by SCOTT C

The good people behind Montreal’s Afrokats Records and Studio Furnace are putting on a show at Petit Campus on Oct. 14 that will pop the lid on a few acts to watch for in the near future. First up is the jazz/funk/hip hop of Panacea, made up of McGill jazz students who recently opened for legendary drummer Mike Clark in Vermont, where they often play. Next up is the orchestral hip hop grandeur of Word People, mixing the worlds of Blue Note and Motown to redefine the sound of live hip hop, followed by the mixed bag of Camp Best Friends, who cook up funk, soul, reggae and Afro-beat with hip hop roots.

If you’re enjoying DJ Shadow’s latest project, TheOutsider, or perhaps a longtime fan wondering what the hell he was thinking, you might want to make your way down to Metropolis on Friday, Oct. 13, to find out how this whole thing translates into a live performance. Shadow rolls into town with Lateef the Truth Speaker for a $32.50 ticket that I’m sure will calm the nerves of even the most disgruntled lover of Entropy.

White Plains, N.Y., native and Orthodox Jew Matisyahu continues to bring his fusion of Judaism and reggae music to hungry crowds everywhere, and makes his way back to Montreal for a show at Metropolis on Oct. 19, with support from Roots Tonic. Tix are $35 and are on sale now. If, like me, you missed Lady Sovereign’s last Montreal performance, you may want to get up on the saucy midget’s next show, happening Oct. 23 at Club Soda. I don’t think she’s exploded the way she’s supposed to just yet in North America, but I’m sure the best is yet to come. All the hush-hush hook-ups and U.S. production collabs should see the light of day very soon.

If you’re one of the many people who are constantly looking for local hip hop to whet your appetite, might I direct you to Oddeo and the Falls Advertising move at www.myspace.com/fallsadvertising. This locked-in producer is doing big things with mic vandal Loes, young lion Ceas Rock and a slew of other talented MCs from around the way. Look for a review of the Falls Advertising mixtape coming soon.

Speaking of locals, if you have, or know of, a local label that specializes in hip hop, funk, soul, jazz, or experimental head-nod shit, please drop me a line. I’d like to start featuring some of the many people in this city who are doing everything they can to let the rest of the world know that Montreal music exists. I know you’re out there.

And hats off to yet another step up for our very own Pop Montreal festival, who had all bases covered for last weekend’s music bizness. Things can only get better.

NOW WITH FOUR EXTRA PIECES! fathead@videotron.ca

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