Mocean Worker
Encyclopedia
Mocean Worker is the recording alias of jazz musician and producer Adam Dorn.
and R'n'B producer Joel Dorn
. He grew up around the jazz and R&B discs his father produced for Atlantic Records in the '60s and '70s. As a 15-year-old, he sent a fan letter to bassist Marcus Miller
. When Miller responded, inviting Dorn to come by the studio, one visit turned into three years hanging around artists David Sanborn
, Luther Vandross
and Miles Davis
.
Dorn is a bass player and vocalist. He studied at Berklee College of Music
in Boston
, Massachusetts
.
, big-band and swing.
Dorn currently resides in Philadelphia after having lived and finished his latest album, Cinco de Mowo (a parody of the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo
) in New York in 2007. Reviews of this album have been almost solely positive, with most citing it as Dorn's best work to date.
In 2008, Dorn led an eight piece band, which featured some of New York City's most revered soul and funk players. Assembled by Dorn to bring to life the "breakbeat jazz" stylings of the Mocean Worker studio albums, the group gave a series of high profile performances, including Bumbershoot, Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and a residency at NYC venue Nublu.
Dorn remains good friends with childhood friend Steven Wolfe. He is married to Colette Leboffe.
Background
Philadelphia native Adam Dorn is the son of famous jazzJazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
and R'n'B producer Joel Dorn
Joel Dorn
Joel Dorn was an American jazz and R&B music producer and record label entrepreneur. He worked at Atlantic Records, and later founded the 32 Jazz, Label M, and Hyena Records labels...
. He grew up around the jazz and R&B discs his father produced for Atlantic Records in the '60s and '70s. As a 15-year-old, he sent a fan letter to bassist Marcus Miller
Marcus Miller
Marcus Miller is an American jazz composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Miller is best known as a bassist, working with trumpeter Miles Davis, singer Luther Vandross, and saxophonist David Sanborn, as well as maintaining a prolific solo career...
. When Miller responded, inviting Dorn to come by the studio, one visit turned into three years hanging around artists David Sanborn
David Sanborn
David Sanborn is an American alto saxophonist. Though Sanborn has worked in many genres, his solo recordings typically blend jazz with instrumental pop and R&B. He released his first solo album Taking Off in 1975, but has been playing the saxophone since before he was in high school...
, Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross
Luther Ronzoni Vandross was an American singer-songwriter and record producer. During his career, Vandross sold over twenty-five million albums and won eight Grammy Awards including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance four times...
and Miles Davis
Miles Davis
Miles Dewey Davis III was an American jazz musician, trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. Widely considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Miles Davis was, with his musical groups, at the forefront of several major developments in jazz music, including bebop, cool jazz,...
.
Dorn is a bass player and vocalist. He studied at Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is the largest independent college of contemporary music in the world. Known primarily as a school for jazz, rock and popular music, it also offers college-level courses in a wide range of contemporary and historic styles, including hip...
in Boston
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
.
Mocean Worker
Dorn adopted the Mocean Worker moniker as a DJ of drum 'n' bass music. The project came about almost by accident, the results of a series of half-serious recording sessions. Since the release of his first album, Home Movies from the Brain Forest, the style has varied from a drum 'n' bass sound to a jazz-oriented dance sound, incorporating elements of funkFunk
Funk is a music genre that originated in the mid-late 1960s when African American musicians blended soul music, jazz and R&B into a rhythmic, danceable new form of music. Funk de-emphasizes melody and harmony and brings a strong rhythmic groove of electric bass and drums to the foreground...
, big-band and swing.
Dorn currently resides in Philadelphia after having lived and finished his latest album, Cinco de Mowo (a parody of the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday held on May 5. It is celebrated nationwide in the United States and regionally in Mexico, primarily in the state of Puebla, where the holiday is called El Dia de la Batalla de Puebla...
) in New York in 2007. Reviews of this album have been almost solely positive, with most citing it as Dorn's best work to date.
In 2008, Dorn led an eight piece band, which featured some of New York City's most revered soul and funk players. Assembled by Dorn to bring to life the "breakbeat jazz" stylings of the Mocean Worker studio albums, the group gave a series of high profile performances, including Bumbershoot, Burlington Discover Jazz Festival and a residency at NYC venue Nublu.
