The Sounds of VTech

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The Sounds of VTech / Yekermo Sew Trailer

Ethiopian, Mulatu Astatke is a giant in African music.  He is the inventor of Ethio-jazz.  His work has inspired many imitations, many admirers, and a whole new generation of fans.  His music veers from the sublime tezetas to the most foot stomping funk.

The award winning and invaluable Ethiopiques series has shed a light into a vital and amazing music scene that existed in Addis Ababa in the 60s. The composer/arranger of that era was Mulatu Astatke.

On February 1st, during the first concert in the Timeless Series brought to you by Mochilla and VTech, he blessed the sold-out Luckman Theater with an amazing show. He shared the stage with veterans of the Los Angeles jazz scene, Bennie Maupin, Azar Lawrence, and Phil Ranelin. The performance was beautiful- showcasing many classics (like Yekermo Sew featured here) as well as some new material.

Nas, Damian Marley, Cut Chemist, Quantic, Oh No, Madlib, and K’naan all have felt the influence of Ethio-Jazz- this Timeless Sneak Peek honors Mulatu and his music.

Line-Up

Mulatu Astatke - Vibraphone, Percussion

Brandon Coleman - Electric and Acoustic Piano, Organ

Bennie Maupin - Bass Clarinet, Flute, Soprano Sax

Azar Lawrence - Tenor Sax

Phil Ranelin - Trombone

Joel Yennior - Trombone

Todd Simon - Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Miguel Atwood-Ferguson - Viola

Dan Ubick - Electric and Acoustic Guitar

Trevor Ware - Electric and Upright Bass

Tony Austin - Trap Drums

Alan Lightner - Percussion

Munyungo Jackson - Hand Drums and Percussion

Right Click to Download:  Yekermo Sew

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Though the weather was wet and cold back in December 2009 in Washington DC, the crowds came early and patiently waited in long serpentine lines throughout the lobby of the National Geographic Grosvenor Auditorium for “Distant Relatives,” a special panel discussion. Some had come to hear Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, others for Nas, several came for Kool Herc and Rakim, and one person in particular came for Jeff Chang with book in hand hoping for an autograph. But no matter who they came for, the purpose of the evening was to learn about the roots of Hip-Hop and Reggae music, spanning the continent of Africa to the sound systems of Jamaica, and onto the streets of America.

This amazing panel which includes guests such as Stephen Marley, DJ Red Alert, Pat McKay, Waterflow, Big Youth, etc., was brought to the global stage by VTech  and was truly a melding of the minds.

They touched on the generational gap of learning and understanding music, the evolution of their industries, their personal experiences, beliefs, and interpretations of what music meant to them and expressed their joys and frustrations.

For those of you who weren’t there, this video gives a look at the magic behind the scenes as well as what happened on stage that night.  Listen, learn, and grow.

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The Sounds of VTech / Distant Relatives at National Geographic

On Saturday, December 12th, in Washington, D.C., National Geographic with Nas and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, presented “Distant Relatives,” an amazing panel discussion brought to the global stage, by VTech.  The “Distant Relatives” conversation traced the roots of Hip-Hop and Reggae music, spanning from the continent of Africa to the sound systems of Jamaica, and onto the streets of America.

The panel guests, Stephen Marley, Kool Herc, DJ Red Alert, Jeff Chang, Rakim, Pat McKay, Waterflow and Big Youth, were moderated by Sway, in what could only be described as a melding of the minds. From the old to the new, from grassroots to high tech, the generational gap in the understanding of these musical genres and all its aspects were addressed and better understood as the guests spoke about their personal experiences, beliefs and various interpretations of what Hip-Hop and music in general, meant to them.

The evening answered many questions, but also left us eager for more!

Afterwards, at Zanzibar on the Waterfront, where the afterparty was held, the panel guests took their place on stage. With DJ Red Alert on the wheels of steel, and Rakim on the mic, the place exploded. Not long afterwards, Stephen and Damian Marley took their place and were soon joined by Nas, keeping the party going well past its curfew.

 *Nas and Damian have officially announced the March 2010, release date of their forthcoming CD “Distant Relatives.” With the possibility of more conversations to come, be sure to stay tuned….

