Intimacy is something the Artist moving in Truth cannot avoid. There is no objective separation from the creation. The toil of transmutation is the price of the ticket. True artistry involves “risk” that cannot be mitigated…
Music is not my career, hobby, or passion… it is my LIFE. It is as essential as oxygen. I have been blessed on this path and it is to that blessing i repay my debt with creation. The music will flow regardless of the external. That is the discipline. That is the mandate. I hope that you gain sustenance from this music. That it inspires you to hold high your Flame in the darkness…
The “Future Reference EP” see’s Deepblak label head AYBEE pushing ever forward into the outliers of electronic rhythms. Always avoiding convention “The Future Reference EP” continues to expand on the producers affinity for forward thinking dance music rooted in soul expression.
After shifting through a few different monikers the last year Deepblak Rhythm Czar Afrikan Sciences returns to form. Laced always with his elastic funk forward grooves the “Reciprocity” EP continues to build on his legacy. One that has consistently morphed diasporic rhythms into new colors. Creating new space on the dance-floor as well inside the mind. Four independent yet intertwined tracks all meant to make you oscillate inward outward.
AYBEE sits down with esteemed Chicago-based music writer and curator John Corbett to explore the deeper meaning behind Sun Ra’s work and examine the roles that improvisation and experimentation serve in times of political and social upheaval. Corbett is well placed to discuss such issues, as he’s the acclaimed author of books such as Travelling The Spaceways: Sun Ra, The Astro Black And Other Solar Myths and A Listener’s Guide to Free Improvisation.
In the mix for RA’s 550 Podacast | Interview here.
Tracklist /
San Juan Pueblo (Tewa) Butterfly Dance
Gael Segalen – Ascension
Billy Cobham – Inner Conflicts
DFLN – Signs
Captian P. – Escapism
Pied Plat – Ode To Ede
The Bazile Republic – Brotherhood Smoke
Damon Bell – Land Of Merowe
AYBEE – We Come In Peace
AYBEE – Man Over Machine
Walt J – Reborn 1 (DJ Qu’s Journey Towards Birth Remix)
Glenn Underground – Black Action
Roy Ayers – Holiday (Kenny Dope Rmx)
Jaco Pastorious – John and Mary
Ron Trent – Hooked On Your Love
Deepblak Chief Connoisseur Damon Bell following years of several outstanding EP’s offers up his debut album in “Blues For The Libyan“. Staying true to his penchant for mixing African rhythms with dance floor aesthetics the Oakland based producer weaves together a tightly knit escapade thru his world. Much like his long standing DJ residencies at S.F.’s “Make Out Room” and Oakland’s “389” Damon has built a solid reputation for his ability to traverse many sounds, and genres into one coherent groove. “Blues For The Libyan” follows suit as Damon melds experimentation, and tradition into a palatable experience for the listener. Tapping into the talents of label mate Afrikan Sciences for “Rhythm Meat” and Oakland based vocalist Khalil Anthony (Chromosome Replacement) the collaborations do well to further Damon’s vision of polyrhythmic dance. Studying percussion in his youth you can feel it’s influence throughout “BFTL” accompanied with Damon’s tinge for a little future dance floor funk. After receiving praise last year from luminaries such as the BBC’s Mary Anne Hobbs, and NYC’s Dope Jams crew Damon’s sound continues to build. BFTL represents Damon’s most outstanding statement to date of modern electronics mixed with traditional impulses. Culminating an authenticity, and honesty that is a breath of fresh air in the present space.
Title – Blues For The Libyan
Cat# – DBR-V025
Artist – Damon Bell
Label – Deepblak
Format -12”
Style?- Deep House/Experimental
Release Date – July 2015
Distributed by – Crosstalk
Tracklisting
A1. Chromosome Replacement ft. Khalil Anthony (8:12)
A2. Concrete Caravan (2:50)
B1. Blood (7:40)
B2. Striving To Be Who We Are (5:46)
C1. Rhythm Meat ft Afrikan Sciences (8:31)
C2. Libyan Ether ft. Son of Ororo (6:19)
D1. Broken Feathers (5:27)
D2. Kampala (DBo Vershun) (6:40)
Here is 30 Minutes of Jonah Sharp and myself LIVE at the Forward 2015 Fest in D.C. This was beyond an honor on my part as Jonah represents a Yoda of sorts to many of us from the San Francisco Bay Area that live this music… He has been a pioneer & staple for more than 25 years, and also was the 1st person to give me the opportunity years back to perform live! So again to share the stage with him in a jam was a immense honor. Thanks David Fogel for making this happen. Here is 30mins before the recorder ran out of juice. 😉 Enjoy!
Damon Bell pushes out a beautiful EP for London’s Meda Fury label. Receiving high marks from BBC’s Mary Anne Hobbs and a long list of others as Damon continues to display his unique touch in crafting gems.
Cat# – DBR-V022
Artist – AYBEE and Afrikan Sciences
Label – Deepblak
Format – 2xLP
Style – Experimental, Future Jazz
Release Date – July 2014
Distributor – Crosstalk Intl.
