LAKASAFUNK

Highlife (AVF 045)

2011-07-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

Quite far from the first 70s albums of the nice SoundStage catalogue, this set contains typical late 80s synth sounds recorded in 1986 by Albert Alan Owen.
Unashamedly looping rhythm boxes, fat synthetizer chords and nostalgic melodies mixed in a bright fusion way with some pop touches.

Dressed To Kill

Sounds 80 (AMP 114)

2011-06-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

Here is a nice little gem issued on Amphonic label and recorded in 1975 by some british library jazz funk cats of this area : Syd Dale, Steve Gray, among the most famous ones. This album offers up some classy and slick jazz funk themes all along larded with nice mellow arrangements.
To wit and do some useful commercials, some of the tracks of this album have been booted in a tasty Amphonic compilation that you can find here.

Long Time Gone

Plein Jazz

2011-05-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

Here's one of the too much rare albums recorded by composer/leader Claude Cagnasso and his big band. This one is ripped from a rendition on Palm Vendémiaire label released in 1982. The album was originally released in 1977.
Tunes vary from modal, classy, latin, up-tempo swing to some jazz funk cuts as the groovy number The Mover.

Credits :
Tony Russo, Michel Barrot, Tony Brenes, Freddy Ovzepian, Michel Bos: trumpet - Jacques Bologonesi, Christian Guizen, Luis Fuentes: trombone - Maurice Sevrero, Bernard Camus: trombone bass - Francis Cournet: alto sax - Alain Hatot: alto tenor sax - Claude Thirifays, Jean-Michel Hervé: tenor sax - Gilbert Dal'Anese: bass - George Arvanitas: piano - Frédéric Sylvestre: guitar - Tony Bonfils: clarinet bass - Jean-Paul Batailley: drums - Jean Schulteis: percussions - Claude Cagnasso: leader - Pierre Goasguen, Guy Arbion: trombone - Patrick Bourgoin: alto sax - Maurice Vander: piano - Patrice Caratini: bass - Guy Bardet: trumpet - Benny Vasseur: trombone - Robert Castagne: trumpet - Gérard Massot: trombone - Gérard Berioz: percussions - Alex Perdigon: trombone - Christian Lete: drums - Teddy Hameline: alto sax - JF Leroux: conga - Didier Sutton: guiro

The Mover

Das Wunder Stereo

2011-03-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

This interesting german lp released on Marcato label sounds like a demo lp to test your hi-fi installation on Side A, with several atmosphere noises and a man introducing them in german language.
Side B is fully instrumental, with some nice short cuts orcherstrated by British composers (Syd Dale, Steve Gray, etc) as "Number One Spy" or "In-Time", embedding different styles.

Shifting Sands Of Sound

Warmth II (70s)

2011-03-02T16:01:00.000-08:00

Very rare private press jazz LP recorded in the 70s by several Santa Cruz musicians. This seems to be the second album by this group. It includes covers of standards like "Laura", "I Only Haves Eyes For You" and "I'll Never Smile Again".

Musicians :
Don McCaslin: vibes, piano - Gary Grifith: piano - Stan Poplin, Bob Boeme, Steve Berman: bass - Con Moto: drums - John Thomson: congas - Franck E. Castellanos: congas, trombone - Wesley Braxton: tenor sax - Wayne Goodwin: violin, viola - Larry Scale: guitar - Ron Williams, Harry Woodward: vocal

Here a cover of Lennon/McCartney standard

Fool On The Hill

Peace

Grant Green - Visions (1971)

2011-02-13T16:02:00.000-08:00

Just one of my favorite jazz albums : soulful, mellow, intimist, groovy. It includes some standards as "We've Only Just Begun" and "Never Can Say Goodbye". And of course the sweet introspective and melancholic ballad "Maybe Tomorrow".

French writer Victor Hugo said : "Melancholy is the pleasure of being sad". And according to me, that's exactly what this tune deals with.

Musicians are :
Grant Green: guitar - Emanuel Riggins: electric piano - Chuck Rainey: electric bass - Billy Wooten: vibes - Harold Cardwell: drums & percussion - Idris Muhammed: drums - Ray Armando: conga.
Recorded on Blue Note label in 1971.

Maybe Tomorrow

Timing n°11 [De Wolfe]

2010-12-23T15:40:00.000-08:00

It seems that this album fits quite well with Christmas and this spirit many would like to find out and keep inside. Childish pieces alternate with strange or more relaxing moods. And you even find an easy jazz waltz and a samba tune at the end of B side.
lp was released in 1976 on De Wolfe Music records (for In Editions label).
A side is composed and recorded by Daniel J. White, B side by Allan Feanch.

Good Morning Julie

We're #1 - The Perfect Circle (1977)

2010-12-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

Rare lp relased by an obscure soul funk combo on Inner City Records in 1977 and produced by George Semper.

Featuring :
Carl (c-man) Walker: lead guitar/percussion/vocals/rhythm guitar - Clyde (czar) Dixon: lead vocals/guitar/percussion/background vocals - Dave (the world) Parnell: tenor/alto saxophone, flute, percussion - Flemmon Green Jr. (ratts): fluegelhorn/lead vocals/percussion/trumpet - Jimmy Smith (jimbo): congas/vocals/latin percussion - Ed (muff) Lyons: electric fender bass/percussion - Ed James (e.j.): drums (traps)/tenor toms/cabasa/vocals - George Semper: clavinet/fender rhodes/hammond organ/piano/string ensemble

This Love Is Mine

The Hands Of Time

Etienne Cap And His Orchestra - Flight Of Fancy (ISST 136)

2010-12-03T18:05:00.000-08:00

This rare album by trumpetist Etienne Cap and his Orchestra was recorded on Intersound label (70s).
It contains some jazz funk tracks as the damn groovy "Take a Taxi" and the jazz-funker "Pass The Pepper" that can be found on now out-of-print french jazz funk compilations Funk De Luxe and Opération Héritage.
The lp also contains some easy bossa mid-tempo tunes but also some more cheesy compositions among them.

Musicians are :
Etienne Cap: trumpet/fluegelohrn/arrangement/production - Pepe Solera: tenor/soprano/alto saxophone, harmonica, flute - Thomas Strasser: electric and acoustic guitars, synthetizers - Eric Stevens: electric and acoustic bass - Ladia Basé: piano, fender rhodes, synthetizer - Alan Waterson: drums, percussion, syndrums - Freddie Santiago: percussion, Christian Finck: leader of the string ensemble

Here are two previews.

Flight Of Fancy

Take A Taxi

Steve Grossman - Born At The Same Time (1977)

2010-12-03T14:14:00.000-08:00

This one is a very nice spiritual jazz album released on OWL records label in 1977 and recorded by tenor/soprano saxophonist Steve Grossman with a solid quartet featuring Daniel Humair on drums, Patrice Caratini on bass, and Michel Graillier on piano.
It seems that the CD reissue included "Lord Jesus Thinks On me" not available on the original vinyle edition.
Here's on preview one of the 9 tracks ripped from the LP.

March Nineteen

Romantic Music Vol.2 (Chappell CIS 5049)

2010-11-27T15:07:00.001-08:00

This rare library music was released in 1975 on British Chappell label.
It includes short cuts with a laid back atmoshpere between jazz and bossa either played by small groups or soloists.

Intriguing mood with ...
Moonlight Rhythm

... Or some sweet bossa flute
Brazilian Nights

Comments are always appreciated, thanks for sharing ! Nuff said ...

Pierre Porte - Claviers Unlimited (MON 17)

2010-11-24T14:45:00.001-08:00

On this easy lib lp recorded for Mondiophone label, French musician Pierre Porte (who composed many themes for french television in the 80s and had his own orchestra) play different keyboard types as accoustic and electric piano, harpsichord, glockenspiel or organ for example.

Thème 12

JC Pierric - GO Vol. 2 (1002)

2010-11-23T15:20:00.000-08:00

Go Reggae Vol. 2 is the second album of the sweet and rare "Go" library series recorded in the early 80's by legendary french arranger/composer/instrumentist J.C. Pierric.

Here's one preview.

Ho mama

And check out J.C. Pierric's blog for more.

