Suite For Ma Dukes

Artists

Album Info

Release Date: 2009-02-03

Label: Mochilla

Fall In Love and Find A Way, Recorded by at Bomb Shelter, Los Angeles
Nag Champa, Recorded by Carlos Niño at 1988 Landa, Echo Park

Production Notes 1:

The version of Nag Champa that appears on the Suite For Ma Dukes EP was written and recorded in January, 2007, to Common’s original vocal mix that was released on his LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE CD. It is the only track on the Suite For Ma Duke EP that can be played, in synch with the original version, as if it were a part of it. The first mix that we made was distributed to friends and DJs via the internet on February 7, 2007 to celebrate Dilla’s Birthday, and was included on a compilation called FROM L.A. WITH LOVE (ArtDontSleep/Milan) later that year. In the process of mixing the Suite For Ma Dukes EP, we revisited Nag Champa and came up with this new version. It’s the same recording, with different panning, EQ, reverb and compression, a slightly different edit, and the omission of the bell tree.

For Antiquity, Fall In Love and Find A Way, Miguel had the idea to write some basic charts for a rhythm section and record jams in the key and feel of the songs that they were to become. He wrote extensively to all the sections that he chose from the rhythm sessions, and later, he figured out the order that they would be arranged in. It was a very interesting process that brought about a wonderful result. We hope you agree!

On February, 7, 2008 we sent out the first mix of Find A Way. It was Miguel’s original vision for the piece, full with rhythm section, and though it was quite intense to mix, we still managed to send it out in time for Dilla’s Birthday! The version of Find A Way that was included on the Suite For Ma Dukes EP is an edit of that first mix, with no rhythm tracks, and several full sections taken out. It’s important to mention this, because it is our intention to create a wide variety of pieces for this project. Some might turn out to be just rhythm section, while others may be vocal choirs, some may be synched to the original tracks and some my not, some may include all of the above with full orchestra, who knows? We’re wide open to where the spirit takes us, and we’re planning on trying lots of different things in the future.

It is also important to note that there was a very mystical and musical rain that came through on the bassoon tracks for Antiquity. When we heard the rain, hitting the sky light of the main live room at Bomb Shelter, we were immediately drawn to it! Miguel commented, that it was Dilla, and we all agreed. When we played the music for Dilla’s mom Ma Dukes, and brought the rain to her attention, she also agreed that it was him. If you listen closely, you’ll hear it in the track!

Carlos Niño Friday, February 6, 2009