Tuesday 29 June 2010

Blowfly "Disco"

Blowfly

"Disco"
( LP Weird World Records, 1977 )
Catalog # WW-2028


Tracklisting:
A1 Shake Your Ass
A2 What A Difference
A3 Bad Fuck
A4 Suck It
B1 Spread Your Cheeks
B2 Freak Out
B3 Kiss It All Around

Notes:
Dirty versions of disco hits from the 70's
* (FOR MATURE ADULTS ONLY)

Review:
Producer and songwriter Clarence Reid was one of the architects of the Miami disco sound, having worked with Betty Wright (he co-wrote her massive hit "Clean Up Woman") and Gwen McCrae, and having given Harry Wayne Casey his big break with TK Records. So when Blowfly, Reid's freaky-minded alter ego introduced several years before on a handful of twisted "party records," decided to cut a disco album, at the very least funk's leading dirty old man knew how to come correct with a Liberty City groove. While most of Blowfly's early albums sounded like they were cut fast and loose at a wild party, Disco is a polished-sounding affair, complete with string charts, horns, and backing choruses, and the results sound more like a "real" album than anything Reid had released under the Blowfly moniker up to that time. Of course, the material is as rude as ever, with Blowfly singing the praises of sodomy, complaining about bad sex, and demanding that everybody get buck wild on rewritten covers of hot disco tunes of the day, but the slick surfaces don't quite seem to match the message -- instead of sounding like a funky party gone out of bounds, Disco seems just a bit too clean and neat for the hardcore sleaze lyrics captured on the set. Of course, that's a bit how disco in general sounded compared to the great gutbucket R&B of the '60s and '70s; those who dig raw old-school grooves will prefer Blowfly's earlier work, but those fascinated with the grimy underbelly of disco culture will get all the sleazy kicks they want on this set.
By Mark Deming (AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

By Celo

Blowfly "Zodiac"

Blowfly

"Zodiac"
( LP Weird World Records, 1975 )
Catalog # WEI - 2023


Tracklisting:
1. Butterfly's Intro
2. All You Ho's Chorus
3. Aries - If Eating You Is Wrong, I Don't Want To Be Right
4. Taurus - The First Time Ever You Sucked My Dick
5. Gemini - I Know A Place
6. Leo - Sophisticated Sissy
7. Cancer - If She Don't Want It
8. Sagittarius - Everyday I Have To Suck Some
9. Virgo - Ain't No Head Like My Woman's Head
10. Pisces - My Bitch
11. Libra - Let's Suck Together
12. Capricorn - Katey Pearl
13. Scorpio - Clean-Up Woman
14. Aquarius - Butterfly's Outro

Personnel & Credits:
lowfly - Vocals
James Echols - Graphic Design
Robert Ferguson - Drums
Benny Latimore - Keyboards
Jerome Smith - Guitar
Henry Stone - Executive Producer
Freddy Stonewall - Engineer
Timmy Thomas - Keyboards

Review:
This is pure genius. Not for the easily offended. This record has dope beats and the funniest lyrics.
So sit back relax and let the Blowfly sing and the Butterfly read you your horoscope.
Everyone that I turn on to the Blowfly seems to be an instant convert. This album just might be his best.

By Celo

Blowfly "Butterfly"

Blowfly

"Butterfly"
( LP Weird World, 1975 )
Catalog # WW-2025


Tracklisting:
1 Intro
2 Rap Dirty
3 More Cracker Lies
4 Could Have Been Worse
5 Suck Train
6 Easter Bunny
7 Tarzan
8 Crackers Kiss My Ass
9 Beaver Chase
10 W Fuck
11 Niggaz Ain't Shit
12 Juice It Up
13 Big Game Hunter
14 Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)
15 2 Niggaz in a Bar
16 Integrated Education
17 Fart Contest
18 Outro

Personnel & Credits:
Blowfly Vocals, Producer
Robert Ferguson Drums
Richard Finch Bass
Benny Latimore Keyboards, Synthesizer Strings
Mike Lewis Strings, Horn
Little Beaver Guitar
George "Chocolate" Perry Bass
Jerome Smith Guitar
Freddy Stonewall Engineer
Timmy Thomas Keyboards, Orchestra
Wildfire Vocals (bckgr)

Note:
All songs written by Clarence Reid
Produced by Blowfly
More info here.

By Celo

Sunday 27 June 2010

Please "Manila Thriller"

Please

"Manila Thriller"
( LP London Records, 1976 )
Catalog # PS 672


Tracklisting:
A1 - Please Yourself 3:19
A2 - Spend The Night 4:30
A3 - Side By Side 3:37
A4 - Good Stuff 3:53
A5 - You Got The Power 7:11
B1 - Ego Trippin' 5:29
B2 - Something New 5:04
B3 - Gonna Get You 3:35
B4 - I'm Gonna Take Care Of Business 3:02
B5 - Flaming Lady 3:54

Personnel & Credits:
Bass Guitar, Vocals - Bobby Villegas
Clavinet, Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Organ, Electric Piano, Percussion - Efren Lozanes
Drums, Trumpet, Percussion, Vocals - Lito Cruz
Electric Piano, Clavinet, Trumpet, Organ, Vocals - Roy David
Guitar, Electric Sitar, 12 String Electric Guitar, Percussion, Vocals, Arranged By - Carlos David
Producer, Arranged By - Mike Vernon
Trombone, Guitar, Drums - Manny Sta. Maria

