Solomon was the owner of The Gaslight bar in Hollywood. On weekends they would have the somewhat typical Hollywood crowd, with the DJ playing all the House music, and Hip Hop hits. In 1992 my music partner DJ Tomas and myself approached Solomon to see if he had a night available for us to promote and DJ a night of music that was more of an urban alternative to the popular top 40 music of the time.. Solomon gave us Monday nights at The Gaslight and this became The "Umoja Jazz and Ragga lounge" (Umoja being the word for Unity in the 7 days of Kwanzaa). Tomas was heavy into Reggae, and I was the Acid Jazz/Hip Hop guy. We weren't the most popular DJ's at the time but we would bring in a crowd of people that were into the whole Hip Hop thing. We linked up with a couple of clothing brands "555 Soul", and "Funkeesentials" as well as an up and coming Hip Hop Zine (that wasn't URB magazine, sorry Raymond lol). It was a a called "Straight From The Lip". We all ended up working together and bringing some heavy hitting New York DJ's to spin guest sets at the Umoja Jazz and Ragga Lounge. Funkmaster Flex, and DJ Stretch Armstrong most notably. But back to my story about Solomon. His bar The Gaslight didn't make much money from our nights, bur every time I'd set up and play a set there, he said he always dug the music we were playing and that was reason enough for him to offer us a Monday night. Solomon you will be missed.
I worked as his publicist at Moonshine, and got his band the Zen Cowboys a tour supporting Modern English. I've always thought the band should have been HUGE. Still feel their album Electric Mistress is the one that got away, and that Mad World should have hit the charts. I still listen to their music, and that album — and to this day count it as one of my all-time faves. I only wish they'd performed in the era of the iPhone, so I'd have video of their incredible performances. As it is, right now, I'm replaying their mind-blowing performance of "Rise" at the House of Blues in my head. On a personal note, working with Solly and all of the Zen Cowboys (and Cowgirls), and the incredible community that supported them, was such a beautiful and wild ride. I have nothing but wonderful memories of riding with this magical band of outlaws. It was an honor and a privilege to know you Solly. XoX
Please do. Be sure to hit the Skychurch and Crystal Method remixes of Mad World. Also Providence Man, Zen Kind of Thing, 976 God, and Rise (which is simply heartbreaking to listen to right now).
His events were a welcome sight to me when I arrived to L.A. in '92. Can't remember much other than great time, the music was fierce and the crowd lovely. When my pal Petey was at Moonshine, he made sure I was hip to his music, too. Rock on, Zen Cowby Solomon. ❤️
Solomon was the owner of The Gaslight bar in Hollywood. On weekends they would have the somewhat typical Hollywood crowd, with the DJ playing all the House music, and Hip Hop hits. In 1992 my music partner DJ Tomas and myself approached Solomon to see if he had a night available for us to promote and DJ a night of music that was more of an urban alternative to the popular top 40 music of the time.. Solomon gave us Monday nights at The Gaslight and this became The "Umoja Jazz and Ragga lounge" (Umoja being the word for Unity in the 7 days of Kwanzaa). Tomas was heavy into Reggae, and I was the Acid Jazz/Hip Hop guy. We weren't the most popular DJ's at the time but we would bring in a crowd of people that were into the whole Hip Hop thing. We linked up with a couple of clothing brands "555 Soul", and "Funkeesentials" as well as an up and coming Hip Hop Zine (that wasn't URB magazine, sorry Raymond lol). It was a a called "Straight From The Lip". We all ended up working together and bringing some heavy hitting New York DJ's to spin guest sets at the Umoja Jazz and Ragga Lounge. Funkmaster Flex, and DJ Stretch Armstrong most notably. But back to my story about Solomon. His bar The Gaslight didn't make much money from our nights, bur every time I'd set up and play a set there, he said he always dug the music we were playing and that was reason enough for him to offer us a Monday night. Solomon you will be missed.
Sincerely,
DJ Daz - Umoja Hi Fi
Solomon's events, and the clubs of that era, were such a fusion of sounds and influences. Everything was on the table.
*On the table(s) 🪩
I worked as his publicist at Moonshine, and got his band the Zen Cowboys a tour supporting Modern English. I've always thought the band should have been HUGE. Still feel their album Electric Mistress is the one that got away, and that Mad World should have hit the charts. I still listen to their music, and that album — and to this day count it as one of my all-time faves. I only wish they'd performed in the era of the iPhone, so I'd have video of their incredible performances. As it is, right now, I'm replaying their mind-blowing performance of "Rise" at the House of Blues in my head. On a personal note, working with Solly and all of the Zen Cowboys (and Cowgirls), and the incredible community that supported them, was such a beautiful and wild ride. I have nothing but wonderful memories of riding with this magical band of outlaws. It was an honor and a privilege to know you Solly. XoX
Gonna give Zen Cowboys a new spin.
Please do. Be sure to hit the Skychurch and Crystal Method remixes of Mad World. Also Providence Man, Zen Kind of Thing, 976 God, and Rise (which is simply heartbreaking to listen to right now).
Speechless. A true legend and yes, a cornerstone of the Los Angeles underground electronic music culture.
A true tragedy.
Thanks Lou. Indeed.
Great story Raymond. I can see that it is a great loss to you. He will be remembered by many.
Thank you, Patrick
His events were a welcome sight to me when I arrived to L.A. in '92. Can't remember much other than great time, the music was fierce and the crowd lovely. When my pal Petey was at Moonshine, he made sure I was hip to his music, too. Rock on, Zen Cowby Solomon. ❤️
https://youtu.be/4qoclV1cCG0?si=EEC-Yq_ddb3fmEEo
https://youtu.be/n-202NzZMWk?si=wLT3AdmlNH-4gehk