Reclaimed Soul (Thursdays 8-10PM CST)

Hello. I found your blog through the interview you did with Nichelle of Vintage Black Glamour and am anxious to listen to your other programs. Since I've visited her blog I've become more interested in the glamour aspect of a different culture than what I am & trying to understand other people of a diffrrent race through her blog & the old soul music of long ago. I'm glad I found both of your blogs!

ayanacontreras — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:45:34 -0500

Thanks for the kind words. The great thing about the Vintage Black Glamour blog is that it expands the definition of old glamour. Like, in the days of Old Hollywood, there was very little room for black starlets on film; and yet glamour existed in other outlets: especially nightlife. She’s creating a lovely showcase for many of these photos that might otherwise be lost to time.

By the way, you’re at a great starting point. I think we can all understand each other a little bit better if we learn each other’s histories… especially when we dig beyond the surface.

Cheers!

Ayana

On this hour of Reclaimed Soul, we’ll hear a excerpt from artist...

ayanacontreras — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:10:55 -0500

On this hour of Reclaimed Soul, we’ll hear a excerpt from artist Cauleen Smith’s new vinyl-only release called Black Utopia. The record contains rare Sun-ra interviews, Sun-Ra inspired audio work from local Chicago artists, and rare Sun-Ra rehearsals.

We’ll also hear music from Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band, Greg Perry, and Barry Gray. Plus, we’ll listen to poetry read by Arna Bontemps and more (all spun on wax).

Reclaimed Soul airs Thursdays at 8pm-10pm (CST) on vocalo.org, or tune in on 90.7fm and 89.5fm.

The reclaimed soul show just blew my mind, thanks awesome. The james brown thing wow never even...

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 21:41:00 -0500

The reclaimed soul show just blew my mind, thanks awesome. The james brown thing wow never even heard that. I will listen every thursday. and your show is the best part of today — anonymous

gee, thanks for listening! — ayana

On this Installment of Reclaimed Soul, we’ll hear “Black Love”...

ayanacontreras — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:59:48 -0500

On this Installment of Reclaimed Soul, we’ll hear “Black Love” by Carlos Garnett, angsty teen soul from Detroit & Chicago, groovy riffs on themes written by classical composer Chopin, and much more.

Reclaimed Soul airs Thursdays at 8pm-10pm (CST) on vocalo.org, or tune in on 90.7fm and 89.5fm.

On tonight’s Reclaimed Soul, we’ll hear a excerpt...

ayanacontreras — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 20:36:55 -0500

On tonight’s Reclaimed Soul, we’ll hear a excerpt from artist Cauleen Smith’s new vinyl-only release called Black Utopia. The record contains rare Sun-ra interviews, Sun-Ra inspired audio work from local Chicago artists, and rare Sun-Ra rehearsals.

The Listening Party for the record will take place this Saturday, June 8th at the Washington Park Arts Incubator (301 East Garfield, Chicago) at 8pm. No cover.

We’ll also hear “Black Love” by Carlos Garnett, angsty teen soul from Detroit & Chicago, groovy riffs on themes written by classical composer Chopin, and much more.

practicallyspeaking-vocalo: It’s Black Music Month (or...

teamvocalo — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:40:00 -0500

practicallyspeaking-vocalo:

It’s Black Music Month (or African-American Music Appreciation Month, depending on who you ask). This Friday at 11am (CST), catch a rebroadcast of Audra’s conversation with Practically Speaking’s producer, Ayana Contreras. Ayana also hosts Vocalo’s Reclaimed Soul. They talk about the roots of the celebration, the intersections of so-called “black” genres, and talk about the present states of various genres that are traditionally considered “Black”. Is Jazz, for instance, in jeopardy?

Then Audra speaks with Israeli vocalist Ester Rada (pictured above) about how being Ethiopian and growing up in Israel influenced her musical path. She also talks her African American influences like Nina Simone and Jill Scott.

Practically Speaking airs fresh episodes Saturdays at 1pm CST on vocalo.org, and over the air at 89.5fm and 90.7fm in Chicago. Visit vocalo.org and press play.

Earth, Wind, & Fire used to be The Salty Pepers [sic] (and...

teamvocalo — Thu, 30 May 2013 19:39:00 -0500

Earth, Wind, & Fire used to be The Salty Pepers [sic] (and The Pharoahs). For real. On tonight’s Reclaimed Soul, we’ll unravel Earth, Wind & Fire’s family tree, and sample music from one of the 70’s supergroup’s previous iterations.

We lost Marvin Junior of the unmatched Dells. we’ll hear a Jamaican cover of one of their biggest hits, plus a favorite lesser known track.

We’ll also hear music from Leon Thomas, The Chantells, Willie Bobo, Krystal Generation, and much, much more.

Plus, we’ll hear an exclusive trailer for a segment that will air on this Saturday’s Practically Speaking that deals with Black Music Month.

