My chef d’oeuvre. Or at least the building I’m most proud of up until now.  It’s a building that connects a parking with a recreational domain that lies more than 10 metres below. It combines stairs  with a big lift for disabled people. Special features of the place where it is built, is that the domain is in a former clay pit (for making building bricks) which has been partially filled up with plaster.  The slope in which my construction is integrated is mostly made out of plaster. That’s a problem for the stability of the whole and the drainage of water. And it gave the impression I was building at the white cliffs of Dover.

Formally it’s very functional and minimal. The stairs follow the slope, the lift has an entrance where the slope begins, seen from the highest point, and it second entrance, on the lower level, can be reached through a little tunnel. This is because I wanted to have a minimal impact on the slope and the rest of the surroundings. Materials are concrete for almost everything constructional. The stairs are kept in this brutal concrete. The lift has an Corten steel surface (it rusts but it stabilises itself after a while, like aluminium, so it doesn’t get desintegrated). This as a reminder of the lost and abandoned brick industry omnipresent in the area. The area being Boom, a city along the Rupel river between Mechelen en Antwerp.

The domain where this is at is called “De Schorre”. Some might know this of festivals like Mano Mundo or Tomorrowland. I’ve seen of pictures of that last festival that they have built a play garden around my construction which makes my sense of beauty revolt not just a little. A shame.

This is a small construction completely made out of wood. Totally ecologically correct with truly everything possible constructed with FSC-labelled wood? Even the roof is made out of wood. Its function is to serve as a little bar for the play garden and terrace when the weather’s good. It’s situated in “Het Peerdsbos”, a recreation and sports centre in Brasschaat. So, like a lot of great architects I’ve built something in that posh city. In the neighbourhood you’ll be able to find some ace Interbellum houses in Art Deco or Modernist style.

The aesthetics of my little building are influenced by the play garden beside it. It had to be incorporated in the ensemble. Still managed to make something that isn’t kitsch out of it. If I may say so myself. The ecological and aesthetic going together and being able to do something beyond expectations (the wooden roof and hexagonal form) makes this something which I’m very proud of. If you could have seen the first plans the users made for this, there was a good chance it wouldn’t have been more than a common DIY garden shed.

Verkeerdelijk aangekondigd voor verleden week. Sorry voor wie Els Pinoo moest aanhoren. We betalen jullie sessies bij de psy terug. Traumatische shit. Maar nu voor ’t echt dus. Blocnotes in session bij Lefto in De Hop. Van de haak.

Gave a hint about this a couple of posts ago. There’s a new bar opening in Brussels this Saturday. Well, actually it’s an old bar reopening some weeks before its grand opening with a change of name and everything.

But for now, the Level Bar, Place du Châtelain 33 in Ixelles will be open from Saturday on. It’s a nice little bar with a stylish interior and promising looking setup in a trendy part of Brussels. It’s got a lot of potential. And maybe it’s a chance to add some Soul to the Brussels nightlife. We’ll see about that later.

For now let’s make the reopening something funky. So we can let the owners know that stylish & funky is the way to go instead of the played out electro-chique or lame mainstream R ‘n B. You’re all welcome to come and check out the place. This Saturday, March 31st, from 18h until late. Behind the decks you’ll find myself, BLA, alongside Philippe Harvengt. Hope to see y’all.

Like I said yesterday I’m going to let you discover my oeuvre as an architect. It has not much to do with Onda Sonora but I don’t plan to starting a blog especially for this. So here’s my second realisation as an architect.

The first true architectural one. Something that is built. What’s more, it’s my one and only works as an engineer because I made all the needed stability calculations for this myself. It’s an extension to a hangar. My part is that with the see-through roof, in the middle/right of the Google Earth picture. It’s minimal and functionalism to the extreme but I’m quite proud of it. As a first it has its esthetical merits and it was really satisfying getting my own personal vision and plans for it constructed. And I’m very proud it still stands up.

This building is situated in Puurs, somewhere in between Brussels and Antwerp

Couleur Café ___ 29 & 30/06 – 01/07 The Roots as only name which makes me interested up until now. And they didn’t live up to my expectations a couple of months ago in the AB.

Blue Note Festival ___ 6/07 - 17/07 Cinematic Orchestra (Hoorah!!), DJ Shadow, DJ Maestro, Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint, Archie Shepp and dj Wikke’s dad Mark Van Den Hoof among others.

