Marshall Jefferson

Marshall Jefferson

Photo: Courtesy of artist

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Record Store Recs: Chicago House Hero Marshall Jefferson On Representation In Dance Music

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The OG DJ/producer made his lasting mark with "Move Your Body" in 1986, the first-ever piano house track, which reemerged late last year with a hugely popular remix from Solardo. His latest, "Let's Get Busy," also brings new life to a classic
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Aug 17, 2020 - 4:08 pm

With the unprecedented global disruption of 2020, it's important to support the music community however we can. With our series Record Store Recs, GRAMMY.com checks in with vinyl-loving artists to learn more about their favorite record stores and the gems they've found there. Today, we get a special throwback edition from one of the Godfathers of House music, Marshall Jefferson.

In 1986, Chicago DJ/producer Marshall Jefferson released the ecstatic, piano-led "The House Music Anthem (Move Your Body)" on legendary local imprint Trax Records, unleashing a quintessential building block of house music that took the scene by storm. It is credited as the first track to bring piano (inspired by Elton John, nonetheless) into the emerging house music sound he and fellow OG DJs were creating in the Chicago and New York City underground.

Following that pivotal moment, he stayed active and innovative in the Chicago underground until the late '90s, DJing clubs and releasing countless classics under his various aliases and collabs, including "The Jungle" as the Jungle Wonz in 1986, "Open Our Eyes" in 1988. In the 2000s, he began to focus more time on DJ gigs and relocated to London (and later Manchester, where he still resides) to be closer to the European clubs he was being booked at.

Read: Soul Clap Wants You To Rave The Vote This 2020 Election

In October 2019, Manchester duo Solardo worked with the icon to deliver an updated recording/remix of "Move Your Body" on Ultra Music. Since then, Jefferson has firmly returned to the global underground dance spotlight, as a younger generation was delivered the enduring magic of old school piano house.

Since the wildly popular update of the classic track, Jefferson has released a healthy serving of new tracks and remixes, including "The Storm," "Kiss The Dragon Remixed," and most recently, on Aug. 14, "Let's Get Busy" featuring OG house/R&B vocalist CeCe Rogers and Glasgow duo Illyus & Barrientos, who deliver a rework of the lively 1988 jam. Pre-pandemic cancelations, Marshall was set to play some big shows and festivals this year, including England's massive Glastonbury.

Get More Record Store Recs: Simón Mejía Of Bomba Estéreo Takes Us To Colombia

For the latest edition of Record Store Recs, the house icon serves up something a little different for this inaugural throwback edition, sharing some of his favorite records from his collection, what he believes is the essence of house music, how dance music can better honor its roots and more.

When did you start collecting vinyl? What is the first record you remember purchasing?

In 1969. The first record I bought was Led Zeppelin's Led Zeppelin II (1969). I liked "Whole Lotta Love."

What were your favorite record stores in Chicago in the '80s and '90s? Are any of them still there?

My favorites where Loop Records and Imports Etc. I believe both are closed now.

Get More Record Store Recs: Salt Cathedral Talk Favorite Brooklyn Indie Shops & How To Support Artists Of Color

What are some of your favorite records from your collection?

Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)

Isaac Hayes' [GRAMMY-winning] Shaft (1971)

Led Zeppelin's Physical Graffiti (1975)

Go Back With GRAMMY Rewind: Watch Isaac Hayes Win Best Original Score Written For A Motion Picture for "Shaft"

What do you love about these records/artists?

I loved the whole presentation of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, especially Elton John's piano playing and Bernie Taupin's lyrics. I loved Physical Graffiti's album art and Led Zeppelin instrumentation, especially John Bonham's drums. On Shaft, I really loved the music and the production [Hayes wrote and produced the entire score/album himself].

More Chicago House: Gene Farris Talks "Space Girl," Rave Safety & The Return Of The "Bedroom DJ"

How would you define the essence of house music? In your opinion, what makes something a great house record?

House is underground. It moves the cool people on the dance floor. It's quality. A great house record makes people scream, dance and raise their hands in the air when they hear it—"hallelujah."

How can dance music and the broader music community better honor its roots, and the Black and brown artists who pioneered it?

Just give us a chance, man. Promote us. There's a huge discrepancy in fees and promotion between Black artists and other races. When you see the millionaire DJ lists, Black DJs are never on them. 

What can music fans do to better support Black artists and businesses?

