From the desk of:

We Kept On Passin’ It By: Buckshot Lefonque

The other day I was doing as I normally do — being lazy and poking through mp3s.  I came across a band I’d never heard of before: Buckshot Lefonque.  They released a couple of albums in the mid 90s and I was astonished as soon as I started reading who was included on the recordings.  Branford Marsalis orchestrated the entire project and included such notable jazz musicians as Roy Hargrove, Victor Wooten, Larry Kimpel, and David Sanborn — not all that surprising.

Marsalis is  a very versatile musician and is well known for his genre skipping tendencies.  I’ve never seen such an oddball mix of musicians, though.  In addition to the standard jazz players this album features Maya Angelou, GURU, Frank McComb, 50 Styles: The Unknown Soldier, DJ Apollo, and Lawrence Fishbourne.  Oh — and it came out in 1994.

The album itself is equal mix jazz, R&B (think Vandros.), and hip-hop.  Why do I bring this to your attention?  I’m sensitive to your needs.  I know you missed this. I know that in 1994 you were busy listening to Weezer, shoplifting, and trying to get a tug job before spanish class.  You’re level of Aural Fitness was still developing and you would no way be able to appreciate the nuances found herein.  Try it now.  You’re welcome.

Buckshot Lefonque – Black Monday
Buckshot Lefonque – Samba Hop