Dour ___ 12/07 – 17/07 DJ Mehdi, DJ Shadow, Talib Kweli, Lots of Reggae, Skream, Stones Throw Records feat. Peanut Butter Wolf, J-Rocc, Percee P, Aloe Blacc, Guilty Simpson Cinematic Orchestra, Wu-Tang Clan, KRS-One and lots of crap Dance Music

10DaysOff ___ 13/07 – 23/07 First names announced in April

Have been checking out the mighty Google Earth thanks to the Belgeoblog. Took me little time to go checking if my works as an architect are still standing up. Will round them up one of these days.

As a starter here’s my first act as a professional architect.It’s the writing on the roof of this Antwerp landmark. I was working for that local government when this was done. Not really spectacular nor has it much value from an artistical / Architectural point of view. But I’m sure everyone of you will think about me every time you drive past it, from now on. And it’s cool to see you can see it this clearly on Google Earth. How many architects can say that there first act is this visible on it ?

Another place you can see clearly is the Southport resort.

New date added to our agenda. Friday April 27th. At the Saintbar in the city where it all began for Onda Sonora (our hometown is Schaarbeek these days). Playing at dj Rikkie’s night there. Rikkie, the long lost son of Louie Vega and Kenny Dope and Halle House Hero extraordinaire. Door policy wasn’t all that last time but we’ll try to sort things out with the bouncer. Girl behind the bar was wearing something which should have motivated the males (and why not females too) to drop by. She was stylish and damn sexy.

We’ve updated our Myspace a little. Changed out top friends a little. We should put more women in it though. Real looking ones we know and like. Not the porn sluts some fools think it’s cool to put between their friends. Would be übercool if you could make those pornstars write your name on their body for the picture they put on their Myspace. Anyway. Check our Myspace. I would like to reach 5000 visitors as soon as possible. Talking about porn maybe helps.

Saturday April 7th Rush Hour is having a blowout sale. The best shop around in the Benelux will have a blowout sale without me for the second time in a row. Damn shame but I’ll be in full preparation for our Onda Sonora Party the day after. Those who’ll check out, say Hi from me to Cris, Yuri, Antal and the rest of the Amsterdam gang.

Was damn fine. A bit too demanding because it drained all my energy. Still thinking I’m 18 when I’m way older and feeling like 40+ today. But no pain no gain I guess.

Friday I was invited to a real houseparty. It’s been a while since I’ve experienced a real party at somebody’s house. Apero’s and funky gatherings plenty. But this one was a livingroom filled with the nicest and most funky people I’ve met in a while. Lots of gay people. Gay people loving pure and uncut disco music. New York hasn’t been this close ever. From the first couple of records to the very end of the party people dancing. This has balanced my dj karma. Thanks to Sophie and Peter for inviting me to party and to spin some records. Thanks to Peter for educating me once again musically. Thanks to the lovely people I’ve met. Really inspiring night.

Hardly recovered Saturdaynight knocked at my door. First I did some prospection for what looks like a promising chance to add some Soul to the Brussels nightlife. More about this later this week. But if you don’t know what to do next Saturday, I might have a nice offer.

After that made a stop a the Wonderful party at Le Tavernier. Finally. Missed the 2 previous edition due to a busy schedule. But this one I didn’t want to miss. Kid Sublime being the main guest. And after his near legendary stop at Onda Sonora last summer I was curious he still knew something about it. He did to my surprise. He played a very solid set too. Deep, raw and genre bending. The way we like it. Lefto took over in very fine style. Nice to see him again. We’re missing him since Music Mania is gone in Brussels. Didn’t hear much of Brown Moshunz’ and Vic ‘n Lloyd’s sets because I was late / needed some sleep. Vibe was more than pleasant. Met a lot of friendly people. Ugo, Alex, JC, Billy Palmier, Jakob, Lefto, Jazz, Dee and probably some cats I can’t really remember because my brain went in Stand By mode after a while. Brussels looked like a funky place to be this weekend.

This week will probably check Flowriders at the Jazzbreak sessions at Le Tavernier on Wednesday, Enjoy Soul Sister number 1 Sharon Jones at Bugalu / Het Depot. If I can catch up with my need for sleep. Living like an insomniac these days.

