Did you know I have two radio shows?
PERSONAL JAMS
BROOKLYN | MARCH 2024
Well…
Some of you may know that I have 2 radio shows. Some of you may not. One night at a cool comedy show in NYC someone told me I should always lead with that information.
I don’t ever do it.
But I do feel it’s newsletter-appropriate.
Made In China has existed since 2015. Its home is on TSF Jazz (a national French FM station) A weekly show where I would start with one voice - because the voice is the first instrument - and explore musical connections, similarities and collaborations. Just recently it has transformed into a monthly magazine.
I would like to point you to the incredible archive right here (oui oui vous allez travailler un peu votre francais!)
Late Night China Moses on Jazz Fm in the UK airs Mondays through Thursdays at 10PM. I have been part of the Jazz FM family since 2018. You can tune in/listen back from anywhere in the world on your computer by clicking the link right here or by downloading the app.
Every week I highlight an artist and a feature track. And every week you can find the playlists on my IG
(you may have to add a UK zipcode like SW82XD - but I didn’t tell you)
Not bragging but… it is kinda cool. Can the 14-year-old in me be proud of herself for a second?
My first taste of the beauty and the intimacy of radio had to be around 16 years old, when I would hang in Paris at Radio Nova with the prominent Hip Hop DJ Clyde and his crew for the Hypnotik DJ Show.
At the time, I was just admiring DJing as an art form; I also was a frustrated rapper. I would always grab the mic at parties and then instead of rapping, just start singing. I know there is an alternate universe where I am a seasoned lyricist. Women were rare in the French Hip Hop scene. (It has gotten better, but let’s not pop the champagne just yet.) I started out as a background singer at 14 years old for B. Love:
From the first French Hip Hop compilation 1992 ‘Rapatittude 2’
The French audience was absolutely not prepared for a black woman rapping about “Lucy” but to be mentored by her was a great first step towards the career I didn’t even know I was going to have.
Also, I now know that it also fostered my innate trust of sisterhood within the arts. More Hip Hop adventures followed.
I then moved from radio to TV presenting and ended up on MTV, but that is another story for another time…
Late Night China Moses track of the week
I want to share some of the tracks that I have featured. I am obsessed with every artist here for different reasons. And I could write about it at length but truthfully let’s establish a basic understanding here:
THESE ARE MY PERSONAL JAMS & maybe they can be yours…
Here are all of the tracks featured in 2023
Bokanté – Pa Domi Musical brainchild of Malika Tirolien & Michael League. A blues in creole. Yes! I am here for it. And by the way is there anything Malika can’t do? She just release a children’s book. You can find it here.
Chief Adjuah – Blood Calls Blood The record “Bark Out Thunder Roar Out Lighting” is an instant classic. That’s it. Don’t @ me It’s frickin’ brilliant.
Jalen Baker – Jinrikisha Vibraphonist representing Houston. Sophomore album “Be Still” produced by Jeremy Pelt. I have always loved this Joe Henderson melody.
Say She She – Forget Me Not Take me directly to the dancefloor. The latest album “Silver” recorded straight to tape is superbly “modernretroesque”.
Turnstile x Badbadnotgood x Blood Orange – Alien Love Call Ok I am gonna admit it: Didn’t know Turnstile before this. I am now in love with them.
Jason Moran, Marcus Gilmore, BlankFor.ms - Inward, Curve Jason Moran & Marcus Gilmore on their minimalistic analogue electronica plane with the hyper-creative BlankFor.ms? Yes, please!
Cherise - 2 Steppin’ If this doesn’t get you movin’. I don’t know what to do for you. This is some elegant sassiness.
If I keep writing this is gonna be one long list. Apologies to all people who dislike Spotify. I have been promising myself to move this all over to YouTube. Or to even do a full mix for Jazz Adjacent and time has gotten the best of me.
Speaking of Jazz Adjacent.
It officially will air 1st Sundays of every month! I am super grateful to be part of The BoAt Pod family.
The next one is April 7th!
I have started this letter to let you know about the artists & sounds that my ears have fallen in love with. (And to also, every once in a while, share on my artistic journey.) As I like to say music is love so we gotta keep on sharing the love!
Hope your family & loved ones are doing well…
-cm
#singerontheroad
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