The fans can't do any more than they're doing, I think. It's not their fault the dance music industry ignores Black artists when it comes time to promote artists. The fans buy what they're exposed to. In pop music, I feel Black artists are represented, but in dance music? Nope. 

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Eelke Kleijn at Gramaphone Records

Eelke Kleijn at Gramaphone Records

Photo: Courtesy of Eelke Kleijn

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Record Store Recs: Eelke Kleijn Takes Us Crate Digging Around The Globe

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At one of Kleijn's favorites, Chicago's Gramaphone Records, you can find classic dance records that were part of the city becoming the birthplace of house music
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
May 4, 2020 - 10:50 am

With the unprecedented global disruption of 2020, it's important to support the music community however we can. With our new series Record Store Recs, the Recording Academy checks in with vinyl-loving artists to learn more about their favorite record stores and the gems they've found there.

Dutch DJ/producer/score composer Eelke Kleijn is beloved for his hypnotic beats that take listeners on a journey, whether that's on the dancefloor or while watching one of the films (including "Rush" and "Parker") or TV shows he's scored music for. As the founder of Days like Nights, a beloved dance music label and radio show, he shines a light on other DJ/producers who create emotive tunes. His latest release, released just last month, the soaring house track "The Magician," he offers a taste of his own upcoming masterpiece, his fourth album, to be released in September.

While Rotterdam, Netherlands is his home, his years as an in-demand DJ have seen him exploring the world's record shops for sounds that inspire and delight him. For the second edition of Record Store Recs, Kleijn shares his three favorite spots he's found great vinyl in over the years, all of which you can shop online.

Read The First One: Record Store Recs: Patrick Holland A.K.A. Project Pablo Shares Montreal's Vinyl Treasure Troves

Pick a few of your favorite record shops currently offering online/delivery services.

Gramophone Records in Chicago

Demonfuzz Records in Rotterdam

Something Else Records in Sydney

GRAMMYs

Demonfuzz Records | Photo: Eelke Kleijn

Can you tell us more about your favorite store(s) from the bunch?

Gramaphone:

I like to visit various record stores when I travel, especially in places that have a lot of history in dance music, such as Detroit and Chicago. The last time I was in Chicago I visited Gramaphone Records, a store with an incredible history, they first opened in '69. The nice thing for me about going record shopping these days is that I don't necessarily look for records that I play in my sets. I used to shop like that, when I played mostly vinyl in the early 2000s. Nowadays a lot of my music is digital and so I go out shopping for classics and records I just like to have in my collection, whether it's dance music or not.

In Chicago I thought there was only one way to go, and that was for some proper Chicago house. I ended up buying a couple of records, Ron Hardy, Frankie Knuckles and a few others. I also bought the original double-vinyl of The Chemical Brothers' [1995 debut LP] Exit Planet Dust which I've always wanted to add to my collection!

Demonfuzz:

Awhile back, some friends and I were looking up records that were No. 1 hits on the day we were born. For me that turned out to be Irene Cara's [1983 GRAMMY-winning song] "Flashdance…What a Feeling," which is fitting because I've always liked that song a lot.

We all ended up buying our record, and I did so in my hometown of Rotterdam at Demonfuzz Records. They have been around for as long as I can remember, at least 20 years. Pretty much all the record stores in Rotterdam are located close to each other on the Nieuwe Binnenweg. Even when I was growing up I would check out of school early and pay them all a visit on my quest for vinyl. Unfortunately, many of them have disappeared by now. Demonfuzz is still going strong, mostly because they have a very strong selection of music, ranging from rock and pop to disco, soul and jazz, for sale at their store or online. If you are looking for anything cool that is not last week's house music, they are probably your best bet.

After coming home with the record, I discovered the whole album was produced by Giorgio Moroder, the "father of disco," apart from one track which was produced by James Newton Howard, my favorite film composer. Now that's something you can't make up!

Related: 4 Independent Record Stores Across The U.S. Weigh In On Their Struggle To Survive During COVID-19

GRAMMYs

Irene Cara's What A Feelin' | Photo: Eelke Kleijn

What's a recent record you've bought from there and have been enjoying?

Irene Cara's [LP] What A Feelin'

What's an upcoming record you've got your eye on?

As part of my upcoming album, there is one track "Woodstock" based on a cool, laid-back beach club in the Netherlands where I hold a residency called Woodstock. The release will be supported by a bunch of remixes from Hernán Cattáneo, Gerd Janson and one more, due for release this summer on DAYS like NIGHTS.