Notes:
Rare Philippines Funk LP ,

Review:
Nice bit of funky stuff with sort of a Free Soul sound, and by a group that (because of the "Manila" in the title, and the look on their faces) we've always assumed were Filipino. They do a nice job, though, and the groove is sweet and mellow, with a good harmony funk sound. Tracks include "Please Yourself", "You Got The Feeling", "Ego Trippin", "Flaming Lady", and "Side By Side".
Content provided by Dusty Groove America©, Inc.© 1996-2010 (Copyright © 2010, All rights reserved)

By Celo

Assim Assado "Assim Assado"

Assim Assado

"Assim Assado"
( LP CID Records, Brasil, 1974 )
Catalog # 8003


Tracklisting:
1. Viva Crioula
(Miguel de Deus)
2. Na Boca da Estrada
(Miguel de Deus)
3. Até
(Miguel de Deus / Vanir Roberto)
4. Sombras
(Miguel de Deus / Fernando Rangel)
5. Morena
(Miguel de Deus)
6. Pedaços
(Miguel de Deus / Adolfo)
7. Sol Amarelocinza
(Miguel de Deus)
8. Rock Blue
(Miguel de Deus)
9. Sol, Sal, Sol Tropical
(Miguel de Deus)
10. Lunática Marciana
(Miguel de Deus / Marciana)

Review:
The band name and album cover reveal explicitly the impact of: Dry and Wet. Investing in androgyny, progressive rock and samba-soul, Just Baked tried to be a response of small Industrial Company Records to the enormous success that the Dry and Wet made by the young audience. Lead by Miguel de Deus (ex crests), who signed most of the compositions and takes the guitar and vocals, the group never got off the ground, leaving only this single disc, now almost forgotten. Curiosity: In 1977 Michael of God (Miguel De Deus) falls headlong into funk, throwing the very interesting (and rare) "Black Soul Brothers"

By Celo

Various Artists "Save The Children" OST

Various Artists

"Save The Children" OST
Original Motion Soundtrack
( 2 x LP Motown Records, 1973 )
Catalog # M 800R2


Tracklisting:
A1 -a - Rev. Jesse Jackson - Dialogue
A1 -b - Matt Robinson - Narration
A2 - Marvin Gaye - Save The Children
A3 - The Temptations - Papa Was A Rolling Stone
A4 - Main Ingredient - Everybody Plays The Fool
A5 - O'Jays - Sunshine
A6 - Zulema - This Child Of Mine
B1 - Cannonball Adderley - Country Preacher
B2 - Rev. James Cleveland & Push Expo Choir - Sermo - Praise Him With A Stringed Instrument
B3 - Bill Withers - Lean On Me
B4 - Marvin Gaye - What's Happening Brother
B5 - Curtis Mayfield - Give Me Your Love
C1 - Sammy Davis Jr. - I've Gotta Be Me
C2 - Roberta Flack - On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever)
C3 - Quincy Jones - Killer Joe
C4 - Gladys Knight And The Pips - I Heard It Through The Grape Vine
C5 - Jerry Butler & Brenda Lee Eager - (They Long To Be) Close To You
D1 - The Ramsey Lewis Trio - People Make The World Go Round
D2 - Nancy Wilson - The Greatest Performance Of My Life
D3 - Jackson 5 - I Wanna Be Where You Are
D4 - Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
D5 - Rev. Jesse Jackson - Dialogue
D6 - Jackie Verdell & Push Expo Choir - I'm Too Close To Heaven To Turn Around

Review:
The "Save The Children" double live album contains great live recordings from fabulous names like Marvin Gaye, the Staple Singers, the Temptations, the Chi Lites, the Main Ingredient, the O'Jays, Isaac Hayes, Zulema, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the Cannonball Adderly Quintet, the Push Mass Choir, Albertina Walker, Loretta Oliver, the Rev. James Cleveland, Bill Withers, Curtis Mayfield, Sammy Davis Jr., Roberta Flack, Quincy Jones, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Jerry Butler, Brenda Lee Eager, the Ramsey Lewis Trio, Nancy Wilson, the Jackson Five, Jackie Verdell and Dick Gregory. Everything based of course on the documentary "Save The Children" which chronicles all the above artists that appeared during Jesse Jackon's Operation PUSH exposition held in 1972 in Chicago. Since I don't know too much about the "Save The Children" documentary, I can't give you any more information about it to be honest, but the most important thing of course, as always, is the music. The one thing I thought was interesting though, is that bits and pieces of Rev. Jesse Jackson's speeches on this gem are also to be found on the WattStax albums from the same period.
Review (and also on) from babygrandpa.blogspot.com

By Celo

Saturday 26 June 2010

Mandrill / Michael Masser / George Benson ''Muhammad Ali In "The Greatest" (Original Soundtrack)''

Mandrill / Michael Masser / George Benson

''Muhammad Ali In "The Greatest" (Original Soundtrack)''
( LP Arista Records, 1977 )
Catalog # AL 7000