It’s been a rivalry that has spanned through the decades. The East VS The West. While the East found an early boom in the development and structure of America, the West took its sweet, sweet, time (they were busy counting all their gold.) The East boasts “cultural superiority,” due to there proximity to Europe, and the West boasts tans year round. Tupac VS Biggie, Pizzas VS Tacos, Michelin Stars VS… umm, we’ll get back to you.. And this weekend, they go head to head once more.

For those on the Washington, D.C. area this Saturday, that’s on the East Coast to the geographically challenged, VTech brings you Damian Marley and Nas at National Geographic Live.

And for the LA lovers, VTech presents the 4-year Anniversary Celebration of the notorious screen shirt printing team, HIT+RUN at Repeat Offender with Dam Funk, Nobody, Gaslamp Killer, and tons more.

So what does one do…? Remember that the East coast is three hours ahead, so once you’re done with Damian Marley and Nas at National Geographic Live, hop on a plane and you’ll be in town to party the night away with H+R. Trust me, it’ll be worth it. 

This Saturday, December 12th, VTech and Distant Relatives,Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley and Nas,  head toNational Geographic Live in D.C. for a very memorable event.

National Geographics Live and VTech will present Hip-Hop and Reggae legends in conversation for a special program moderated by Sway.

National Geographic Live is closing in on the end. They will conclude their fall event series, with an extraordinary one-of-a-kind evening. ”Distant Relatives,” sponsored byVTech, will feature hip-hop icon Nas and Grammy award winning artist, Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley, son of Bob, in a rare discussion about the evolution of deep-rooted connections between reggae and hip-hop. Joining them in their conversation will be Kool Herc, Rakim, Daddy U-Roy, King Jammy, Jeff Chang, Pat McKay, Waterflow and DJ Red Alert, all key players in the development of both musical genres. 

The event will take place at National Geographic’s Grosvenor Auditorium this weekend on Saturday, Dec. 12th, at 7pm. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at National Geographic, via telephone at (202) 857-7700, or in person at the National Geographic ticket office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Tickets purchased online can be picked up in the lobby prior to the event.

An open-mic party will be hosted at popular Washington nightclub Zanzibar following the event. National Geographic ticket holders will receive free admission with proof of purchase. For more information on the Zanzibar event, visit www.zanzibar-otw.com.

 This event also will be streamed live and broadcast online at www.natgeomusic.net.

If you can’t make it, check back on The Sounds of VTech for exclusive photos and videos, coming soon. 

On December 12th, VTech and Distant Relatives, Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley and Nas,  head to National Geographic Live in D.C. for a very memorable event.

National Geographics Live will present Hip-Hop and Reggae legends in conversation for a special program moderated by Sway.

National Geographic Live is closing in on the end. They will conclude their fall event series, with an extraordinary one-of-a-kind evening. “Distant Relatives,” sponsored by VTech, will feature hip-hop icon Nas and Grammy award winning artist, Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley, son of Bob, in a rare discussion about the evolution of deep-rooted connections between reggae and hip-hop. Joining them in their conversation will be Kool Herc, Rakim, Daddy U-Roy, King Jammy, Jeff Chang, Pat McKay, Waterflow and DJ Red Alert, all key players in the development of both musical genres. 

The event will take place at National Geographic’s Grosvenor Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 12th, at 7pm. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at National Geographic, via telephone at (202) 857-7700, or in person at the National Geographic ticket office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Tickets purchased online can be picked up in the lobby prior to the event.

An open-mic party will be hosted at popular Washington nightclub Zanzibar following the event. National Geographic ticket holders will receive free admission with proof of purchase. For more information on the Zanzibar event, visit www.zanzibar-otw.com.

 This event also will be streamed live and broadcast online at www.natgeomusic.net.

 About National Geographic Live

National Geographic Live is the performing arts division of the National Geographic Society, featuring live concerts, films and dynamic presentations by today’s leading explorers, scientists, filmmakers and photographers, covering a wide range of topics, including exploration and adventure; wildlife and habitat conservation; natural phenomena; world cultures and ancient history; and relevant issues such as climate change and sustainability. Proceeds from speaker series help fund future National Geographic initiatives in field research, exploration and education.