the round-up w/deon jamar

Culture is the product of history just as the flower is the product of a plant.

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the round-up

by Deon Jamar
This week’s in-depth feature is a music round-up from Detroit-born-and-raised DJ & Selector, Deon Jamar, just in time for the Movement Electronic Music Festival in Detroit, the birthplace of Techno.

Last year at the Underground & Black party, I played this cut called “My Beat” by Blaze; That was a special moment. To me that part and this whole song sums up what attracted me to this music and what it really is for us. Hear what we says in this clip: “a rhythm with spiritual appeal… expressions of freedom from descendants of slaves/God gives us strength/for new horizons we must be brave.”

*Watch the clip below ↓
“a rhythm with spiritual appeal, expressions of freedom from descendants of slaves/ God gives us the strength/ for new horizons we must brave..”
 
To me, dancing is the ultimate expression of freedom. I HAD TO bring that cut to the UNDERGROUND & BLACK party…but I wasn’t hell-bent on playing it, just like all of the (way too many) records I bring in my bag. I bring all of them with the hope that the musical context will call for it to be played. The moment for sure called for it.
 
I remember playing “My Beat” after this song by Ron Trent called “Sometimes I Feel Like…” where the singer finishes that line with “getting down” (Sometimes I Feel Like Gettin Down)….’nuff said.
 
Shoutout to Ash Lauryn for creating the space to bring these moments to fruition! 
 
To me, dancing is the ultimate expression of freedom. I HAD TO bring that cut to the UNDERGROUND & BLACK party…but I wasn’t hell-bent on playing it, just like all of the (way too many) records I bring in my bag. I bring all of them with the hope that the musical context will call for it to be played. The moment for sure called for it.
 
I remember playing “My Beat” after this song by Ron Trent called “Sometimes I Feel Like…” where the singer finishes that line with “getting down” (Sometimes I Feel Like Gettin Down)….’nuff said.
 
Shoutout to Ash Lauryn for creating the space to bring these moments to fruition! 
 
Records that Dropped May ’23:
 
This is the deluxe edition of Kesswa’s debut EP. 
 
Originally this album came out in 2019.  A special performance of this album took place at Submerge (home of the Techno Museum) in Feb 2020. I actually played the afterparty which was at another venue called Spread Art. This would end up being one of the last functions I played before COVID hit. During quarantine, I had this album on repeat!
 
This deluxe edition includes all the songs from the original release and a newer song called “WAV”. Also includes some dancefloor ready remixes with production from Kesswa and Joey 2lanes. What makes this album special for me is I remember Kes speaking about the intention she wanted to put into her music before it was even recorded. Before people even knew she was a singer/producer she cultivated her sound and image to be exactly what it is. Dynamic black futurism is what it gives and that’s what she intended. I have alot of respect for her ability to conceptualize how she wanted us, the listeners/viewers to feel from her work. From modeling, film work, and her music she showcases those intentions. I really appreciate how dynamic her work is and it gives light to what art from Detroit was, is, & will continue to be. 
 
My favorite song off this album is “Open (Reprise)”.
 
Respect to Kes! + shoutout to Shigeto for getting behind this release and pressing on wax!
This is Ian’s second vinyl release on his own imprint, “Freak Press”.
 
Originally released in May 2019 on a white label. This record was on sale last night where he held his first Freak Press party at Marble Bar. It was essentially a larger demonstration of his weekly gig he had at Motor City Wine called “Duality”. Ian would be on keys / synth bass and accompanied by a drummer (typically Alex White or Amir Edwards). Appearances from vocalists Suprcoolwicked & SALAKASTAR would happen often. More young musicians like Allen Dennard, Rafael Statin, & Marcus Elliot would sit in with Ian as well. That night was huge in exposing our generation to jazz in a modern context.
 
Duality was one of the most important events for us in bridging musical gaps the industry tries to have. It showed that the same people who enjoy hip-hop & dance to house music are actually the same people who enjoy Herbie Hancock. They made sure of it by playing “Butterfly” damn near every week!
 
Respect to Ian for all his contributions to us and continuing the legacy of Detroit music in its many forms. 
 
“Black Iz” is my favorite song off Secrets Vol.1 

Deon Jamar’s Movement Weekend schedule is as follows:

  • Friday 2905 Beaufait patio 8PM
  • Saturday Underground and Black b2b w/ Omar Meftah 6PM
  • Memorial Day (Monday) Marble Bar patio 1PM
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