Truth & Soul News and Updates

Michael Leonhart in Elmore Magazine

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Michael Leonhart & The Avramina 7 are featured in the March/April '10 issue of Elmore Music Magazine. Make sure to pick up an issue today! Read what Elmore had to say about Leonhart & his psychedelic funk band...

Michael Leonhart & The Avramina 7 is comprised of musicians New Yorkers see a lot in Bands like the Dap-Kings, Phenomenal Handclap Band, Budos Band, and Antibalas, among others. Leonhart alone has played or recorded with Steely Dan, Mark Ronson, Levon Helm, Brian Eno, and many more. Trumpet in hand and complex compositions in his back pocket, Leonhart created an album of experimental psychedelic funk called Seahorse & the Storyteller. The group of musicians he’s been jamming with over the last ten years, the Avramina 7 has, as Leonhart puts it, a “telepathic way of working together” that comes through in their extraordinary live show.

Combining instruments foreign (pocket theremin, waterphone, Indian harmonium, electric kazoos, glockenspiel, xylophone, Moog synth, Indian tabla, Indian dhol, African percussion) and familiar (bass, drums, guitar, piano, vox organ, trumpets, oboe, sax, toy piano, bells), Leonhart’s landscape of sound is like everything and nothing you’ve ever heard.

For a creative arranger like Leonhart, the opportunities afforded by his large ensemble are endless; “Onstage with a ‘big band’, I have an almost full orchestral palette available to me,” he said. “Nothing quite beats playing a song with one or two people only to have another 10-13 people lying in wait, ready to join in at the climactic moment.” Sign me up! DJs, if you’re listening, keep your day jobs.

Money I$ King LIVE on Bunch TV

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Check out this smokin' performance of "Money I$ King" by Lee Fields & The Expressions. Bunch TV recorded the performance while Lee & The Expressions were in Nuymegan, Holland during their 2010 European tour. Enjoy!

Michael Leonhart & Avramina 7 at Nublu

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Michael Leonhart & The Avramina 7 will be playing this Friday, March 5 at Nublu in the East Village. Tickets are $10 and can only be purchased at the door, so make sure to get there early and grab one! The show will be starting at 9 pm.

Lee Fields LIVE at Worldwide Awards 2010

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Lee Fields & The Expressions performed at Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Awards in London, UK while on their European tour! Lee Fields' album "My World" won an award for #3 album of the year at the Worldwide Awards. Listen to Lee's killer performance here!

Lee Fields at Music Hall of Williamsburg

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Lee Fields & the Expressions will be back in Brooklyn, this time at the Music Hall of Williamsburg! Opening for Lee will be the Menahan Street Band featuring Charles Bradley. Come check out two of the best soul acts today as they share one stage. DJs Akalepse (Truth & Soul) and JBX (Big City Records, Lost & Found Crew) will be spinning throughout the night. Doors at 8 pm, show at 9 pm. Tickets are $15 advance/$18 day of show.

How To Make it in America

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Tune in to HBO's new series, How To Make it In America, Sundays at 10:00 pm. The show features the theme song "I Need A Dollar" by Aloe Blacc, which was produced by Jeff Silverman and Leon Michels, founders of Truth & Soul. The Aloe Blacc full-length record, Good Things, featuring The Expressions & El Michels Affair as the backing band, will be released later this year on Stones Throw Records. "I Need A Dollar" is now available on iTunes & the 12-inch vinyl for “Dollar” will be in stores April 2010.

Michael Leonhart & Yoko Ono at BAM

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Tonight our very own Michael Leonhart will be peforming with Yoko Ono & The Plastic Ono Band, alongside Paul Simon, Mark Ronson, and other very special guests at BAM's Howard Gilman Opera House. They will be performing songs from their new album "Between My Head and The Sky".

Lee Fields European Tour

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Lee Fields & the Expressions will be hitting the road for a 10-day European tour in February! Lee will be joined by Charles Bradley and the Menahan Street Band. Don't miss this opportunity to catch two of the best soul acts as they share one stage! Check out if they're coming to a town near you.

2/04 Paris FR "New Morning" Tickets

2/05 London UK "Bloomsbury Ballroom" Tickets

2/07 Koln GER "Bogen 2"

2/08 Frankfurt GER "Mousonturm" Tickets

2/09 Belfort FR "La Poudrière" Tickets

2/10 Ris Orangis FR "Le Plan" Tickets

2/11 Nijmegen HOL "Doornoosje" Tickets

2/12 Amsterdam HOL "Paradiso" Tickets

2/13 Louvain BEL "Kulturama Festival" Tickets

2/14 Sannois FR "E.M.B" Tickets

Lee Fields In Chicago

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

This Sunday, Lee Fields & The Expressions will be performing as part of the Tomorrow Never Knows festival. The concert is at Lincoln Hall and starts at 9:00. Tickets can be purchased here.

Michael Leonhart at Joe's Pub

Sat, 09 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0800

Tonight is the last night of Michael Leonhart & The Avramina 7's half-year residency at Joe's Pub. It's been a jam packed couple months with special surprises and very special guests. Tonight will not disappoint. The show starts at 11:30.

VIDEO: Lee Fields Gets Serious

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Check out the clip from the Southpaw performance of Lee Fields & the Expressions. Looking sharp as always in a sharkskin suit and black turtleneck , Lee fields KILLLS "Honey Dove". Do yourself a favor and check him out when he comes to your hometown. He will be playing Chicago on January 17th and his European tour kicks off February 5th.

Best Of The Fabulous 3

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Here is another product from the glory days of Soul Fire records. Over the course of two years the Fabulous 3 recorded everything from reggae to spiritual jazz to psychadelic soul. Truth & Soul and Phillip Lehman is proud to present their concise but glorious catalogue. It is available digitally only. Get it here.

