On Friday, the crowds were out in droves with open hearts and open minds to experience a night of amazing music. And what a line-up VTech and Mochilla had in store for that evening!! Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, the young musical genius behind “Suite For Ma Dukes” and his ensemble, DJs Madlib, B+, and Coleman, and last but not least, the headliners, The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. 

One by one as each act took the stage, the crowd cheered them on with equal enthusiasm. From Madlib’s spacey set inspired by Sun Ra which featured a lot of new music to Miguel and his amazing group of musicians, the nods of approval from the audience could be seen by everywhere.  And before we knew it, it was time for the musical brothers from Chicago to take the stage. With their infectious upbeat hip-hop influenced sound, the HBE came out of swinging, and the crowd was enthralled. Among the scores of admirers who were there to bear witness to it all were musicians Flea, the bassist from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phil Ranelin, American jazz and experimental trombonist, MF Doom, MED, and more. And though the HBE performed an amazing live set, living up to their well-deserved hype,  one moment stood out from the rest. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson returned to the stage to perform “Scrabble,” a song in tribute to Dilla, with the HBE, and the energy in the Echoplex was electric.

It is truly incredible to think that in one evening you had kids cheering for a viola solo, a DJ set and a brass ensemble all in same setting. It’s moments like that fill me utter and complete joy that real music is still being created, performed, supported, and most of all, appreciated by fans new and old.

Thank you Los Angeles, Mochilla, Miguel, Madlib, B+, Coleman, the HBE, and all the fans who come out to our events. We couldn’t have done it without you.

*photos by Mike Park

 

 

With the IS9181, you’re radio never had it so good.

-VTech® Wireless Music Hub Now Available Online-

  The IS9181, a feature-rich Wi-Fi music streaming device designed as a complete music hub for the home is now available online now at www.vtechphones.com. The IS9181 (MSRP: $199.95) extends the VTech’s core leadership in innovative cordless phone systems to the wireless home audio arena.

 The IS9181 takes Internet radio enjoyment to a new level beyond the PC listening experience with a device that delivers better sound quality than other similarly priced offerings. It’s streaming music hub offers built-in 3W front-facing tuned stereo speakers, as well as a 10W subwoofer with class D amplifiers for a powerful bass response. Once users connect the IS9181 to any wireless network (802.11 b & g), they can enjoy a variety of music offerings from more than 11,000 free Internet radio stations worldwide. 

 At home, users can access audio files (MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, Real) stored on their Wi-Fi-enabled PCs or Macs. For more music flexibility, the IS9181 includes an auxiliary audio cable to play files from digital audio and CD players or any other device with a 3.5mm headset jack. It also can be connected to other audio systems/speakers via RCA connections.

 For ‘virtual’ music exploration, IS9181 users can search for stations by country, state or genre using the one-touch access button or remote control, or by visiting the comprehensive online music guide offered on www.vtechphones.com. The IS9181 un-tethers music lovers from their computers with sound quality unparalleled by PCs so digital music from around the globe can be enjoyed in the living room, bedroom or anywhere in the home.

Music has been a part of the VTech brand for many years. The company has combined its wireless innovation with an understanding of consumer music tastes gleaned through sponsorship of a variety of concerts, music events and festivals nationwide. To promote the coming launch of the IS9181, VTech recently presented the “Timeless Concert Series” in conjunction with music production company Mochilla. The three-part series in Los Angeles paid homage to arrangers and composer from around the world such as Mulatu Astatke and Arthur Verocai who have influenced hip-hop since the 1970s. VTech has also sponsored special events at the annual South by Southwest Music (SXSW) Conference in Austin and the Winter Music Conference (WMC) in Miami. The company will be sponsoring the Playboy Jazz Festival in Los Angeles in June as well as the VooDoo Music Experience in New Orleans later this fall.

 IS9181 Key Features

In addition to multiple music options, the IS9181 offers localized weather (based on zip code) and a full-color LCD for easy viewing. 

