The musical duo Many Hands (Berlin) present their fifth Basement Soul show, broadcast on Scientific Sound Asia on 8 November 2019. Scientific Sound Asia is an electronic music radio station, promoter, DJ agency, and music-news platform connecting audiences across Asia and internationally.
Many Hands is the intellectual property of the harmonious and versatile DJ duo Jona J & Kava. Jona Jefferies, born in Barcelona and raised in Spain and the UK, began his career as a DJ in the vibrant DIY free party/rave scene of the 90s in the Southwest of the UK.
After moving to Ibiza, Jona was captivated by its Balearic music and hedonistic lifestyle, becoming a regular visitor. He then relocated to Bristol, known as Bass city, where he stayed for an extended period and was influenced by its urban mindset and passion for sound system culture.
Jona has become a prominent figure in Berlin's international music scene, showcasing his talent at venues throughout the city. His collaboration with long-time friend Lewis Hopkin from Stardelta Mastering, under the alias 'Sapience', for Tom Middleton's 'Sound Of The Cosmos' label, received recognition and airplay from respected DJs including Gilles Peterson, Mala, and Laurent Garnier, while his performances have expanded from Europe to numerous events in Asia.
Kava, a DJ originally from New Zealand, has made Berlin his home for the past decade. He honed his DJ skills while exploring the vibrant music scene in Wellington, where he was influenced by genres such as Soul, Bashment, Hip Hop, Disco, House, Techno, and Drum n Bass.
During his time in New Zealand, Kava spread the essence of music, particularly Vinyl, across the country through numerous radio shows on various radio stations. Continuing to be part of this audio adventure led him to perform globally as a DJ at local raves, underground clubs, and major music festivals across Brazil and Asia.
A wealth of musical expertise is reflected in his unconventional selections and skilful, unique mixing technique. He has set the stage for renowned performers such as Fat Freddys Drop, Dave Clark, and Dj Marky.
Upon relocating to Berlin, Kava became a regular host for a monthly radio program alongside Rodi Kirk from the renowned Scratch 22, known as Float Some and Jet Some, which aired on the now unfortunately closed Berlin Community Radio. Additionally, he honed his talents by participating in various events throughout the city.
After meeting through a mutual friend at OYE Records in the capital of Germany, Jona & Kava discovered a shared vocal harmony and a connection that led them to start playing music together. This collaboration gave birth to Many Hands, a diverse music session blending dance, defragmentation, and soothing sounds, held in a basement (hence the name Basement Soul) in the centre of Berlin.
Jona J & Kava explore a wide range of cultural rhythms and harmonies. They blend Latin and Afrobeat with MPCs and Drum Machines, bringing together Jamaican influences from New York, West African sounds with Synthesizers, and funky Euro-freak vibes.
Their music can be quirky or energetic, but it's always aimed at getting people on the dance floor. This week's show features Dub, Italo disco, Funk, Soul, Afrobeat, House, and Disco.
Many Hands Basement Soul 05 episode opens with Hylton Brown's Whistling Dub before Grace Jones' Williams Blood (Trixters Dub mix) brings Broken Beat on Wall Of Sound. Romare's Danger, released through Ninja Tune, follows with a Deep House turn.
Hollie Smith & Mara TK's Ship Her To Another World on Soundsmith Records brings the set back to Soul, while Dylbot?'s Otter In The Moonlight follows. Beat Spacek's Alone In Da Sun on Ninja Tune then introduces Downtempo space before Dego And Kaidi's Black Is Key.
Dego And Kaidi's Black Is Key on Eglo Records establishes the House Music section, with DJ Nature's Let's Break The Rules on Golf Channel Recordings keeping the rhythm direct. Jump's Funkatarium, released on Made In Space, sustains that House Music focus.
Sweet Tooth T's She Can't Love You / Feel The Same (Club) on Super Weird Substance Limited adds a Funk edge after Koto's Japanese Wargame (Edit). Calibre's Grow on The Nothing Special and Next Evidence's Dance On (DJ Mehdis Dub) on Basic Recordings return the programme to House Music.
Tony Allen's Get Together on Comet arrives after Nik Weston pres Root Soul's Fuselage (Root Soul Afro Remix), extending the House Music pulse. Angela Bofill's People Make The World Go 'Round on Buddha Records and Paseur Lappe's Na Real Sekele Fo Ya on Africa Seven bring Nu-Disco into the closing stretch.
Nu Guinea's Disco Sole on The Pusher Digital adds a final Dance Music lift before Marche Comune's Annabelle on RRRecords (2). That Pop Rock finale gives the fifth Basement Soul session an unexpected final contrast.
Many Hands Basement Soul show 05
Hylton Brown - Whistling Dub
Grace Jones - Williams Blood (Trixters Dub mix)
Romare - Danger
Hollie Smith & Mara TK - Ship Her To Another World
Dylbot? - Otter In The Moonlight
Dwele - Down Jimmy
Isaac Aesili - Wondering
Beat Spacek - Alone In Da Sun
Dego And Kaidi - Black Is Key
DJ Nature - Let's Break The Rules
Jump - Funkatarium
Koto - Japanese Wargame (Edit)
Sweet Tooth T - She Can't Love You / Feel The Same (Club)
Eutrophia Sevan by Kyle Hall - Teacher Plant
Calibre - Grow
Next Evidence - Dance On (DJ Mehdis Dub)
Nik Weston pres Root Soul - Fuselage (Root Soul Afro Remix)
Tony Allen - Get Together
D.Y.A - Didadi Kana
Brass Construction - Got Myself Together
Angela Bofill - People Make The World Go 'Round
Paseur Lappe - Na Real Sekele Fo Ya
Nu Guinea - Disco Sole
Marche Comune - Annabelle
Listen On Mixcloud Here.