Lee Fields: Live in Brooklyn

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Lee Fields will be performing at Southpaw in Park Slope Brooklyn on Dec 18th. Opening act is Michael Leonhart & Avramina 7. Dj sets by Akalepse and Asaf Segal. Get your tickets here.

Lee Fields: GQ Man of The Year

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Well not yet.....but the Lee Fields & The Expressions album, "My World", was featured in GQ's Best of 09 issue. Read what they had to say about Lee Fields.

Back In Stock: PJ's from Afar...

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

We just recieved some deadstock copies of the El Michels Affair / Raekwon collaboration that was recorded as part of the Scion Audio Visual 12" series. It's been out of print for nearly two years and there are only a couple copies available. Get them here.

My World Cover T-Shirts

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Just in! 100% Cotton, ring spun, extra soft tees with the Lee Fields "My World" Cover printed on the front. Get while they last. Check the other T&S shirts while your at it.

Video: Ghetto Brothers Crazy Boy

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Check out the live performance of Crazy Boy by The Ghetto Brothers (under the moniker Street the Beat) from what appears to be a public access television program recorded in 1983. Same song featured shortly in that old documentary on juvenile offenders, this time with breakers in tow. Thanks to www.grandgood.com for digging this one out.

Ghetto Brothers Power

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

One of the most enigmatic, purely New York records of all time is finally available to the masses. The Ghetto Brothers 45 "Ghetto Brothers Power" b/w "I Saw A Tear", which is a single taken off their full-length "Power Fuerza" LP has been polished up and re-mastered from the original record.Get em here.

The Ghetto Brothers were a gang founded in New York City's South Bronx in the late 1960s. They eventually spread to much of the Northeastern United States. Like the Young Lords, they were involved in Puerto Rican nationalism, including, in the case of the Ghetto Brothers, an association with the then-new Puerto Rican Socialist Party. Ghetto Brothers founder Benjamin Melendez, who left the organization in 1976, was also known as a guitarist. He led a band, also known as the Ghetto Brothers, which included his late brother Victor Melendez on drums. They released one album in 1972, which had only informal, local distribution. In the past ten years, "Power Fuerza", which has become shrouded with mystery, has fetched quadruple digits on ebay and become one of the most sought after New York records of all time.

Read more about them here: http://ghettobrothersnyc.com/home.html

Pics: Lee Fields in Montreal

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Check out the pics from the Lee Fields show in Montreal. The show was put on by our friends over at Brooklyn Vegan. Photos by Ryan Muir.

Lee Fields in Wax Poetics

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Read what Wax Poetics has to say about the new Lee Fields record, "My World". Featured in issue #37, The Michael Jackson issue. Words by Matt Rogers.

Soul veteran scores masterpiece with the help of Brooklyn’s sophisticated funk

“I love you!” the one and only Lee Fields exclaims to the thick crowd crammed into this Brooklyn club on a rainy June night to celebrate the veteran soul slinger’s long-awaited Truth & Soul album release, My World. Bedecked in a black and blue suit nearly as fly as the music itself, Mr. Fields turns to the nine-piece band that’s been slathering original groove grease behind him all night. “The Expressions! There’s some rough boys right there! We just maxin’ and relaxin’ tonight, ain’t that right, fellas?”

It’s the first offical Lee Fields and the Expressions gig, but you’d never know it. The Expressions – comprised of the usual suspects who have populated such bands as the Dap-Kings, Budos, Antibalas, and Steely Dan, while simultaneously producing steady studio fodder for NYC-based labels Desco, Daptone, Soul Fire, and Truth & Soul Records, in addition to working with platinum-esque producers like Mark Ronson and Questlove – clearly know how to max and relax their way through My World’s symphonic stream of grown-folks-night soul. “That show was a horrific experience,” Lee Fields tells me a few months after the fact, however. “I was terrified. But it was a prayer answered.”

And after a good four years in the making, it may have seemed to many folks that prayer, and prayer alone, would deliver My World to the public. “I was really surprised I had an album,” Fields continues. “After all the years, they told me, ‘It’s finished.’ ‘Oh yeah?’ I said. ‘What’s finished?’ ’Cause I didn’t really know what they were doin’ with the songs, man. I thought they’d moved on to something else.” Truth be told, focus may have been a tad hard to come by at times for the label, but forty years after his first 45RPM effort, the journeyman vocalist finds himself with his eighth career long player – a bona fide contender for album of the year. “I would of never guessed forty years ago I’d still be around telling people I’m still working,” drawls the North Caroline native. “I woulda thought I’d be sayin’ I used to be this and that, but I’m busier now than I’ve ever been! And I’m able to hit the same notes, can still be smooth, and if it’s time get real edgy and sharp, I can still bring it to the table! So God has been good.”

“The Expressions record started about five years ago when Jeff [Silverman, co-owner of T&S] brought in the Symphonic Four’s ‘Who Do You Think You’re Fooling?” informs Leon Michels, producer/arranger/musician/cofounder of Truth & Soul. “That started the slow-jam craze at T&S. Then we got into Delfonics records, the Moments, the Parliaments, the All Platinum [Records] sound. So, we wanted to make a record like this one day: strings, vibes, but not super overproduced. To me, the sound of a low-budget studio producing outside their means.” That sound – at times unruly, at times refined, but always damn – sweet is imbued with many of the sonic traits birthed by master luminaries from the vast pantheon of late – 1960 R&B production, from Curtis Mayfield and George Clinton to Thom Bell and Holland, Dozier, and Holland. And through many of the same young musicians that propelled Fields’s earlier funk work in the 1990s and early 2000s perform throughout My World, the sound, like the cream themselves, is all grown up.

“The Expressions record was gonna start out featuring different singers,” Michels continues. “But, eventually, the Lee Fields shit was the best, so we said, ‘Fuck it, let’s do a Lee Fields record.” No one’s happier perhaps that Mr. Fields himself. “I really like workin’ with Leon and the guys,” he says. “It’s very collaborative and really brings out my personality. I think the potential is just unreal right now. I think the Expressions could be a supergroup!”