Tracklisting:
A1 - George Benson - The Greatest Love Of All 5:32
A2 - George Benson - I Always Knew I Had It In Me 7:14
A3 - Michael Masser - Ali's Theme 5:18
B1 - Mandrill & Michael Masser - Ali Bombaye (Zaire Chant) I 3:42
B2 - Mandrill & Michael Masser - Ali Bombaye (Zaire Chant) II 3:00
B3 - Michael Masser - The Greatest Love Of All 3:14
B4 - Michael Masser - Variations On Theme 2:34
B5 - George Benson - I Always Knew I Had It In Me 5:21

Credits:
Arranged By - Lee Holdridge , Michael Masser
Producer, Composed By, Music By - Michael Masser

Review:
"The Greatest Love of All" and "I Always Knew I Had It In Me" are powerful examples of inspirational songs at their best. These songs match perfectly with the life of Muhammed Ali, the subject of the movie that this soundrack was created for. These songs are timeless.

By Celo

The Edwards Generation Featuring Chuck Edwards ''In San Francisco - The Street Thang"

The Edwards Generation Featuring Chuck Edwards

''In San Francisco - The Street Thang"
( LP Tight Records, 1976 )
Catalog # TLPS 401


Tracklisting:
A1 - Smokin' tidbits
A2 - Starlite starbrite
A3 - Thta's how much i love her
A4 - I got something for you
A5 - You
B1 - The street thang
B2 - You're the one for me
B3 - Are you ready
B4 - That's when teh fun begins
B5 - Gatta make it funky

Review:
An in-demand & rare raw funk lp. Including " The street Thang", "Are you ready", "Gotta make it funky".
A funk soul album put together by one tight family unit. The father, Chuck Edwards seems to write most of the funky numbers, of which there are several.
This type of record makes you realize how fertile the state were at this time, when family members were getting together and producing funky private press numbers.

By Celo

Thursday 24 June 2010

The Staple Singers "Bealtitude: Respect Yourself"

The Staple Singers

"Bealtitude: Respect Yourself"
( LP Stax Records, 1971 )
Catalog # STS 3002


Tracklisting:
A1 - This World
A2 - Respect Yourself
A3 - Name The Missing Word
A4 - I'll Take You There
A5 - This Old Town (People In This Town)
B1 - We The People
B2 - Are You Sure
B3 - Who Do You Think You Are? (Jesus Christ The Super Star)
B4 - I'm Just Another Soldier
B5 - Who

Personnel & Credits:
Backing Band [Rhythm] - Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section
Engineer - Jerry Masters , Ralph Rhods
Engineer, Mixed By - Terry Manning
Horns - Memphis Horns, The
Producer, Arranged By - Al Bell

Reviews:
The Staple Singers: Roebuck Staples (guitar, vocals); Mavis Staples, Cleotha Staples, Yvonne Staples (vocals). Engineers: Ralph Rhodes, Jerry Masters, Terry Manning. Those who would rather explore the Staple Singers with an original album instead of one of the many compilations should start with 1972's BEALTITUDE: RESPECT YOURSELF. The album was their most commercially successful, spawning two Top Ten hits in "Respect Yourself" and the glorious "I'll Take You There." The ultimate fusion of the Staple Singers' gospel roots and Curtis Mayfield-style soul, "I'll Take You There" hit Number One in the spring of 1972. (A third single, the soaring call-and-response "This World," was a major R&B hit that summer, but only barely scraped into the pop charts.) The remaining seven songs are nearly as strong as the singles, including the moving "We the People" and a response to Andrew Lloyd Weber, "Who Do You Think You Are (Jesus Christ Superstar?)." An excellent balance of gospel and soul, BEALTITUDE: RESPECT YOURSELF...

By Rob Bowman:
The Staples' finest single album, containing three Top Ten R&B hits, "Respect Yourself," "I'll Take You There," and "This World." The first two also were pop Top 20s, "I'll Take You There" going all the way to number one.
(AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

By Celo

The Staple Singers "The Staple Swingers"

The Staple Singers

"The Staple Swingers"
( LP Stax Records, 1971 )
Catalog # STS 2034


Tracklisting:
A1 - This Is A Perfect World
A2 - What's Your Thing
A3 - You've Got To Earn It
A4 - You're Gonna Make Me Cry
A5 - Little Boy
A6 - How Do You Move A Mountain
B1 - Almost
B2 - I'm A Lover
B3 - Love Is Plentiful
B4 - Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom-Boom)
B5 - I Like The Things About You
B6 - Give A Hand - Take A Hand

Personnel & Credits:
The Bar-Kays Arranger
Jeff Barry Composer
Al Bell Producer
Dennis Binder Composer
Joel Brodsky Photography
Phil DeLancie Remastering
Jimmy "BeBop" Evans Engineer
Maurice Gibb Composer
The Graffiteria Art Direction
Larry Hamby Engineer
David Krieger Art Direction
Terry Manning Guitar, Harmonica, Melodica, Engineer, Vibraphone, Remixing, Echo Harp
Roland Manuel Composer
Memphis Symphony Orchestra Strings, Horn
Larry Shaw Art Supervisor
Cleotha Staples
Mavis Staples
Roebuck "Pops" Staples
Yvonne Staples
Dale Warren Arranger

