Lost Title Music / 006

Welcome back to Lost Title. This month’s issue features composer, arranger, and producer David Axelrod. Highlights also include Marcos Resende’s previously unreleased debut album from 1976, a sonic assault from Danish group Athletic Progression, and the latest releases from Natureboy Flako, Flying Lotus, and The Black Keys.

On the video playlist, check out one of my favorite Béla Fleck tunes played by a group of international folk musicians for the BBC series, Transatlantic Sessions. Also, Daniel Radcliffe rapping Blackalicious' Alphabet Aerobics. Rest in peace to master lyricist, Timothy “Gift of Gab” Jerome Parker. 🙏🏼

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Artist Feature: David Axelrod

David Axelrod was originally a staff producer and A&R man for Capitol Records in 1963, who later released his own solo albums containing his characteristic sound of heavy drums, orchestration, and avant-garde themes. An early pioneer in jazz fusion, Axelrod became known later by hip-hop fans after being sampled by DJ Shadow and Dr. Dre.

Although I had heard his music as samples, I wasn’t aware of him as an artist until coming across the music magazine Wax Poetics, featuring him on the cover of issue 14. This was in 2005, before YouTube, Wikipedia, discogs, whosampled, Shazam, or any of that stuff. WP opened up a new world to me, making connections to the otherwise obscure and hidden stories behind the music.

After halting production in 2016, Wax Poetics has come back in full force with a refreshed print edition and stunning online experience. Learn more about their history in the video below, and check out the issue they feature at the beginning!