New Truth & Soul Shirts

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

We got brand new T-shirts from Truth & Soul. We just printed the T&S logo in royal blue and Lee Fields shirts for both guys and the ladies...lovely ladies. 100% cotton, NAFTA friendly, pre-shrunk. Get em' here!!!

Avramina 7 Residency at Joe's Pub

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Michael Leonhart & The Avramina 7 are proud to announce a monthly residency at Joe's Pub starting October 7th. The opening guest for the first show will be Yuka Honda (Cibo Matto/Plastic Ono Band).

Lee Fields on Entourage

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

If you caught last Sunday's episode of Entourage than you already know "Ladies" was used for the end credits of Season 6 Episode #11. For those of who who are dying to find out what that song was....look no further.

Lee Fields Canadian Tour

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Lee Fields will be performing October 2nd in Montreal at La Sala Rosa and October 3rd in Toronto at Revival. IF your in the the area make sure to catch the show as Lee Fields & The Expressions have been rehearsing relentlessly. Not to be missed!!

LIVE!! Michael Leonhart & Avramina 7

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

This week at Rockwood Music Hall, the 10 piece band The Avramina 7, headed by Michael Leonhart, will be playing for FREE. IF you haven't checked out their music be sure to pick up their debut 45 and you can preview the show here.

MICHAEL LEONHART & THE AVRAMINA 7
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15TH 8-10PM
ROCKWOOD MUSIC HALL
196 ALLEN ST (SOUTH OF HOUSTON ST)
NO COVER

JUST IN! Michael Leonhart & The Avramina 7

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

AVAILABLE HERE!!!!!. Truth & Soul is proud to present the first single from Michael Leonhart & The Avramina 7. Long time trumpet player for many of the T&S releases, Michael Leonhart has masterfully created something that sounds like the musical love child of R.D Burman, Fela Kuti, & Beck.

A mix of reverb drenched vocals, afro beat horns, and fluttering tablas all work in perfect harmony on The Avramina 7's first single on Truth & Soul. Listen to it here.

A little bit about Michael Leonhart: Born into a musical family, Michael Leonhart has developed into one of the most imaginative musicians of his time, sought throughout the music and entertainment world as a trumpet player, producer, multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger and singer-songwriter.

As a solo artist Michael has released six albums -- "Aardvark Poses" (1995), "Glub Glub vol. 11" (1997), and "Slow" (2002) all on the Sunnyside label; "The Suzy Lattimore EP" (2005) & "The Ballad of Minton Quigley "(2006) self released and 2008’s "Hotel Music" on limited edition vinyl with hand painted covers released through St. Ives (an imprint of Secretly Canadian). He has composed and performed music for movies, television, dance, fashion shows and theater, and has appeared on over 100 albums.

At age 17, Michael was honored as the youngest Grammy recipient in history, cited as the most outstanding musician in a U.S. high school. That same year ABC World News named him "Person of the Week".

Michael has performed with Steely Dan since 1996, recording two albums with them, including 2000's Grammy winning Album of the Year "Two Against Nature" on which he was a featured soloist, arranger and conductor. He has performed and/or recorded with such diverse artists as A Tribe Called Quest, Arif Mardin, Arto Linsday, Bill Frisell, Bobby McFerrin, Bonnie Raitt, Brian Eno, Busta Rhymes, Caetano Veloso, D.J. Spooky, David Byrne, Henry Mancini, James Brown, John Barry, Joshua Redman, Lenny Kravitz, Mark Ronson, Michael McDonald, Mos Def, Natalie Merchant, Q-Tip, Raekwon (Wutang Clan), Slash (Guns and Roses/ Velvet Revolver), Steven Tyler (Aerosmith), Todd Rundgren, and Wynton Marsalis. Most recently, Michael recorded with Yoko Ono as a featured member of the Plastic Ono Band for her upcoming album, "Between My Head and the Sky". Michael also appears on upcoming albums by Sharon Jones and the Dapkings, Foreigner, Sean Lennon, and Yuka Honda (Cibo Matto).

After 20 plus recordings as the house trumpet player for Truth and Soul records, the Brooklyn based funk and soul label will release Leonhart’s heavy-funk concept album "Seahorse and the Storyteller” late this year.

Akalepse Interview

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Akalepse--DJ extrordanaire, record collecting maniac, and Truth & Soul's Most Valuable Player, was kind enough to give www.dustandgrooves.com an interview in which he breaks down the art of digging for records, and shows off his favorite pieces vinyl. He also donated an exlusive mix to the site. Download the mix here.

Photos by Eilon Paz

Danny Supa + Truth & Soul Deck

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Check out the Danny Supa/Truth & Soul collaboration skate deck from Stereo Sound Agency. Features classic cover art from El Michels Affair's first record "Sounding Out The City" . The photo is the work of the incomparable Jamil GS. Get em HERE. Very limited.

Lee Fields on NPR

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Check out Oliver Wang's (soul-sides) piece on Lee Fields for NPR. The audio airs on All Things Considered 4:00 PST. Also, in conjunction with Oliver's review, Lee Fields & The Expressions are playing at Joe's Pub tonight and the concert will be streamed live on NPR's site.

Lee Fields at Joe's Pub

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

NPR Music presents three bands in concert at New York City’s Joe’s Pub on Tuesday, July 21 at 9:30PM (ET): soul singer Lee Fields & The Expressions; New York-based indie collective The Phenomenal Handclap Band; and nine-piece jazz ensemble Fight the Big Bull, joined by Steven Bernstein. Tickets are $18, and are on sale now at joespub.com and (212) 967-7555.