 Other key features of the IS9181 include:

• Best-in-class 802.11 digital Wi-Fi technology, providing superior range and streaming rates
• Internet radio streaming from 11,000 stations; ability to search for any stations that stream online
• Internet radio station search from VTech’s site or on the device itself
• Ability to preset favorites on the product or online
• PC or Mac-stored MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, Real music file playing
• Ability to connect an MP3 player or any audio device with a 3.5mm headset jack using the provided cord
• Ability to connect the IS9181 (via RCA connections) to other audio systems for streaming access
• Internal 2.1 speakers
• Convenient remote to browse, select and control music from across the room
• AC Power Adapter
• Battery-operated option (requires six AA batteries, not included)
• MSRP:  $199.95
• One-year limited warranty

 AVAILABILITY

The IS9181 Wi-Fi Internet Radio and the latest VTech DECT cordless phones can be purchased online at www.vtechphones.com.

 

About VTech®

For further information on VTech and its array of products, please visit www.vtechphones.com.

 

We’re ending our week here at VTech and Mochilla on a positive note. Our good friend and supporter over at BBC-Radio1 Gilles Peterson has given us some big love. We’re a part of the All Winners Show of 2009. This list represents the hottest music from the first four months of this year and we couldn’t be prouder of Carlos Nino and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson for “Fall in Love” which was performed during the Suite for Ma Dukes, Timeless Series.  Also making an appearance are Quantic and Mulatu.

Congratulations to everyone on the list.

Please click here: Gilles Peterson/BBC Radio 1 to hear his broadcast of the show

All Winners 2009 Part 1

2:00

LD – Traumatic Times (Hyperdub)
Kafka – The Kafka Anthem (Mighty Highness Records)
Miguel Atwood Ferguson & Carlos Niño - Fall In Love (Mochilla) **
Sa Ra – Cosmic Ball (Ubiquity)
Jam Da Silva – Dia Santo (3014)
Elmore Judd – Staring (Test)
Oumou Sangare - Lyo Djeli (World Circuit)
Mulatu Astatke & The Heliocentrics – Mensequo (Strut)
Beirut – The Akara (Ba Da Bing)
Jimi Tenor & Kabu Kabu – Global Party (Sahko)
Jack Penate - Today’s Tonight (XL)
Nacho Patrol – African Space Program (Kindred Spirits Electronic)
Quantic And His Combo Barbaro – The Dreaming Mind Part 1 (Tru Thoughts)
Mos Def – Quiet Dog (Downtown)
Jay Electronica – Candyman (Test)
Bullion – Time For Us All To Love (One Handed)
Mayer Hawthorne – Maybe So Maybe No (Stones Throw)
Alice Russell – Let Us Be Loving (Little Poppet)
Sound Species Ft Ahu – Can We Call It Love? (CDR)
Theophilus London – Cold Pillow (Test)

3.00

Foreign Exchange – Take Off The Blues (Fat Beats)
Jonathan Jeremiah – It Doesn’t Bother Me (Island)
Elan Mehler - New Breed (Brownswood)
The Long Lost – Amiss (Ninja Tune)
Rasmus Faber – Never Figure Out (Victor)
Mocky – Jinti (Crammed Discs)
Hudson Mohawke – Monde (Warp)
General Elektriks - Cottons Of Inertia (Discograph)
Harry Whitaker – Come See Through My Eyes (Smalls)
Doom – Gazillion Ear (Thom York Remix) (Lex)
Dobie – The New Madness (Brownswood)
DOP – Romeo (Blanche Neige)
Martyn – Elden Street (3024)
Manuel Tur – Patchworks (Freerange)
Manuel Tur – Stay (Freerange)
Floating Point – Like This (Eglo)
Chaz Jankel - Glad To Know You (Todd Terje Re-edit) (Tirk)
Phlash & Friends – Do It Up (Archive)
Toddla T – Better (1965) 

When singer Carlos Dafe performed Pela Sombras with Arthur Verocai on stage for Timeless III, you were transported. Original singer, original arranger/composer, the energy, it was sheer magic. A timeless moment that transcends the 27 years since Verocai’s self titled debut album was released. You’re there, and in an instant and you realize, yes, this series is truly a celebration of music.

Here is a bit of musical history that was captured that night for you to enjoy. Arthur Verocai, saxophonist Justo Almario and singer Carlos Dafe performing Pela Sombras.