Reclaimed Soul is all about playing the unusual suspects,...

ayanacontreras — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:56:30 -0500

Reclaimed Soul is all about playing the unusual suspects, reclaiming the rarities, and embracing the old pop and snap. In this installment, host Ayana Contreras spins music by Jerry Butler, Voices of East Harlem, Rance Allen Group, The Lost Generation, The Montclairs, a 99 cent bin find or two, and much, much more.

Here’s a mix that will compliment your next BBQ, or maybe that last minute spring cleaning before your next BBQ.

Reclaimed Soul airs Thursdays at 8pm-10pm (CST) on vocalo.org, or tune in on 90.7fm and 89.5fm.

ayanacontreras: This Sunday, a film screening called Black...

ayanacontreras — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:35:49 -0500

ayanacontreras:

This Sunday, a film screening called Black Radical Imagination will happen at the Black Cinema House in Chicago’s Woodlawn community. Black Radical Imagination stemmed from a series of discussions around the boundaries and limitations that are historically given to people of color. Specifically, in the film industry these restrictions are often digested and kept to propel a vicious cycle of negative identification. Black Radical Imagination invokes a futurist aesthetic where artists identify themselves and reclaim their own unique stories. Black Radical Imagination is curated by Erin Christovale and Amir George.

Sunday, May 19 at 6pm
Black Cinema House
6901 S. Dorchester Ave.
Seating is limited, so please RSVP by emailing blackcinemahouse@rebuild-foundation.org to reserve your seats.

Reclaimed Soul host Ayana Contreras interviewed one of the filmmakers, Christina De Middel (De Middel also took the stunning photo above).

In 1964, still living the dream of their recently gained independence, Zambia started a space program that would put the first African on the moon, catching up with the USA and the Soviet Union in the space race. That was the true story that inspired De Middel’s short film and photography series, both titled “Afronauts”.

We will hear their discussion on tonight’s show, plus a pulsating rhythmic gumbo of futuristic African music from the 1970s & 1980s, and plenty of good old fashioned soul (all spun on wax).

Catch fresh installments of Reclaimed Soul Thursdays at 8pm (CST) on vocalo.org89.5fm (NW Indy) and 90.7fm (CHI)

You’re thinking you cannot afford to support, you have loans,...

teamvocalo — Thu, 09 May 2013 10:01:22 -0500

You’re thinking you cannot afford to support, you have loans, rent, etc. Remember every donation, even 5 dollars a month, makes a difference Vocalo.org/donate

We eavesdrop on rehearsals for Opera-matic’s very cool New Moon...

ayanacontreras — Tue, 07 May 2013 11:25:06 -0500

We eavesdrop on rehearsals for Opera-matic’s very cool New Moon on the Lagoon, an “evening lullaby parade”, featuring a 15 foot tall giant moon that will be lit up from within by projections of facial expressions.

It’ll be happening Friday May 10th and 11th, 2013 at the Humboldt Park Lagoon in Chicago. For more info, visit: opera-matic.org/upcoming-events/

This piece originally aired on Reclaimed Soul on Vocalo. Reclaimed Soul features music spun on original vinyl records, and stories of people making our world better (artistically, economically, etc) with old materials.

You can tune in to Reclaimed Soul live at 8pm CST on vocalo.org, 89.5fm (NWI/CHI) and 90.7fm (CHI)

teamvocalo: It costs money to run this radio station:...

teamvocalo — Mon, 06 May 2013 12:19:18 -0500

teamvocalo:

It costs money to run this radio station: equipment, microphones, headphones, and much more (plus staff time in front of and behind the mics).

We’re all in this together, from $5 to $15 per month, everyone makes a difference in helping to keep Vocalo running. So go to vocalo.org/donate and join #teamvocalo.

Tonight on Reclaimed Soul, host Ayana Contreras plays an...

ayanacontreras — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:38:43 -0500

Tonight on Reclaimed Soul, host Ayana Contreras plays an original 1971 Curtis Mayfield colored wax promo (in a shade she’s calling ghostwax). We’ll also hear music by Krystal Generation, Delia Gartrell, McKinley Mitchell, Gary Knight, The Arrangement, and much more.

Plus, we eavesdrop on rehearsals for Opera-matic’s very cool New Moon on the Lagoon, an “evening lullaby parade”, featuring a 15 foot tall giant moon that will be lit up from within by projections of facial expressions. It’ll be happening Friday May 10th and 11th at the Humboldt Park Lagoon in Chicago. For more info, visit: http://opera-matic.org/upcoming-events/

In this installment, we hear Guinean Funk, Groovy Jazz, 1930s...

ayanacontreras — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:01:51 -0500

In this installment, we hear Guinean Funk, Groovy Jazz, 1930s soulful swing, and good ole Chicago Kiddie Soul.