The NPR Music concert at Joe’s Pub will be a dynamic, if unexpected, mix of three diverse groups and sounds – inspired by the eclectic curatorial vision represented at npr.org/music The concert will be hosted by NPR Music staff, together with Josh Jackson of NPR Member station WBGO in Newark, NJ. Jackson will later broadcast Fight the Big Bull’s performance on The Checkout, WBGO/Jazz88.3FM’s new program featuring what’s happening on the New York jazz scene: www.CheckoutJazz.org

Up first is Fight the Big Bull, an emerging jazz nonet from Richmond, VA, that brings new energy to the traditions of jazz, blues, gospel, soul and funk. The band is a spirited congregation of saxophone, clarinet, trombones, trumpet, guitar, bass and drums – creating music that incorporates “punk, funk, downtown-style jazz and soul…as well as a strong allegiance to Charles Mingus’ earthy folk forms,” says TimeOut New York. For the NPR Music show, Fight the Big Bull will be joined by Steven Bernstein, who mentored the group this winter on its forthcoming sophomore album.

A favorite at South by Southwest this year, New York-based musicians and artists The Phenomenal Handclap Band fills venues with a mesmerizing sound and eight-person stage presence. The band is equal parts psychedelia, proto-disco, heavy rock ‘n’ roll, ‘60s soul and hip-hop – what NPR Music calls “a perfect mix of everything from the past 40 years of popular music.” These musical influences collide on The Phenomenal Handclap Band’s self-titled debut, which when performed live, guarantees that audiences won’t stand still for long.

Soul survives on My World, an album four years in the making from bona-fide soul singer and consummate performer Lee Fields & The Expressions. Fields’ music is steeped in ‘60s and ‘70s sweet soul, with heavy beats, deep ballads and smooth vocal harmonies. My World was produced by the New York production and writing team, Truth & Soul (Adele, Gabriella Cilmi), and released by its label of the same name. Fields performs with The Expressions – Truth & Soul musicians who also work with The Dap Kings, Amy Winehouse and El Michels Affair.

Kill The Ego

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

If your in NYC this week, check out Kill The Ego, an audio portrait of NYC visually interpreted as a motion-painting film by Rostarr, the man responsible for much of artwork featured on the T&S covers. This is an incredible project and is well worth the trip to the Anthology Film Archives located at 32 Second Ave. The film opens July 8th. Check the trailer.

Tyrone Ashley & FMM - Reduced Price...

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

For a limited time the Tyrone Ashley and Funky Music Machine "Let Me Be Your Man" CD is priced at $7.99. Culled from master tapes and that survived a house fire in the late seventies and then shelved in Mr. Campbell’s home studio for close to thirty-five years, these twelve songs is a look at the raw soul and genius of a man who never stopped making music from the heart.

Truth & Soul iphone app

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Those with an iphone know that the little gadget makes it even easier to procrastinate and obsess over useless things. To cater to those people, Truth & Soul now has their very own iphone app. Will be featuring news updates, upcoming events, and exclusive music downloads. You can download it here, it's FREE.

High Fidelity - M11X

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

On June 20th, Mikal Hameed a.ka M11X is having his debut show at Alphabeta gallery in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Mikal Hameed will be showing his collection of large-scale sound sculptures and mixed media paintings. Truth & Soul DJs Akalepse, El Michels, and Jeff Dynamite will be spinning all night. Highly Recommended!!!

J. Cole feat. Lee Fields

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

J. Cole, Jay-Z's first and only signing to his newly formed label. Roc Nation, dropped his first mix tape yesterday titled, The Warm Up. Some keepers on there—but none more than this slick talkin’ ode to women in the summertime featuring none other than Lee Fields & The Expressions. Listen to it Here.

PICS: Lee Fields + Aloe Blacc + GB's

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Here are a couple pics from last friday's show at Southpaw. Thanks to everyone who made it out, it was an incredible show. Aloe busted out some new tunes from his upcoming record, Ghetto Brothers played the entire "Power Fuerza" record live!!!, and Lee killed it as always. Also, check out the pics at www.brooklynvegan.com. Video is HERE.

Photos 1-4 by Matt Rogers

Photos 5-7 by Keith Sirchio

Photos 8-10 by Laura Hanifan

Lee Fields Button Pack

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

We've just pressed up a bunch of button packs for the new Lee Fields "My World" record. They came out looking so good this might become a regular thing. Limited edition of 100 button packs. Four 1" buttons with classic lee fields art. Collectors Item!! Get em while they last.

A Message From Lee Fields

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

It's June 2nd, which means the Lee Fields "My World" CD/LP is finally out. You can get it on our site, itunes, amazon, or a local music store near you. You can also stream the entire record at www.spinner.com. In the meantime, here's a message from Lee Fields about how the "My World" CD might to be the answer to our country's woes.

Lee Fields Mega Mix

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

New Podcast: Check out the Lee Fields Megamix mixed by Akalepse. A short, but sweet set of snippets from the "My World" record, hosted and "narrated" by Lee Fields himself. Record hits stores June 2nd. Download the podcast here.

My World Record Release Party

Mon, 25 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

If your in the NYC area on June 5th, please join us at the release party for the Lee Fields record, "My World", at Southpaw in Brooklyn. Dj Akalepse (T&S, Plain Jane), Young Chris (Big City), and Egon (Stones Throw) will be spinning in between live sets from the The Ghetto Brothers, Aloe Blacc, and Lee Fields & The Expressions. Doors 9:00 TICKETS $15.

Aloe Blacc vs. Lee Fields

Mon, 25 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

While in New York working on material for an upcoming album with Truth & Soul, Aloe Blacc took on the additional task of remixing of the title track off the upcoming Lee Fields & the Expressions album. The mp3 is being given with every purchase of the Lee record. Listen.

Sublime Soul

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

New Podcast: Double K from Parkdale Funk has donated a podcast to T&S, appropriatly titled, Sublime Soul. Sublime Soul is a 60 minute set of moody soul and funk. Go over to itunes to download the podcast.