Chris Hinze - Vivat Vivaldi (1970)

2010-11-21T13:27:00.000-08:00

Dutch flautist Chris Hinze is well known by jazz funk diggers for Bamboo Magic, an album recorded in 1978 with the Chris Hinze Combination formation.
In Vivat Vivaldi released for CBS records in Netherlands in 1970, he provides a beautiful work by paying tribute to classic composer and virtuoso violonist Antonio Vivaldi (1678 - 1741). He shows in seven cuts choosen among the compositions of the baroque italian genius a nice ability to give them a natural jazz flavour. For each piece, the theme is exposed then musicians deeply appropriate themselves its spirit.
"Vivace from Sonata n° 6" is a long groovy 10 minutes piece with Hammond organ and hypnotic bass that spreads a sweet bluesy atmosphere.
"Allegro from Sonata n° 1 ("II Pastor Fido" Vol. 1)" is an uptempo swinging cut. "Largo From Concerto in C Major" is played as a nice introspective ballad. "Minuetto I/II Sonata n° 5 ("II Pastor Fido" Vol. 2)" has a nice spiritual touch.
"Allegro From Sonata n° 5" closes the album with a piece that begins like a chamber music theme with spinet in background and ends on an uptempo jazz cut played with bongos and an oriental-style flute.
The original Chris Hinze Quartet is accompanied with some other studio musicians.

Musicians :
Chris Hinze, Hutÿra Ferenc & Govert Jurrianse: flute, Henk Alkema: piano / spinet, Rob Langereis: bass, Peter Ypma: drums, Rien de Reede: alto flute, Wouler Möller: cello, Cor Willems: Hammond organ, Wim Vanderbeek: bongos

But let the music speak with the first cut of the album.

Vivace from Sonata n° 5 ("II Pastor Fido" Vol. 2)

A1 - Vivace from Sonata n° 5 ("II Pastor Fido" Vol. 2)
A2 - Vivace from Sonata n° 6 ("II Pastor Fido" Vol. 2)
A3 - Allegro from Sonata n° 1 ("II Pastor Fido" Vol. 1)
B1 - Largo From Concerto in C Major
B2 - Minuetto I/II Sonata n° 5 ("II Pastor Fido" Vol. 2)
B3 - Largo From Part IV (The Winter) Of "The Four Seasons"
B4 - Allegro From Sonata n° 5 ("II Pastor Fido" Vol. 2)

Fania All Stars - Delicate And Jumpy (1976)

2010-11-20T14:39:00.000-08:00

One of the numerous albums of the huge catalog of the guaranteed quality Fania label. Salsa, boogaloo, latin jazz, etc. This label has represented all afro latin styles and its close derivatives.
Many great artists from Ray Barretto to Roberto Roena, from Tito Puente to Joe Bataan, from Joe Cuba to Mongo Santamaria, etc ... participated in the apogee of the label.

Just a note to say this lp also includes a version of the mellow Rosemary's Baby theme from prematuraly dead Polish jazz pianist Krzysztof Komeda.
Now about the album, it is surely neither the hottest nor the more salsa-oriented from the label, but it includes nice orchestrations/arrangements and we'll go back to more "hard salsa" later. But if you feel "caliente" now you can check out a hot session there.

Musicians :
Johnny Pacheco: flute & percussion, Bobby Valentin: bass, Ray Barretto: congas, Nicky Marrero: timbales, Roberto Roena: bongos, Papo Lucca: piano, Steve Winwood: guitar
Arranged and conducted by Gene Page.

First preview is the smooth I'll See You Again.

I'll See You Again

Second one is Fania All Stars'Cha Cha Cha. And it includes in the second part a nice groovy bass accompanied with flute that may give some ideas to some hip hop producers.

Fania All Stars'Cha Cha Cha

Unity - Blow Thru Your Mind (1974)

2010-11-06T23:55:00.000-07:00

Here a nice ballad retrieved from this legendary spiritual jazz album leaded by saxophonist Byron Morris and his Unity band (Tony Waters on percussion, conga and maracas, Mike Kull on piano, Abdush Shahid on drums, Vince McEwan on trumpet, Milton Suggs on bass, Jay Clayton on vocals). It was recorded in 1974 and reissued some years ago. Just a sparkling fragment of a timeless lyrical meditation.

Transcendental Lullaby

Sweet Colours (MON 40)

2010-11-06T20:19:00.001-07:00

Rare and great library music album released on Creasound label bringing together compositions by Janko Nilovic, Pierre Sellin, Pascal Auriat, etc. It just sounds like a late french 60s movie with many wordless vocals and nice string arrangements. Just listen to Deliria, Ballade Pour Une Voix, the beautiful ballad Du Sable Et Du Vent or the nice well-named bossa tune Bossa Beach and you will see what I mean. If you're into french library music you should purchase this gem if you find it.

Trumpet On The Beach

A1 - Le Vent Dans Les Algues
A2 - Adagio Sur La Plage
A3 - Le Soleil Sur La Neige
A4 - Bossa Beach
A5 - Verseau
A6 - Ballade Pour Une Voix
A7 - Trumpet On The Beach
B1 - Ciel De Vacances
B2 - Snow And Tears
B3 - Du Sable Et Du Vent
B4 - Deliria
B5 - Soleil De Minuit
B6 - Concerto Pour Une Etoile

Virus [OST] (1980)

2010-10-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

Late 70s/early 80s saw the emergence of many post apocalyptic movies inspired from SF novels of the past decades. They were reflecting the ambient paranoia of this period of transition between the end of "flower power" insouciance and fear of a near apocalyptic future due to the threat of nuclear war. Of course it had become popular with movies as 1968's Planete of The Apes (and its psyche funk soundtrack) and then grew up with Mad Max or John Carpenter's Escape from New York.
Main theme is generally that whatever the level of technology human civilzation may have reached, human being will never get a full secure control on it and one day he will destruct himself and will go back to the original condition he never actually really left : an animal, only concerned by his more primary instincts.

Less popular Virus directed by japanese Kinji Fukasaku took also part in that new exciting although deeply pessimistic genre.
Now, back to this OST : LP includes solid jazz rock cuts, great orchestral arrangements and some vocals by Janis Ian on the main theme You Are Love. Teo Macero produced it.

Musicians :
Janis Ian: vocals, Chick Corea: keyboards, Larry Coryell: guitar, John Faddis: trumpet, David Sanborn: saxophone, Dave Valentin: flute, Kazumi Watanabe: guitar, Ron Carter: bass, Steve Gadd: drums, Steve Kahn: guitar, Dave Butterfield: saxophone, Wareen Bernhardt: keyboards, Dick Hyman: keyboards +
London Philarmonic Orchestra

Complete credits available here.

Marit

A1 - Adieu, Mon Amour
A2 - You Are Love (Toujours Gai Mon Cher)
A3 - Love Sweet Love
A4 - Bedroom
A5 - Sweet Truth
B1 - You Are Love (Toujours Gai Mon Cher)
B2 - MM 88
B3 - Marit
B4 - Struggle Is My Name
B5 - All To You

Don't forget to leave comments ...

Massada - Pukul Tifa (1979)

2010-10-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

Some latin rock from Dutch-Moluccan band Massada. Pukul Tifa was their second album after Astaganaga. "Unknown Destination" is the disco funk piece of this LP that mixes both latin rock and more traditional songs.

Unknown Destination
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Claude Thomain Et Son Orchestre Vol. 1 (1971)

2010-09-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

Musicians as french Marcel Azzola or Richard Galliano gave the accordion a chance to have a place into jazz sphere, bringing a true nostalgia and authenticity proper to its sound. Such as Claude Thomain. This jazz accordion player was born in 1940 and played with many great french musicians of the 60's area. He recorded this LP on Epervier label. Maybe you already know the title "Un Soir De Blanco" recorded on "Dusty Fingers" compilations. This album brings you into a 60's detective movie atmosphere, sometimes dark, gloomy or passionate.
Antoher great mellow album.

Un Soir De Blanco

bass: A. Masselier - drums: A. Ceccarelli - guitar: M. Gesina - perscusion: M. Lorin - bass trombone: G. Vilain - trombones: B. Vasseur - C. Verstraete, F. Lusiez

A1 - Route Sans Tunnel
A2 - Flash Color
A3 - Un Soir De Blanco
A4 - Notes Vagabondes
A5 - Week-End Danse
A6 - Major Flash
B1 - Shaker Man
B2 - Deux Phares Dans La Nuit
B3 - Du Soleil A Gogo
B4 - Sorti De L'Ombre
B5 - La Caravane Rouge
B6 - Flirtissimo Blues

Foehn - Faëria (1985)

2010-09-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

After some months of musical abstinence, it has been some times I wanted to post this unusual and rare lyric jazz fusion album recorded in 1985 by an obscure formation composed by some known french musicians as saxophonist Sylvain Beuf.
Nice bass lines, spacey keyboards and electric guitar, jazzy saxophone with various rhythmics (jazz, syncopation, latin, ...) accompanied with 'Cortexish' vocals make this album an intimate voyage into darkness of heaven.