Here’s the flyer for the next Strictly Niceness with us as guests. Minnie Riperton Edition. What an honour.

Vond dit op de wonderlijke On-Point Blog. Blocnotes take on Dilla. Nooit Verliefd is verslavend as hell en spookt dus al een paar dagen door mijn hoofd. Deze track zal echter nooit deftig gereleased worden volgens henzelf. Spijt. Wie meer van deze mannen wil weten. Check De Hop op Stubru deze avond. Blocnotes special en al. Hou het hoog. Om hen te citeren.

To list up some sounds

Fresh Tunes
Theo Parrish feat. Yamini Nayar - Children Of The Drums - 1997 Predecessor mix (Sound Signature)
Root Soul feat. Vanessa Freeman & Mike Patto - Spirit of Love (Especial)
Afronaut – Transcend Me – Phil & Toni’s Spiritual Soul mix (Fonz)
DJ Jazzy Jeff feat. CL Smooth – All I Know (Rapster)
Azymuth – Morning – Peanut Butter Wolf Remix (Far Out)
Bloodfire – To Know You Is To Love You (Bloodfire)
J Dilla – Crushin’ (Stones Throw)
Chico Mann – Hot Foot (Kindred Spirits)
Future Beat Investigators – Dark Suite (Raw Fusion)
Karizma – Twyst This (R2 Records)

Reissues & Digged up Goodies
Rene Costy – Scrabble (Dynamite Soul)
Jazzanova – Glow & Glare – Ame Remix (Sonar Kollektiv)
Bernard Wright – Just Chillin’ Out (Arista)
Maceo – The Soul Of A Black Man (People)
FF Yelowhand – You Want Every Night (La Musique Funky)
DIT Band – Let’s Start Dancing (Past Due)
James Brown - Shhhhhhhh! (For a Little While) (King)
Phat Kat – Don’t Nobody Care About Us (House Shoe Recordings)
4Hero – Star Chasers – MAW Remix (Talking Loud)
Ann Peebles – I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down (Hi Records)

Time to round up some things we’ve posted before. Being the upcoming parties we organise or play at. The rest of March will be low profile for Onda Sonora. Not too many dates planned and most of them are on private parties. Well, actually one confirmed and one vaguely agreed but far from sure. After this little rest we’ll be back in style.

First up is our own Easter party, Sunday April 8th. Check this link to get all info you need. Be sure to go diggin’ for that 7" we ask as entrance fee. It’s going to be mad. Mad funky. It’s been a while since we’ve been this hyped about one of our own parties.

The week after that it’s time for something really cool. The guest spot we’ve been most exited about. Saturday April 14th, Strictly Niceness at Biberium. About time we inform Brussels how good we are. Just joking. Or not ? Anyway, we’ll select our fattest records and bring them in the best possible way.

When we’re all recovered from that Keep On will be back. At Dali’s bar. Putting the best boogie bombs on the wheels of steel. Saturday April 21th. Write that down in your agendas.

It’s been a while since I’ve heard something fresh coming out of the Dutch speaking Hiphopscene. Not out of Belgium, not out of the Netherlands. Last “local” groups who surprised me in a good way were from the French speaking part of our country. And that’s double special because I don’t dig French Rap at all. Most French Hiphop sounds like Pitbulls on a beat to me. Barking instead of rhyming and the beat itself rarely being more than a synth / drum computer preset. So I’m not following the scene anymore.

Until I asked Lefto if he knew some groups he could recommend for a gig. Due to other reasons than purely musical ones we didn’t follow his lead but he named me 2 very interesting groups. Mr. Spartako and certainly Autumn are worth a decent listen. With beats that go deeper than the Dre or RZA imitations that made drift off to other shores than the French / Wallonian ones. Still not entirely bark-free but with flows that don’t raise my hairs. Autumn lets you download their demo for free here. Give it a listen. This way I add my 2 cents to a better knowledge of each other, South and North of the Belgian linguistic border. As a true Brusseleir, open for all origins and styles.

I rarely get all exited about one particular artist. Every single one I know has made utter crap somewhere in his career. Even my all time heroes like Marvin Gaye, Leon Ware and DJ Premier have made some songs I can’t stand. And to be blasphemous for a lot of people, Dilla has produced his share of sonic crap too.