Review:
The Staples' first album produced by Al Bell and recorded in Muscle Shoals hit the winning formula. Other changes saw Pervis Staples departing just before the album was recorded and being replaced by sister Yvonne Staples. Everything was now in place for the Staples' golden years. Three songs, "Heavy Makes You Happy," "Love Is Plentiful," and "You've Got to Earn It," all charted.
By Rob Bowman (AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

By Celo

Wednesday 23 June 2010

Eric Kloss "Doors"

Eric Kloss

"Doors"
( LP Cobblestone Records, 1972 )
Catalog # CST 9006


Tracklisting:
1. Doors
2. Waves
3. Quasar
4. Sweatin' It
5. Love
6. Libra

Personnel:
Eric Kloss Alto Tenor Saxophones
Neal Creque Piano Electric Piano
Gene Taylor Bass Fender Bass
Ron Krasinski Drums Tambourine

Notes:
Extremely rare on Cobblestone Records.
Later Released On Muse (1983 - Catalog # Mr 5291)

By Celo

Eric Kloss "Bodies' Warmth"

Eric Kloss

"Bodies' Warmth"
( LP Muse Records, 1975 )
Catalog # 5077


Tracklisting:
1. Lady (3:20) [Eric Kloss]
2. Joni (7:01) [Eric Kloss]
3. Bodies' Warmth (11:55) [Eric Kloss]
4. Scarboriugh Fair (2:58) [Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel]
5. Mystique (5:22) [Eric Kloss]
6. Headin' Out (9:46) [Eric Kloss]

Personnel & Credits:
Eric Kloss -Sax
Barry Miles - Keyboards
Vic Juris - Guitar
Harvie Swartz - Bass
Tery Silverlight - Drums

Notes:
Produced by Michael Cuscuna
Engineered and Mixer: Ed Stasium
Recorded at Venture Sound, Somerville, NJ, June 24&25, 1975
Art direction and cover illustration by Hal Wilson
Barry Miles appears cortesy of London Records
RECORDED: JUNE 24,25, 1975
RELEASED: 1975, USA

Also on Bacoso's Orgy In Rhythm blog.

By Celo

Eric Kloss "Now"

Eric Kloss

"Now"
( LP Muse Records, 1978 )
Catalog # MR 5147


Tracklisting:
A1 - We Are Together
A2 - Now
A3 - Morning Song
B1 - Hey Hey Whatta You Say
B2 - Autumn Blue
B3 - Booga Wooga Woman

Personnel & Credits:
Eric Kloss - alto & tenor saxophone
Mike Nock - keyboards
Mike Richmond - bass
Jimmy Madison - drums
Efrain Toro - cowbell

Notes:
Produced by Frederick Seibert
Recorded January 4 & 5, 1978 at
Van Gelder Recording Studios, Englewood Cliffs NJ, on June 17th, 1979
Recording Engineer: Rudy Van Gelder
Cover painting and art direction: Tamar Zinn

Review:
Tenor/altoist Eric Kloss recorded often from 1965-1981 before disappearing from jazz. His sound was fairly original, he was technically skilled, and, even though his impact was fairly minor, he did record many worthwhile sessions, most of which are currently hard to find. On this LP, Kloss (joined by keyboardist Mike Nock, bassist Mike Richmond, and drummer Jimmy Madison) performs six of his originals, none of which caught on. The music is generally lyrical and the leader plays well, even if the rhythm section is fairly anonymous, but little all that memorable occurs.
By Scott Yanow (AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

By Celo

Tuesday 22 June 2010

Eric Kloss ''Eric Kloss & The Rhythm Section"

Eric Kloss

''Eric Kloss & The Rhythm Section"
( LP Prestige Records, 1970)
Catalog # PRCD 24125-2


Tracklisting:
1 - To Hear Is to See 5:18
2 - The Kingdom Within 6:01
3 - Stone Groove 6:58
4 - Children of the Morning 8:27
5 - Cynara 9:35
6 - Sunshine Superman 10:14
7 - Kay 10:24
8 - Outward Wisdom 6:05
9 - Song to Aging Children 6:58
10 - Consciousness 8:36

Personnel & Credits:
Eric Kloss - Sax (Alto), Sax (Tenor)
Chick Corea - Piano
Jack DeJohnette - Drums
Dave Holland - Bass
Pat Martino - Guitar

Review:
Whatever happened to Eric Kloss? A brilliant player by the time he was 20, Kloss has largely disappeared from the jazz scene since his string of excellent recordings (mostly for Prestige and Muse) stopped in 1981. This particular reissue has two complete albums (To Hear Is to See and Consciousness) that feature Kloss with the Miles Davis rhythm section of the period (keyboardist Chick Corea, electric bassist Dave Holland, and drummer Jack DeJohnette); the second session also has innovative guitarist Pat Martino. It is to Eric Kloss' great credit that he keeps up with his more famous sidemen on the adventurous program, which is comprised of his seven originals and one song apiece by Pat Martino, Joni Mitchell, and Donovan ("Sunshine Superman"). The music blends together aspects of the avant-garde and fusion and rewards repeated listenings.
By Scott Yanow (AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

By Celo

Eric Kloss "Introducing Eric Kloss"