Foehn

bass: Michel Boussiars, drums: Marcel Beaudry-Gal,guitar: Alain Blessin, keybooards: Philippe François, percussion: Jean-Manuel Belliard, saxophone: Sylvain Beuf, Vocals: Anou Belliard

A1 - Fœhn
A2 - Loreleï
A3 - Ludine
A4 - Licorne I
A5 - Nomade
B1 - Licorne II
B2 - Melba
B3 - Rétrodroïde
B4 - Faëria
B5 - Tadji's Song
B6 - Dernier Souffle

Fabriano Fuzion - Cosmic Sindika (1982)

2010-05-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

Here is a nice afro latin jazz LP from West Indies recorded in 1982 for Safran records by the "Fuzion" band leaded by bassist Serge Fabriano.
Deep and hypnotic mood (as in Kaladja Vivilo) and fresh percussion, berimbau, etc. accompanied with bass and nice vocals.

Musicians :
Edouard Labor: sax (on A4) - Pierre Labor: sax (on B1, B2) - Mario Pierrecelas, Hector Ficadière: percussion - Alain Jean-Marie: piano, synthetizer - drums: Claude Vamur - Mario Canonge: piano, percussion [ti bwa] - Serge Fabriano: vocals, berimbau, bass - Roger Raspail: vocals, bells, bongos, percussion, percussion, triangle - Suly Cally: vocals, bells, whistle, percussion [ka, ti bwa, calebasse] - Marie-Reine Lamoureux: vocals, percussion [calebasse] - Marie-Céline Fontaine: vocals, percussion [ti bwa]

Kominiké
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A1. Kaladja Vivilo 1
A2. Kaladja Vivilo 2
A3. Karibean Suite
A4. Métamorphose
A5. Sé Kon Sa
B1. Kominiké
B2. Kosmos 1
B3. Kosmos 2
B4. Manège

Audio Directions Presents The Grab Bag (1976)

2010-03-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

This LP is a direct-to-disk recording released in 1976 on Direct Disc label. As it can be assumed each side was directly recorded to disk in one shot "from start to finish".
As explained in the liner notes, this kind of recording makes the task more difficult both for the musicians of course but also for the mastering and studio engineers who must take quick and good decisions on the cutting electronics in order to not screw up the artists' live studio performance and give the recording its deserved rendering. And the result is pretty nice.

Musicians :
Ron Oates: Acoustic piano, clavinette - Randy Goodrum: fender rhodes - Jack Williams: Bass - Kenny Malone: drums - Pete Bordonali: guitars - Farrell Morris & Billy Wiggins: percussion - Barry McDonald & George Tidwell: trumpet & fluegelhorn - Dennis Good: tenor & bass trombone - Dennis Solee: Soprano, alto, tenor & baritone sax, flute, bass clarinet - Billy Puet: soprano, alto, tenor, baritone sax, flute - Buddy Skipper: alto & tenor sax, flute, clarinet - Sheri Kramer & Diane Tidwell: vocals

Itutu

A1. Peace-Piece
A2. Itutu
A3. Can You Stand It
B1. We Can Fly
B2. And I Learned It From A Princess
B3. Emergence

Yuji Ohno - Chips (1981)

2010-03-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

This set was released by Yuji Ohno & The Explosion Band in 1981 on RCA records for the TV series diffusion in Japan.
The famous theme composed by John Carl Parker is arranged in a very disco shape and music here has typically the Yuji-san touch.

Route 101

A1. Theme From "Chips"
A2. "Maquina" My Love
A3. I Love You "Chips"
A4. California Sunset
B1. Route 101
B2. Ventura Feeling
B3. Power Chase
B4. Moonlight Freeway

Toshiyuki Honda - Burnin' Waves (1978)

2010-02-20T13:42:00.000-08:00

This classic LP by Japanese saxophonist and flutist Toshiyuki Honda was released in 1978 on Electric Bird label for Inner City records.
Of course it includes the breezy "747 Wind Flight" but also some nice breaks on the album's funky eponymous title, Sao Paulo and "Thunder Kiss".

Musicians :
Toshiyuki Honda: alto sax, soprano sax, flute, alto flute -Bob Wilson: drums, percussion - Pauline Wilson: vocal (side2-2) - Larry Williams: electric piano, mini moog, oberheim, polyphonic, percussion - Jerry Hey: trumpet, fluegelhorn, percussion - Gary Herbig: tenor sax, alto sax, alto flute - Ken Wild: electric bass - Bud Nuanez: electric guitar - Eiji Arai: trombone (side 1-4 / side 2-2,3) - Tadaomi Anai: percussion side 1-4 / side 2-2, 3 - Chikara Ueda: arrange, conduct

747 Wind Flight
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A1. Burnin' Waves
A2. All-Night Rendez-Vous
A3. Thunder Kiss
A4. You Blow My Heart Away
B1. Just A Dream Away
B2. Havana Candy
B3. Sao Paulo
B4. 747 Wind Flight

Billy Foster - Reflections (1989)

2010-01-29T12:08:00.000-08:00

Here is a solid and fresh jazz trio LP (with some nice vocals and trumpet on some tracks) recorded by pianist Billy Foster for Equistar label in 1989. That kind of disc that sounds so obvious at first listening. My favorite is the beautiful ballad "Dedication" sung by Sharmaine Congress but the whole album has a very cool flavour to me.

Musicians:
Billy Foster: piano - Bruce Evans: bass - Jeff Brown: drums - Glenda Eskew :vocal on B2 - Sharmaine Congress : vocal on A3 - Dr. Odies Williams III: trumpet on A4

Sunrise

1. A Swing Thing
2. Sunrise
3. Dedication
4. Straight Strut
5. Prism
6. Dreams
7. Just Now
8. Steps

leave comments please !

Vikings De La Guadeloupe - Dégagez Payez Impots (1976)

2009-11-16T12:43:00.000-08:00

This quite rare lp from guadeloupean orchestra "Vikings De La Guadeloupe" was recorded in 1976 for Les 3A label. This group included bassist Pierre-Edouard Decimus and played both traditional music (let's say this band invented "zouk" music) and some more funk-oriented stuff. The two best pieces of this album are certainly the groovy and hypnotic "Funky Duke" and the latin "Ven A Comer".

Musicians :
Pierre-Edouard Decimus: bass - Camille "Soprann" Hildevert: saxophone - Max "Maxo" Severin : voice - Happy Lewis: trumpet - Guy Jacquet: guitar - Pierre Menade: piano

Funky Duke
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Ven A Comer
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1. Dégagez
2. Payez Impots
3. Goge A Yo Si Compte A Yo
4. Funky Duke
5. Magma Tension
6. Sauve Qui Peut
7. Pa Desesperé
8. Ven A Comer

Patsy Gallant - Patsy! (1978)

2009-11-02T14:38:00.000-08:00

This 1978 album recorded for Attic label by Canadian singer Patsy Gallant is tainted with some disco and easy ballads. Stand out tracks are the groovy "It'll All Come Around" and the fast brazilian classic "Te Caliente".

It'll All Come Around
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Te Caliente
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Klaus Wuesthoff & Kurt Drabek Orchestra - Multivision 2000 (Selected Sound 9083)

2009-10-13T13:35:00.000-07:00

Rare german library album recorded in 1980 on Selected Sound label by arrangers/composers Klaus Wuesthoff and Kurt Drabek.
Featuring short themes with nice instrumentations

Transformation (Samba Rock)
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Sambaline (Soft Samba)
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1. Multivision 2000 (Latin Rock)
2. Multivision 2000 (Soft Rock Waltz)
3. Sambaline (Samba)
4. Multivision 2000 (Medium Rock)
5. Clouds (Slow Rock)
6. Transformation (Samba Rock)
7. Multivision 2000 (Slow Rock)
8. Sambaline (Soft Samba)
9. Multivision 2000 (Blues Rock)
10. Light Reflections (Slow)
11. Multivision 2000 (Slow Rock)
12. Soft Line Theme (Slow)
13. Soft Line Theme (5/4 Rock)
14. Antique (Rock Waltz)
15. Soft Line Theme (Samba)
16. Soft Line Theme (Medium Rock)

Prophets Of Soul - Gregory James Edition (1972)

2009-10-04T07:24:00.001-07:00

Not much time to post since several weeks and no internet at home (moving house ...), but this lp is worth to be known in the funk sphere.
It was recorded in 1972 on Dakar records by Prophets Of Soul, a band formed in the late 60's.
Funky keyboards sounds and a nice batch of various rhythms and atmospheres.
Features the nice ballad "Brother Marcus" dedicated to black activist Marcus Garvey, and some standards as "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Shaft". Just great.

Musicians :
Gregory Bibb: clarinet, combo organ, grand piano, fender rhodes - James Norris: guitar - Anthony McAllister: drums

Changing Things
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1. Brother Marcus
2. Ain't No Sunshine
3. Grandma Heavy
4. Shaft
5. Changing Things
6. Love And Happiness
7. Make It Easy On yourself

Willie Bobo - Hell Of An Act To Follow (1978)

2009-08-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

Late nicely arranged latin jazz album by percussionist Willie Bobo, recorded in 1978 for Columbia records and produced by Wayne Henderson.
It includes some groovy numbers as "Always There", "Snort Of Green" or "Sixty-Two Fifty" and a sweet cover of "Dindi".