So has Karizma, a producer from Baltimore who’s mostly known for his House productions alongside DJ Spen / Basement Boys. Mostly well produced (vocal) House tracks but upon till now rarely outstanding if you ask me. Although I like his rework with Spen of Angie Stone’s Black Brotha a lot. But the man is going his own way now and that results in bloody brilliant pieces of music. His ‘Twyst This’ made big waves on Gilles Peterson’s and Benji B’s shows. Ripping Donnie’s Cloud Nine and twisting it into a massive broken House monster. ‘Tech this out part 2’ is another subtle, deep and raw dancefloor bomb. Spinned that at Suite 16 a couple of weeks ago and it’s total genius on a big sound. Even got Red D coming over to ask what it was.

Those 2 tunes are on Karizma’s LP on BBE subsidiary R2 Records; ‘A Mind Of Its Own’. Which can be found in the shops from this week on. Buy it because it is brilliant. It’s more than house with downbeat and Hiphop minded tracks. ‘Sad Isn’t It’ is such a tune. Deep and emotional track.

You can check this on the Straight No Chaser Myspace (check out the rest of the tracks there too, nice selection of some of the best releases of the last few weeks). Anyway, buy this because together with 4Hero’s and Cinematic Orchestra’s LP’s it’s one of the must have releases of 2007. If you buy it, you can download some extra tracks on the R2 Records Site. And if somebody would bring this kid over for a DJ-set, that would be very nice. Guy’s a hero behind the decks, too.

Finally went to a 2007 Jazzbreak session. Couldn’t miss this showcase of 2 of Belgium’s up and coming Urban / Soul acts, Dyno and Soul:ID. Got there just in time (getting specialised in missing public transport vehicles by an inch). Said hi to Lloyd, got a Vedett offered by Dieter and found myself a nice spot halfway the venue to see Dyno performing.

Haven’t heard his CD on Citywurl but the buzz around it made me interested. We had Dyno, Rub and Sup as guests on our own “Ain’t No Half Steppin’ “ night as the Camo Bros and to my surprise the Dyno live outfit consisted out of the same three people with Citywurl’s head honcho Billy Palmier on keys. Bit of a bummer for me because this resulted in a mainly Hiphop set. It must be said, Hiphop with quality beats and decent vocal deliveries. But, for me, they rarely surpassed the “Hiphop for Hiphopnerds” category. I don’t mean this as a bad thing but due to all the buzz surrounding Dyno’s release I hoped for something crossing borders and going beyond backpack Hiphop. Still pretty solid show though, but mainly for hardcore Hiphop heads. I’ve heard promising things from Dyno which make me long for more female vocals and more Soul. But like I said it’s the first time he’s bringing the Dyno set and it can only grow.

Soul:ID. First thing I heard about them was that they were signed to ABB Records. This being one of my favourite Hiphop / Soul labels. A Belgian band being signed, out of the blue for me, to this recordlabel. Pretty mad. Have checked some of their tunes on Myspace but they made me fear they are little more than a standard R’ n B outfit. I’m still not completely convinced they’ve avoided that problem but I got to say they are pretty solid live. During the gig my memories of the first the Rebirth gig came back. And that’s a very good thing. Slick Soul music brought by a decent band and superb vocalists. They succeeded in what I expected from Dyno. Crossing borders. Appealing to everybody in the room. From the mainstream oriented kids to the Hiphop heads. I’m surely going to check out their album when it drops and if they are playing live in the neighbourhood I will be there.

All in all a very good night. Loved the vibe in Le Tavernier (although I still get irritated by all the people moving constantly through the crowd – they urgently need to make the entrance to the toilets somewhere else than in the back of the room behind the stage). I will be back for more of the Jazzbreak sessions. That’s for sure. And I will be back at Le Tavernier this Saturday for the Wonderful party with Kid Sublime.

Saturday 26.05.2007 – The Bamboos / Brothers On The Run - de Kreun - Kortrijk Thursday 31.05.2007 – Poets Of Rhythm – Het Depot Leuven

Not too much made public of the program so far but already a couple of interesting names on there. Definitely going to check out the Costello & Toussaint gig with my parents.

