Patrice Scott Music Playlist: Guest Selector

Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life [1976, Motown]
My dad purchased this album for me when I was very young. At that time in my life I really didn't understand music but I knew what was good to my ears. Every track on this album made a statement about what was going on at this time in the lives of American people. I still listen to this album from time to time in its entirety and it still sounds as fresh as it did back then. Truly timeless music.

A Tribe Called Quest – Midnight Marauders [1993, Jive]
One of my favourite hip-hop groups of all time. This classic jazz rap album, in my opinion, made a statement for the simple fact that it was real music and told stories of everyday life events. The samples that were used to create the music on each track were brilliant. It is not complex but it is creative. They took beats and rhythms that a lot of people don't use. Abstract hip-hop is what I call it.

Herbie Hancock – Secrets [1976, Columbia]
I love this album for its abstract and intense selections. It was evenly divided between up-tempo and laidback tracks. Also, I am impressed how Herbie took advantage of, at this time, the new poly synths that had just become available. This record took his music to another level.

Moodymann – Mahogany Brown [1998, Peacefrog]
The first time I heard this I was speechless. KDJ is the ultimate at hybrid modes of recording and performance. The collaboration of samples, real instruments, live vocals and digital media on this album, as in most of his projects, was really well done. In my opinion it's still the best album he has ever made.

Eric B and Rakim – Paid in Full [1987, 4th & B'way]
In my opinion, this album served as the template for future rappers. These guys were ahead of their time when they produced this music. Known as the Thelonious Monk of rap, Rakim conveyed a style that separated him from other rappers during this time. His rhymes were smooth and complex which deviated from the basic rap of that time. Eric B's beats were gritty, heavy and dark.

Marvin Gaye – What's Going On [1971, Tamla]
This is my favourite Marvin Gaye album because he made it as a political statement. Introspective lyrics and socially conscious themes were the focus of this project. He was not afraid to talk about drug abuse, poverty and the Vietnam War; all heavy subjects in America during this time. This was one of the greatest albums ever made, in my opinion.

Ramsey Lewis – Sun Goddess [1974, Columbia]
One of my many influences and one of my favourite jazz artists collaborates with Earth, Wind & Fire, arguably one of the greatest funk bands of all time. This creation of a timeless art still sounds fresh today.

Mr Fingers – Amnesia [1988, Jack Trax]
Larry Heard, as we all know, is one of the pioneers of house. Although this album is a compilation of his early 12" releases, it is still one of my all-time favourites. Larry moved away from the common sound of house at that time and went closer to the lush, soulful sounds which we now call deep house.

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