Record Store Day 2020 Moved To Three Separate "RSD Drops" This Fall

Sister Rosetta Tharpe in 1967

Sister Rosetta Tharpe in 1967

Photo: David Redfern/Redferns/Getty Images

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From Chicago To Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Here's Who Was Honored At The 2020 GRAMMY Salute To Music Legends

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The Recording Academy's 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award recipients—Chicago, Roberta Flack, Isaac Hayes, Iggy Pop, John Prine, Public Enemy and Sister Rosetta Tharpe—all received honors during the celebratory, music-filled special
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Oct 16, 2020 - 7:46 pm

Tonight, Oct. 16, the Recording Academy celebrated the lifelong contributions of an incredibly talented, prolific group of artists and music professionals during Great Performances: GRAMMY Salute to Music Legends. Those celebrated included musical icons and 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award honorees Chicago, Roberta Flack, Isaac Hayes, Iggy Pop, John Prine, Public Enemy and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. But that's not all!

Longtime GRAMMY Awards show producer Ken Ehrlich, GRAMMY-winning film composer Philip Glass and music executive Frank Walker also received warm honors as the 2020 Trustees Award winners. Studio speaker pioneer George Augspurger was recognized with the Technical GRAMMY Award and middle school band teacher Mickey Smith Jr. won this year's Music Educator Award.

The special, hosted by the golden-voiced Jimmy Jam, also featured appearances from Brandi Carlile, Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom, Jr., Chris Isaak, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Cyndi Lauper, Earth, Wind & Fire's Philip Bailey, Sam & Dave's Sam Moore, Yola and Laurie Anderson, who each brought the honorees' music to life with moving tribute performances. 

The stellar performances and speeches were filmed safely from multiple locations, marking the first time the GRAMMY Salute to Music Legends has not been filmed in front of a live audience. In spite of the limitations, the unforgettable music and legacies of every honoree filled the program with plenty of shimmer, excitement and emotion. As Jam said during his opening segment, "Music is a source of solace and strength." Read on for a recap of the evening:

Roberta Flack Wins Record Of The Year In 1974

Roberta Flack

First up to perform was Nigerian-British GRAMMY, Tony and Emmy winning actor/singer Erivo, paying musical tribute to four-time GRAMMY-winning soul icon Flack. Erivo delivered a stunning, heartwrenching serenade of 1973 GRAMMYs Record Of The Year, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." The tender love song was featured in Clint Eastwood's 1971 movie, Play Misty For Me, and gave the singer a wider fanbase.

"Roberta once said, 'See every opportunity as golden and keep your eyes on the prize, yours, not anybody else's,'" Erivo said before introducing her duet partner for the next song, fellow actor/singer and Flack fan, Odom, Jr. (of Hamilton fame).

The pair then sang another of Flack's GRAMMY-winning classics, "Where Is The Love," from the 1972 duet album with Donny Hathaway. Erivo and Odom, Jr. offered soul and chemistry—socially distanced, of course—from the famous Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. in Hollywood, Calif.

"Music is everything to me," Flack said during her acceptance speech. "Thank you for letting me into your hearts, and allowing my music it be a part of you. Together we have shared life's triumphs, sorrows, joys and dreams. All of it matters, each story in each heart. Challenge yourself to never give up."

Watch: Earth, Wind & Fire To Honor Prince With Their Version Of "Adore" For "Let's Go Crazy" Tribute

Chicago

Powerhouse singer Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire—who took home their own Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2016—delivered the third epic cover of the evening: a soulful, romantic rendition of Chicago's GRAMMY-winning "If You Leave Me Now," complete with his iconic falsetto.

He was introduced by Chicago-born actor Joe Montanya, who also presented the award to the band's surviving members.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Born in Arkansas in 1915 into a family of gospel singers, cotton pickers and evangelists, Tharpe was the Godmother of Rock and Roll. Like so many pioneering Black women pushed to the margins of history, her impact on rock and gospel far exceeded the recognition she received during her lifetime. In recent years, Tharpe has finally started to earn more credit for her role in shaping a global sound—she directly influenced Elvis Presley and other revered male rock figures.

GRAMMY-nominated British soul/country singer/songwriter Yola delivered a rousing vocal performance of "Up Above My Head, I Hear Music In The Air" at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. This was followed by amazing footage of Tharpe performing "Didn't It Rain" at a Manchester train station in 1964. From a church in Ireland, Rihannon Giddens presented her award to Tharpe's granddaughter Angela McCollum.

