Blog Archives

See Line Woman (Afrobeat Version)

*photo courtesy of Open Crates

There’s a song that hasn’t left my DJ bag since it was given to me on a CD-R, 14 years ago. That song is the Femm Nameless’ version of See Line Woman (also known as See Line), given to me by my friend Toli Nameless.

Their version of Nina Simone’s classic has burned up my dance floor for years and I always thought it was a bit bittersweet because it was a tune that no one (other than a select few DJs) had access to. AND…it never had a life on vinyl!

So, with some careful planning, my sibling label Kooyman Records decided to press this dance floor monster onto a heavy weight 10″. Black or Red Vinyl? You choose. Living in a digital world? Then, have a listen to the joints at your prefered digital shop.

Revisiting the recording sessions with Toli, I learned that she wrote the b-side Talk Da Shit with Tom Brenneck of the Dapkings and penned Deaf Ears (Instrumental Dub) with Ernesto Abreau, formerly of Antibalas. The entire record was recorded in East Flatbush, Brooklyn by Sydney Mills of Steel Pulse. They truly captured some magic in these sessions and empowered more than a few female musicians along the way!

Still, more than just being incredible music, cut by an all Female band, this record is a time capsule into the Brooklyn Afrobeat scene, 14 years ago. A true piece of NYC history for your ears to now hear…

-DJ Center


 

 

 

 

 

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DJ Center’s Dennis Brown Tribute Mix

DJ Center - Dennis Brown Special

Cover Art: Andres Jimenez (@sieteson)

In celebration of the great Dennis Emmanuel Brown’s 60th Birthday, DJ Center presents some of the tuffest tunes, versions and dubs from the Crown Prince of Reggae!

Cut purely from vinyl, enjoy some of Center’s favorite D.Brown selections, which most likely will be the first in annual tribute series to the legend. One mix simply can not cover the never ending niceness that the man output while he was with us.

Share this mix + spread love in these times!

 

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Roots + Soul December

Roots & Soul

What a joy it’s been presenting Roots & Soul to NYC on a monthly basis!

Since it’s conception, Center’s guests have included Rich Medina, Bobbito Garcia aka Kool Bob Love, Ian Head, Underground System and the funky sangin’ Vinia Mojica. Jimmy Lopez has kept the percussion pocket funky, alongside Center eclectic crates on those nights! It’s been a soulful music lovers paradise.

This month we welcome the genius of composer, producer, arranger and all around bad man on the winds, Sly5thAve, along with his 11-piece Clubcasa Chamber Orchestra! To make the cypher complete, the legendary DJ Spinna joins Center and together they will be taking the dancefloor everywhere possible, no limits! It’s about Roots & Soul!

You’ll know it’s right when this one drops on 12/19, courtesy of the Clubcasa Chamber Orchestra –

 

 

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DJ Center’s 22Tracks London Takeover

Center_PlaylistImage

The music discovery service 22tracks recently approached DJ Center to curate a special takeover playlist for their London site.

Currently streaming, catch some of Center’s favorite grooves to help you ease out of the summer. Some serious speaker rattlin’ and body movin’ business here. Enjoy.

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Introducing ROOTS + SOUL- a new NYC Monthly Event

ROOTS + SOUL AUG 15

Very excited to share the news of a new monthly series I have the pleasure of curating right here in NYC!

The festivities take place at the new music venue Meridian 23. Every third Friday of the month, catch yours truly in the mix with a hand picked lineup of the most global and soulful DJs and live acts!

Next Friday, August 15th, we launch the series with live Afrobeat flavors from Underground System and special guest DJ sets from Bobbito Garcia aka Kool Bob Love and OBaH. Not to be missed! 10PM, $10.

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In Session on The Bobbito Garcia Radio Show

tear drop wax

Got the call to fill in for Bobbito Garcia on East Village Radio yesterday, 12/9 and what a session it was!

Played beautiful records from Erykah Badu, Roy Ayers, Marc Mac & the Visioneers, Bosq of Whiskey Barons, Tall Black Guy, Lord Echo and DJ Day, amongst others!

It’s always an honor to fill Bob’s shoes and he called in three times during the program to comment on the treats and talk sh*t! Lots of laughs and vibes. Shout out to my brother Andrés!

