Rudoo is a séance, willing D’Angelo to give the people what they want. And our job is to play it regularly for D’Angelo to feel our collective spiritual energy while we play it, and he walk his arse to the studio! It has been 11 years since the release of his sophomore album, Voodoo, and was a stark contrast in approach to his debut release Brown Sugar. To compare the two albums, Brown Sugar was a composition of great individual songs, while Voodoo was a vibe, a feeling, a way of life that D’Angelo was delivering. I say the same thing about Erykah Badu‘s Mamas Gun — pouring of the soul into a project. How can we not miss D’Angelo?!

Daru Jones, clearly is feeling what we all feel, and has reinterpreted Voodoo, by giving it heavier basslines and percussive beats, making it funkier than ever before. In some places while listening to it, the thought of J Dilla nodding in approval at Rudoo enters my brain. Daru Jones turns something that is a soulful vibe and brushes it with cadences of hip hop. I’m digging this. Check out a couple of tracks below, and as a courtesy from Rusic Records, you can get a free download of Rudoo at this LINK.

Left & Right (Future-Funk ’11)

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One Mo’ Yea Beat

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Daru Jones, Brooklyn-based drummer and producer, has started a new monthly project, entitled RUSIC. His mission for the project is, “to challenge myself by releasing one RUSIC project per month, to showcase indie artists in coordination with the RUSIC sound. Each project has a different theme in order to showcase my diversity, and convey a message, regardless of the form or genre.”

Starting with one of my favourite Swedish alternative soul singers Kissey Asplund, is no surprise. When producers hear Kissey on record, they seek her out and put her on a track or two, or as in this case, six. She has this sweet tonality, an inventive delivery, which gives her diversity and sets her apart from others. Daru being a killer on the drums, provides his signature hard slaps, coupled with Kissey applying additional sugar to the beat; this is such a great collaboration. Can’t wait for the next RUSIC!

Check out “Sweetest Day” below and head over to Daru‘s Bandcamp page for the free download. And remember, don’t be a hoard; share the wealth with your friends!

Although a bold statement from Black Milk, it’s okay for him to unleash his inner Kanye arrogance with Album of the Year 2010, as he’s an artist who can cause one to overdose on his music! Below is the first taste from the album, the single “Keep Going” featuring the keyboards skills and background vocals of Aaron “AB” Abernathy and hard hitting drums by Daru Jones. An infectious head nod. The album is set to release during the summer of 2010, and below is a taste of what’s to come. A holiday gift from Black Milk to us; enjoy the free download.

“Keep Going” by Black Milk feat. AB and Daru Jones

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Thanks to Moovmnt.com for the heads up!