Incoming Bangers, Philly edition 4.9.26

Philly's been good to us.

Kurt Vile w/ Philly legend OH Schoolly D

Kurt Vile, “Chance To Bleed” - Philly’s constant hit maker is back with another smash hit. With plenty of guitars and a special appearance by OG Schoolly D in the video (some of which was filmed at Kung Fu Necktie), Kurt’s new album, Philadelphia’s Been Good to Me, is out May 29th. With Kurt and Gary Cartwright on guitars, they’ve summoned up some very soulful Stonesy jamming. Turn it up.

Nazir Ebo - “Rocket” - Not familiar with Philly’s hottest jazz drummer? Get with it. Meet Nazir Ebo who is (finally) releasing his debut album, Beyond, in a couple weeks. In addition to the drums, Ebo is an accomplished composer and multi-instrumentalist who tours the world playing drums with the Joshua Redman Quartet, has performed with Christian McBride, Bootsy Collins, Kenneth Whalum, and many others. Out now is the superfusionfueled “Rocket.” I’ve seen Nazir play a bunch over the last couple years, and with his team mates - guitarist Simon Martinez (Flanafi), and Tone Whitfield (bass) (both of whom appear on Bilal’s Adjust Brightness), along with Tim Watson (guitar) and multi-instrumentalist Sanché Ramírez. Ebo’s own sound + vision of jazz is quite staggering. Set your controls for the heart of a new jazz sun.

BASIC, “Index Of Memories” - Guitarist Chris Forsyth returns with his BASIC trio along with Mikel Patrick Avery and Douglas McCombs. Chris is at the center of what I call the growing big-ears-ification of a certain segment of Philly’s music scene. It’s jazz, but its influenced by psychedelic rock, krautrock, (all the rocks) ambient, experimental, and classic improvisation. You might be familiar with Chris’ Solar Motel Band, or another project he collaborates in, Both / And. Or maybe his red hott Neil Young tribute band. BASIC return with a new record on June 16th. In addition to Avery and McCombs, the record features Philly double bassist John Moran, (who also performs in Victor Vieira-Branco’s Bark Culture and the Daniel Villareal Trio.) And yes, their band is named for this Robert Quine and Fred Maher record.

Choice 4, Inc., “Clean Up Your Mind” - Philly native, producer and songwriter Billy Jackson, came up from the Cameo-Parkway label system as a staff writer and producer, working with Philly vocal groups like The Tymes in the late Fifties. He later went on to Columbia Records to work with Clive Davis. Jackson was behind the boards for this album recorded in Philly in 1972, with the group Choice 4 on vocals and instrumentation by the R&B band Kleer. “Clean Up Your Mind” is the title track to a collection of 8 never-before-heard tracks recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in 1972. The recordings are from the Sigma Sound Studios Collection at Drexel University.

Stone Cold Grace, “You’re Always Leaving” - Indie folk singer/songwriter and guitarist Sarah Johnson, who also fronts the Philly indie rock band, Caring Less, just released a gorgeous EP, To Die, To Come Back, To Die. The pensive and hypnotic “You’re Always Leaving” lyrically shimmers with sadness and bright guitars. Yeah, you can hear some reference points like Patty Griffin or The Cranberries and Joni, whose song “People’s Parties” is the source of the name for Sarah’s solo effort. Produced in Philly by Brian McTear and Amy Morrissey at Miner Street, the lp also features Pat Berkery (drums), Matt Keppler (bass) and Samuel Johnson (keys).

Finally, bringing this edition if IBs to a close; back to Schoolly D….here’s a nugget from his early days, “Gucci Time.”

Thanks for listening. Until next time…