Tony Minvielle is regarded as one of the most respected and talented dj’s in his field receiving props from dj’s and musicians, as diverse as Gilles Peterson, George Clinton (Parliament/Funkadelic), Grammy award winning India Arie, Quest Love (the Roots), Jose Padilla (Cafe Del Mar), amongst, many others. He was a contributor to Straight no Chaser magazine (including his interview with the late Curtis Mayfield) from its inception to its final publication.
He lived in the Atlanta GA, spent time in Warsaw, and over the years has worked with / interviewed some of the greatest artists of our time including Curtis Mayfield, Roy Ayers, Mark Murphy, Kamasi Washington, George Benson, Terrace Martin, Joyce, Banda Black Rio, Gil Scott Heron, India Arie, Snarky Puppy, Omar, Weldon Irving, Jon Lucien, The Roots, Incognito, Hiatus Kaiyote and Terence Blanchard to name a few. He’s graced the decks at Cafe Del Mar, Londons Jazz Cafe, Atlantas Ying Yang and numerous festivals. Broadcast credits include WCLK 91.9 Atlanta, JazzFM, Virgin Radio Digital and now hosts the seminal radio show FOLDEDSPACE on SoulandJazz.com.
Here is the January edition. Check out Tony’s on point 5 playlist below.
Nate Smith – Kinfolk: Postcards From Everywhere
‘I’ve waited 18 months for this project to drop after first hearing of its imminent arrival. I first came across the gifted Mr Smith thanks to his drumming duties with Jose James. His effortless drumming style and the quality of his compositions sets this collection apart from the rest. From the soulful masterpiece that is ’Disenchantment: The Weight (feat. Amma Whatt)’ to the funked up melodic fusion of ’Skip Step’ this lp is simply stunning. And to add to my rapture my favourite lady Gretchen Parlato adds her vocal weight to the sublime ‘Pages’.’
The Peter Franks Group – Days Past
‘Lush laidback jazz stylings from the UK’s south coast based Futuristica Music. A real timeless feel to this courtesy of the joint talents of Halsall, Urquhart, Mwamba, Crennell, Maffei and Manners – but the real magic is in the dreamy keyboard work of Peter Franks and his inventive production techniques. Favourite tracks ‘Inner Most’ and ‘Lament For Her’.’
Eric Lau – Examples
‘What can I say about the phenomenal London based Mr Lau. Revered producer, beatmaker, composer and erstwhile tour dj for Robert Glasper (and Bugz in the Attik alumni). All of the 29 blissed out instrumental compositions that make up this collection are long enough to get your attention and short enough to have you wanting more. Also features the bredren Kaidi Tatham on keys. One for the headz – file under essential.’
Harriet Tubman – Araminta
‘A band that describes its sound as ‘avant metal jazz’ and which the critics are calling the next step in black musics evolution. A challenging, thought-provoking and, most of all, exciting sonic experience that will leave your senses stunned but profusely energised. Named after the celebrated american abolitionist this band is made up of guitarist Brandon Ross, bassist Melvin Gibbs and legendary drummer J.T. Lewis (Living Colour). A cerebral listen that deserves your attention.’
Soulpersona feat Neil Waters – Neo Terra
‘A soulful, string laden groove from one of the UK’s finest independent producers. Featuring a killer bassline and the punchy brass of session veteran Neil Waters this is reminiscent of that very early Bob James sound that I love – but thanks to Soulpersonas inventive production this is definitely the sound of now. This is 4 mins of pure perfection.’
Spotify Playlist
By Tony Minvielle