Yuvi Havkin, aka Rejoicer, is back with Spiritual Sleaze, his second full-length record on Stones Throw Records. The beat producer is a natural fit for the LA label, drawing from funk, hip-hop, ambient, and jazz sounds. To celebrate the release of Spiritual Sleaze, we asked Rejoicer to explore some inspirations behind the album; he embarked on a musical journey, and returned with this playlist.
—Keenan Kush, Talkhouse Operations Manager
Art Lande — “Quintennaissance”
Pure beauty from ECM related composer Art Lande, with Jan Garbarek on flute.
Chick Corea — “Children’s Songs: No. 4”
Very influential work for many. Chick’s composing and playing is one of a kind. Left hand on the piano here is playing simple and harmonic patterns which leaves a big space for the right hand to fill in with melodies. So good!
Azimuth — “Zombie”
A funky tune from Brazil.
Burna Boy — “Gbona”
Love Burna Boy and especially this song from his latest album. It’s been a long time since something so “pop” influenced me this much. The African groove here is so smart and tight, I just had to make some afro-beat riddims myself.
Michou — “Maloya Ton Tisane”
Maloya from Réunion Island. My young brother visited there for shows two or three years ago and came back to show us some Maloya songs — everyone should be on it.
Steve Reich — “Mallet Quartet: 1. Fast”
Listening to Steve Reich is sometimes like smoking changa (or DMT). The patterns and repetitions here are so unique and organic, it’s really like a living creature.
Googoosh — “Hala Bavar Bekonam”
One of my fav Persian singers, this Googoosh tune broke my heart a few years back. I produced a version of this song for Liraz’s album.
Morgan Delt — “Barbarian Kings”
My friend Willie (Gaslamp Killer) showed me Morgan’s music last year and I was blown away. We went to see his show in Highland Park, LA and was even more into it after.
Westside Gunn — “Gunnlib”
Madlib produced this beat and it’s crazy. I just can’t stop listening to it.
Jah Shaka Meets Aswad — “Rockers Delight”
This is one of the best dub albums to me. All played only with a trio of piano, drums, and bass.
(Photo credit: Eric Coleman)