Track listing:

Essence - Fever (Big Mack)
Doris & Kelly - You Don't Have To Worry (Brunswick)
Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 - For What It's Worth (A&M)
Larry "T-Bird" Gordon - Is It Because I'm Black (Movin')
Lloyd Hendriques - Nobody Cares For Me (Lloyds)
Santo and Eddy - I Never Felt So Lonely (Lads)
Marion Black - Listen Black Brother (Prix)
Yvonne Denis - Ain't No Sunshine (Showcase Inc.)
Joe Zawinul - The Soul Of A Village (Vortex)
4th Coming - Waterloo At Watergate (Alpha)
Saturday - Changes (Ru-Jac)
Hodges, James, Smith & Crawford - Nobody (Mpingo)
Betty Lavette - Ticket To The Moon (Karen)
The Lost Weekend - Trouble (U.S.A)

The Green Berets - Just An Ugly Rumor (Uni)

Lee Fields My World

Fri, 08 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

* PRE-ORDER -- record ships JUNE 2nd. Highly anticipated full-length offering from the legendary Lee Fields. T&S are ready to bring Lee to light with a brand new album of beat-heavy, deep soul ballads that will show soul-revivalists the world over what real soul is. As a Truth & Soul exclusive, all " My World" albums (CD & LP) come with an MP3 of Aloe Blacc's remix of "My World" entitled "Truth, Deception, & Lies".

Also, all LPs have a coupon for an mp3 download of the entire album.

For those of you in NYC, check out the record release party at Southpaw on June 5th.

*photo by Keith Sirchio

Aloe Blacc + Truth & Soul

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Truth & Soul have just finished a month long stint in the studio with Stones Throw recording artist, Aloe Blacc. The album will be released on Stones Throw later this year. As ST's label manager, Eothen Alapatt, said of the demos, "it sounds like Bill Wither’s darkest moments, with a splash of Bobby Womack’s whimsy and just a bit of R. Kelley". Here are a couple pictures from the sessions, courtesy of Keith Sirchio.

for more pics go to: http://stonesthrow.com/news/2009/03/aloe-blacc-and-truth-and-soul

Lee Fields MP3 Download

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Go over to the Stones Throw site to get a free download of the Lee Fields & The Expressions track "Ladies" off the new "My World" record, dropping June 2nd. Those of you in NYC, make sure to catch Lee Fields on Saturday the 26th at the 5 spot in Brooklyn.

Lee Fields is a bona-fide, 100%, unadulterated, pure, gut-bucket soul singer. His "legendary" status owes to his undeniably solid series of rare 7" singles (and one LP) recorded and released on his own independent labels in the 70s. Madlib recently jacked his “Flim Flam” drums for the TV on the Radio remix he produced. Now, the New York label/production team Truth & Soul currently in the studio with Aloe Blacc are ready to bring him to light with a brand new album of beat-heavy, deep soul ballads that will show soul-revivalists the world over what real soul is.

Recorded over four years, Lee Fields & The Expressions have successfully created a unique and personal sound that can hold court with the bands they set out to emulate. However, what they’ve created in the process goes beyond just a carbon copy of a sweet soul music from the 60's and early 70's. The formula has remained the same but the style has been adapted for the ears of youngsters whose experiences with soul began with Amy, not Al, Otis and Marvin. Thirty years of retrospection has colored this cross-generational melding of the minds. It sounds odd on paper, but the results are classic: hip hop-reared record collectors come full circle to produce an album of beautiful soul music with one of the progenitors who made it all possible.

Lee Fields Live in BKLYN

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Lee Fields will be performing at the 5 spot this saturday in Brooklyn, NY. He will be performing some of his hits that we've all grown to know and love. This is NOT a Lee Fields & The Expressions show. He will be performing with the Sweet Divines and The Divine Rhythm Section.

The Phenomenal Handclap Band

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Truth & Soul is proud to present the first release from The Phenomenal Handclap Band. The PHB's sound is an anthemic, dancefloor-oriented blend of progressive rock, disco, electro, and '60s soul with sprinklings of hip hop-styled orchestral breakbeats and moody, synth-heavy hooks. On first listen, we were blown away by this gem of a song. "Baby" manages to capture the soulful qualities of a Delfonics song while maintaining a sonically new and refreshing sound. The Phenomenal Handclap band will be releasing their first full-length later this year.

A little more about PHB: In the midst of popular electronic-based production teams such as Justice and DFA, Embassy Sound Productions (ESP) emerges with a fresh approach to dance-oriented rock and roll, using live instrumentation to evoke the intricate arrangements of Norman Whitfield, Quincy Jones, and Phil Spector as well as the pared down beats of contemporaries like The Neptunes and Danger Mouse.

ESP is Daniel Collás and Sean Marquand, two New York underground club DJs who became restless with the concept of playing other people's music. Having been involved with and disenchanted by the local rock and roll scene, they began to focus on producing. Their initial projects resuscitated the respective careers of two veteran soul acts (New York's Joe Bataan and Brazil's União Black) and garnered critical acclaim, leading Daniel & Sean to set their sights on The Phenomenal Handclap Band, a supergroup comprised of a "who's who" of the indie rock and underground soul scenes. Members of such diverse bands as TV on the Radio, L'Trimm, Calla, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Mooney Suzuki, and Sí Se all contribute their individual talents to the album.

Lee Fields Problems b/w Honey Dove

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700

We thought we'd give you one more taste of some classic Lee Fields material before we dropped Lee's brand new record in June. The Lee Fields songs "Problems" and "Honey Dove" from the "Problems" LP are presented as a 45rpm for the first time. "Problems" is a hard-hitting soul masterpiece that has been sampled by J Dilla for Phat Kat's song, "My Label". "Honey Dove" is a ballad off the "Problems" record that has since been re-worked for the upcoming album, "My World".

