by SCOTT C

This Friday, Dec. 10, is an open call to all the free-jazz heads who know what's up, as well as all of those who think they know what a rhythm section is comprised of. That's right, drummer Hamid Drake, bassist William Parker and special-guest sax legend Fred Anderson heat up Casa del Popolo this week. Tix are $18 in advance or $20 at the door.

Down the street at le Swimming, Dibondoko comes alive with their special brand of funk as they take the pool-hall stage once again. A little further north on St-Laurent, check out the soulful flavours of multifaceted DJ Franky Selector as he starts a new Friday-night weekly at Mile End Bar. Expect rare grooves, b-side pearls, conscious vibes and sunny-side favourites every week from here on in.

This Saturday, Dec. 11, get ready for the tightest live groove you've heard in a long while as NYC's Tortured Soul return to Montreal for a show over at the Main Hall. Nothing but soul here, folks, as these guys bring the live house concept to another place altogether. You can shake you head if you want, but Christian Urich (drums/vocals), Ethan White (keyboards) and Jason Kriveloff (bass) have been up to their eyes in this shit for a long while. Urich was the founder and driving force behind the soulful sounds of Cooly's Hot Box (start diggin'...), while Tortured Soul has rubbed musical shoulders with dudes like DJ Spinna and Osunlade. This is not a joke. If you want to be party to one of the illest touring live shows out there, make sure you do not miss this. Tix are $12 at the door, with a mean helping of DJ Lexis and Andy Williams to boot.

Looking ahead, it looks like Masta Ace is coming to Montreal sometime in late January, after he makes a stop in Toronto, and for anyone out there who has heard the same rumour that I did, no, Def Jux man El-P is not coming along for the ride. Sorry. Also keep your eyes peeled for Louis Logic and J-Zone making their first-ever Montreal appearances on Jan.14 over at Foufounes. Could be fun, y'all...

Seven reasons this is still weird:
1. MF Doom feat. Dwight Spitz "Potholderz" (Rhymesayers)
2. Mark de Clive Lowe "Traveling" (Antipodean)
3. Various Ghana Soundz 2 (Soundway Records)
4. Oh No The Disrupt (Stones Throw)
5. X-Clan "Blackwards Row" (Up Above)
6. Specifics Lonely City (LP)
7. Maspyke "I Jus Don't Get It" (CDR)

You know I would... fathead@videotron.ca

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