Legendary Impressions vocalist Fred Cash, the group’s final surviving member, recounts a lifetime of music that transformed personal struggles into timeless anthems—a journey that began with him sneaking out to perform in Chattanooga nightclubs and eventually led to him shaping the very sound of soul alongside Curtis Mayfield.

Whether exploring the limits of genre or embracing the freedom of eclectic collaboration, Brian Jackson has spent his career relentlessly chasing the singular “shape” of sound.

A fearless pioneer of R&B and a precursor to the raw honesty of hip-hop, Millie Jackson candidly discusses her accidental rise to stardom, the power of self-management, and her unapologetic commitment to “real talk” and dual perspectives in music.

Rhythm Machine’s self-titled 1976 album, once an obscure regional artifact, has evolved into a coveted funk masterpiece, capturing the raw, telepathic chemistry of a band that poured their souls into every groove despite the era’s crushing industry challenges.

In this installment of Liner Notes, flutist/composer Michael Gentile discusses his album album Light Of Day, which features his ensemble “Flow” performing complex, evocative compositions designed to foster a state of energized focus through rich, varied instrumental interplay.

Mario Caldato Jr. reveals how he built hip-hop history using discarded gear and DIY ingenuity, proving that revolutionary records are made by trusting your gut rather than following the book.

The legendary jazz saxophonist reflects on his upbringing during the Harlem Renaissance, his civil rights activism and milestone recordings, and how his embrace of yoga and meditation ultimately transformed his approach to musical improvisation.

From navigating a chaotic New York studio internship to collaborating with hip-hop icons, producer Marco Polo explains how his relentless hustle, dedication to analog aesthetics, and recent pivot into original compositions have shaped his journey in classic hip-hop.

From a backstage gopher boy for jazz legends to Philly’s lone synthesizer wizard, Dexter Wansel weaponized the ARP 2600 to sculpt a space-age blueprint for disco, hip-hop, and R&B.

George Porter Jr. traces his evolution from a young classical guitar student to a pioneer of New Orleans funk, detailing the chance encounters and deep-seated grooves that defined the legendary sound of The Meters.