Iggy Pop

Before Detroit producer/bass player Don Was presented Michigan-born punk-rock icon Pop with his Lifetime Achievement Award, he interviewed punk/metal artist Henry Rollins about the influence the "Lust For Life" singer had on him.

"You simply couldn't take your eyes off him," Rollins noted, sharing his love for Pop's wild stage presence. The influential, ever-evolving singer accepted his award with gratitude for his fans, closing with a "punk on."

Watch Isaac Hayes Win At The 14th GRAMMY Awards

Read: Channel Tres Talks Honoring Isaac Hayes On EP 'Black Moses,' Healing With Music & Being A "Ghetto Savior"

Isaac Hayes

Next up for performances was 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award winner Moore, of soul duo Sam & Dave, who paid tribute to his friend and collaborator Hayes. The legendary "Black Moses" singer/songwriter/producer first began making his musical mark at Memphis' Stax Records in the '60s, where he wrote and produced a number of hits, including "Hold On I'm Coming," "Soul Man" and other memorable, successful records for Sam & Dave.

His deep musicality, legendary baritone vocals and soulful delivery made Hayes a successful solo artist as well. And with his GRAMMY- and Oscar-winning soundtrack/score for Shaft, he became the first Black person to win an Oscar in a non-acting role.

Moore sang a lively, joyful melody of Hayes-penned hits, filled with 100 percent soul: "I Thank You," "You Don't Know," "Soul Man," "You Got Me Hummin'" and "When Something Is Wrong With My Baby."

While introducing Moore, the evening's Emmy-winning music director Greg Phillinganes stated, "Isaac once said, 'There's many hurdles, so I just keep moving, just constantly redefining myself. That's how you stay in the race.' And he proved that quote well with his amazingly long career."

Hayes' award was accepted by his son Isaac Hayes III, who spoke to the connection between artist rights and racial equality, as well as the vital importance of voting.

Philip Glass

Baltimore-born Glass, one of the two 2020 Trustees Award recipients, has been composing and performing beloved operas, film scores, concert pieces and theater works for decades. Ever the expansive composer, he's also collaborated with major singer/songwriters like David Bowie and Paul Simon.

The next musical offering was delivered by Glass' longtime friend Anderson, an avant-garde artist, who played "Gee Whiz." They co-wrote the calming, experimental song together for a show at La MaMa theater in N.Y.C., in honor of Ellen Stewart, who founded the space in 1961. She accepted the award on her friend's behalf.

Frank Walker

The second Trustees Award recipient was Walker, a pioneering A&R executive at Colombia Records, born in rural New York in 1889. During his illustrious career, he discovered country stars Hank Williams, Bessie Smith and Blind Willie Johnson. He also temporarily left retirement to help launch MGM Records and sign Williams.

To celebrate Walker's contributions the music industry, crooner Isaak delivered a rendition of Williams' melancholic breakup anthem "Your Cheatin' Heart," from at RCA Studio A in Nashville with help from some talented friends.

For The Record: Public Enemy's "Fight The Power"

Explore: From Aretha Franklin To Public Enemy, Here's How Artists Have Amplified Social Justice Movements Through Music

Public Enemy

In 1990, the epic protest anthem "Fight The Power" earned Public Enemy their first GRAMMY nomination, plus five more to date, as they continue to release hard-hitting, socially conscious music to this day. During their tribute, viewers saw the track's Spike Lee-directed music video (the Oscar winner famously requested the song for his classic 1989 film, Do The Right Thing).

The group's award was presented to them by fellow New York rap hero LL Cool J. "The record shows that Public Enemy have fought the power like no other group in history. On stage and off, Public Enemy were an undeniable and fearless force," he said.

During the acceptance speeches, we heard from all four original members Flava Flav, Chuck D, Professor Griff and Terminator X, the latter of whom spoke through the beats with a mini DJ set.

Mickey Smith Jr.

The 2020 Music Educator Award recipient was Smith, a teacher and bandleader at Maplewood Middle School in Sulphur, La., where he's taught for the last 15 years. He delivered a deeply moving, motivational speech, closing with, "To everyone that's watching, you have a sound. Let us be the sound to change the world."

George Augsburger

The 2020 Technical GRAMMY Award went to Augspurger, a longtime acoustician and pioneer in studio and speaker design. After 70 years in the industry, he's still designing custom monitors and studios and teaches a class in loudspeaker design at the University of Southern California. Jam presented the award to Augsburger.

