Thursday, January 31, 2013

BENJAMIN: CHERRIES RECORDS



Another special release from Chicago-based Cherries Records. Meet BENJAMIN


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
CHERRIES RECORDS NEW RELEASE INTRODUCES HOT MODERN SOUL/R&B ARTIST “BENJAMIN”
 
CHICAGO, IL — On Tuesday, January 29th, 2013 Cherries Records showcases the first flight of new, hot talent BENJAMIN with the label’s fourth 7” release, ‘Love Is Gonna Let You Down b/w Not A Moment Too Soon’.
Windy City singer and multi-instrumentalist Ben Pirani’s fondness for ‘80s soul is the driving force behind the slick panache of CH-004. He cites Fatback Band producers Bill Curtis and Gerry Thomas as prime influences, and as such, the single contains two jams that channel the synth chic of the time, while adding a signature contemporary touch. ‘A’ side Love Is Gonna Let You Down sets plaintive vocals, keys and ripping guitar work at an addictive mid-tempo pace over reverb-heavy drum machine, all while exuding an inspiring & romantic melody. The slower Not A Moment Too Soon features panned synth stabs and lush, layered keys, the quad bumping as BENJAMIN testifies to love’s onset. “We’ll travel to the heights of lovers’ ecstasy”, he promises a lucky lady, before climaxing with a rapturous axe burst. Two stand out efforts - entirely performed and produced by the artist - that are guaranteed to bang in the club, car or crib. 
 
ABOUT BENJAMIN
“I have a bit of genuine nostalgia for that period of music,” BENJAMIN muses wistfully, helping illuminate the audacious Jheri curl uptopianism of his formidable debut. Although, funk is just one color in this shining star’s musical palette. BENJAMIN also plays guitar and sings in Chicago Stone Lightning Band, a heavy blues rock affair who recently released an eponymous LP.  He is also a founder of Chicago’s northern soul music staple Windy City Soul Club. This broad scope of activity rests in solid foundation as BENJAMIN is from a family of pros. His mother’s opera career ran from the ‘60s to the ‘80s, while his father played piano on Terry Callier’s timeless 1972 LP Occasional Rain, as well as alongside leading lights of Chicago soul such as Charles Stephney and Minnie Ripperton. Stay tuned as this release is just a brief glimpse into the deep musical vaults of BENJAMIN.
 
 
ABOUT CHERRIES RECORDS
Cherries Records is a Chicago based record label founded in 2012, devoted to releasing a fresh alternative sound in modern funk & r&b music.
 
‘Love Is Gonna Let You Down b/w Not A Moment Too Soon’ 
available on 7” vinyl & mp3 on Tuesday, January 29th
at www.cherriesrecords.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHERRIES RECORDS NEW RELEASE INTRODUCES HOT MODERN SOUL/R&B ARTIST “BENJAMIN”

CHICAGO, IL — On TuesdayJanuary 29th, 2013 Cherries Recordsshowcases the first flight of new, hot talent BENJAMIN with the label’s fourth 7” release, ‘Love Is Gonna Let You Down b/w Not A Moment Too Soon’.
Windy City singer and multi-instrumentalist Ben Pirani’s fondness for ‘80s soul is the driving force behind the slick panache of CH-004. He cites Fatback Band producers Bill Curtis and Gerry Thomas as prime influences, and as such, the single contains two jams that channel the synth chic of the time, while adding a signature contemporary touch. ‘A’ side Love Is Gonna Let You Down sets plaintive vocals, keys and ripping guitar work at an addictive mid-tempo pace over reverb-heavy drum machine, all while exuding an inspiring & romantic melody. The slower Not A Moment Too Soon features panned synth stabs and lush, layered keys, the quad bumping as BENJAMIN testifies to love’s onset. “We’ll travel to the heights of lovers’ ecstasy”, he promises a lucky lady, before climaxing with a rapturous axe burst. Two stand out efforts - entirely performed and produced by the artist - that are guaranteed to bang in the club, car or crib.

ABOUT BENJAMIN
“I have a bit of genuine nostalgia for that period of music,” BENJAMIN muses wistfully, helping illuminate the audacious Jheri curl uptopianism of his formidable debut. Although, funk is just one color in this shining star’s musical palette. BENJAMIN also plays guitar and sings in Chicago Stone Lightning Band, a heavy blues rock affair who recently released an eponymous LP.  He is also a founder of Chicago’s northern soul music staple Windy City Soul Club. This broad scope of activity rests in solid foundation as BENJAMIN is from a family of pros. His mother’s opera career ran from the ‘60s to the ‘80s, while his father played piano on Terry Callier’s timeless 1972 LP Occasional Rain, as well as alongside leading lights of Chicago soul such as Charles Stephney and Minnie Ripperton. Stay tuned as this release is just a brief glimpse into the deep musical vaults of BENJAMIN.


ABOUT CHERRIES RECORDS
Cherries Records is a Chicago based record label founded in 2012, devoted to releasing a fresh alternative sound in modern funk & r&b music.

‘Love Is Gonna Let You Down b/w Not A Moment Too Soon’
available on 7” vinyl & mp3 on Tuesday, January 29th

Sunday, January 13, 2013

1 year ago

We lost him. Pete Nice would usually DJ after me when I would do Happy Hours at Double Dutch. His energy was contagious...he had been DJing weddings for so long that the voicemails he left me always sounded like I was getting a personal radio shout out. My best memory with him was when he took me to see his good friend Mike perform with Travis Barker, every where we went, people knew him. Selfless, charismatic, super talented DJ are just some of the words to describe Pete.

If you are in the City this Saturday, please stop by Double Dutch, all door proceeds will be going to his family.


Tuesday, January 1, 2013

A day late



 



My second New Year here in Chicago and I had the honor of playing alongside the Boogie Munsters once again...last year the party was at The Brickhouse, this year at Multi Kulti, or as I affectionately call it Musti Kulti...just because everyone there isn't afraid to dance....

All vinyl set, some of the crowd pleasers
 When I was playing this a guy came to the booth "I am from Manchester and this tune is fucking brilliant, thank you for making my New Years" From UK to Chicago HOUSE music!!
 Nice dancefloor warmer
 Had fun with some bassy/freestyle

 Strip to the bone mix!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

xo Mamabear