Eric Kloss

"Introducing Eric Kloss"
( LP Prestige Records, 1965)
Catalog # PR 7442


Tracklisting:
1. Close Your Eyes
2. Old Folks
3. ‘S ‘Bout Time
4. That’s The Way It Is
5. All Blues
6. Embraceable You

Personnel & Credits:
Eric Kloss - Sax Alto
Eric Kloss - Sax Tenor
Pat Martino - Guitar
Don Patterson - Organ
Billy James - Drums

Review:
And what an introduction. The 16-year-old Eric Kloss joins forces with organist Don Patterson in what is a top-flight date for both of them. Patterson always had premier players with him who were attuned to his unique blend of hard-bopping soul jazz. In his debut recording, Kloss is equal to any of them. Regular Patterson collaborators -- guitarist Pat Martino and drummer Billy James -- are also on board. Martino is superb in his rhythm and solo work, his extraordinary technique and natural way with the blues always a sure bet on a Don Patterson date. Similarly, James' progressive style and command of the blues are key to this group's sound. The titular star sticks to his tenor, except for a modern, swinging treatment of "Embraceable You," where he switches to alto. Kloss favors the higher end of the tenor's register, plays with little or no vibrato, and makes little use of the tenor's trademark honks and barks. Although he is not unorthodox in his approach, Kloss, while still a teenager, does not sound overtly like anyone else, except, perhaps, for an inevitable John Coltrane influence. For this session, the program comprises standards, originals, and blues, including a version of Miles Davis's "All Blues," which gets a slightly more low-down treatment than usual, without sacrificing the tune's innate sophistication and cool. Kloss went on to record many fine sessions in the ensuing years, including dates with members of the rhythm section on Miles Davis' Bitches Brew, but since the early '80s, he has been absent from the jazz scene. When he arrived with this introduction, though, Kloss combined with the others in this quartet to produce a hard bop, organ jazz session that stands with the best.
By Jim Todd (AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

Biography:
Eric Kloss, a talented high-powered altoist with an open mind toward funk and certain aspects of pop music, recorded a long series of fine albums for Prestige and Muse from the mid-'60s into the late '70s. Blind since birth, Kloss began playing professionally in Pittsburgh in the early '60s. He worked with Pat Martino in 1965, the same year he started recording as a 16-year-old for Prestige. Through the years, Kloss used such players on his records as Martino, organist Don Patterson, Jaki Byard, Richard Davis, Alan Dawson, Cedar Walton, Jimmy Owens, Kenny Barron, Jack DeJohnette, Booker Ervin, Chick Corea, and Barry Miles, in addition to collaborations with Richie Cole and duets with Gil Goldstein. But Eric Kloss seemed to disappear after his 1981 Omnisound album and has not been heard from by the jazz world in quite some time.
By Scott Yanow (AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

By Celo

Monday 21 June 2010

Wilmer & The Dukes "Wilmer And The Dukes"

Wilmer & The Dukes

"Wilmer And The Dukes"
( LP Aphrodisiac Records, 1969 )
Catalog # Aph - 6001


Tracklisting:
A1 - Living In The USA
A2 - Count On Me
A3 - Get Out Of My Life, Woman
A4 - I Do Love You
A5 - Love-itis/Show Me
B1 - Heavy Time
B2 - St. James Infirmary
B3 - Get It (Instrumental)
B4 - I'm Free
B5 - Give Me One More Chance

Notes:
Distributed by Master Releasing INC. 1790 Main Street Buffalo, NY.