Pisces
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see credits here.

1. Always There
2. Keep That Same Old Feeling
3. Together
4. Pisces
5. Dindi
6. Snort Of Green
7. Fairy Tales For Two
8. Sixty-Two Fifty

you can buy it here

H. Rierat / M. Santini - Rafraichissant (Musax 100 016)

2009-08-23T15:42:00.000-07:00

Fresh and rare french library album that begins with the groovy "L'Oeuf Dur" and then goes on with some nice easy jazz bossa sound.
No information about the musicians : flute / electric piano / bass / drums
Recorded on Musax label (early 80s).

L'Oeuf Dur
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1. L'Oeuf Dur
2. Quart De Rouge
3. Tortilla Espagnola
4. Escalope Milanaise
5. Onko Le Roi
6. Canaris De Rechange
7. Epinards Rouges
8. Lèvres En Bois
9. Poucet Le Chat
10. Reglisse The Cat
11. Sortie De Boule
12. Petite Perle
13. La Belle A Laurence
14. Les Bonnes Notes De Valerie

Young-Holt Unlimited - Mellow Dreamin' (1970)

2009-08-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

Classic soul funk lp recorded in 1970 on Cotillion records by the Young / Holt combo. This album includes great covers of "Wichita Lineman" and overall "Midnight Cowboy" + several originals as "The Creeper" or the beautiful "Melllow Dreamin'". Definitely one of their bests.

Musicians:
Eldee Young: string bass, electric bass, 8 string & electric cello - Isaac "Redd" Holt: drums - Kenneth Channey: piano & organ - Franck Gordon: trumpet, fluegelhorn

The Creeper
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1. The Devil Made Me Do Dat
2. Going In Circles
3. Witchita Lineman
4. Mellow Dreamin'
5. Trippin'
6. Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head
7. The Creeper
8. There'll Be A Greater Day
9. Black And White
10. Midnight Cowboy

George Muribus - Brazilian Tapestry (1976)

2009-08-08T16:30:00.000-07:00

This nice brazilian jazz lp was recorded by pianist George Muribus in 1976 for Catalyst records.
Actually, as the liner notes say, it can be separated into 2 parts: first side is more oriented to brazilian electric sounds while side B is accoustic and played on a very inspired piano / bass / drums jazz mode. To me, kind of a classic.

Musicians:
George Muribus: electric piano (side A) / accoustic piano (side B) - Michael Howell: guitar - Vince Denham: saxophone - Vince Lateano: drums - Willie Colon: conga - Dave Dunaway: bass (side A) - Len Lasher: bass (side B)

The Dolphin
tilidom.com

1. Brazilian Tapestry
2. I Won't Last A Day Without You
3. The Dolphin
4. Pocrasni
5. Diminishing Returns
6. Night Flower
7. Alon

Scope - II (1974)

2009-08-01T16:56:00.000-07:00

Nice dutch jazz rock album by Scope band released in 1974 for Atlantic records.
This group recorded only 2 albums, first one was more oriented to progressive rock music.
This one is a good blend of jazz rock effects with a really solid rhytmic section and interesting pieces and solos.

Musicians:
Rick Elings: fender bas guitar, hammond organ, arp synthetizer, grand piano, gemeinhart flute - Rob Franken: fender rhodes, piano, arp odiseey synthetizer - Rens Nieuwland: guitar, 12 string guitar - Henk Zomer: drums

High Checker
tilidom.com

1. Tamotua
2. Frisky Frog Funk
3. Shuttle Service
4. Ant-Artica
5. Big Ferro
6. High Checker
7. Shuffle Funk Dog
8-9. The Zebra Part I/II

see comments

Marcos Valle - Nova Bossa Nova (1997)

2009-08-01T16:36:00.000-07:00

Late work by Marcos Valle released in 1997 on Farout records (go to visit http://www.faroutrecordings.com for more stuff)
Ideal brasilian stuff for summer thoughts :) I particularly like "Nordeste" for its nice rhodes solo and also the fast "Bar Ingles". Enjoy ...

Novo Visual
tilidom.com

1. Novo Visual
2. Abandonu
3. Cidade Aberto
4. Bahia Blue
5. Nova Bossa Nova
6. Nordeste
7. Bar Ingles
8. A Vontage

see comments

Camille Sauvage - Caminou (MON26)

2009-08-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Nice and rare 70s curiosity, this french library Lp was released by Camille Sauvage on Creasound records. Includes nice arrangements with flutes, clarinets, ondes martenot, bugle, trombone, organ, saxes, vibraphone, guitars, percussions, etc.
Pieces go from classic, folk to easy listening music or jazz - no funk here except maybe on "Helga" and "Moulin A vent"-.

Moulin A Vent (Wind Mill)
tilidom.com

1. Les Caminou
2. Carillon Rose
3. Baby Polka
4. Bebe Reve
5. Miss Berlingot
6. Pierrot Et Colombine
7. Bateau Mouche
8. Maison De Poupee
9. Les Petits Soldats
10. Helga
11. Noel En Autriche
12. Les Elfes
13. Moulin A Vent (Wind Mill)
14. Le Petit Train
15. Guimbarde Western

you can buy it here

see comments

Brian Auger's Oblivion Express - Closer To It! (1973)

2009-07-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

Brian Auger's Oblivion Express Band released this jazz funk lp in 1973 for RCA label. It contains a very groovy and solid percussions / bass / drums section with nice keyboards.
The excellent "Light On The Path" is the only fully instrumental piece of the album.

Musicians:
Brian Auger: organ, piano, electric piano, moog, mellotron, vocals - Barry Dean: bass guitar - Jack Mills: lead guitar - Lennox Laington: congas - Godfrey MacLean: drums, cowbell

Voices Of Other Times

1. Whenever You're Ready
2. Happiness Is Just Around The Bend
3. Light On The Path
4. Compared To What
5. Inner City Blues
6. Voices Of Other Times

see comments

Rudy Ray Moore - Dolemite (1975)

2009-07-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

Solid classic soul funk soundtrack released by one the great figures of blaxploitation scene, actor and musician Rudy Ray Moore (March 17, 1927 – Oct. 19, 2008). This O.S.T. was released for Generation International label in 1975.

Musicians:
Soul Rebellion Orchestra conducted by Rudy Ray Moore / arranged by Arthur Wright - vocals: Ben Taylor, Mary Love, Revelation Funk

The Rumble

Willie Green

1. Dolemite
2. The Queen
3. Do You Still Care
4. The Rumble
5. Mayor's Get Away
6. Power of Your Love
7. Willie Green
8. When We Start Making Love
9. The Hitmen
10. Ghetto Expressions
11. Time Is On Our Side
12. Creeper
13. The Jive Jungle
14. Flatland

see comments

Christian Gaubert - Last Exit (1979)

2009-07-24T16:12:00.000-07:00

A "must have" and nearly classical french funk album originally released in 1979 by Christian Gaubert for RCA label. It was reissued on 2006 on Japanese Production Dessinée label.
No need to present this gem for knowers, really every track is a killer.

"Sweet And Fool Like A Child" was a also compiled on the Funk De Luxe compilation released in 2001 for Hutch Production.

See credits here.

You can buy it here or here in reissued CD or Lp format or original Lp format.

Sweet And Fool Like A Child

Sweet Marilyne

1. It
2. Man On a Wire
3. Sweet And Fool Like A Child
4. Going Ups And Coming Downs
5. Sweet Marilyne
6. Keep On! Keep On!
7. We're Together
8. Running Wave

Boosey & Hawkes Background Music (SBH 3005)

2009-07-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

Rare library Lp released by arranger/composer Dennis Farnon in 1973 for SBH label in the GREAT legendary "Boosey & Hawkes background Music series". This one is oriented to slow drama pieces with beautiful arrangements + some jazzy tunes at the end of the second side.

Paddle Wheeler

1. By Candlelight
2. The Veil
3. Protoplasm
4. Cataclysm
5. Intrigue
6. Time Lapse
7. The Alchemist
8. Subversive Element
9. Journey Into Fear
10. Requiem
11. Portrait Of A Girl
12. Suddenly
13. Paddle Wheeler
14. Ad-libs No. 4a
15. Trip - Scene
16. Wild

You can buy it here

see comments

Spin - S/T (1976)

2009-07-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

Dutch progressive jazz/rock band Spin formed in 1974 and disbanded in 1977. They only recorded 2 albums, both for Ariola label : An eponymous one in 1976, and "Whirlwind" in 1977.