Featuring music by:
The Eight Minutes, Archie Shepp, Ivie Anderson, Donald Byrd, Gene McDaniels,The Amazones de Guinee and more.

Catch fresh installments of Reclaimed Soul Thursdays at 8pm (CST) on vocalo.org 89.5fm (NW Indy) and 90.7fm (CHI)

Tonight, we’ll hear Music by Couples you’ve probably...

ayanacontreras — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:12:06 -0500

Tonight, we’ll hear Music by Couples you’ve probably never heard of:

From ‘Billy Vera and Judy Clay’ to ‘Jimmie and Vella’ & ‘Bunky and Jake’, we’ll hear some memorable deep duets. No sap allowed.

Plus, some groovy West Indian music from The Bahamas and from Dominique (also known as Dominica [though NOT the Dominican Republic]).

In this installment of Reclaimed Soul, host Ayana Contreras...

teamvocalo — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:56:08 -0500

In this installment of Reclaimed Soul, host Ayana Contreras tracks the Curtis Mayfield-penned song known as “Hard Times” over 4 versions, 4 artists, one name change, and over 40 years.

Curtis Mayfield was a Chicago born and bred soul artist who wrote hundreds of songs like “Keep on Pushing” and “Let’s Do it Again”.

We also check out what is possibly the strangest 60s dance track you’ll ever hear, a hidden 70s gem by a 60s one-hit wonder, and much, much more.

Reclaimed Soul airs live on Thursday nights from 8pm-10pm (CST) on vocalo.org, 89.5fm (NWI/CHI), and 90.7fm (CHI)

“Sunny” by Bobby Hebb was one of the biggest records...

ayanacontreras — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:17:00 -0500

“Sunny” by Bobby Hebb was one of the biggest records of 1966. Hebb was once known as the “song-a-day-man” according to The Guardian, and “Sunny” was his own composition. It was also covered a bazillion times. Reclaimed Soul host Ayana Contreras has at least 30 versions of the song by artists like Marvin Gaye, Stanley Turrentine, and Cher.

But tonight we hear a song that Bobby Hebb wrote later in his career. It didn’t make it into the pop music canon, but it’s definitely worth a listen.

We also hear a couple of slices of Gary, Indiana soul, track the history of a Curtis Mayfield composition, and much, much more. Tonight on Reclaimed Soul, 8pm (CST) on http://vocalo.org 89.5fm (NWI) and 90.7fm (CHI).

chickswithrecords: LOVE45’

ayanacontreras — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:26:41 -0500

chickswithrecords:

LOVE45’

A mix of music featuring all local Chicago Soul from the...

ayanacontreras — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 16:25:00 -0500

A mix of music featuring all local Chicago Soul from the Brunswick Label. The label was originally from New York; but moved most of its operations to 17th and Michigan on Chicago’s Record Row in the mid 1960s. From there, producer Carl Davis steered an all star cast of local talent.

This podcast, like all good B-Sides, features some of the trippier cuts from the Brunswick Catalogue.

Side B Playlist:

I’ll Take You Just as You Come – Nialations

Terrible Train – U DWI Peoples Paraphernalia

Ooh Wee Baby I Love You – Fred Hughes

Ooh Wee Baby I Love You – Mighty Doug Haynes

Ain’t There Something Money Can’t Buy – Young Holt Trio

Where the Lilies Grow – Sidney Joe Qualls

Stop, Look, Listen to Your Heart – Barbara Acklin

Stone Out of My Mind – Chi-Lites

I’m So Jealous – Otis Leaville

Since You’ve Been Gone – Major Lance

Talking the Teenage Language – Lost Generation

Am I the Same Girl – Barbara Acklin

She’s Heaven – The Artistics

Love’s a Merry Go Round – Ginji James

for fresh episodes of Reclaimed Soul, listen in Thursdays at 8pm CST on vocalo.org, or tune in to 89.5fm (NW Indy) and 90.7fm (CHI)

to hear Side A (a completely different hour of Brunswick Records Power) click here

Tonight is a Chicago soul music blowout on Reclaimed Soul! Host...

ayanacontreras — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:05:00 -0500

Tonight is a Chicago soul music blowout on Reclaimed Soul! Host Ayana Contreras will play cuts from the catalogue of Brunswick Records. The label moved to 17th and Michigan on Chicago’s Record Row in the mid 1960s, and producer Carl Davis steered an all star cast of local talent.

We’ll hear music by Tyrone Davis, Jean Shy, Jackie Ross, The Lost Generation, The Chi-Lites, Freddie Hughes, Sidney Joe Qualls, Ginji James, Jackie Wilson, The Artistics, Gene Chandler, Marvin Smith, and loads more.

It’ll be a stone gas!

Reclaimed Soul airs Thursdays at 8pm-10pm (CST) on http://vocalo.org, or tune in on 90.7fm and 89.5fm.