The jazzman cometh

by SCOTT C

You might have heard the news about Lola Lounge shutting its doors and looking for a new space. Apparently, the hotel next door bought the building, so it’s time to make a move. Lola had a good run and I’m sure it won’t be long before you see another incarnation of what originally started out as Luba Lounge.

Tonight, Thursday, May 1 means big tings for local hero and longtime DJ Andy Williams as he hosts a launch party for his new compilation, Variations in Time, out now on Public Transit Recordings. Dipping deep into his love for the many forms of jazz, Andy called upon some musical friends to help bring this project to light, after collecting, listening to and selecting music over many years. Dub poet Clifton Joseph will be in the place to do his thing for the first time in a long while, while local heads Karma and Lotus will push some wigs back with the real boom bap. The show goes down at Club Lambi starting at 9 p.m., with Andy hitting the decks as well before the night is out. Don’t sleep.

This Saturday, May 3, the One Spirit Underground crew celebrates their first anniversary with a jam featuring DJ Ben Johnson (Shelter, NYC). Salon Daomé is set to get rocked with, alongside Johnson, regulars Don Barbarino and DJ Sinister doing what they do best. These guys do not play around when it’s time to pull out the soul, so make an effort. Take a shower and throw on something that you can get all sweaty because it’s definitely that kind of party. Ten dollars gets you in unless you’re on the list, in which case you’ll shell out $8. You can get on the list by e-mailing Sherifa at onespiritundergroundmusic@gmail.com before 7 p.m. on Saturday night, and you’ll be glad you did.

Also this Saturday is the 35th anniversary party for Cheap Thrills, the record store that won’t quit. I don’t know why record stores never really got in the habit of celebrating their own existence more often, but in the ever-dwindling market of stores with a substantial vinyl selection, Cheap Thrills can still compete and offer joints and jams you probably won’t find anywhere else. The party is at la Sala Rossa and features Clues, Torngat, Anenomes and DJ Cheapie on the wheels. Come out and support if you’ve ever bought anything from either location of this Montreal vinyl institution. Doors open at 9 p.m., with a $7 tax at the door.

Please don’t forget that CKUT 90.3FM is in the midst of its funding drive and can use all the help it can get from people just like you. If you’re inspired or informed by this great community radio staple, please dig deep and give to a great cause—go to www.ckut.ca to find out how.

Seven reasons a BBQ is key:
1. Bilal Salaam “Cyberspace” (Octave)
2. The Roots “The Show” feat. Common (Def Jam)
3. Flying Lotus Los Angeles (Warp)
4. Organized Konfusion “Fudge Pudge” (Hollywood)
5. Fanatix “Higher” feat. Lady Alma (BBE)
6. Sy Smith “B-Side Love Affair” (CDR)
7. Andy Williams Variations in Time (PTR)

DON’T KNOW WHAT TO SAY, BUT I CALLED YOU ANYWAY…fathead@videotron.ca