Enter The 37th Chamber...Coming Soon

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700

El Michels Affair's long awaited Wu-Tang cover record, "Enter The 37th Chamber" will be released on Fat Beats Records on April 21st.

Press Release: The world moves faster than ever these days, and even in the digital age, things can always be counted on to go in cycles. Despite all of the advances in computer recording technology, home studios, and electronic instruments, there is a flourishing interest in analog recording techniques and in recreating the mood and sound of vintage soul records. With one foot in the past but their eyes firmly set on the future, El Michels Affair are among the leaders of a resurgent funk & soul movement from New York City that’s sweeping both the music community and the charts.

Led by saxophonist/organist Leon Michels and producer/engineer Jeff Silverman, El Michels Affair began as a loose collaboration of session musicians (including members of top-selling acts Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, The Budos Band, and Antibalas) that looked to blend some of the vibrant quality of soundtrack records with the recording aesthetic of early reggae, and the rawness of 60’s rock–they called it ‘Cinematic Soul.’ This delicate balance was evident on their 2005 debut album Sounding Out the City, which earned critical acclaim and acted as the inaugural full-length release for Michels and Silverman’s burgeoning label Truth & Soul (also the moniker for the duo as a production team).

The buzz generated from the album and a series of moderately successful 7” vinyl singles from Truth & Soul led to an invitation by Toyota’s Scion division for El Michels Affair to accompany the rapper Raekwon of Wu-Tang Clan for a promotional concert. As avid Wu-Tang fans, not only were the band leaders thrilled with the opportunity, but Michels found that the ‘Cinematic Soul’ sound was consistent with the moods of RZA’s gritty soundscapes on the classic Wu-Tang releases. The concert was such as success, El Michels Affair went on to play several more concerts nationwide backing Raekwon and other members of the Clan, and the shows led to the recording of two smash 7” singles featuring instrumental reinterpretations of the Wu-Tang classic songs “C.R.E.A.M.” and “Bring Da Ruckus.” The singles combined to sell an extraordinary amount of over 7,000 units worldwide, and their success led to a contract in 2007 with indie hip-hop powerhouse Fat Beats Records to record an entire album of Wu-Tang Clan interpolations entitled Enter the 37th Chamber.

Since the contract was inked, a worldwide explosion of retro soul led by Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson, and Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings has transformed the pop music landscape, and the Truth & Soul production duo have been in strong demand, recording with everyone from breakthrough Grammy-winning artist Adele to punk rock innovator Iggy Pop. They’ve been commissioned for official remixes of Amy Winehouse and Dinah Washington (for the popular Verve Remixed series), and produced for Australian multi-platinum acts Jet and Gabriella Cilmi.

Despite the eclectic group of clients for the Truth & Soul production company, El Michels Affair continued to build an audience within the hip hop community. A track from Sounding out the City was sampled for Ghostface Killah’s 2007 track “Shakey Dog Lolita,” and a horn part written and performed by Michels (for Menahan Street Band) was famously lifted for Jay-Z’s smash single “Roc Boys.” Truth & Soul also worked in the studio on original productions with multi-platinum producer Just Blaze (T.I.’s “Live Your Life,” Jay-Z, Usher).

With their increasing presence behind the scenes in the industry, El Michels Affair looks to have their status as recording artists rise significantly in 2009. With the release of their finally-completed album Enter the 37th Chamber, they can finally step out of the shadows of the retro-soul trend and establish their status as one of the most exciting and versatile bands in modern recorded music.

Rockin Rob vs. Truth & Soul

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Check out the Youtube clip of lengendary DJ, Rockin Rob, cut doubles of the Quincy Bright EP followed by the Lee Fields 7" "My World", all while Bizmarkie cracks jokes in the background....classic!!!

Chinatown Wars

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Truth & Soul has a featured radio station on the newest Rockstar game, Chinatown Wars. So for anyone out there who are fans of Grand Theft Auto and T&S, you're in luck. Not to mention Alchemist, Oh No, and Victor Axelrod a.k.a Ticklah, also have stations of their own. The Truth & Soul station features instrumentals from Cosmic Force, El Michels Affair, Bronx River Parkway, The Expressions, & more.

A Tribute to Isaac Hayes

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

One of the greats has passed and Truth & Soul has compiled a digital EP of Isaac Hayes covers to pay tribute to one of the most talented and innovative songwriters of the twentieth century. One of the creative forces behind Stax Records, Isaac Hayes has left behind a body of work that includes legendary film score, Shaft, classic albums such as Black Moses and Hot Buttered Soul, to name a few.

The EP features versions from El Michels Affair. The release is available digitally at Itunes, Rhapsody, Napster, Emusic, and other digital music stores. 12" single coming soon!!

Oculus Velocitas

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Romon Yang, a.k.a Rostarr, the man responsible for much of the art featured on Truth & Soul's releases, is having a solo show in Genoa, Italy called Oculus Velocitas. The show opens the 7th of March at a spot called Galleria II Trifogolio Nero. If you happen to be out there, we highly recommend checking it out. Keep posted for pics of the event.

Lee Fields on Facebook

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Follow Lee Fields & The Expressions on Facebook. Prepare yourselves for the June 2nd release of Lee Fields & The Expressions LP "My World" and keep updated on release dates, shows, special give aways, and all things Lee Fields. You can also join the facebook group Lee Fields & The Expressions.

The Cassette Chronicles vol.2

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

A couple of years ago there was a show on WKCR called "Across 110th street" hosted by the stations program director, Brian Linde. Jeff Silverman a.k.a Jeff Dynamite, so-owner of T&S and lengendary record collector, kept cassettes from all the shows he guested on. This is the second installment from the Cassette Chronicles. Download podcast.