Ken Ehrlich

Ehrlich, a.k.a. the creator of the GRAMMY Moment, produced his first GRAMMYs in 1980. There, the debut GRAMMY Moment happened between Barbra Striesand and Neil Diamond, who sang "You Don't Bring Me Flowers." He's also worked on the Emmys, GRAMMY Tribute specials and other award-winning variety and award shows.

To pay honor to the man behind so much GRAMMY magic, Lauper sang an acoustic version of "Time After Time," noting that it was his favorite song of hers. 

EGOT John Legend exuberantly presented the award to Erlich, explaining how his invitation to perform "All Of Me" on the GRAMMY stage in 2014 helped make the song a hit, his only No. 1 on the Hot 100. Erlich accepted his award with a big smile.

John Prine

Beloved Illinois-born singer/songwriter Prine was set to perform during the show before we sadly lost the folk/Americana hero to COVID-19 in April. 

To honor him, Nashville power couple Isbell and Shires sang Prine's 1980 song "Storm Windows." Their love for Prine is very personal—Isbell grew up loving his music from a young age and Shires toured with him.

Carlile, meanwhile, performed "I Remember Everything," the beautiful last song he wrote. Before singing, she told a cute story about the first time they performed together and how comforting and kind he was: "He was right, you can always trust John Prine. He also told us the truth with his whole life, and he tells us the truth even today."

Carlile presented Prine's award, which was accepted by his wife, Fiona Prine, who wore an "I am a voter" T-shirt, and sat with their three sons. The family offered appreciation for the award.

Check your local PBS listings to catch the show during an upcoming rerun. PBS members can watch it online and via the PBS Video app for the next four weeks.

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Wayne Snow & Darius

Wayne Snow & Darius with "Equilibrium" vinyl

Photo: Courtesy of artist

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Record Store Recs: Darius & Wayne Snow Take Us To Paris, Berlin, Tokyo & Beyond

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The powerhouse pair's latest release, "APOLOGY," is an emotive, thumping track and was just dropped on Paris' Roche Musique on Oct. 1
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Oct 7, 2020 - 2:40 pm

With the unprecedented global disruption of 2020, it's important to support the music community however we can. With our series Record Store Recs, GRAMMY.com checks in with vinyl-loving artists to learn more about their favorite record stores and the gems they've found there.

Berlin-based Nigerian future soul artist Wayne Snow and Paris-based French dreamscape producer Darius are quite the musical force, with Snow's rich, inviting vocals being the perfect fit for Darius' floating melodic house beats. They first joined forces in 2015 on "Helios," following with two collab tracks ("Night Birds" and "Lost in the Moment") on the producer's 2017 debut album, Utopia. 2017 was also the year Snow released his debut full-length, Freedom TV.

The powerhouse pair's latest release, "APOLOGY," is an emotive, thumping track where the singer's angelic voice is backed by a gospel-inspired chorus asking for forgiveness in a dark world. The powerful, poignant track is the follow-up and B-side to "EQUILIBRIUM," and was just dropped on Paris' Roche Musique on Oct. 1.

For the latest Record Store Recs, Snow and Darius invite us into their musical world, sharing some of the music that inspires them (including jazz, bossa nova and experimental electronic music artists). They also invite us to crate dig for vinyls with them in their hometowns of Berlin and Paris and while on in Seoul, Tokyo and Los Angeles.

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Pick three to five records stores you love.

Darius:

Bigwax in Paris 

Hi-Fi Record Store in Tokyo 

Music Library in Seoul

Amoeba Hollywood in Hollywood, Calif.

Snow:

Oye Records in Berlin

Sound Metaphors in Berlin 

Hard Wax in Berlin

Another Record Store Recs: Chulita Vinyl Club On The Best Music Stores In L.A., Oakland, Austin & Beyond

Why do you love these shops? what kind of goodies have you found there? 

Darius: I have to talk about Bigwax because they are both our partners for years on all our Roche Musique releases and one of my favorite Parisian record stores. The place is super nice, spacious, modern and if you like electronic music, it's the perfect place to find house, techno and experimental nuggets. If you want to dig a little bit more, there is also a very sharp selection in hip hop, jazz, funk, disco, soul, etc. This is my favorite part because I always find at least one or two nuggets on the spot. Moreover, for someone of my generation it's really the ideal place to have a drink with friends because the place also regularly organizes events with DJ sets and live bands.

