As most now know, the great Gil Scott-Heron passed away late last week. The revolutionary poet, musician, and author has been a long-time favorite of Giant Step, having played many of our earliest shows under the Groove Academy banner in the early 90’s. The image headlining this post is the flyer from our 1992 show. After the jump, you’ll find a few more vintage Giant Step concert flyers from shows we’ve done with Gil; you are welcome to download the flyers and add them to your collection.

Our friends at The Revivalist have put together a beautiful post detailing Gil’s journey and his contributions along the way. We encourage you to give it a read – the man’s influence and reach is both expansive and inspiring.

We would like to leave you with a lovely one-hour mix by Twit One entitled, A Salute to Gil Scott-Heron.

A salute to Gil Scott-Heron by Twit One

more after the jump

John, Daniel, and David comprise The Postelles and unlike your typical New York City bands, which often hail from Brooklyn, these fellas are through and through Manhattanites – born and raised. They spent much of their younger days locked in their high school’s closets jamming out to music while everyone else’s faces melted into their books. Bred on a mutual love for early 50’s and 60’s rock and roll, these young men have found inspiration in The Stones, The Beatles, and Blondie. The poppy rockers release their self-titled debut album on June 7th and are offering Giant Stepper’s one of their favorite songs, “Hold On,” for free download.

The Postelles – “Hold On” [MP3]
 

Twitter | Facebook | Myspace | Official Site

Oddisee released two new tracks today: “Better Late,” an almost cinematic breezy tune and “Indian Summer,” a more uptempo beat with a trance inducing electro-house loop at the focal point. Mello Music Group is offering the two songs for free download to complement the artist’s May 17th release, Odd Seasons, an album compiling his free-for-download season themed EP’s – Odd Spring, Odd Summer, Odd Autumn, and Odd Winter.

Purchase Odd Seasons on iTunes | UGHH | Fat Beats | eMusic

Twitter | Myspace | Bandcamp | Official Blog

Sade just released a great Playlist Facebook App, which lets you choose your favorite songs from the complete Sade catalog, and then share your playlist with your friends. You’ll also get a chance to win the Ultimate Sade Prize Pack which consists of Tickets to a Sade show, an Amex gift card, and their latest release The Ultimate Collection.

Sade’s Ultimate Playlist Facebook App || Official Sade Site || Twitter

The mysterious new artist The Weeknd, who popped up on the scene a few months ago with the dark and moody gem “Wicked Games,” just unleashed to the world a new song from his upcoming mixtape. The song is called “Rolling Stone” and will be part of his Thursday project, which according to his twitter account is coming soon. The song is another dark and introspective cut from him with very minimal production, led by a beautiful acoustic guitar melody and spare drums throughout. If this is a preview of what’s to come, then we definitely can’t wait until Thursday.

The Weeknd Official Site || Twitter || Facebook

Listen to 6 more leaked songs from The Weeknd

This week Gilles Peterson brings us another eye-opening GPWW show, complete with a special guest DJ set by J Rocc (from the Beat Junkies crew), who’s currently working with Madlib and of course Stones Throw Records, which recently released his new album Some Cold Rock Stuff. J Rocc brings his special touch to Worldwide, with a prime selection of jazzy gems, unheard breaks, world vibes, and some very special mixes from his own kitchen.

Part 1
 

Part 2
 

Listen in Jukebox

More Info & Tracklisting

Directed by Baff Akoto the official video for “Be” from Rhian Benson featuring Jonas, premieres today. “Be” is the second single from Rhian Benson’s new release Hands Clean (Icarus Music) and showcases more of the British/Ghanian’s ethereal vocals and a deeply personal message of self acceptance. Danish producer Jonas Rendbo’s touch can be heard in this song, and throughout the new release along with his creative partner Daniel Fridell creating stark yet soulful electronic grooves for Benson’s vocals to drape over. Make sure you pick up your copy of the album if you haven’t yet, and enjoy this latest one from her.

Purchase Hands Clean on Amazon || iTunes || Rhian Benson

This soulful little jam from Soulparlor feat. Jacob & The Appleblossom was brought to our attention and it was too awesome not to share. For the uninitiated, the group is a collective of DJs and Producers Frank Jensen, Frank Lotz and Tobias Müller, based out of Germany. Their 19-track album Evoluzion is set to be released in June through Tokyo Dawn Records and has them collaborating with a wide range of vocalists whom they consider their “musical partners over the years.”

The weekend of June 24th is quickly turning into the ultimate Giant Step takeover. What with the Thievery Corporation show on Friday and our annual SummerStage party Saturday, your out of town friends are already burning up with summer envy. And just to make things more exciting, joining Thievery Corporation on Friday, June 24th, along with Raphael Saadiq, will be Dâm-Funk & Master Blazter at the Williamsburg Waterfront. Now tell me why you don’t have your advance ticket yet?

More Info || Buy Tickets

Last Friday saw the cracking live debut performance by Analog Players Society, the new band headed by percussionist Amon Drum (of Turntables on the Hudson and Afrokinetic fame). Kick your weekend off right with this funky jam session from their set at Southpaw in Brooklyn, and keep an eye out for their debut album, which is in the pipeline.