African Music Today

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Truth & Soul presents it's first collection of rare and unreleased African funk and afrobeat gems that have never seen the light of day until now. Spearheaded four years ago by wolrd famous record collector, Phillip Lehman, African Music Today Vol.1 compiles some of the nastiest afro grooves know to the universe... This is a digital-only release. Click here for ITUNES link.

Free T&S Sampler on Emusic

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

For a limited time, Emusic and Truth & Soul are offering a free sampler that includes various tracks from the T&S catalogue. From El Michels Affair to Lee Fields, Bronx River Parkway to Quincy Bright, there is something for everyone, and the best part is....it's free!!! Pass the link along to your friends and family and spread the love. Go here to download all 12 tracks.

Lee Fields On Myspace

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Follow Lee Fields & The Expressions on Myspace and get ready for the May 09' release of their first full-length LP.

The Cassette Chronicles

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800

A couple of years ago there was a show on WKCR called "Across 110th street" hosted by the stations program director, Brian Linde (hit us up if your out there!!!). Jeff Dynamite, label owner of T&S and lengendary record collector, kept cassettes from all the shows he guested on. This is the first installment from the Cassette Chronicles. Download podcast.

Enter The 37th Chamber

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800

After two years of getting sidetracked, El Michels Affair has finally finished their long awaited full-length of music inspired by The Wu-Tang Clan....and it's gooodd!!! The record will be released by Fat Beats so keep posted for updates on when the LP will officially hit stores. Here is a very small taste of what is to come....

T&S on Twitter

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0800

T&S has found a brand new way to procrastinate and waste time!!! Follow Truth & Soul at www.twitter.com/truth_and_soul for exclusive studio updates and downloads.

My Ghetto Looks Like This Vol 2

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Coming Soon!!! Quincy Bright is back for the second time and delivers another gem of a record. After the success of "My Ghetto Looks Likes This" vol.1, Quincy compiled another EP of skits and beats to please and appease the many that have been following his music.

Presented as a 7" at 33rpm with a full-color picture sleeve, "My Ghetto Looks Like This vol.2", is a personal look into the enigmatic mind of Quincy Bright. The record will be available in early January so keep posted for updates.

Presenting The Olympians

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Toby Pazner, long time keyboard/vibe player on many T&S releases, has come into his own and delivered a sweet little 45 under the band name, The Olympians. The 45 represents Pazner's musical aesthetic and features El Michels on horns, members of the Menahan Street Band, and The Expressions.

Recorded in his bedroom, The Olympians give us that gritty yet sweet sound that only comes from NY. Pazner has been hard at work cranking out a plethora of goodness so keep posted for updates. Available in early January !!

Rubicon Sun Chapter 2

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Korea loves Truth & Soul

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

For our friends in Korea, DJ Soul Scape wrote a profile on T&S for Korean Marie Claire. check out the full article here. Also, keep posted for an uncoming Truth & Soul podcast of rare Korean soul & funk from Korea's #1 crate digger, DJ Soul Scape.

Truth & Soul T-shirts

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

We've re-printed the Truth & Soul 3-D logo shirts in red and black and have also printed a limited run of Cosmic Force and US Funk Team shirts. Both are available through our store. More shirts on the way...

Moon Rock

Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

A new podcast from Truth & Soul's very own, Jeff Dynamite. Moon Rock is a sixty minute mix of psyched out soul-jazz, high school funk records, and some of the heaviest funk/soul 45s around.....download it here.

1. Intro

2. Finnish Big Band - Ufology

3. String Beat - Na Opak

4. Certain Lions & Tigers - El Soul Condor

5. The Duquesne University Jazz Ensemble - Virgo

6. Aposento Alto - He's Coming

7. B.J.R.E. - Kool and the Gang

8. Interlude

9. The Lightmen Plus One - The Wench

10. Keith Mansfield - Incidental Blackcloth No. 1

11. Junior Parker - Taxman

12. Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - War

13. Shorty & The Junior Kools - Jamming With Shorty Pt. II

14. Wilson Harris - Smoking So Hard It's Right Funky

15. The Leaders - It's A Rat Race (Vocal)

16. The JB's

17. Joe and Peggy Scott - We Were Meant For Each Other

18. Interlude

19. Eunice Collins - At The Hotel

20. Outro

Rubicon Sun

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Artist/Hip-Hop pioneer Doze Green and San Francisco DJ, Romanowski, have teamed up to create a flawless mix entitled Rubicon Sun. Rubicon Sun is a 60 minute odyssey through the enigmatic minds of Doze and Romanowski. An impeccable selection of songs mixed with sound effects and accapellas work together to create a single composition. Download Chapter 1 here. Chapters 2 through 4 coming soon...

Wreckless Abandon

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

For those of you in Miami, artist Romon Yang a.k.a Rostarr, who has designed many of the covers for T&S, will be having a retrospective gallery show on October 11th at O.H.W.O.W. / 3100 NW 7 AVENUE / MIAMI / FLORIDA . Truth & Soul DJs El Michels and Jeff Dynamite will be spinning during the event. UPDATE: CLICK HERE FOR PICS OF THE EVENT

Early on in the 1990s, Rostarr broke through the New York City art scene with his signature trademarks, a guerrilla type of digital art and hand-made graphics. As he evolved from making iconography and logos his need for creative expressiveness led him to engage painting as a new medium with passionate energy. Now a soloist, Yang is evermore a Renaissance-man who has often executed a series of works in several media. Yet, his moving image output doesn't stop there, with a recent screening of the video, Kill the Ego - an audio-visual collaboration with photographer and artist Stephan Crasneanscki at the Centre Pompidou in France, he begins to explore and experiment with new paths in the realm of video art. Even more so, Rostarr continues to surprise us as he removes his newly acquired and validated filmmaker's cap and easily trades it once again for a French artist's beret during a very recent visit to the Nam June Paik Art Center for a massive painting installation. This is reckless abandonment in action.