Dorn remains good friends with childhood friend Steven Wolfe. He is married to Colette Leboffe.
Albums
- Home Movies from the Brain Forest (released April 7, 1998)
- Mixed Emotional Features (released February 23, 1999)
- Aural & HeartyAural & HeartyAural and Hearty released in 2000, is the third album of Mocean Worker, also called MoWo.-Track listing:#"Lighten Up Francis" – 0:29#"Hey Baby" – 3:46#"Air Suspension " – 5:41#"Tres Tres Chic" – 3:43#"Intothinair" – 6:15...
(released September 26, 2000) - Enter the Mowo! (released April 6, 2004)
- Cinco de Mowo! (released June 26, 2007)
- Candygram for Mowo! (released September 27, 2011)
Singles and EPs
- Detonator (1998) (features a remix by DJ Trace)
- Diagnosis (1998)
- Times of Danger (1999)
- Intothinair (2000)
- Shake Ya Boogie - The Remix EP (2009 - Digital release) features remixes by Ursula 1000Ursula 1000Alex Gimeno is a DJ best known for Ursula 1000, a wide-ranging musical project including lounge, breakbeat, glam and cha cha.Gimeno was born in Brooklyn, New York. During his childhood, he and his family moved to Miami Beach where his father, a member of the Spanish orchestra, Los Chavales De...
, Count de Money, and Bill HamelBill HamelBill Hamel is a Grammy Award-nominated music producer from Orlando, Florida.-Discography:*Seal "The Best Of Me" On Warner Brothers*Seal "The Weight Of My Mistakes" On Warner Brothers*Kimberly Cole "Smack You" on Crystal Ship...
.
Remix Tracks by Mocean Worker
- Tenacious DTenacious DTenacious D is an American rock band that was formed in Los Angeles, California in 1994. Composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Jack Black and lead guitarist and vocalist Kyle Gass, the band has released two albums – Tenacious D and The Pick of Destiny...
- "Explosivo" (Mocean Worker's Megamix) on the EP D Fun PakD Fun PakD Fun Pak is an extended play by Tenacious D released on April 29, 2002. The EP features four tracks – one comedy sketch; one demo version of a track from the Tenacious D TV series ; and two alternative versions of songs which appeared on the band's debut album, Tenacious D...
(2002) - Cathedral Brass - "Joy to the World" on the albums Christmas Remixed - Holiday Classics Re-Grooved (2003) and Holiday Remixed (2005)
- Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm BandCharles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm BandCharles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band is a pioneering American soul and funk band. Formed in the early 1960s, they had the most visibility from 1967 to 1973 when the band had 9 singles reach Billboard's pop and/or rhythm and blues Hot 100 lists, such as "Do Your Thing" , "Till You Get...
- "Express Yourself" on What Is Hip?: Remix Project, Vol. 1 (2004), Express Yourself - EP (2005), and Mr. and Mrs. Smith Soundtrack (2005) - Rare EarthRare Earth (band)Rare Earth is an American rock band affiliated with Motown's Rare Earth record label , who prospered in 1970-1972. Although not the first white band signed to Motown, Rare Earth was the first big hit-making act signed by Motown that consisted only of white members...
- "I Just Want to Celebrate" on the album Motown RemixedMotown RemixedMotown Remixed is a 2005 compilation album containing remixed versions of Motown hits, released on May 24, 2005 by Motown/Universal Records....
(2005) - Nina SimoneNina SimoneEunice Kathleen Waymon , better known by her stage name Nina Simone , was an American singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and civil rights activist widely associated with jazz music...
- "Go to Hell" on the album Nina Simone Remixed and Reimagined (2006) - Herb AlpertHerb AlpertHerbert "Herb" Alpert is an American musician most associated with the group variously known as Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass, or TJB. He is also a recording industry executive — he is the "A" of A&M Records...
- "Bittersweet Samba" on the album Whipped Cream and Other Delights Rewhipped (2006) - Marvin GayeMarvin GayeMarvin Pentz Gay, Jr. , better known by his stage name Marvin Gaye, was an American singer-songwriter and musician with a three-octave vocal range....
- "Here, My Dear" on the album Here, My Dear Expanded Edition (2008) - Johnny CashJohnny CashJohn R. "Johnny" Cash was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century...
- "Hey Porter" on the album Johnny Cash RemixedJohnny Cash Remixed-Reviews:****...