Tracklisting
A1. Deep East Suite Part 01 (The Call) (15:00)
B1. Deep East Suite Part 02 (Response) (15:00)
C1. Deep East Suite Part 03 (Sunward) (7:45)
C2. K-Fetisch 01 (Kosmo Bahn) (5:52)
D1. K-Fetisch 02 (Vibes) (4:04)
D2. Knew What’s Coming (Sculpture) (4:10)
Deepblak’s left, and right arm AYBEE along with Afrikan Sciences offer up an homage to one of the greatest musical innovators of the 20th Century, in Miles Davis. “Sketches of Space” is comprised of LIVE jam sessions recorded over a 3 year span, and two countries . The project though named after Mile’s classic “Sketches of Spain” is not dedicated to any of Miles’s work specifically, but honoring his pioneering spirit from which this project drew fuel.
Particularly Davis’s spirit in his continual search for new sound. This is search led him into the jazz fusion era, birthing a movement of stunning contributions by jazz giants that began to explore the improvisational possibilities of electronic instruments. This era in particular, along with it’s ethos has played a critical role in Deepblak’s creative direction over the years. AYBEE along with Afsci have remained steadfast in pushing themselves sonically, and have drawn an innumerable amount of inspiration from the free flowing vibes of the 70’s jazz fusion era.
“Sketches of Space” is by no means a Jazz album, nor is it a remixing or recreation of Miles’ music. Though it is with him in mind that the two producers entered into the Sketches jam-sessions over two continents (Oakland, US/Berlin DE) to record. Wild, Cosmic, and smooth at times “Sketches” represents the free flowing experimentation that Deepblak as a label cherishes so dearly.
DEEPBLAK Label Nite in Berlin. It’s funny to think that we sat together in Afrikan Sciences apt. in Oakland in 2006 as a small group of sonic misfits trying to figure out a way to perform together. Life has a funny way leading paths away then back together, but here we found ourselves in my new home of Berlin for the 1st DEEPBLAK Label Night. It was a truly magical evening, and a cap to what has been an amazing year for DEEPBLAK. To be able to merge my worlds in a night of sonic travels, was something i will always cherish. Afrikan Sciences, and Damon Bell in from Oakland, along with my Berlin massive of Loganic & the mad scientist that is Onyx Ashanti… simply beautiful.
Smiles and vibes in the air…definitely a historic night. To ALL DEEPBLAK massive worldwide your energy/love was present. It’s so tough to put a whole evening into context, but here is a snapshot. Also an amazing glimpse at the end of the vid of Onyx’s stunning live performance. ~ A
DeepblakCo-Head & Rhythm Czar Afrikan Sciences (aka Eric Porter) returns with his second Full Length project entitled “Theta Wave Brain Sync”. Following the critical acclaim of his 2011 “Means and Ways” LP the Oakland, CA based producer continues to push further into the realms of the rhythmic netherworlds. Much like the famed Fusion movement of the 70’s, Afsci continues to build on the ethos of free-form exploration of rhythm, dance, and sound. Utilizing an expansive rhythmic dialect “Theta Wave Brain Sync” points us inward to a sonic palette free of grids. That special place where numbers, and counting are rendered meaningless leaving nothing left for the listener, but the groove. Carefully crafted Theta is compiled of 11 songs that of themselves can transport the listener to the uncharted. This album will let you go as deep, and far as you desire. Which has always been a hallmark of Porter’s productions. Never the one for complacency “Theta” is without question Afsci’s most ambitious work to date. An album that we proudly hope stands the test of time, and solidifies Porter’s place as one of the outstanding producers, and storyteller’s of his generation.
Title – Theta Wave Brain Sync LP
Cat# – DBR-V018
Artist – Afrikan Sciences
Label – Deepblak
Format – 12” Double Vinyl | Digital
Style – Leftfield
Release Date – Oct 2013
Deepblak’s Chief Connoisseur Damon Bell steps forward with his third Deepblak vinyl project the “H.I.M” ep. Damon stays true to his ethos of weaving his jazz, funk, and soul influences into deep delicacies. The H.I.M ep also sees him joining forces with Deepblak co-head Afrikan Sciences for the twisted rhythm’s of “Babylonian Spliffs”. Always sprinkled with attention to warmth, and atmosphere Damon’s rhythms have the tendency to invite. Much like his DJ sets at his now famed 389 night in Oakland his productions pull you in, and leave you to surf the groove. Leaving something always for the head, heart, and body. Deepblak is proud to bring forth this latest project from Damon as we build into his forthcoming debut Album. We hope you enjoy the ride as always.
Welcome to DEEPBLAK’s podcast series “Off The Grid”. OTG was created to feature the LIVE side of performance via sets from the DEEPBLAK cast, and cohorts. No rules just the artist, their gear, and whatever trajectory they decide to explore. The expectation is to have no expectation simply ride.
OTG [02] is provided by DEEPBLAK Rhythm Czar Eric Porter aka Afrikan Sciences. With his 2nd LP “Theta Wave Brain Sync” slated for Oct. 2013 he provides us with triumphant travel piloted by his unique metronome. If you are new to Afrikan Sciences then welcome. If you are already initiated then you know the score. Hold tight as we visit the distant lands that reside deep within your mind.