During my first visits to Tokyo on an Asian tour, I had the chance to discover Hi-Fi Records, this exceptional little record store in Shibuya owned by a couple! A friend of mine had taken me there and I remember listening to a small selection of soul and funk music taken at random and coming across some incredible stuff.

The store also offers a repertoire of a large number of records that can be pre-listened on the site. Unfortunately, if you don't live in Japan no delivery is possible but the advantage is that you can still discover their selection and I admit that I keep looking from time to time to find new nuggets when I want to feed my Spotify playlist.

Music Library is a bit of a must-see in Seoul if you're a music lover. When I'm in Seoul, I usually stay a five-minute walk from the Music Library. The space is bright and the architecture is beautiful. It's really nice to see that there are places like this that highlight the world of vinyl as well as a work of art in a museum.

Amoeba Hollywood is a classic in Los Angeles. I try to go there as soon as possible when I have time when I'm there. I 'm not an expert in the field either but I've never seen any other place with such a concentration of artists/albums of all kinds available. I have the impression that you can always find what you want in this record store, or almost.

Snow: At Oye Records you can find tons of local stuff from Berlin-based producers and record labels. While you're digging, they always play dope music. There are two Oye record stores in Berlin. My favorite is the small one in KreuzKolln as we say it here (between Kreuzberg and Neukolln area).

Sound Metaphors is for the party crew, there's a lot of weird disco and obscure rarities from Africa, Asia, etc.

Hard Wax is the home of techno music in Berlin. [German record producer/engineer] Moritz von Oswald started the record store. What's interesting is that it's full of dub and reggae records from the '90s. It's a very small shop with endless discoveries.

GRAMMYs

Kenny Burrell The Tender Gender vinyl | Photo: Darius

Read: Terence Blanchard On The Music Behind 'Da 5 Bloods,' Working With Spike Lee And The Lasting Impact Of Marvin Gaye

For at least one of your favorite shops, share a recent record or two (or three or four…) you bought there and what you love about the record/artist. 

Darius: I have to mention Arthur Verocai's self-titled album (1972) because it's one that I listened to over and over on Spotify and I absolutely needed the vinyl. Luckily, I stumbled upon it completely by chance at Amoeba. For me, it's a must listen bossa nova/funk/Latin jazz album.

Kenny Burrell's The Tender Gender (1966) is a nugget I found in a garage sale in a small village in Charente-Maritime, France. I didn't know the artist until I bought it and the seller explained to me that this guitarist was one of the leading guitarists in jazz/blues.

I am gradually trying to expand my collection of Marvin Gaye vinyl. He inspires me in so many ways, and his story has touched me a lot. I also stumbled upon his [soundtrack] album Trouble Man (1972) by chance and took it without hesitation. There are a lot of his titles that I love and will never get tired of, like "Please Stay (Once You Go Away)," "Distant Love," "Just To Keep You Satisfied," "I'd Give My Life For You" and others.

Snow: I found a gem from Austrian musician Giuseppe Leonardi at Oye Records. His Mente Mente EP (2020) is Balearic vibe—tropical, chilled ambient music.

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What's a record you have your eyes on picking up and why?

Darius: Charlie Rouse's Yeah! (1961). This is jazz the way I love it, this album is a pure delight, I have no words to describe it. It's my last nugget. I feel like I'm there [when I listen to it], the quality of the recording is incredible. You can feel every instrument, the breath of Rouse's saxophone playing, the harmonies on the piano that puts us on a cloud, and the round and all-encompassing double bass that warms the heart.

This album really transcends me every time I listen to it. [The vinyl is] quite rare, I dream to have it in my collection and listen to it in an optimal way. I especially love the track "When Sunny Gets Blue."

Snow: Allysha Joy's Light it Again EP, being released on First World Records in November. She is an amazing artist from Melbourne. 

When crate-digging, how do you pick out records?

Darius: I still have a lot to discover, so there is a first big phase where I make a selection only related to the cover, for sure. Sometimes I come across artists/labels I know and add them to the pile. For me, that's what the record store is all about, it's the opportunity to try out records that fall into my hands that I'll never have the chance to find by chance on the internet.

Wayne Snow: Sometimes it's just a feeling, or simply based on a recommendation. Generally, when you are in a great shop you just have to listen to the music blasting around you.