Musicians:
Rein van den Broek: trumpet, flugelhorn - Jan Vennik: reeds, flute - Hans Jansen: keyboards - Hans Hollestelle: guitar, synthesizer - Jan Hollestelle: bass, synthetizers, piano, violoncello - Cees Kranenburg: drums, percussion
Covert Art: Chris Duinmeijer.

Beautiful Queenie

1. Grasshopper
2. Spinning
3. Excenter
4. Sea And Seasons
5. Little Bitch
6. Sunday Afternoon's Dream
7. Flat Tyre
8. Beautiful Queenie

see comments

Frank Pleyer And His Orchestra - Romantic Mood (197?)

2009-07-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

Really nice and rare jazzy library album by German arranger Frank Pleyer. It was released on Golden Rings records in the beginning of the 70s. Other original copies were released a bit later on Morning records.
This album brings together some beautiful orchestration stuffs from various arrangers and composers, including himself. This is the first of two volumes.

Here We Go Again

Flowers And Girls

1. Remember Yesterday
2. Her Name Is Amy
3. Lady Like
4. Wide Range
5. To Be In Love
6. Flower And Girls
7. Blossom Dreams
8. Romantic Moon
9. Here We Go Again
10. Cheerless Afternoon
11. Smooth Touch
12. Taiga Melody

you can grab an original copy here for example. And also here !
see comments

Martin Circus - Acte II (1971)

2009-07-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

"Martin Circus" was a quite popular band in France during the 70s-80s for those who are today at least more than 35 or 40 years-old (not my case yet but not so far !). They were firstly known for their live performance album "En Direct Du Rock'n Roll Circus", released in the end of the 60s. After that they recorded some hits in the 70s and 80s as for example 'Je m'éclate Au Sénégal", "Marylène", "Tremblant De Fièvre", etc. that were largely broadcasted on radio stations.

Most of their work can be classified between some real progressive music (with a clear Franck Zappa's inspiration) and more pop songs that were more or less commercially-oriented. But the fact is that this band often tended to experiment new things and brought new sounds to the french rock scene of this period, particularly in the beginning of their carreer.
That is what this double Lp-album, "Acte II", released in 1971 for Vogue records, deals with. Despite of the demoded vocals (but funny too, in "Je m'éclate Au Sénégal" for example: "Je n'sais même plus où est ma copine de ch'val avec qui j'ai pris un bain de minuit, à poil sous la lune ..." well, french people will understand), this Lp is a mix of crazy vocals, nice progressive rock and pop arrangements and orchestrations ("Pourquoi Tous Ces Cris", "Poussières", "J'ai Perdu" - groovy wah wah guitar in the second part -) mixed with some bossa ("Le Tromblon Magique"), jazz and funk touch ("Hyznogod", "O' Secours Bob").
Anyway, a rich album and quite an overlooked one too.
And an opportunity to pay tribute to Gérard Blanc who died this year, on January 24, 2009.

Musicians :
Gérard Blanc: vocals, guitar, percussion - Bob Brault: bass, flute, percussion, vocals - René Guérin: drums, violin, percussion - Sylvain Pauchard: organ, piano, vibraphone, vocals, accordion - Alain Pewzner: guitar, organ, percussion, vocals - Gérard Pisani: buggle, saxophones, flute, clarinet, trombon, percussion

Je M'éclate Au Sénégal

Le Tromblon Magique

O' Secours Bob

Disc 1 :
1. Boudjateelack
2. Pourquoi Tous Ces Cris
3. Chevauchée Fantastique
4. Poème
5. Ti'Bill
6. Poussières
7. J'ai Perdu
8. J'Suis Une Groupie
9. Ouvrez Vos Mémoires

Disc 2 :
10. Je M'éclate Au Sénégal
11. Le Tromblon Magique
12. Hyznogod
13. Images
14. A Dada Sur Paranoïa
15. Façon De Parler
16. O'Secours Bob
17. J'aimerai Bien Te Faire Flipper Un P'Tit Peu
18. Ma Guitare

album is available here for example to get a cleaner copy. It was also reissued in CD format but is regularly out of stock.

Roland Kirk - Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith (1967)

2009-06-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

One among the less adventurous and by consequence more "conventional" recordings by the great "showman" and multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk (Aug. 7, 1935 - Dec. 5, 1977), this album was released in 1967 for Verve label. Roland Kirk had the particularity to be able to play together several brass instruments including tenor saxophone, flute, manzello, stritch, castanets and some others.
But on the opposite of his habit, on this one he plays many instruments at the same time only sporadically. And this shows even more how outstanding his talent was and that he could be compared with many other great saxophonists.
Indeed it confirms that his playing was not only a batch of demonstrations about his ability to play several instruments even though he was one of the best (maybe the best) to possess this particular artistry to push back the frontiers of music.

The album contains two ballads, the Burth Bacharach's "Alfie" and the beautifully sad eponymous title, and also two blues, "Blue Rol" and the hot "Fallout". The bossa "Why Don't They Know", and more post-bop oriented "Stompin' Ground" or "It's A Grand Night For Swinging" are also part of these nice numbers.

Somehow, it is maybe one of the more "classic" albums by Roland Kirk and also certainly one of the more overlooked ones.
But of course be sure to dig out also "I Talk with The Spirits" or also "The Inflated Tear", etc. among all the quality albums this exceptional musician recorded.
Note the young Lonnie Liston Smith, then aged 27 and some years before his spacey electric sets, was on piano.

Musicians :
Roland Kirk: tenor saxophone, flute, stritch, manzello - Lonnie Liston Smith: piano - Ronald Boykins: bass - Grady Tate: drums

Alfie - Why Don't They Know - It's A Grand Night For Swinging

1. BLue Rol
2. Alfie
3. Why Don't They Know
4. Silverization
5. Fallout
6. Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith
7. Stompin' Ground
8. It's A Grand Night For Swinging

This album has been reissued in Lp format and also in a 2 albums CD package including the album "Rip, Rig and Panic".

Le Pamplemousse - S/T (1976)

2009-06-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

This album mixes easy listening, funk and disco materials with different keyboards played by Michael Lewis (who also produced / recorded albums for "El Coco" with Laurin Rinder).
Lp Released by Le Pamplemousse band in 1976 for AVI records.
Includes some good break intros, cheezy covers of some standards (Manha De Carnival, Poinciana) but also more funky pieces (Gitcha Down) or disco (Soular Street, Song Of The Jet) and the famous "Gimmie What You Got".

Musicians :
Michael Lewis: synthesizer, clavinet - Washington "Soulman" Jones: organ, piano - Laurin Rinder: drums, percussion - Rapito: congas, tymbales - John Hunt, Jack Weber: guitar - Harry Kim: trumpet - Doug Richardson: tenor & soprano sax - Jo Bim Avanzi: tenor sax - Joe Bellamy: bass - Stan "Fingers" Fisher: bass on "Manha De Carnival" - Vocals: Adrienne Wiliams, Marsha Thacker, Kathy Nixon, Jerri Bocchino, Chris Bocchino, Mark Bryson

Gimmie What You Got

1. Manha De Carnival
2. Gimmie What You Got
3. Beginning Of The End
4. Poinciana
5. Gitcha Down
6. Soular Street
7. El Diablo Dorado
8. Love To Michelle
9. A Man And A Woman
10. Song Of The Jet
11. After The Carafe

see comments

Bye Michael ... R.I.P. (Aug. 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009)

2009-06-26T11:40:00.000-07:00

J.C. Pierric - GO Vol. 1 (1001)

2009-06-23T15:29:00.000-07:00

Previously I've posted an album released by French musician Daniel Janin featuring some of his best numbers. On this occasion I'd written some words about his friend and fellow musician Jean-Claude Pierric. J.C. Pierric participated to several libray music albums as "Go" (5 volumes, here is the first one), "Velvet Dreams", "News Boys" or "Delta Sound" for example, and also produced or played for some really rare and cult albums : Godchild, the Abrax albums, Harlem Pop Trotters ...

Concerning this today album, the first "Go" of the serie, the cover picture was taken on his excellent blog, but the rip presented here is mine.
There are few details about this album on the back cover which is as enigmatic as the nice but strange front cover.
Even the release year is not printed. Maybe end of 70's, beginning of 80's according to the electronic materials used in this full-of-inventiveness and very groovy disco / funk & easy library music.

Musicians:
M. Chadcar, J.C. Pierric, G. Gesina, V. Laitinen, M. Cron and P. Bernard.

