Have a mix for you from the decks of Joshua Abrams. Without having done the math, I’d say it’s about 95% Brazilian music. Many of the tracks have their origins (if not their outright creation) in Northern Brazil where the Brazil’s African roots are most exposed.

I often attempt to write up a little biography for the contributors to Bird & Whale to give some context for the selections of the DJs. Of all the DJs represented on Bird & Whale, Josh’s musical career is definitely one of the most difficult to encapsulate. He’s a constant in the Improvised/Jazz scene around Chicago, but he performs internationally frequently as well. In addition to Jazz, his own musical output also encompasses Hip Hop, Electronic music, Minimalism, Rock, etc. It’s a exercise in futility to try and pull Josh’s musical scope under those genre umbrellas that one tends to resort to when trying to describe music. Suffice to say I am delighted to have him represented on Bird & Whale and hope you enjoy his picks.

So my big news is I was invited to do a guest DJ spot on WBEZ’s Radio M hosted by Tony Sarabia. I’m so excited! I’ve never deejayed on the radio, so please wish me luck. Radio M is an international music program that “explores world cultures and people through music and sounds”. For those of you who don’t live in Chicago you can listen via the internet at http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/ and click the big “Listen Now” button at the top of the page. It’s going to be on January 23rd at 9pm CST. I’d really be honored if you listened in.

Josh Abrams – Eu Sei

Count Ossie and the Mystic Revelation of Rastafari – The Warm Up
Music of the Upper Xingu – Taquara Clarinets
Banda dos Pifanos de Caruaru – Esquenta Mulher
Beija-Flor e Treme-Terra – Repente Alagoano
Luiz Gonzaga – Baiao da Garoa
Jackson Do Pandeiro – Sebastiana
Hermeto Pascoal – Bebe
Gilberto Gil – Pe da Roseira
O Terco – Adormeceu
Gal Costa – De um Role
Lo Borges – Homen da Rua
Tamba – Reflexes
Cordao de Ouro – iuna
Maria Ingold – Ni Una Brisa
Justi Barrotas y Sus Santeros – Ergun
Renato e Seus Blue Caps – Menina Feia
Quinteto Violado – Asa Branca