Unearthing A Lost Ella Fitzgerald Recording, 60 Years Later

Simón Mejía of Bomba Estéreo

Simón Mejía

Photo: Maria Jose Govea

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Record Store Recs: Simón Mejía Of Bomba Estéreo Takes Us To Colombia

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The bassist/producer and co-founder of beloved electro-cumbia act Bomba Estéreo takes us on an adventure through some of the sounds and hidden vinyl haunts of his home country
Ana Monroy Yglesias
GRAMMYs
Aug 11, 2020 - 9:19 am

With the unprecedented global disruption of 2020, it's important to support the music community however we can. With our series Record Store Recs, GRAMMY.com checks in with vinyl-loving artists to learn more about their favorite record stores and the gems they've found there.

As the co-founder and producer of the lively electro-tropical outfit Bomba Estéreo, Simón Mejía has been crafting irresistible cumbia-infused beats that have been getting the world dancing for over a decade. Formed in Bogotá, Colombia in 2005 with vocalist Li Saumet, the GRAMMY- and Latin GRAMMY-nominated group made their mark globally with the explosive "Fuego" in 2009 and have been unstoppable ever since.

Watch: SOFI TUKKER & Bomba Estéreo's "Playa Grande" Will Get You Dancing Right Now

Now, with the debut of his new solo project, Monte (which means "woods" or "forest" in Spanish), Mejía is exploring an ambient take on the roots of Bomba's upbeat sound and colorful aesthetic—the music of the natural environment of their native Colombia—reimagined electronically. The album, entitled Mirla, is due out Sept. 18 and is led by the pulsating "Jungla" (listen below) and the twinkling, chirping title cut, inspired by the jungle and a bird that sang at his window every morning.

Each of the seven tracks was directly inspired by field recordings he'd collected in Colombia. "I started to discover that Colombian folk music was interrelated with the sounds of nature—when the indigenous guys played the flute they were imitating the birds, and when they played the maracas, they were imitating the crickets or the sound of water," Mejía explains in a press release. "That connection would become the foundation of the album."

For the latest edition of Record Store Recs, Mejía takes us on a journey to some of his hidden vinyl haunts in Bogotá and Cartagena, and introduces us to an amazing Afro-Colombian folk group.

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Please pick 3-5 records stores you love.

Cosmos Zapatería in Bogotá, Colombia

Downtown flea market in Bogotá

Mercado de Bazurto in Cartagena, Colombia

RPM Records in Bogotá [offers pickup and shipping within Colombia]

Amoeba [multiple California locations with U.S. shipping]

GRAMMYs

Cosmos Zapatería | Photo: Simón Mejía

Why do you love these shops? What kind of goodies you've found there?

These are the places where I started digging for records, many years ago, and where I found my most inspiring cumbia, champeta, salsa and classic albums. Many were underground record stores here in Colombia which don't have websites or anything similar. Mostly are in flea or food markets here in Bogotá and Cartagena (on the Caribbean coast).

One of them was actually a shoe shop called Cosmos Zapatería in downtown Bogotá. The records were hidden on the second floor. You had to know the owner to access it. That's what I loved about those places—purely underground. It's the same thing in the Bazurto Market in Cartagena. You had to know the way to access the good joints where they really had the classic albums in good shape. Nowadays both are more popular, and almost all the good classic records are gone.

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GRAMMYs

 Canalón de Timbiquí LP | Photo: Simón Mejía

For at least one of your favorite shops, share a recent record or two you bought there and what you love about the record/artist. 

RPM Records recently gave me a record for my birthday. This store is a really good place here in Bogotá, not as underground as the others—you can order online! The record [De mar y río] is of a band from the Colombian Pacific coast named Canalón de Timbiquí. It's purely Afro folk music from an area of Colombia which is going to be my next sonic exploration. Anything that comes from that musical universe is very inspiring to me. It's a completely different vibe from cumbia and the music from the Caribbean—much more Afro and mystical. It's really high energy and danceable vibes. 

What's an upcoming/recent release you have your eyes on picking up and why?

I think that should be the next Bomba Estéreo album—I can't wait to see the vinyl release so I can keep on growing my personal collection of Bomba on vinyl! 

What were the first CD and first vinyl you remember purchasing when you were younger?

I remember it very clearly. I bought two vinyl albums at the same time at a record store near my place—Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses [1987] and [GRAMMY-nominated] Kick by INXS [1987]. I was a teenager and only cared about music!

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