 

 

*Please be sure to check back as VTech and Mochilla  get ready for part II of the Timeless series later this summer. *

Though it may have seemed to some that the Timeless series was left “incomplete” with the cancellation of the Axelrod show, it was far from it. Culturally and musically, Timeless became a homing beacon for Los Angeles. Inspiring a city by providing a cultural anthropology via music. Bringing composers of such caliber into a formal setting with current beat makers and young musicians to show a vast continuum  of music, not limited by national boundaries, social groups or age. “Placing Los Angeles back on the map as one of the cultural hubs of the States…and rightfully so considering our rich ethnic make up and diversity,” according to Sylvia Adams, Editor-in-Chief of Evil Monito. It was sheer magic. “An absolute gift and dream come true”, proclaimed Bryan Younce, a VP from Columbia Records. “I saw Mulatu, Ma Dukes and Verocai and each of them was a total joy. All three reached lofty musical heights. The three best shows I’ve seen this year (and I see a lot of shows).”

 

VTech and MOCHILLA collaborating.

As a long time marketing veteran, Tom Bacon, VTech Vice President of Marketing, has sponsored and participated in his fair share of music events. So when the concept behind Timeless was first presented he was “stoked and a bit blown away”. “I had heard bits and pieces over beers but when it was laid out for me as a proper proposal my first thought was YES,” recalls Tom. “My second thought was, this will be larger than any of us think, and probably more work as well.”

For photographer Brian Cross “B+” and the members of Mochilla, their discussions and ideas for the ultimate series of shows is what sparked the notion for Timeless. “It was through a kind of frustration with the limited ways people had been thinking about the music,” explains B+. “ Programmers here (in Los Angeles) are seriously lacking in new ideas. The Festival Circuit here is filled with a lot of the same old, same old. Why shouldn’t we be able to celebrate bigger music from the perspective of those brought into music through hip hop?” When narrowing the field of composers and arrangers to showcase in the series, according to B+, “it came down to people who had been celebrated the least, but who influenced the most. Mulatu is phenomenal, Verocai is an anomaly, Axelrod is the king, and Dilla… Well, Dilla is one of ours. That had to happen.”

 

When one thinks of Los Angeles as vanguard for culture and music, it sometimes seems a bit inconceivable. Los Angeles is rarely regarded as a cultural epicenter. With well-known concert venues constantly rebooking the same names year after year, musical pulses hardly race. But for Tom, it was relevant and apropos to have it here of all places.  “I figured if there was ONE place to do it, it would be LA.” To Arthur Verocai who had never performed in Los Angeles till the Timeless Series, this was a new horizon. “This (Timeless) can interest young people with the best quality music, from the past and present, which is still lingering on.”
 
Above and Beyond: Timeless exceeded expectations. This series was everything everyone had hoped for and more. For Sylvia, the Mulatu show (first in the series) was “a poignant moment to watch the master of Ethio-Jazz get up and with much gratitude and decorum lead a group of both young and old musicians from Los Angeles.” It expanded beyond anything anyone thought was possible. Arthur Verocai, the third composer/arranger in the series was beyond thrilled. “As a participant in the concert series I must say I was very happy with the public homage and recognition of my songs quality.” But the real surprise for him was the crowd. “I didn’t fancy having so many fans in Los Angeles!” Ma Dukes is still riding high on her cloud. “It was so special and so wonderful, I can’t thank everyone enough. It was magic.”

One of Tom’s greatest joys of the series was seeing the effect of the event on those involved. “We seem to have been able to provide a platform for so many to take advantage of and quite a few achieved their dreams if you will,” states Tom. Though this didn’t play into his initial decision when agreeing to sponsor Timeless, it was something that occurred during the series. “You had to be there to understand,” says Tom “but it was one of my proudest moments professionally and personally. We (VTech) had the easiest job, providing the support for a vision that came from Mochilla. My history doing events with them left very little uncertainty that this series would be epic, but to the end it was more than I could have imagined. Humbling.” In the end, seeing how happy and excited the musicians were to play made it all worthwhile for B+.  “That was it for me, the looks on the faces of the musicians.” LinYee Yuan, Associate Editor at Theme Magazine, who flew out from New York for the Verocai show, couldn’t contain her excitement. “This is amazing. I can’t believe I’m here. I love Arthur Verocai.”