My mom’s a big Costello fan. I like his early work but it’s mainly Allen Toussaint I want to hear. There are a couple of his productions I rank among the elite tunes in my collection. Like Lee Dorsey’s “Night People” and The Pointer Sisters’ “Happiness” (sometimes I like the Toussaint version better, depends on the mood I’m in). Anyway went to the festival last year, with my parents, to see Raul Midon, Dr. John and my favourite seventies rock / pop star Randy Newman. Liked it very much even though it was hot as hell and it all is a bit bourgeois with lots of people posing like jazz-lovers.

Hopefully they’ll book some interesting groups like Cinematic Orchestra, 4Hero or, if they really want to freak me out, Theo Parrish’ Rotating Assembly. Starting to long for summer. Check their site for more info.

Kinda forgot to tell you this but our favourite Belgian House DJ has a website. Well, bit of a big word for what it is. You’ll find his upcoming dates and a possibility to subscribe to his weekly newsletter. Which is an excellent way to get free tickets for parties. Don’t forget to pay a regular visit to Lefto’s site too. Highlighting another site of our favourite Belgian Hiphop DJ. Giving you a selection of pictures he has taken.

Can’t say I’m disappointed. Haven’t seen any of them apart from Roy Ayers. I’m beginning to learn some Dragonball Z moves to multiply myself so I won’t miss any of the dj’s or groups I want to see. Angie Stone (Exclusive UK/Southport Appearance) The Brand New Heavies Incognito Roy Ayers with Bah Samba Ben Westbeech Marc De Clive Lowe Joy Denalane Arnold Jarvis

Because the first edition at Biberium went all nice (read the weekend review a couple of posts below this), they got the confirmation they can organise their next parties at the same venue. And as announced before we will be the guest dj’s. Really looking out to this one. Curious how the flyer will look like. Nice series of parties in April; 8/4 – Onda Sonora / 14/4 – Strictly Niceness / 21/4 – Keep On. Brussels will be burning.

David Mancuso, one of the true godfathers of disco, at work. He quit beatmixing long ago and is an audiophile extraordinaire. Was a bit wondered he’s playing on Technics turntables. Brings back memories form his visit to Antwerp a couple of years ago. Mad night.

The broken beat don for once not breaking things until it’s too broke to be funky. Mixing the Dilla version with the Billy Paul original. Nice one. Check it on the Steve Spacek Myspace. Found this one on the Beyond Jazz site.

It started with a dj-gig, alongside Wikke from The Pushermen, at the Hungaria bar in Leuven. Went for disco and real house deepness. Apart from some minor bootywiggling here and there, no party in sight. But I didn’t mind. I’m done with playing Cassius or Les Rhytmes Digitales to make some drunk locals move. I don’t mind others doing that but personally I’m passed that. I’m going for underground soul music, pure and uncut. There’s too much good music to play the same shit over and over again. At least, that’s my point of view.

I enjoyed playing my set, almost no requests and even some smiles on a couple of faces. Educating people takes time and you got to take satisfaction out of the tiniest reactions.

Saturday started with a big bummer. RSCA not getting further than a colourless draw against Zulte and Kerri Chandler not showing up at Stereosushi due to problems with the weather and his transport. But the nice music at Strictly Niceness eased the pain with ease. Eleven, Bernard Dobbeleer and Kwak serving the goods for a great crowd. Deep and underground ditties mixed with more mainstream tunes you welcomed with pleasure. The right receipt for a steaming night. Wasn’t in a big dancing mood myself but enjoyed the party nonetheless. And I wasn’t the only one. Nice to see a party where the dancefloor covers almost the entire venue. Bootyshaking from the front to the back. Nice venue, the Biberium. Love partying in a cellar. Just the right size, nicely organised and with space to chill out upstairs. Where you can have a nice talk and a beer if you want to escape from the dancing. Big up to everyone involved.

Ready for the week to come. Which will see us heading for Le Tavernier twice. First up Wednesday for the jazzbreak sessions where up and coming Belgian soulstars Dyno (check his CD on Citywurl) and Soul:ID (Belgium’s best kept nusoul secret on the mighty ABB Records) will play. Saturday it’s the third instalment of the Wonderful parties. With Lefto, Brown Moshunz and Vic’n Lloyd alongside Holland’s smallest bigmouth cum dj Kid Sublime. His stop at Onda Sonora’s Spectakulo festival last summer was legendary to say the least. Hope the German in him will show up again. Pure comedy, I tell you.