Review:
Natives of Geneva, New York drummer Ron Alberts, singer/sax player Wilmer Alexander Jr., and keyboardist Ralph Gillotte started playing together in 1957.
Originally known as Wilmer Alexander Junior and the Dukes, by the mid-1960s the racially integrated band included bassist Monte Alberts and lead guitarist Doug Brown. With a broad array of cover tunes and a couple of originals in their repertoire they'd also become staples on the New York club and college circuit, as well as an in-demand opening act for national pop, rock and soul acts touring the region.
The band's brush with national success came in 1968 when they signed a contract with the small Buffalo, New York-based Aphrodisiac label.
Penned by guitarist Doug Brown, the band debuted with the single 'Give Me One More Chance' b/w 'Get It' (Aphrodisiac catalog number SME 260). A major regional hit, the 45 also hit # 80 nationally, which was enough for Aphrodisiac to finance a self-titled LP. Recorded in New York City with producer Gene Radice, the cleverly titled "Wilmer & the Dukes" (note the shortened name) served as a nice showcase the band's broad and versatile chops. Apparently meant to capture the group's long standing live act, the collection showcased a mixture of popular pop and soul hits, with a couple of Doug Brown originals thrown in. Alexander had a great voice that was equally at home on pop, rock and soul material while the rest of the band (particularly guitarist Brown and keyboardist Gillotte) were razor sharp - a decade on the club circuit tended to do that if it didn't kill you. Certainly not the most original album of the year, but a pleasant surprise throughout.
- The album opened up with a killer cover of the Steve Miller Band's 'Living In the U.S.A.' Musically it wasn't all that different from the original, though Alexander's vocal was tougher than Miller's and Brown added a slight Hendrix edge to the proceedings. Very nice (would love to have heard in a club setting) and easy to see why Aphrodisiac tapped it for the band's third and final single. rating: **** 4 stars
- To be honest the ballad 'Count On Me' was a little too MOR for my tastes. Alexander's rugged voice was more than up to the song's varied range, but this one sounded like something Tom Jones might have covered. rating: ** 2 stars
- Their cover of Allen Toussaint's 'Get Out of My Life, Woman' offered up a classic slice of driving soul. Supported by some driving horns and a fantastic Alexander vocal (love the opening vamp), this one was probably a pretty good representation of their live act. rating: **** 4 stars
- Imagine what The Dynamics, or Stylistics would have sounded like had they been a self-contained band and you'll get a feel for this one. Had 'I Do Love You' been released a couple of years later it would have been a massive radio hit. rating: **** 4 stars
- Kicked along by a Memphis-styled horn arrangement and Ralph Gillotte's Hammond B-3 organ the first half of medley 'Love-Itis/Show Me' was one of the album highlights. Doug Brown's Steve Cropper-styled guitar playing was merely icing on the cake. The fairly rote 'Show Me' didn't do as much for me, though Brown was more prominent on this one. At least to my ears, part of the problem was that Alexander's vocals came off as flat and raspy giving the song an irritating edge. rating: **** 4 stars / ** 2 stars
- Exhibiting kind of a James Brown vibe, 'Heavy Time' opened side two with a tasty slice of heavy soul. rating: *** 3 stars
- Over the years I've heard dozens of covers of 'St. James Infirmary' and while this bluesy version wasn't anything drastically different, it was better than 90% of the others. Some nice brass arrangements by Artie Schroeck didn't hurt. rating: *** 3 stars
- The Doug Brown penned instrumental 'Get It' served as a showcase for Alexander's sax and Brown's own Steve Cropper-styled guitar. Very Jr. Walker-ish. rating: **** 4 stars
- Injecting a nice soul edge made their cover of the Stones' 'I'm Free' one of the album's standout performance. Gillotte's keyboard solo was perfect. Easy to see why it was tapped as a single. rating: ***** 5 stars
- The third Doug Brown penned track, 'Give Me One More Chance' was also the best song on the album. Killer mid-1960s soul that should have provided the band with an even bigger national chart. rating: ***** 5 stars
Aphrodisiac also tapped the album for a series of follow-on singles in the form of:
- 1969's 'I'm Free' b/w 'Heavy Time' (Aphrodisiac catalog number SME 261)
- 1969's 'Living In the U.S.A. b/w 'Count On Me' (Aphrodisiac catalog number SME 262) #114 pop
- 1969's 'Get Out of My Life, Woman' b/w 'I Do Love You' (Aphrodisiac catalog number SME 263)
A surprisingly impressive one-shot release that you can still find for a reasonable price. Makes you wonder why there was never a follow-up. Well worth looking for.
"Wilmer & the Dukes" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Living in the U.S.A. (Steve Miller) - 3:152.) Count on Me (Andreoli - Bobby Bloom - Vini Poncia Jr. - 2:33
3.) Get Out of My Life, Woman (Allen Toussaint) - 2:35
4.) I Do Love You (Billy Stewart) - 3:15
5.) Love-Itis/Show Me (Scale - Jacobs / Joseph Arrington Jr.) - 5:12
(side 2)
1.) Heavy Time (Whittington) - 2:272.) St. James Infirmary (Joe Primrose) - 5:363.) Get It (instrumental) (Doug Brown) - 2:40
4.) I'm Free (Mick Jagger - Keith Richards) - 2:37
5.) Give Me One More Chance (Doug Brown) - 2:40
The band continued to tour through 1974 at which time the called it quits.
With Alexander in poor health, in 1988 the band (sans Alexander) reunited for a pair of charity concerts. That led to a decision to resume playing as The Legendary Dukes.
Content provided by Rate Your Music (Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved)

By Celo

Ramsey Lewis And Earth, Wind & Fire ''Sun Goddess'' Versions

Ramsey Lewis And Earth, Wind & Fire

''Sun Goddess'' Versions
( Columbia Records, 1974 )
Catalog # 3-10103 & KC 33194


Tracklisting:
A Sun Goddess (7'' Version) 3:08
B Sun Goddess (LP Version) 8:29
C Sun Goddess (Sax Edited Version) 8:44

Personnel:
Bass, Vocals - Verdine White
Congas, Vocals - Philip Bailey
Guitar - Johnny Graham
Guitar [Fender Rhodes Electric], Synthesizer [Arp Ensemble] - Charles Stepney
Producer, Timbales, Drums, Vocals - Maurice White
Saxophone [Tenor] - Don Meyrick
Written By - M. White - J. Lind
Engineer - Dave Antler , Lester Smith
Engineer [Recording And Remix] - Paul Serrano

Notes:
Format:Vinyl, 33 1/3 & 45 RPM
Country:US
Released:1974
Sax version edited by JP

By Pier

Friday 18 June 2010

Gladys Knight & The Pips ''About Love''

