The Toronto Sun gave Scratch, Skratch, Scratch some shine in their daily print yesterday. Errol Nazareth asked us about our upcoming Toronto Jazz Festival show and gave readers a general introduction to our group.

In order to draw new audiences and stay alive, jazz festivals all over the world have been embracing non-jazz sounds for a while now. So-called jazz festivals in the Caribbean that I’ve attended feature more American R&B than straight-ahead jazz and even festivals here have begun programming more ‘world’ and soul acts. Skratch says this festival is a perfect forum for the group. “The jazz music approach of ‘improvisations on a theme’ is essentially what we do, but in a very non-traditional way. We’re going to give the crowd a show they will not forget.”

Download the .pdf below.

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I made this one during my European travels. Classic Outkast and Raekwon verses over Crystal Castles’ latest single’s infectious rhythm. Seeing as we won’t be hearing Big Boi and Andre on a track together any time soon, I put a new twist on this. Tested this one out in Helsinki and Oslo and it’s a go. Run it! Check it out, and if you would like to keep it, click on the arrow in the player to download it.

Skewed Emapthy – Crystal Castles & Outkast & Raekwon (Skratch Bastid Mix) by me

If you’re a Hype Machine user, show some love by adding it to your ‘Love Songs’ by clicking here. Thanks to Pigeons and Planes for the post! EDIT: WE REACHED #1! THANKS FOR THE LOVE! 16/06/10

Artwork by Rhek for Sharks + Hammers

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Today marks the release of one of a special DVD (and EP) from one of my mentors, Mr. Buck 65. It’s called The Lost Tapes, and here’s what Buck65.com says about it:

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Oh my bed. How I can’t wait to see you. Not that I’m not having fun traveling around here… it’s quite the opposite: too much to do! As I sit here in London on my final day of the tour waiting for my flight back to Canada, I am feeling very satisfied with my shows and travel in the wonderful continent of Europe. Let’s re-cap the last week.

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Yup, you heard right my friends. We back at it again and we jut keep going big. After the first legendary night at Revival, the Vancouver 2010 Olympics gig, and the Heavy on the Right Coast Juno weekend show with Drake, it’s only right that we add our two cents to this year’s Toronto Jazz Festival. The trio will be throwing down at Mod Club (722 College Street) on June 24th to kick off 10 days of live music in the megacity. If you haven’t seen or heard about Scratch, Skratch, Scratch yet, you should peep the Okay Player review of the first show or check either one of these videos. We’re also working with Shure on a little surprise for ya’ll so stay tuned and cop your tickets now because this is gonna be crazy. Check out the Facebook Event Page if that’s your thang.

On the jazz fest tip, I’ll be playing a solo show on the weekends of both the Saskatoon Jazz Festival and the Winnipeg Jazz Festival, on June 25th and June 26th, respectively. Talkin’ all that jazz. (Photo credit: Shalan&Paul)