On stage, the old met the new in a harmonious melding of musical minds and souls. Mulatu was quiet and powerful, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson was simply amazing, with his heart and soul poured out for us all, and Verocai was left honored and humbled. Everyone who came to perform were phenomenal.

The Second Coming of Timeless- With Timeless returning in late Summer 2009, we’ll be looking forward to Mochilla and VTech expanding on the foundation that was created during the first series. More discoveries, more incredible music and visuals are what we’ll have in store. Many have unanimously agreed that this was a beautiful and moving experience to put so much thought into the history of music and pay homage to some incredible individuals that have left an impressive oeuvre in their lifetime. Arthur Verocai said it best. “If you’re going to have the series again next summer, don’t forget to call me please!” Without a doubt, this series will continue to explore new musical horizons and open eyes, hearts and souls to all those fortunate enough to be a part of it. 

  

Though the series has received numerous press reviews from the LA Times, Filter Magazine, Digital Dazed, Theme Magazine.com, LA Daily News.com, NPR, Pitchfork.com, LA Weekly, and more, here are a few words from some of our Timeless fans/supporters:

“This is a historic event, not just for us, but for all of Ethiopia.”

-Mulatu Astatke, Producer/Composer/Arranger: Timeless I

“The Timeless series has been hands down the most exciting series of anything I have been part of in my entire life. I am forever grateful to all of those that worked so incredibly hard to put it on. Los Angeles is truly a great place as an artist to live right now, and this magnificent series is one of the greatest testaments to that. The vision and integrity of Mochilla is unparalleled and my hat is completely off to them.  I know they are just getting warmed up and I cannot wait until they unleash their next wave of love, creativity and empowerment upon us!”

-Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Composer/Arranger: Timeless II

“Festival Timeless- joining generations together around the same music”

-Arthur Verocai, Producer/Composer/Arranger: Timeless III

“Connecting legendary composers and their inspiration on contemporary producers, and the notion of those producers being as influential as the composers they’re inspired by is an awesome ideal. To bring that into effect with such scale, beauty and respect is an inspiration in itself. I guess Timeless is an all-out, inspirational love-in, and one that can be felt from Los Angeles to London.”

 -Terence Teh, Dazed and Confused 

“Wow….thats just about the most powerful thing I’ve heard in a long time sir! Brilliant…any chance of getting some music to me to play on the radio…”

Gilles Peterson Host of Worldwide – BBC Radio 1, Founder of Brownswood Recordings

(after watching Hoc n Pucky from Suite for Ma Dukes on Youtube)

 

“Timeless was as culturally edifying experience for Angelenos that inspires greatness in us all and an overwhelming pride in our metropolis’ own long-standing history of ethnic diversity.” -Sylvia Adams, Editor-in-Chief, Evil Monito 

“History was made. All three shows were dizzyingly beautiful. I can already tell that years down the road, all of us who were lucky enough to be there will be recalling these performances as a profound moment in time.”

-Bryan Younce, VP Video/Content Production, Columbia Records 

“Wow this is amazing…. Has Quincy (Jones) seen it??”

 -Herman Leonard, Jazz Photography Legend

 

“The Arthur Verocai set was groundbreaking and revelatory. I only wish I could see it again.” -Brian DiGenti, Editor, Wax Poetics

 

The Future for VTech and Mochilla:

Mochilla will be finishing up a film for DJ/producer Will Holland “Quantic” and a film about the scene in Recife in the Northeast of Brazil. They’ll also be busy gearing up for the Timeless Series, returning in Summer 2009.

VTech will be focusing on promoting their new Internet radio. The blog will continue to grow and additional labels will be pulled in to work side by side with the company. This summer will present unique dates with Madlib and Karriem Riggins and also a possible collaboration with Hockey, a Portland based Indie band on Capital Records. Also work with Frank Nitty of Frank and Dank on a new mix tape series and even Rhettmatic may have some cool things in store.

Come back and visit our blogs, we’ll keep you posted.

*photos by Azul 213