Breakestra – Live Mix 1
CATALOG: RARE-102-VLP
RELEASE DATE: 2020
Live Mix Part 1 is the raw, unfiltered product of the band, Breakestra, playing with the intersection of hip-hop, rare groove and live improvisation in real time. Originally released in 1999 on CD only, this record perfectly captures a band playing with a distinct style and street-smart sincerity that was integral in defining a whole scene of music. Molded from musician Miles Tackett’s desire to create a live band with a DJ’s mindset, Breakestra was created by a revolving group of musicians, MCs and DJs who explored hip-hop’s canon of vinyl samples through live improvisation and collaboration on stage. With great musical taste, a nonchalant attitude and stone-cold playing, Breakestra would become one of the cornerstones of an L.A. scene that defined an era.
Included on this Rare Sounds reissue is the bonus track “No Matter Where You Go.” Recorded in 2008, the track is a boisterous oral history of the Funk & Soul Revival across the world. A globe-trotting journey experienced first-hand by Breakestra that linked them with bands doing similar things, like The New Mastersounds and The Poets of Rhythm and Osaka Monaurail.
Miles Tackett (vocals, bass, production), Dan Ubick (guitars), Carlos Guaico (organ, Fender Rhodes), Josh Cohen (drums), Geoff Gallegos (saxophones, flute), Todd Simon (trumpet) & Davey Chegwidden (percussion).