We got the Funk (1)

Greetings to all of you,

before anything else, let me tell you this: London is the bomb!
Trying to catch as much of the flow and vibe of this city as possible I feel like I have to pilgrimage to every borough just to taste the very special flavor of each. Living in the young neighborhood of Islington every other borough that matters is within walking distance –meaning almost all!


And since I will somehow need to say goodbye to sweet, (oh) sweet life as of tomorrow (classes are already knocking on my door and the pile of reading material is getting insuperably high…) I must be quick in finding all the spots I will take those of you who are going to come over. Having said that, today was a decisive day in that sense because France, Italy, Israel and I have jointly been pounding the streets of London Town. When planning your trip, please make sure you will have a Sunday here for all the great markets that are taking place then. It is definitely a must-do!!
And don’t you even start thinking these are markets where people try selling apples and peaches…No, no…not at all! These are places, which I might rather compare to exhibitions of clothes, music (Gosh…I found my musical Mecca in just one of them), food, and any other fancy, stylish items you can think of. Really – it was quite breathtaking.
And all of this is accompanied by the original sound of funky soul-music, remember the beat of the 70s (being a kid of the 80s, I don’t…but why should that matter, once you feel the vibe?!)?! Didn’t we all think we lost the authentic funky soul-music of that time? Well, I am proud to tell you that your fears have become groundless – anyhow, hang onto me and I will take you there!

Of course I was also busy composing a program for the night and let me assure you that there is way too much to choose from - I truly need some sort of guidance- , but Guanabara is certainly a wonderful place if you like funky Samba beats accompanied by live Drum & Base tunes. The live flute, saxophone, percussions and vocals added a special, spicy flavor that one night. I didn’t see anybody standing still…

What else? Well, no one less than THE ROOTS are on in early December!!! YES!!! Can’t wait for that one. Anybody cares for De La Soul, Floetry, and all the others that will be playing in the famous Jazz Café in Camden Town?! If so, let me know or just meet me there.

I felt blessed when finding out that my entire apartment, but particularly my French buddy next-door has an exquisite taste for music –perfectly compatible with mine.

OK, got to run: France is making Lasagna – sorry, I meant I MUST get back to the books!! Honestly!