Listen to the broadcast here

*playlist can be found here

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Kaleta on the Bobbito Garcia Radio Show

DJ Center on EVR

Was back on East Village Radio this week for the Bobbito Garcia Radio Show! Always an honor to fill Bob’s shoes and this week’s show was pretty special.

Sat down with Kaleta, the afrobeat ambassador behind Zozo and Akoya Afrobeat Ensembles. Talked with him about his musical upbringings playing with both King Sunny Adé and Fela Anikulapo Kuti, amongst others!

Then, played new/timeless music from D’Angelo, Quantic & Nidia Góngora, Louie Vega & Elements of Life, Kev Brown, Quadron and the Boogaloo Assassins!

Listen to the broadcast here

*playlist can be found here

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Eddie Palmieri on the Bobbito Garcia Radio Show

Eddie Palmieri on EVR

Had the honor of playing records this past Monday on The Bobbito Garcia Radio Show with none other than 9x time Grammy Award winner and living legend Eddie Palmieri in studio.

I’ve been a fan of Mr. Palmieri’s works for years and still remember the day I came across “Azucar Pa”Ti“. My collection was forever changed!

I drop new/timeless music from Quantic & Nidia Góngora, Lord Echo, Dennis Brown and more!

Listen to this incredibly special broadcast here

*playlist can be found here

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Center Bumps – Paris DJs Special (Download)

Center Bumps - Paris DJs

* All Vinyl Mix | Cover Artwork by Andrés Jiménez

This month’s podcast mix comes to you courtesy of the Paris based website for all things soulful, funky and deep – Paris DJs.  I’ve been checking for Paris DJs for a number of years now, always updated with the latest info on some of my favorite artists and releases.

When the opportunity came to do an exclusive mix for their site, I was more than happy to put this together. Below are a couple questions you may have regarding the mix and you’ll find the link to download it straight to your digital player here.

What are Center Bumps?

Center Bumps are tunes that I’m feeling that particular week and/or month. They are songs in constant rotation and highlight new and old music that I’ve dug up in that respective time period. I use to include charts in my mailing list emails and people would always write back asking how they could hear that music.  Well, now you can courtesy of these monthly mixes.

Why did you choose to do an all Vinyl mix?

To be honest I’m still high off of Everything in Time being released on vinyl. Vinyl is still my favorite way to listen to music. I have so many gems that haven’t been released digitally, so it made sense to spread love the analog way.

Why Paris DJs?

Djouls and crew been putting it down for years on that side of the Atlantic, always keeping it fresh. With so many people in common, it was only a matter of time til we connected online for a release!

DJ Center – Center Bumps (Paris DJs Spécial) (Download)

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Rodigan Rides Again – Gilles Peterson x David Rodigan

David Rodigan

I remember being in Brixton, England back in 2005, looking to hear some reggae music. We walked the Brixton streets searching for listings and from what seemed like no where, a man on the street appears and tells us the legendary “RODIGAN” is playing at the Church that used to be the Mosque that night. After some more inquiring, we found this legendary spot that the man who greeted us spoke of.

The name of the venue was MASS (in St. Mathews Church), and it was there that David “Ram Jam” Rodigan and Papa Face held quarters every Wednesday, delivering that sweet reggae music to the people.

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Sao Paulo Sabor – Anelis Assumpcao

Anelis Assumpção

There’s something in the water in São Paulo, Brazil.

A circle of contemporary artists are making some lovely sounds, with a vibe that draws inspiration from ’70s Kingston, yet is undoubtedly their own. São Paulo’s roots run deep, and these artists of the now are pushing the music forward, capturing something new, yet keeping the vintage/analog flavor alive in their music.

Introducing Anelis Assumpção. You may recognize her last name from her father, the incredible Itamar Assumpção. Govermnent (name) aside, Anelis is making a mark of her own. Together with producer Beto Villares, Gustavo Lenza and Céu, among others of Brazil’s finest musicians, she’s cookin’ some some tunes that you need in your life. I heard her debut LP drops on Scubidu Records in 2 weeks, search it out. In between time, enjoy “Neverland” from “Sou Suspeita Estou Sujeita Não sou Santa“.

*LOVE the nod to the The AbyssiniansSatta Massagana” at 4:59. Classic!

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