Indeed, the show, Wreckless Abandon, demonstrates the imaginative ways in which Rostarr has reached across his design output and known creative persona to re-invent his art and himself today. His work here breaks with not just dualities and dichotomies as usual, but transcends as the works embody the creative free spirit needed to surpass resistance of any kind. Rostarr manages to cross the bridge because his visual harmonies are geometrical lines undefined by formulaic patterns. Certainly, this exhibition is not post-graffiti, it's just Rostarr, it's anti-anxiety, call it organic harmonies of the self in re-discovery. My strongest suggestion is this; choose your own title for the show. Walk away with a unique interpretation, juxtapose two dynamic words together or think of one word that has all the meaning you can put into it and that's the show - for you or maybe not.

Ghetto Brothers Reunion Show

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Mark your calanders for Sat Oct 4th!! The Ghetto Brothers have reunited and are playing one night only at The Lucky Cat in Williamsburg. they will be playing cuts from their classic LP "Power Fuerza" as well as new originals. The doors open at 8:00 and the admission is $7. Truth & Soul DJs El Michels and Jeff Dynamite will be spinning in between sets. Lucky Cat is located at 245 grand street. Take the L to Bedford or Lorimer and it's just a few blocks away. UPDATE: CHECK OUT PICS FROM THE SHOW.

If your not familiar with The Ghetto Brothers, here is a quick rundown: The Ghetto Brothers were a gang founded in New York City's South Bronx in the late 1960s. They eventually spread to much of the Northeastern United States. Like the Young Lords, they were involved in Puerto Rican nationalism, including, in the case of the Ghetto Brothers, an association with the then-new Puerto Rican Socialist Party. Ghetto Brothers founder Benjamin Melendez, who left the organization in 1976, was also known as a guitarist. He led a band, also known as the Ghetto Brothers, which included his late brother Victor Melendez on drums. They released one album in 1972, which had only informal, local distribution. Inspired heavily by the Beatles, and nu-yorican soul music, The Ghetto Brothers created a fresh and unique sound that was the perfect mix of the musical and politcal influences that sorrounded their very specific environment.

Cosmic Force 12 feat. Kenny Dope

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

There is a fine line between disco that is tasteless and tough as nails, and no other group walks that tightrope better than NY's premier disco band, Cosmic Force. With their third release to date, Cosmic Force delivers the pinnacle of what hard-hitting, no-frills disco can be.

Ghetto Down is a five minute odyssey complete with all bells and whistles that makes disco great. Wah-wah guitar, congas, drums breaks, hand claps, relentless horns, and moog keyboard all work together in perfect harmony. Trinidad Bump, which has been mixed by dance music aficionado, Dimitri From Paris, is more of the same but with a more melancholy feeling. Side Two features a long and short edit of Ghetto Down remixed by the godfather of dance music, Kenny Dope.

*Go over to turntable lab to get a copy of the record autographed by Chris Mendoza, the artist responsible for the cover. LIMITED!!!

Bronx River Parkway San Sebastian 152

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Truth & Soul, in conjunction with Candela Records present the first full-length from New York’s premier latin-soul band, Bronx River Parkway. With their first LP, “San Sebastian 152”, BRP delivers an exceptional and completely fresh take on music inspired by groups like The Lebron Brothers, Apollo Sound, and Ocho.

In 2005, Pablo Rodriguez, of Candela Records, and Rostarr had a vision of merging the raw, soulful aesthetic of TRUTH & SOUL with the distinct, traditional musical vocabulary of Puerto Rico. The way to see this vision though was to team NY latin/soul outfit, Bronx River Parkway, with a crew of legendary Puerto Rican musicians, some of which have graced the stage with such legends as Roberta Roena, Cortijo, Tito Puente, and Ismael Riviera to name a few. BRP and a team of TRUTH & SOUL associates were flown to San Juan, PR in February of 2006 for eight days. What came of the trip was a unique and inspired mix of the varying musical genres that have influenced both BRP and all the musicians involved.

*Now available on: Itunes Emusic Napster Amazon TTL Dusty Groove & more.

From Deathbowl to Downtown

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

A new skate film directed by Rick & Buddy and narrated by Chloe Sevigny is the first to explore skateboarding’s urban history in Manhattan. Tracing "skating's epochal shift from the parks and pools of the 70's, to ramp skating in the 80's, to the street ascendancy of the 1990's as seen from a New York-centric perspective," it includes footage and interviews with pioneers from the past and those still grinding today.

Truth & Soul contributed a couple of songs to the soundtrack along with the Beastie Boys, & others. The movie is screening at select theaters around the country and has a commercial release this fall. Go to www.deathbowltodowntown.com for more information.

Mikal Hameed Gallery

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The artist who designed the chair for the Verve's Remixed 4 album is a good friend of TRUTH & SOUL as well as our neighbor. Most of his sculptures incorporate speakers, turntables, and all things stereophonic. He also just finished the cover for Verve's Christmas record, which features a snow mobile sound system complete with Serato....King Tubby would be proud. Visit his blog for more information.

Truth & Soul Remix Dinah Washington

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Check out the Truth & Soul remix of Dinah Washington's version of "Cry Me A River" on Verve Remixed 4. A 12" EP has also just been released which features Truth & Soul's "Cry Me A River", Diplo's "California Soul", Kenny Dope's remix of 'There Was A Time", and a remix of the Nina Simone's song, "Gimme Some", by Mike Mangini.

Truth & Soul Remix Gabriella Cilmi

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

UK/Australian pop sensation Gabriella Cilmi asked for the T&S treatment and we couldn't resist. Her Patsy Cline-esque single, "Sweet About Me" which dominated the Uk charts for a couple weeks got flipped into a stoned-out, dirge from the guys at T&S. Somewhere between "House of The Rising Sun" and a funeral march, Truth & Soul found a happy home for Gabriella Cilmi. You can find the remix on the "Sweet About Me" itunes EP. Check it out here.