process on a song titled Heaven's Gate that was inspired by a Classic 30 Peavey amp she was borrowing.

SHEL - The Latest and Greatest Blueberry Rubber Band

The Rockwood Music Hall is located at 196 Allen Street New York, NY 10002
Phone (212) 477-4155 Website: RockwoodMusicHall.Com

Connect direct with SHEL at SHELmusic.Com, Facebook.Com/ILoveSHELMusic, Instagram.com/iloveshelmusic and Twitter.com/iloveshelmusic

MusicLoad fave, Gaby Moreno, signs label deal with Metamorfosis

Happy to report that Gaby Moreno (featured on MusicLoad.Com dozens of times since 2006) just signed a record contract with the independent label of Guatemalan recording artist Ricardo Arjona. The label is known as Metamorfosis. Ricardo Arjona is one of Latin America's top selling acts and he broke from the major labels to pave his own international path.

Gaby became one of my most favorite indie artists out there, since the moment I noticed her in 2006. Have come to admire her greatly since then. She has the right attitude in how she has worked to get her music out there, play lots of shows... she has a consistent vibe, very relaxed, kind and sweet. She has integrity. Always making something, working on new songs, playing with new people, traveling to far away places to perform and tour.

Have always thought she was destined for superstardom on this path she is on, but superstardom isn't her trip. She lives in the moment like few others. She is a lover of blues/jazz/rock music and maintains a tranquility style life with a solid work to live rather than a live to work ethic. Such observations are not always what they appear to be, but that's the feeling I get from Gaby Moreno. Her Peace of Mind radiates. That's the most important thing one can have, in my humble opinion. That's why I think Gaby Moreno is destined for so much more success than she has already achieved in creating a self-sustaining working band and music career as a recording artist, songwriter other artists, with several film & TV on the music side, collaborator with many and touring artist. No doubt, Moreno will be Metamorfosis most valuable asset in due time. Keep your eyes and ears on Gaby Moreno via Gaby-Moreno.Com

Here is a recent collaboration of Gaby with Metamorfosis founder Ricardo Arjona.

Gaby Moreno with Ricardo Arjona performing Fuiste tú

Hear songs from Gaby's recent live performances in Paris: http://www.musicload.com/2012/02/gaby-moreno-one-of-greatest-indies-in.html

Hear Gaby perform three of her originals from her album titled Illustrated Songs, stripped raw (acoustic): http://blog.musictelevision.com/2011/08/gaby-moreno-stripped-bare-and-raw-three.html

Hear a live version of Gaby performing Little Sorrow: http://www.musicload.com/2011/04/gaby-moreno-in-luxury-wafer-session.html

Connect direct with Gaby Moreno at Connect direct with Gaby Moreno at Gaby-Moreno.Com, Facebook.com/gabymorenoband, Twitter.com/gabymorenomusic and Instagram.com/gaby_moreno

;)