Royal Society

1. Cinder Red Track
2. Mind For Sea
3. Feast Movable
4. Sweet Royal
5. Boggy Boggle
6. In Profusion
7. Chunk Loving
8. Simply Mamy
9. Aglow Life
10. Moving Kelpie
11. Royal Society
12. I'm Mirthful

see comments

Leon Thomas - Full Circle (1973)

2009-06-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

Back to some great spiritual jazz / soul album with singer Leon Thomas (best known for his cover of "The Creator Has A Master Plan" with saxophonist Pharoah Sanders on "Karma" album), who released this Lp in 1973 for the excellent Flying Dutchman label. This album is a mix of deep soul and nice string arrangements conducted by Glenn Osser with a great all stars combo.
"It's My Life I'm Fighting For" is a long funk piece with nice solos. Includes also the up-tempo "Just In Time To See The Sun", the fast bossa "Balance Of Life (Peace Of Mind)" with some good electric piano by Neal Crecque + nice cover of "You Are The Sunshine Of My Life".

Musicians :
Leon Thomas: vocals - Neal Creque: acoustic and electric piano - Joe Beck, Lloyd Davis: guitare - Richard Davis: bass - Bernard Pretty Purdie: drums, congas - Jimmy Owens: trumpet - Pee Wee Ellis: soprano sax - Sonny Morgan: congas, percussion - Joe Farrell: flute - Herbie Lovelle: drums - Richard Pablo Landrum: percussion + Strings

It's My Life I'm Fighting For (excerpt) - You Are The Sunshine Of My Life

1. Sweet Little Angel
2. Just In Time To See The Sun
3. It's My Life I'm Fighting For
4. Never Let Me Go
5. I Wanna Be Where You Are
6. Got To Be There
7. Balance Of Life
8. You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
9. What Are We Gonna Do?

P.S.: This album is available here.

Roberto Roena Y Su Apollo Sound - 9 (1977)

2009-06-18T15:59:00.001-07:00

Nice Salsa album released by Puerto Rican band "Roberto Roena Y Su Apollo Sound", recorded in 1977 for Fania records and led by Roberto Roena (who also was a member of the famous "Fania All Stars" combo). Some nice brass and percussion arrangements and vocals, and a funky intro on "Los Demas".

Musicians :
Roberto Roena: Leader / bongo - Mario Alvarez Cora, Ramon Morales, Fernando Mareano: trumpet - Miguel Rodriguez: Sax Tenor - Julio Merced: trombon - Jose Priesto: piano - Jose Souffront: bass - Feo. Clemente: conga - Domingo Santos: timbales - vocals: Papo Sanchez, Tito Cruz, Mario Cora, Ruben Blades, Adalberto Santiago

Que Me Lo Den En Vida

1. Marejada Feliz
2. Que Me Lo Den En Vida
3. Ya Ves No Te Quiero
4. Dejame Demostrarte
5. Nadie Sabe
6. Los Demas
7. La Distancia
8. Amor En Banca Rota
9. Hay Que Saber Comenzar

check comments

Juan Carlos Calderon - Y Su Taller De Musica Vol. 2 (1975)

2009-06-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

Some inspired spanish funk with nice orchestration led by arranger / composer / singer Juan Carlos Calderon. The album was released in 1975 for CBS label. It begins with "Fiesta", a mid-tempo ballad with nice arrangements. More groovy rhythms for "Tio Sam", "Mafioso" and the standard "Eleanor Rigby", mixed with more easy listening moments like "Marilyn" or "Laurel & Hardy".

Tio Sam

1. Fiesta
2. Tio Sam
3. La Diligencia
4. Marilyn
5. Eleanor Rigby
6. California
7. Mafioso
8. Mi Pequeno Chopin
9. Laurel & Hardy
10. El Desfile

check comments

Friends From Rio 2 (FARO 029 - 1998)

2009-06-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

Many among you do know the Farout records label. And if you don't then you will. This modern brasilian-oriented label (that sometimes reissues some old brasilian albums from the past) was created 15 years ago and recorded albums for multi-instrumentalist Marcos Valle, vocalist Joyce, Celia Vaz, Azymuth (their album "Carnival" is a classic), etc ...
On 1998 was released the "Friends From Rio 2" album whose goal was to bring together some of the finest brasilian musicians of this new generation. On this album you can find some nice pieces including fender rhodes like "Dona Cora", by keyboardist Fabio Fonseca. This song begins quietly then goes mid-tempo and then takes an explosive samba rhythm with nice percussions.

Musicians :
Fabio Fonseca: fender thodes - C.A.: drums - Andre Rodriguez: bass - Reginaldo Vargas: various percussions

Fabio Fonseca - Dona Cora (Friends From Rio 2)

Tony Williams (Dec. 12, 1945 - Feb. 23, 1997)

2009-06-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

Anthony Williams. Better known as Tony Williams. This great jazzman drummer (one of my some favourite ones with Elvin Jones and Ed Blackwell) played with so many other monsters like Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Eric Dolphy, Bobby Hutcherson, Ron Carter, formed in the 70's V.S.O.P. with his old Miles' Quintet fellows (with Freddie Hubbard on trumpet) and later in a more jazz-rock oriented mode with John McLaughlin and Larry Young (with whom he formed his excellent "Lifetime" band), then still with Miles during his jazz-pop-rock experiences, also participated to Weather Report albums, and again and again ...
His fine, percussive, colourful, open playing, always in search of perfection was unique but has also influenced many generations of musicians and will do so still for many decades to come.
I just wanted to pay tribute to this great musician through one of my favourite songs from his 60's period : "Love song", a beautiful waltz, released on "Spring" album in 1965 for Blue Note label and recorded by sound engineer Rudy Van Gelder, of course.

Musicians :
Tony Williams : drums - Gary Peacock : bass - Herbie Hancock: piano - Wayne Shorter, Sam Rivers : tenor sax

Love Song

Azteca - Azteca (1972)

2009-06-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

Here's a great Latin Funk record released by Azteca in 1972 For Columbia records. The music was arranged by percussionist Coke Escovedo and trumpeter/composer Tom Harrell.

get credits from discogs.

Azteca

1. La Piedra Del Sol
2. Mamita Linda
3. Ain't Got No Special Woman
4. Empty Prophet
5. Can't Take The Funk Out Of Me
6. Peace Everybody
7. Non Pacem
8. Ah! Ah!
9. Love Not Then
10. Azteca
11. Theme: La Piedra Del Sol

check comments

Les Givrés (Musique Originale Du Film - 1980)

2009-06-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

Ok ... I can admit the sleeve of this obscure 80's french movie - whose title make think about the classic (in France !) serial movies "Les Bronzés"- is not really attractive. But this record released in 1980 on Baret label presents some kind of unexpected french disco curio like "Arco Disco" and "One Day Each Day" (but also more easy pop music that one could call "typically french" music ...).
"Nathalie Thème"'s vocal part can briefly remind of some Cortex-like songs (just an excuse to make a reference to this great french 70's funk band, if you don't have them then you just have to purchase their 3 first monster Lps !).
The compositions were written by Jean-Pierre Bouaziz and Yves Dessca and arrangements were performed by P. and A. Francfort and Jean-François Boudinou.

Nathalie Thème

Arco Disco

One Day Each Day

check comments

The John Payne Band - The Razor's Edge (1978)

2009-06-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

Solid jazz funk record released by saxophonist/flutist John Payne and his band for Freedom Records (FLP 41036) in 1978. Includes some great and spacy fender rhodes / bass / percussion stuff with very groovy rhythms.

Musicians :
John Payne: tenor / soprano / bariton sax, flute - Louis Levin: fender rhodes, acoustic piano, clavinet, synthetizers - Scott Lee: electric and acoustic bass - Gerald Murphy: tama drums / percussion - Ricardo Torres: congas, timbales, percussion

Sounds From The Sea's Edge

1. Lolita
2. Sounds From The Sea's Edge
3. Himiola
4. Ariadne
5. The Razor's Edge
6. New Spaces
7. Electric Lush
8. Past Days
9. Reaching

see comments

Yuji Ohno - Castle Of Cagliostro (1983)

2009-06-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend I listened again one great japanese funk album from singer Tatsuro Yamashita, "Spacy", recorded in 1977. Just listen for pleasure some excerpts of this album on the let's get funk blog ("Solid Slider" is a killer).
You can also listen to the dope and rare Adventure Of Kohsuke Kindaichi album for still more great japanese funk on the pyrexscholar blog.
So today I wanted to share some stuff from one of my favourite japanese arrangers: Yuji Ohno. He is responsible for many 80's manga soundtracks as Lupin the 3rd, Captain Future, etc. His style is quickly recognizable, and is often mixing electric piano, flute, bass loops and other various sound effects that participate to a special atmosphere.
Here are some of the most groovy tracks from one of his recordings, Castle Of Cagliostro - not really his funkiest album but some really good moments and beautiful arrangements -, released for a movie directed by Hayao Miyazaki and recorded in 1983 for RCA Japan.

