Did The U.S. Save Democracy? Hallelujah, Maisha, & Sam Burton Help Take Us Forward
The election is over. Democracy is saved, for now...
I’m Jason Boucher, and welcome to Nocturnal, a weekly newsletter about sound + music where I highlight some of the best new music and streaming video. I’ll be dispensing related links about music and film news that I hope you dig. I don’t know about you, but I get excited for new records, reissues, soundtracks, and live music—so I’m sharing with you! My hope is this newsletter increases awareness of the extraordinary music & art communities all over the world, even if it’s just a smidgen. Questions? jason.boucher@icloud.com
Today in the newsletter: The election is finally over! Great new music you’re going to dig, I promise! New podcast section is here. New shows to watch this fall. Great reads, including an interview with Brian Eno. My latest playlist and audio archive is here, too.
Let’s begin…
I met Vice President-Elect @kamalaharris during the primary season and today I'm THRILLED to call her the next Vice President and cannot wait to have government back after the last 4 years of stress, anxiety, sleepless nights, and extra worry about the country. I’m feeling optimistic, but the work is far from over. Let’s keep it going. ❤️
Listen Up!
🎧 Here’s what new music releases, or reissues I’m listening to this week.
Hallelujah Chicken Run Band ‘Take One’ (Analog Africa)
This is the band that modernized Zimbabwean music in the early 1970s, and by doing so revolutionized the music industry within their own country. This is being reissued in early December but you can get it early via digital download on Bandcamp from Analog Africa. A mix of traditional and modern sounds with great beats and guitar work. Each track is special, you just can’t go wrong — it’ll leave you thinking positive and feeling great.
Maisha ‘Open the Gates’ (Brownswood Recordings)
One of my favorite labels right now is Brownswood Recordings out of London, England. The label is about 15 years old and specializes in jazz, soul, and spiritual music for starters… One of their latest releases is a 16-minute piece called ‘Open the Gates’ by London underground jazz group Maisha. Rhythmic melodies, soft piano, but very percussive with a saxophone that takes you for a long, enjoyable walk.
Sam Burton ‘Nothing Touches Me’ (Tompkins Square)
This single is part of three new songs from Sam Burton, a singer/songwriter that writes hauntingly beautiful folks songs of a bygone era complete with the production to match. This particular song is available on vinyl or for digital download on Bandcamp by Tompkins Square. It’s like the Mama’s and the Papa’s met Lee Hazelwood in a jazz club. Give it a shot!
This Week’s Reading List
Wu Tang Clan’s GZA Released His Sophomore LP ‘Liquid Swords’ 25 Years Ago
Artist’s Choice: Makaya McCraven on the Studio as Instrument
Podcasts To Peruse
The Watch List
Nocturnal: A Sound + Music Experience is delivered fresh each Tuesday evening through an ominous freeform cloud featuring hubbub from then and now. Listen live Tuesdays at 8pm EST on WSCA, or the next day via Mixcloud.
The November 3rd episode was all about staying off the TV and listening to soul jazz to keep the spirits high during election day eve. Here’s the playlist:
Bob James "Westchester Lady"
Barry White "Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up"
Lonnie Liston Smith "Expansions"
Johnson, Hawkins, Tatum & Durr "You're All I Need to Make It"
Les Cooper and His Soul Pickers "Wahoo"
Greyboy "Unwind Your Mind (feat. Karl Denson)"
El Michels Affair "C.R.E.A.M."
The Budos Band "T.I.B.W.F."
Yussef Kamaal "Lowrider"
Eddie Harris "Silver Cycles"
Slide Five "Heavy Rotation"
Jenny & The Medicine Men "The Medicine Man Part 2"
Mourning [A] BLKstar "If I Can I May"
Replay & Afrocidade "Um Bilhete pra Didi"
Moonchild Sanelly "Thunda Thighs"
Masego & FKJ "Tadow"
Nadeem Din-Gabisi "Energy"
Jitwam "WhereYouGonnaGo?"
Burning Star "Trip Horns"
Sudan Archives "Limitless"
Jamila Woods "SULA (Hardcover)"
Marvin Gaye "I Want You" (Instrumental Mix)
See you next week… - JB