Gladys Knight & The Pips

''About Love''
( LP Columbia Records, 1980 )
Catalog # JC 36387


Tracklisting:
A1 Landlord 4:33
Drums - Chris Parker
Horns, Strings - Rob Mounsey
Percussion - Ralph MacDonald
A2 Taste Of Bitter Love 4:37
Drums - Chris Parker
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] - Ray Chew
Handclaps, Finger Snaps - Doug Grinbergs, Jimmy Simpson,
Joan Meisel, Michael Hutchinson
Horns, Strings - Paul Riser
A3 Still Such A Thing 5:34
Drums - Chris Parker
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] - Ray Chew
Horns, Strings - Rob Mounsey
Percussion - Ralph MacDonald
A4 Get The Love 3:40
Horns, Strings - Rob Mounsey
Percussion - Ralph MacDonald
B1 Add It Up 3:53
Drums - Chris Parker
Horns, Strings - Rob Mounsey
Percussion - Ralph MacDonald
B2 Bourgie', Bourgie' 4:37
Drums - Chris Parker
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] - Ray Chew
Horns, Strings - Paul Riser
Percussion - Ralph MacDonald
B3 Friendly Persuasion 4:37
Drums - Chris Parker
Horns, Strings - Paul Riser
Percussion - Ralph MacDonald
B4 We Need Hearts 3:57
Clavinet - Ray Chew
Drums - Chris Parker
Horns, Strings - Paul Riser
Percussion - Ralph MacDonald

Personnel & Credits:
Arranged By [Horns, Strings] - Paul Riser , Robert Mounsey
Arranged By [Rhythm, Vocals] - Ashford & Simpson
Arranged By [Rhythm] - Ray Chew
Backing Vocals - Merald "Bubba" Knight, Edward Patten, William Guest
Bass - Francisco Centeno
Copyist - Chiefy Salaam
Engineer - John Potoker
Engineer [Assistant] - Carla Bandini, Craig Michaels, Doug Grinbergs,
Jim Costello, Steve Katz
Engineer [Recording, Mixing] - Mike Hutchinson
Engineer [Vocal Recording] - Dave Iveland
French Horn - Brooks Tillotson, Donald Corrada, John Clarke, Peter Gordon
Guitar - Eric Gale
Horns, Copyist - Sephra Herman
Lead Vocals - Gladys Knight
Mastered By - Stewart Romain
Mixed By, Mastered By - Jimmy Simpson
Other [Studio Coordinator] - Barbara Tiesi
Piano - Valerie Simpson
Producer, Written-By - Nickolas Ashford And Valerie Simpson
Saxophone [Alto] - Eddie Daniels
Saxophone [Baritone] - Howard Johnson, Ronnie Cuber
Saxophone [Tenor] - George Young, Michael Brecker
Strings - Gene Orloff
Trumpet - Jon Faddis, Lou Soloff

Notes:
Produced for Hopsack & Silk Productions, Inc.
Mastered at CBS Recording Studios, New York on the CBS Discomputer System
Recorded at Sigma Sound Studio, New York
Recorded at A&M Recording Studio, California
Format:Vinyl, LP, Album
Country:US
Released:1980

Review:
In 1977, 1978, and 1979, Gladys Knight & the Pips put a lot of effort into recording separately. Minus Knight, the Pips recorded two LPs as a trio (1977's At Last The Pips and 1978's Callin', both on Casablanca), while Knight provided her first two solo albums (1978's Miss Gladys Knight on Buddah/Arista and 1979's Gladys Knight on Columbia). But by 1980, the group itself was their top priority again. The R&B department at Columbia had very high hopes for this album, and they weren't disappointed. Both creatively and commercially, About Love was Gladys Knight & the Pips' most successful album since 1974's I Feel a Song. The people they can thank for the album's excellence are the husband and wife team of Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, who wrote and produced all of the material. The ballad "Landlord" soared to number three on Billboard's R&B singles charts, and the uptempo dance items "Bourgie, Bourgie" (originally recorded by Ashford & Simpson as an instrumental) and "Taste of Bitter Love" also became hits. Meanwhile, About Love also contains its share of gems that weren't released as singles, including the dramatic "Add It Up" and the smooth "Friendly Persuasion." This impressively consistent LP indicated that Gladys Knight & the Pips still had a lot of life left in them as a group, and sure enough, they stayed together for another ten years before parting company for good in 1990.
By Alex Henderson (AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

By Pier

Thursday 17 June 2010

Reality "Reality"

Reality

"Reality"
( LP Blue Elephant Records, Nederland, 1972 )
Catalog # 855.012 H


Tracklisting:
A1 - Gachero
Written-By - Frank Douglas, Glenn Gaddum , R. Llanero , William Lindfors
A2 - War
Written-By - Leslie Vos , R. Llanero
A3 - Music In My Head
Written-By - A. Monzon , Frank Douglas, Glenn Gaddum , R. Llanero
A4 - Mack One
Written-By - R. Llanero , Reality
A5 - Change The World
Written-By - C. Yang , Frank Douglas, Glenn Gaddum , Leslie Vos , R. Llanero
B1 - Across The Ocean
Written-By - Frank Douglas, R. Llanero , Roel Burnet, William Lindfors
B2 - High Winds
Written-By - Frank Douglas, R. Llanero , Roel Burnet
B3 - Acapulco Gold
Written-By - Frank Douglas, R. Llanero , Roel Burnet
B4 - Guyana Groove
Written-By - A. Monzon , Frank Douglas, Leslie Vos , R. Llanero , Roel Burnet
B5 - Nowhere To Hide
Written-By - C. Yang , Frank Douglas, Glenn Gaddum , R. Llanero , Renold Shearman