Towards The Patrol Of Line Variation

A Riddle Of Underground Waterworks

Tropical Wave Variation

1. Towards The Patrol Line Variation
2. Fire Treasure Variation I
3. Sneakin'
4. Fire Treasure Variation II
5. A Riddle Of Underground Waterworks
6. Fire Treasure Variation II
7. Strange Sensation
8. Fire Treasure
9. You are Like Breeze Variation
10. Widding
11. In The Lun-Lun Variation
12. Tropical Wave Variation
13. The Plot Of The Earl
14. Mystery Zone
15. Lone Wolf
16. Uncanny Night
17. Mysterious Journey Variation

see comments

Daniel Janin - Vade Retro (1975)

2009-06-04T16:41:00.001-07:00

Record released by Daniel Janin with his orchestra in 1975 for the legendary 70's french label "Les Tréteaux" (on which was released the very rare "Godchild" library album). Daniel Janin released several records under various aliases (Eddy Driver, etc.) on this quite eclectic label with his accomplice Jean-Claude Pierric and also collaborated with singer Nancy Holloway (check the stunning title "Hurt So Bad" recorded for the "Escale Party" album).
On this album you can find (hidden beyond some hits pop covers) some real killer funk gems typical of this french funk touch of the 70's like "Saramina", "Black Knight", or "Shout".
Note also the quiet cover of the Duke Ellington's Solitude.

Black Knight

1. Vade Retro
2. Chattanooga Choo Choo
3. Assez C'est Assez
4. Le Prince D'Amour
5. Shout
6. Ce N'est Pas Un Au Revoir
7. Vanina
8. Solitude
9. Saramina
10. Black Night
11. Coming Back Home
12. La Déclaration D'Amour

see comments

Zébaron - Concerto Pour Une Flute (1976)

2009-06-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

Great french bossa nova album released by Zébaron playing flute + some slow standards covers (Jeux Interdits, Aranjuez), recorded in 1976 for Mfp label. My fav' one is "Mélancolie", a beautiful and lyrical 10 minutes piece.

Musicians:
J.C. Gozzo: flute - Sergio Renucci: guitar - Bibi Rover: bass - Fred Desplan: percussions

7 Rue Decres

1. Concerto Pour une flute
2. Jeux Interdits
3. Le Baron
4. Mélancolie
5. Versailles
6. Aranjuez
7. 7 Rue Decres
8. Rencontre

see comments

Steel Funk (STF001)

2009-06-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

The idea for this today's post came to me after visiting the moogsensation's blog which reminded me that I had this record somewhere. It's "Steel Funk", a funk compilation oriented to steel drums, a typical instrument originary from Trinidad And Tobago (Southern Carribean).

The Dutch Ryhthm And Steel Band
- Funky Stuff

Earl Rodney - Midnight Man

1. The Dutch Rhyhm And Steel Band : Funky Stuff
2. Sapodilla Punch : Hold On I'm Coming
3. Trinidad And Tobago Steel All Stars : Do Your Thing
4. Trinidad Steel Drummers : Cissy Strut
5. Original Tropicana Steel Band : Funky Abbey Road
6. Carl McKnights Sweat And Steel Drums Band : Ain't No Sunshine
7. Original Tropicana Steel Band : Calypso Rock
8. Earl Rodney : Midnight Man
9. 20th Century Steel Band : Heaven And Hell Is On Earth
10. Nite Blues Steel Band : T S O P
11. Carl McKnights Sweat And Steel Drum Band : The Devils Out Tonight

see comments

Johnny Pate - Outrageous (1970)

2009-05-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

Outrageously great soul jazz session by composer & arranger Johnny Pate, who also released some blaxploitation movie soundtracks like "Shaft In Africa" (plus other Shaft OSTs) and "Brother On The Run".
Great all-stars combo. Recorded in 1970 for MGM records.

Musicians:
Snooky Young: trumpet - Montegro Joe: Conga - Al grey: trombone - Bernard Purdie: drums - Marky Markowitz - Chuck Rainey: bass - Cornell Dupree: guitar - Joe Beck: guitar - George Devens: percussion - Jerome Richardson: flute - Thomas Mitchell: trombone - Richard Tee: organ - Ernie Royal: trumpet

Constant Wind - That Ain't Too Cool

1. Outrageous
2. Constant Wind
3. That Ain't Too Cool
4. Frustrating Disappointment
5. Bound To Happen
6. No Hang Ups
7. Patience
8. You're Starting Too Fast
9. Totally Unexpected
10. Sangria

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Roy Porter - Jessica (1974)

2009-05-24T15:00:00.000-07:00

Funk Lp recorded by drummer Roy Porter in 1974 for Vistone label. Includes the famous "Jessica" with a both latin and funk flavour. Very groovy brass section playing various styles.

Here I just propose to you in streaming format the side A of this album since side B of my Lp has many scratches that I could not remove and is not in a very clean state. Anyway, the second side is not the best of the album in my opinion but ok that's no excuse ;)
If someone has a full recording of this Lp in a good state then it would be appreciated.

Musicians :
Roy Porter: drums - Jimmy Holloway, Leslie Hargrove: guitar - Tollie Moore: electric piano - Bob Davis: irgan - Charles Jones: Fender bass - Oscar Dye: congas - Hense Powell, James Smith: trumpet, flugelhorn - Lester Robertson: trombone - Jack H. Fulks: tenor sax, flute - Sone' Campbell: tenor sax

Jessica - Funky Twitch - Hip City - Hense-Forth (excerpt)

1. Jessica
2. Funky Twitch
3. Hip City
4. Hense-Forth
5. Drums For Daryl
6. "Wow"
7. Ooh-La-La

link added: see in comments, thanks to myfavouritesound's blog !!

African Music Machine - Water Black Gold (1972)

2009-05-23T16:41:00.001-07:00

One quite rare album recorded by this obscure group in 1972. Solid brass session accompanied with good guitar riffs and heavy funky bass.

Musicians:
Louis Villery: bass, vocals - Louis Acom: drums - Tyrone Dotson: tenor sax - Osman: percussion - Amal: trumpet - Ete-Ete: tenor sax, flute - Jumbo: guitar - Obitu: piano, organ

Tropical - Making Nassau Fruit Drink

1. Black Water Gold (Pearl)
2. Mr. Brown
3. A Girl In France
4. The Dapp
5. Never Name A Baby (Before It's born)
6. Tropical
7. Making Nassau Fruit Drink
8. Camel Time

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Funk Inc - Hangin' Out (1972)

2009-05-23T13:51:00.000-07:00

Funky album recorded by Funk Inc. in 1972 for Prestige label. Includes Curtis Mayfield's "Give Me Your Love" and Johnny Nash's "I Can See Clearly Now".

Musicians:
Bobby Watley: organ - Gene Barr: tenor sax - Steve Weakley: guitar - Jimmy Mumford: drums - Cecil Hunt: conga - Gordon Edwards: eletric bass

Give Me Your Love

1. Smokin' At Tiffany
2. Give Me Your Love
3. We Can Be Friends
4. Dirty Red
5. I Can See Clearly Now
6. I'll Be Around

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Jackie McLean - Music From The Connection (1959)

2009-05-22T16:07:00.001-07:00

Pianist Freddie Redd composed this music for the Jack Gelber's "The Connection" play and recorded it for the mythical BLue Note jazz label with saxophonist Jackie McLean in 1959. One word about the play : it deals with a jazz band of junkies that are waiting for their "fix". The atmosphere, actor's play and of course music describe the despair of their condition and show the steps of excitment, sadness and excess.
Jackie McLean's playing is warm and reaches a full and deep inspiration thanksfull to the melancholic melodies of the album and clean rhythm section where Freddie Redd takes nice solos.

"Time To Smile" is the optimistic tune of the album, showing the excitment for an addict to get what he wants.
Time To Smile

"Theme For Sister Salvation" begins on a march rhythm and quickly gets into a sad but beautiful ballad.
Theme For Sister Salvation

Musicians :
Jackie Mc Lean: alto sax - Freddie Redd: Piano - Michael Mattos: bass - Larry Richie: drums

1. Who Killed Cock Robin
2. Wigglin'
3. Music Forever
4. Time To Smile
5. Theme For Sister Salvation
6. Jim dunn's Dilemma
7. O.D.

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The Awakening - Mirage (1973)

2009-05-21T18:09:00.001-07:00

Here's one of my scratchy original Lps. This is the group "The Awakening" recording the album "Mirage" in 1973 for the legendary Black Jazz Records label. Their second album after the more jazzy and also excellent "Hear, Sense And Feel" recorded in 1972.
Funk and Spiritual Jazz all along, an album to listen as an initiatic voyage.

