I am producing and hosting a brand new radio show on the Dash Radio Network.  “The Expedition – A Journey Into Sound with Frank Foreal” is all about uncovering music,new and old, from all over the world. New bands, producers, DJ’s, as well as vintage finds. I’m very excited to be producing this show alongside fellow music junkies, Derrick Ah Sam and Michelle Choug, who I’ve spent many hours (and years) with talking about music that we love.  The Expedition airs every Friday at 5pm PT /8pm ET, with a re-broadcast every Saturday at 7pm PT / 10pm ET.

You can listen to our recent archives via our new Mixcloud page, and make plans to tune in this week.  We could also use your support via all social media networks: find us on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @EXPEDITIONRADIO.  If you enjoy what you hear, please like and share!

That being said, this is a bittersweet moment, as I will be stepping away from my duties on Soundwaves Radio, a great program that I have had the honor to work on the past 20 months. Without Sean Osborn‘s generosity, bringing me on the airwaves with him, Val The Vandle, and Francesca Harding, I could not have earned the confidence and experience to lead me to this point. I am so grateful to you all!

Pete Rock shows again that he’s a Tru Master with the beats.  This is probably my favorite joint of his new instrumental album, Petestrumentals 2, available now via Mello Music Group.  For those a little too young to remember, the first volume of this was released on BBE records in 2001, and featured some of Pete’s best work to date.

Glad to see Colemine Records putting out new 45’s from Los Angeles based funk band, Orgone.  Been a fan of these guys for years!

Buy their 7″ vinyl direct: http://coleminerecords.blogspot.com/p/online-store.html

This is a must watch!  Kamasi Washington has released the Jazz Record of the Year in many people’s opinions, and this live performance will show you why.  Featuring a heavy lineup of Los Angeles musicians, “The Epic” is such a fitting name to this man’s album.

Watch NPR’s “Jazz Night in America” concert documentary about Washington’s album.

Source: Kamasi Washington Performs The Epic Live in L.A.

Been really enjoying the soul jazz artists coming out lately.  After really diving into the Joomanji catalog, I heard about this new band, Space Captain, from Brooklyn NY.

Melding elements of hip hop, soul and psychedelic rock, the Brooklyn-based group are set to release their first double A-side “Easier”/ “Remedy”, with Tru Thoughts on July 24^th, ahead of a debut EP later this year.

Big up to Cherries records for always putting out quality funk.  Check out the new 7-inch from Benjamin.

From Cherries Records:

BENJAMIN comes back full force with two back-to-back modern soul burners.  Side A, ‘Those Memories (Sneak Up On Me)’ is a mid-tempo live funk track, originally created for the infamous Toulouse Soul Club party in southern France. With a driving guitar/bassline combo, slinking funky drums and swelling synth lines, BENJAMIN encourages you to leave the past behind, never looking into the “rear view” mirror of love. On the B side, Cherries’ co-founder, DJ Shred One, serves up a stripped down extended edit version of ‘This Time’. Deeply influenced by the Chicago “steppers” sound, ‘This Time’ is a smooth and sultry quiet stormer, custom made for those who like their dance music sexy, sophisticated, cold and grown. It is the perfect 45 for the cool out hour, when it’s the lovers’ turn to take over the dancefloor.

This is going to be such a huge record this Summer (and hopefully beyond).  27-year-old multi-instrumentalist Gene Dudley has been making some noise over the last few years, with releases on the Wah Wah 45’s label.  This one might be his best yet, with a nice A-side featuring Eric Boss of Myron & E.  The B-side kills with a heavy funk rendition of the Todd Terje dance classic, “Inspector Norse.”  I dropped this on Soundwaves a few weeks back, and am looking forward to playing this out as much as I can.  Hopefully Gene comes to the U.S. for a tour!

I’ve been working in radio for about 15 years now. I linked up with a lot of people from around the country when I was broadcasting out of Cal State Fullerton. One dude, DJ Prizmatik, was syndicating my show back in 2005-06 on his network in the New York area, and somehow linked up with Sprint Mobile, so people on that network could find our shows on their phones. Here’s the first one I did for that project.

WHAT IS A TRIP is this NYC accent I would use on the radio during that time. I’m not sure where that came from, and almost forgot about it until I stumbled across this. I think it was just a hip hop thing. I’m glad the audio is still available, because this represents a time when I was going real heavy on the DJ tip, gigging a lot, plus doing radio and spinning at school. I was eating and sleeping music, while hustling in college. You can hear the Garth Trinidad influence for sure! I think it’s safe to say this identity is long gone, and the (semi) grown up Frank Foreal (who was born in CA) has lost his NY accent.

More coolness from the LA funkmaster Dam Funk.  In preparation of his new album coming out, “Invite The Light”, Dam has blessed us with yet another set of free tracks!  Download here.

Credit to Mike Zarin from Atlanta for always sharing good music.  Saw him post this on Facebook today.  Never heard of Incredible Polo before, but now he’s on my radar!