Crate Digging: Jeremy Newton, SixtyFour Music

Crate Digging is a music discovery platform where contributors take home and discuss two records from across Concord Recorded Music’s active and historical labels.

To kick things off, Jeremy Newton, senior music supervisor at SixtyFour Music, reveals his chosen records.

I have been a huge fan of Common for many years. I recall listening to the album Resurrection and in particular the track that pays homage to old school hip hop 'I Used to Love H.E.R', on my Walkman on the Northern Line on my way to school. Common has released album's prolifically over the years and whilst enjoying his evolution as an artist, I have always loved his unique style of lyricism and been drawn to the quality of production that draws on the soulful and jazzier elements of hip hop. I was immediately sold on his Let Love release when I saw that is was produced by the Karriem Riggins with a beat from the late great J Dilla being used for 'HER Love'.

Lyrically, Let Love is about using love as a weapon to overcome, as well as touching on the reality that sometimes love does not overcome. It also touches on some hard-hitting and relevant issues that run through the narrative of the present day. Part spoken word, part traditional Common-esque flow, Let Love draws on soulful samples, piano led melodies and funky bass lines whilst hosting a stellar cast of collaborations including Jill Scott, Dwele and Leon Bridges amongst others.

The standout track for me would have to be 'Show Me That You Love' Feat HRH Jill Scott, one of my favourite female vocalists. The track combines a lovely piano melody with heartfelt lyrics about Common’s relationship with his daughter, whilst Jill sounds as divine as ever!

As for choosing a catalogue release from Concord, Isaac Hayes’ Black Moses was a no brainer. What is there that has not already been said about Isaac Hayes, one of the funkiest, smoothest and sultriest to ever do it. From the legendary Shaft soundtrack, to two of my favourite tunes of all time ‘Feel Like Loving You Today’ with Donald Byrd and 'The Pursuit Of The Pimpmobile' from the 1974 Truck Turner film, his music has always taken pride of place in my record collection.

This album is a classic and one that for some reason I do not own. I have fond memories of a late summer night doing back to back DJ sessions at a dear friend's in yesteryear. I remember reaching for this record and the sleeve folded out to a life size Isaac Hayes in a crucifix shape. I recall then getting down to ‘Ike’s Rap III’ which I have to say was sampled beautifully by Lianne La Havas in 'Bittersweet'.

Black Moses is a soul album for the ages. A flamboyant, extravagant blend of beautiful string arrangements, organs, horns and Isaac's smoooooooth vocals sprinkled over the top. It always hits the spot if sweet soul music is your thing. The live version of The Jackson's 'Never Can Say Goodbye' with the legendary Ronnie Hudson on bass has to be the standout track on this album. It is a rare example of myself favouring another artist covering a Jackson's or MJ track.

One of my principal motivations as a music supervisor is simply to make adverts funky. Unashamedly, I have pitched Roy Ayers for car ad's, Patrice Rushen for beauty spots and the Fatback Band for phone commercials and will continue do so. I could definitely retire after getting a sultry Isaac Hayes number onto a spot! On a more serious note the themes and narratives of Let Love such as the BLM movement, social injustice, and the need for a more empathetic, loving and accepting society, are as relevant now as they have ever been. Any creative director, brand or director looking to empathise these points through film should take the time to explore this album.

Crate Digging is a series from the Concord Recorded Music sync marketing team where contributors discover and discuss two records from across our active and historical labels. Active labels include Concord Records, Easy Eye Sound, Fantasy Records, Fearless Records, Loma Vista Recordings, and Rounder Records. The company’s historical labels are managed under the Craft Recordings team and include;  Fania, Independiente, Milestone, Musart, Nitro, Pablo, Prestige, Riverside, Savoy, Specialty, Stax, Telarc, Varèse Sarabande, Vee-Jay and Wind-up.

If you’d like to know more, or you’re keen to discover more of our repertoire, please contact: tom.frank@concord.com.