Musicians :
Ken Chaney: keyboard - Franck Gordon: Trumpet - Steve Galloway: Trombone & percussions - Richard Brown: Tenor / Soprano sax - Arlington Davis Jr.: drums & percussions - Reggie Willis: bass - Rufus Ried: bass on "Slinky", "Glory To The Sun"- Drasheer Khalid: Percussions on "Ultimate Frontier", "Mirage" and "March On" - Anita Jeffereies / Ben Wright: vocals on "Ultimate Frontier"

1. Mode For D.D.
2. The Ultimate Frontier
3. Just A Little Peace
4. Slinky
5. Mirage
6. Glory To The Sun
7. March On

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Brian Augers's Oblivion Express - Straight Ahead (1974)

2009-05-20T17:17:00.001-07:00

One of the best and most jazz funk-oriented albums (with "Closer To It") by Oblivion Express (just my opinion). And showing Brian Auger playing much fender rhodes, which I particularly appreciated since I've discovered (quite long ago now !) the "Thrust" album by Herbie Hancock's Headhunters.
While I'm not particularly a fan of the vocals by Brian Auger, it is important to listen enough to each piece (a bit more than 2 minutes as for "Beginning Again" for example) to see how groovy and inventive this musician can be, accompanied with this excellent rhythmic session.
"Bumpin' On Sunset" is the only completely instrumental piece and reminds by its arrangement of the Wes Montgomery cover, with a deep organ touch.
The last piece "You'll Stay In My Heart" is the mellow one of the album and Brian Auger then delivers an inspired rhodes solo.

Musicians :
Brian Auger : organ, fender rhodes, piano, moog, Freeman string machine and vocals - Barry Lean : bass guitar - Jack Mills : guitar - Lennox Laington : congas - Steve Ferrone : drums - Mirza Al Sharif : timbales, percussion

Beginning Again

You'll Stay In My Heart

1. Beginning Again
2. Bumpin' On Sunset
3. Straight Ahead
4. Change
5. You'll Stay In My Heart

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The Crusaders - Those Southern Knights (1976)

2009-05-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

Jazz / Funk Lp recorded by the great multi sampled Crusaders guys in 1976.

Musicians :
Wayne Henderson: trombone - Wilton Felder: Tenor sax - Joe Sample : keyboards - "Stix" Hooper: Drums - Larry Carlton: Guitar - Robert Popwell: bass - Arthur Adams: Guitar

Spiral

1. Spiral
2. Keep that Same Old Feeling
3. My Mama Told Me So
4. 'Til The Sun Shine
5. And Then There Was The Blues
6. Serenity
7. Feeling Funky

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Yusef Lateef - Cry! Tender (1959)

2009-05-16T16:08:00.001-07:00

Very soulful and lyrical jazz album to me. Recorded by Yusef Lateef playing various instruments (flute, saxophone, oboe, etc) in 1959.

Musicians :
Yusef Lateef : tenor sax, flute, oboe - Lonnie Hilyer : trumpet - Hugh Lawson : piano - Herman Wright : bass - Franck Gant : drums - Wilbur Harden : fluegelhorn - Ernie Farrow : bass - Oliver Jackson : drums

Cry! Tender

1. Sea Breeze
2. Dopolous
3. Cry! Tender
4. Butter's Blues
5. Yesterdays
6. The Snow Is Green
7. If You Could See Me Now
8. Ecaps

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Jose Mangual - Buyu (1977)

2009-05-16T09:29:00.001-07:00

For all latin percussions lovers, here's an Lp recorded by percussionist José Mangual in 1977 tainted with latin jazz and funk on "Black & Brown Boogie". "Dreamy" is a beautiful latin ballad. "Mai Kinshasa"'s slow and intriguing introduction sets the basis of a great rythmic piece of inspired salsa groove all along. Like the rest of the whole album.

Musicians :
José Mangual : Bongo, Guiro, Cowbell, Tamborim - Carlos Valdez: Conga, Tamborin - Bobby Rodriguez : Bass - Luis Ortiz : Trumpet, Synthetizer - Dick Meza : Tenor Sax, Flute - Jimmy Knepper : Trombone - Keith O'Quinn : Trombone - Artie Azenszar : Piano - Rubens Bassini : Pandiera, Cowbell, Tamborin

Dreamy

1. Mai Kinshasa
2. Dreamy
3. Chinatown
4. Summit
5. More
6. Black & Brown Boogie
7. Sunrise PRince
8. Bamba A Puerto Rico

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Ben Sidran - Don't Let Go (1974)

2009-05-10T15:58:00.000-07:00

Great Jazz and Funky album recorded in 1974 by pianist and vocalist Ben Sidran. Includes "Hey Hey Baby" sampled by french rapper MC Solaar for "Victime de la mode" cover in 1994.

Musicians :
Drums & Percussion: Clyde Stubbefield, George Brown, Phil Upchurch, Tom Piazza - Bass: Phil - Upchurch / Kip Merklein / Randy Fullertoon - Guitar: James Cooke / Phil Upchurch - Harmonica: Jerry Alexander - Alto Sax: Bunky Green - Tenor Sax: Sonny Steals - Strings arranged by Les Hooper - Horns arranged by Sonny Burke - Piano / Vocals: Ben Sidran - Organ: Jim Peterman

Hey Hey Baby

1. Fat Jam
2. House Of BLue Lites
3. Ben Sidran's Midnite Tango
4. The Chicken Glide
5. She's Funny That Way
6. Monopoly
7. Don't Let Go
8. Hey Hey Baby
9. The Foolkiller
10. The Funky Elephant
11. Snatch
12. Down To The Bone

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Oliver Sain - Fused Jazz (1983)

2009-05-10T07:35:00.001-07:00

Great dancin' funky Lp recorded by saxophonist / drummer / composer Oliver Sain in 1983. My favourites are "London Express", "Nothing's Real In L.A." (never can get rid of its intro) and "Feel Like Dancin'" with a pretty vocal bridge but all the album is a pure groovy funk demonstration !

Nothing's Real In L.A.

1. Bus Stop
2. London Express
3. We Got It
4. Nothing's Real In L.A.
5. 20-75
6. Strollin'
7. Feel Like Dancin'
8. Going Back To Memphis
9. Booty Bumpin'

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The Franck Cunimondo Trio - Introducing Lynn Marino (1971)

2009-05-10T06:17:00.000-07:00

Jazz gem recorded by pianist Franck Cunimondo Trio with singer Lynn Marino in 1971.
Including the classical "Feelin' Good" and some other good dreamy original compositions as "Love So Fine" or "Beyond The Clouds".

Musicians :
Lynn Marino : Vocals - Franck Cunimondo : Piano - Mike Taylor : Bass - Roger Humphries : Drums

Love So fine

1. Love So fine
2. Beyond The Clouds
3. A House Is Not A Home
4. Animal Cackers In My Soup
5. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life
6. Feelin' Good
7. Until It's Time
8. Pretty Pretty
9. Soon It's Gonna Rain
10. We've Only Just Begun

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James Mason - Rhythm Of Life (1977)

2009-05-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

Classical Funky Disco stuff by guitarist and multi keyboardist James Mason. Spacey keyboards and never stoppin' groove for this excellent album.
Recorded in 1977

Musicians :
James Mason : Guitar, Fender Rhodes, Acoustic Piano, ARP Odissey, Polymoog, ARP String Ensemble, Vocals on Hey Hey Hey -Gene Torres : Bass - Mustafa Khaliq Ahmed : Congo Drums - Narada Michael Walden : Drums on all selections except I've Got My Eyes On You and Rhythm Of Life - Dwayne Perdue : Drums on I've Got My Eyes On You and Rhythm Of Life - Justo Almario : Saxophone - Philip Woo : Acoustic Piano on Mbewe and Solo on Hey Hey

Funny Girl

1. Sweet Power Your Embrace
2. Good Thing
3. Free
4. Mbewe
5. Funny Girl
6. Slick City
7. Rhythm Of Life
8. Hey Hey Hey
9. I've Got My Eyes On You
10. Dreams

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Michel Magne - S.A.S A San Salvador (1982)

2009-05-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

Here is my first post on this blog ! Hope you will enjoy it !!
This is the great "S.A.S. A San Salvador" Original Sound Track composed and played by French keyboardist Michel Magne in 1982.
Arranged by Sergio Renucci with vocals from David Rose.
Well known "Grand Theme Malko" with fender rhodes feature is a pure gem.
Theme Malko - piscine has a kind of erotic 70's mood that one can enjoy too

Musicians :
Jean-Pierre Batailley : drums -Sauveur Mallia : bass - Francis Lockwood : keyboards - Basile : guitare - Steve : percussions / special effects - Yvon and Alain Guillard : saxophone and trumpet - Guillaume : trombone - Andre Tomasso : saxophone alto + flute

1. To Be My Love
2. Sex, Love And Money
3. To Be My Love (instrumental guitare)
4. Theme Malko - suspense -
5. Theme Cubain
6. S.A.S A San Salvador
7. Grand Theme Malko
8. Theme Malko - piscine -
9. Musique Reception
10. To Be My Love (instrumental saxophone)

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