I don’t usually get to listen to Pacifica Radio’s Democracy Now as much as I used to, but on my way to work yesterday the newsmagazine just happened to have given over its entire show commemorating the life of jazz drummer Max Roach, who passed away at 83 a few weeks ago.

While I paid a little tribute to his passing, little have I realized that one of the CD’s that I’ve played a track from, “We Insist,” was a pivotal album not only for Roach, but for that of civil rights, and the broader scope of human rights, in general. Roach thought big in that the country, as well as the world, should have taken a greater stance on human rights for all, rather than just civil rights at home. This sort of thinking, of course, has put him at odds with others such as Miles Davis (for whom Roach has expressed in a protest outside Carnegie Hall, where Davis was performing).

I would probably have not known such things were it not for this excellent edition of Democracy Now. I thought I’d share it with you in hopes that you too will know more about the man that was Max Roach. You’ll hear from his life biographer, from Maya Angelou and Bill Cosby (both gave poignant tributes to him last Friday), and even from Max himself.

I hope you enjoy it.

Stream | Download

Source: Democracy Now

All you beatmakers out there take note:

Far Out’s latest signing Zeep have just released their debut album ‘Nina Miranda and Chris Franck present Zeep’. Former members of Brazilian influenced acts Smoke City and Da Lata, Zeep are inspired by the attitude of the 70s when music was live, urgent, right-on, scruffy, funky and folksy.

Far Out Recordings in partnership with Radio Magnetic are offering readers chance to remix ‘Zeep Dreams’ with the winner having their song released on a future Far Out release alongside some of the cream of electronic music producers and remixers. So whether you’re a budding producer/remixer or a veteran in the scene, this is a perfect opportunity to have your music released. We welcome all genres of remix styles from lo-fi folk-funk, samba cancao to minimal techno. Originality is the key!

1XTRA DJ Benji B will be judging the competition . 2 runners up will receive 10 free CDs/vinyl of their choice.

To sign up and learn more about how to enter this competition please visit
www.faroutrecordings.com Closing date is September 05.

Benji B. as judge? Y’all better be good! Have fun and best of luck!