(2009)
Compilations featuring Mocean Worker
- Groove Jammy, Vol. 2 (1999) - "Lighten Up Francis"
- Sound and Motion, Vol 1 (2000) - "Detonator"
- Pink Panther's Penthouse Party (2004) - "Tres Tres Chic"
- Starbucks: Hear Music Playlist Volume 3 (2004) - "Right Now"
- WFUV: City Folk Live VIIWFUV: City Folk Live VIIWFUV: City Folk Live VII is a compilation album released by WFUV in November 2004 to highlight songs performed live in the studio by some of the year's favorite guests...
(2004) - "Right Now" - Jazz Lounge, Vol. 2 (2004) - "Right Now"
- Ultra Chilled 05 (2005) - "Right Now"
- Oliver Peoples 4 (2005) - "Shamma Lamma Ding Dong"
- Inside Deep Throat Soundtrack (2005) - "Chick a Boom Boom Boom"
- The Devil Wears PradaThe Devil Wears Prada (soundtrack)The soundtrack album for The Devil Wears Prada was released by Warner Brothers/WEA on July 11, 2006. It includes popular songs by U2 and Madonna, and work by Alanis Morissette and Jamiroquai, many of which were used for significant scenes in the film. The film also contains the Blackliquid Remix to...
Soundtrack (2006, Warner Bros.Warner Bros. RecordsWarner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
/Wea) - "Tres Tres Chic" - Jazz&Milk Breaks (2008) - "Shamma Lamma Ding Dong"
- Sundown: Music for Unwinding (2008) - "Changes"
Trivia
- The album Bird Up: The Charlie Parker Remix Project features two tracks "produced and constructed" by "Hal Willner's Whoops I'm an Indian," credited to Hal WillnerHal WillnerHal Willner is an American music producer working in recording, films, TV and live events. He is best known for assembling tribute albums and events featuring a wide variety of artists and musical styles...
, Mocean Worker, and Martin Brumbach. - Porn star Christy CanyonChristy Canyon- External links :...
often appears in the thank you list for his albums. - Although it is not on the movie's soundtrack CD, the song "Intothinair" is featured in the film The Bourne SupremacyThe Bourne Supremacy (film)The Bourne Supremacy is a 2004 American spy film very loosely based on Robert Ludlum's novel of the same name. The film was directed by Paul Greengrass, written by Tony Gilroy and Brian Helgeland, and produced by Frank Marshall and Pat Crowley. Universal Pictures released the film to theaters in...
during the Moscow club scene. - In 2005 Mocean Worker supported Marcus Miller in his tour of Japan. In preparation, Mocean Worker paid an inordinate amount of money for designer trousers.
- The Song "Right Now" is featured in an advertisement for the 2007 Lincoln NavigatorLincoln NavigatorThe Lincoln Navigator is a full-size luxury SUV built by the Ford Motor Company for its luxury division, Lincoln. Introduced as a 1998 model, production began May 14, 1997 with sales beginning in August. The Navigator was Lincoln's first SUV as well as its first four-wheel drive capable vehicle...
, and also "The Shower", an episode of Fox TVFox Broadcasting CompanyFox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
's The O.C.The O.C.The O.C. is an American teen drama television series that originally aired on the Fox television network in the United States from August 5, 2003, to February 21, 2007, running a total of four seasons...
. - The song "Tickle It" is featured in an episode of the television show, CSI, and is also used as theme music for the "All Tech Considered" segments on the NPRNPRNPR, formerly National Public Radio, is a privately and publicly funded non-profit membership media organization that serves as a national syndicator to a network of 900 public radio stations in the United States. NPR was created in 1970, following congressional passage of the Public Broadcasting...
show, All Things ConsideredAll Things ConsideredAll Things Considered is the flagship news program on the American network National Public Radio. It was the first news program on NPR, and is broadcast live worldwide through several outlets...
. - The song "Tickle it" is featured in the award winning independent film Skills Like ThisSkills Like ThisSkills Like This is a 2009 comedy film distributed by Shadow Distribution released theatrically on March 20, 2009. The DVD released on November 17, 2009 and the Premium Cable premiere on Starz and Starz On Demand 1.1. 2010. It was directed by Monty Miranda, written by Spencer Berger, and stars...
.