Blending in with the Tea Guy
Did you know all the blending at Craft Tea is done in the middle of the night? While the city sleeps, Mike the Tea Guy takes over a café to mix non-stop into the night. It’s hard work, but with the right music Mike is able to pull it off.
These are the albums that make the tea:
Craft Tea pairing: Cosmic Trip, a garden-like meditation blend based on the music of Steve Gunn
Steve Gunn - "Way Out Weather" (2014)
I tend to get lost in Steve’s music when blending tea. It's so hypnotic, peaceful, and beautiful. The way this album opens up always sends me flying, and really helps me calm down and focus.
Craft Tea pairing: Sore Before, a ginger-lemongrass blend for aches and pains
Booker T. Jones - "The Road From Memphis" (2011)
Booker T. makes timeless music. His work with the MG's is legendary, but I also enjoy this Questlove-produced album backed by The Roots. Mostly instrumental, but features special guest appearances by the likes of Sharon Jones and Lou Reed.
Craft Tea pairing: Gritty Vocals, a throat coat tea developed for Philly music venues
Sheer Mag - "Need To Feel Your Love" (2017)
This album kicks serious ass. Killer songs, tasty licks, and adrenaline-pumping riffs. The band is extremely tight, and Tina Halladay's vocals amp me up every listen.
Craft Tea pairing: John's Yawn Jawn, a cozy sleep blend inspired by John Andrews and the Yawns
John Andrews & the Yawns - "Bit by the Fang" (2015)
John’s a crafty, down-to-earth guy with folk art sensibilities. He single-handedly created the mellow and melodic Yawns sound by recording every instrument himself in his former Lancaster home, then later formed a band to play it live.
Craft Tea pairing: Baked at the Lake, a smoked and spicy blend for those who like bourbon and cigars
Endless Boogie - "Vibe Killer" (2017)
Endless Boogie is true to their name. The first time I saw them live, they opened with a 40-minute song. It is primitive stoner rock with most songs ranging from one to two chords. In the same vein as The Stooges, the guitars are blistering and savage, and the repetitive groove really helps pass the time.
Craft Tea pairing: The Wissahickon Walker, a cool and hazy kava blend inspired by Kurt Vile
Kurt Vile - "Smoke Ring For My Halo" (2011)
An excellent late-night record. Layers of spacey sonics, intricate finger-picking, and stream-of-consciousness one-liners from the coolest dude this side of the Wissahickon.
Craft Tea pairing: The Ghostwriter, white tea and jasmine pearls, made for readers and writers
Aimee Mann - "Mental Illness" (2017)
Gorgeous album from brilliant singer-songwriter, Aimee Mann. Strong songs with sparse arrangements. Aimee intended to make a “John Denver” record, which resulted in a gentle 70's AM radio sound, as well as a Grammy for Folk Album of the Year.
Craft Tea pairing: Brew Tang Forever, a 9-herb blend inspired by the Wu-Tang Clan
Various Artists - "The Rza Hits" (1999)
A collection of songs produced by Rza from 1993-1996. An invincible era for the clan. Gritty beats, raw sounds, and razor sharp lyrics. A great introduction to Wu-Tang.
Craft Tea pairing: Class Cat, a sour and worldly blend based on an eclectic art gallery
Laraaji - "Celestial Music: 1978-2011" (2013)
This Laraaji set is something special. Exceptional packaging with fascinating interviews from the ambient music legend who grew up in Germantown. Last year, I saw him play at the James Turrell Skyspace in Chestnut Hill; the spiritual vibrations were through the roof!
Craft Tea pairing: Sad13's Haunted Breakfast, a smoky breakfast tea based on “Haunted Painting”
Sad13 - "Haunted Painting" (2020)
Sadie Dupuis is prolific, poetic, and empowering. Her unstoppable drive and technical prowess make her a one-woman wrecking crew. Her new album is full of haunted energy and covers topics as far-ranging as the sounds produced, with Sadie playing everything from synth to sitar.
One reason I picked all these artists is because they sound great on vinyl. If you want to get the most out of the record, pick up a copy at your local record shop or through the artists’ Bandcamp page. If you’d like to preview the music, I have compiled all the albums in this Spotify playlist.