Dontae Winslow f/ Questlove "SummerCookout" mp3 (Winslow Dynasty)
If you're not familiar with Dontae Winslow, now might be a good time to get acquainted. Well known in Okayplayer circles for his contribution in bands for D'Angelo, Queen Latifah, Justin Timberlake, Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott and Common, the composer, songwriter, producer and classically trained trumpeter is stepping up to the front of the bandshell, so to speak, with the February 11th release of Enter The Dynasty (by Dontae Winslow & Winslow Dynasty). In case his resumé was not already speaking to you in Soulquarian tongues, Winslow's debut features cameos from jazz legend Chick Corea (on "Crysalis") and our very own Questlove.
All of which is just set up to the real announcement--which is that Okayplayer is proud to host the world premiere of Questo and Dontae's joint production, titled "SummerCookout"(!) Stream that gem below to get a taste of Enter The Dynasty and scroll down to read a quote about the track and some backstory on how the whole collaboration came together. Stay tuned for more on this project--and learn how to spell 'Dontae Winslow'; one of those rare artists worthy of the term 'polymath' (hell, he's even designed his own custom 'Winslow Dynasty' trumpet!). A true Renaissance Cat.
On "SummerCookout"
"I'd had been playing with Jill Scott for a few years and met Questlove backstage at one of her shows. I played with The Roots at their annual Picnic Jam Session in Philly and played the track for Quest while doing Timberweek in NYC with JT & Tnkids. We couldn't link schedules with both of our tours happening simultaneously, so he recorded it at his studio with his personally-tuned kit. It was an honor to build the musical texture around his sounds because he has THE best drum sounds and quantized drum feel on earth...everyone knows "He sounds like an MPC" drum machine. I then headed to SOHO to record one of my mentors and collaborators Roy Hargrove on flugelhorns to make it sex. Back in 2000 we were all members of D'Angelo's Soulquarians so it has that sound to it. Quest is a modern musical legend who keeps the great soulful traditions of American music alive."