Personnel & Credits:
Bass - Jules McDonald
Congas - Roel Burnet
Drums - William Lindfors
Guitar - Frank Douglas
Organ - Glenn Gaddum
Timbales - Rudy Van Wilgen
Vocals - Leslie Vos , Renold Shearman

Review:
One of the best European funk (dutch) in afro brasilian funk groove vein. RAW INSTRUMENTAL FUNK! With So many killer tunes, “Gachero”, “Mack One”, “High Winds”, “Acapulco Gold”… Exist also a brasilian pressing on Polydor out the same year.
Reality band was started in 1970 in Amsterdam by 8 musicians born in Suriname, Curaçao and Aruba. Their first album was released by Dureco - Pink Elephant label. Two years later, on their second album, the group was called "Tony Sherman And Reality". In 1973 T. Sherman went solo with another album, and the group Reality changed for "Solat" name, another great funky Band.

By Celo

Wednesday 16 June 2010

Go The All Whites!




Be afraid Italy be very afraid!
Sia impaurito che l'Italia è molto impaurita!

Ernie Freeman Combo ''Featuring Ernie Freeman At The Organ''

Ernie Freeman Combo

''Featuring Ernie Freeman At The Organ''
( LP Liberty Records, 1963 )
Catalog # LRP-3331 - USA


Tracklisting:
A1 - Comin' home baby
A2 - Stone Rocker
A3 - Gravy Waltz
A4 - Fever
A5 - Jivin' Around
A6 - Drown in my own Tears
B1 - Rockhouse
B2 - The Walk
B3 - Mountain Greenery
B4 - 'Gator Bite
B5 - Cool Play

Biography:
One of so many interesting behind-the-scenes figures of early rock & roll, pianist and arranger Ernie Freeman played on numerous early rock and R&B sessions in the '50s. He worked on dates for the L.A. indies Specialty, Modern, and Aladdin, as well as white artists such as Duane Eddy, Johnny Burnette, the Crickets, Bobby Vee, and Buddy Knox; his most memorable session appearance was probably on the Platters' "The Great Pretender," to which he contributed the stuttering piano riffs. Freeman also put out many instrumental records of his own, mostly for Imperial, and usually in a generic rocked-up jump R&B sort of style. "Jivin' Around" and "Lost Dreams" were R&B hits for him in 1956, but he got his sole crossover pop smash with a cover of Bill Justis' "Raunchy" in 1957, which made number four.
It was a strange situation: Justis' original hit number two, and a pop-oriented cover by Billy Vaughan also made number ten, leading to an incredible happenstance in December 1957 whereby three versions of "Raunchy" were in the Top Ten at the same time. Freeman's cover copied Justis' fairly closely, and wasn't quite as good; it's almost always Justis' original that is played on oldies radio today. Freeman was unable to make the Top 40 again, although he had minor hits with "Indian Love Call," "Theme from 'The Dark at the Top of the Stairs," and a cover of Chubby Checker's "The Twist"; he also recorded in the easy-listening style under the pseudonym Sir Chauncey, sneaking into the bottom of the Top 100 with "Beautiful Obsession." His own career petered out by the mid-'60s, but he worked with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. at Reprise, and as late as 1970 was doing some string arrangements on Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water album.
By Richie Unterberger (AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

By Celo

Ernie Freeman Quartet "Jivin 'O' Round"

Ernie Freeman Quartet

"Jivin 'O' Round"
( LP Imperial Records, 1959 )
Catalog # IMPERIAL LP-9030 - USA


Tracklisting:
A1 - Jivin Around - part 1
A2 - Jivin Around - part 2
A3 - Return To me
A4 - Rockin' Around
A5 - Lost Dreams
A6 - Spring Fever
B1 - Walking the Beat
B2 - Rainy Day
B3 - Funny Face
B4 - A Touch of the Blues
B5 - Flin' High
B6 - Bluesy Me

Biography:
On 1935 he began playing in local Cleveland area nightclubs, and also formed a classical music trio for local social functions with his father and his sister Evelyn. Around 1939, he and Evelyn formed a new band, The Evelyn Freeman Swing Band, with fellow teenagers from Cleveland Central High School. Evelyn played piano, while Ernie played saxophone and also began writing arrangements for the band. The band began a regular engagement at the Circle Ballroom in Cleveland, and broadcast shows for WHK radio station. In 1942, most of the band, apart from Evelyn, joined the US Navy together, and became the first all-black Navy Band, called "The Gobs Of Swing", with Ernie as its leader.
After leaving the Navy in 1945 Ernie entered the Cleveland Institute of Music, from which he graduated with a BA degree. In 1946 he moved with his family to Los Angeles, to attend the University of Southern California where he received his masters degree in music composition. After a spell as arranger for Woody Herman he joined the Ernie Fields Orchestra, playing the piano. Other members of the band included saxophonists Earl Bostic and Plas Johnson, guitarist René Hall, and drummer Earl Palmer. In 1951 Freeman also began playing with the Billy Hadnott Sextet, but left in 1954 to form his own combo with Johnson, Palmer and guitarist Irving Ashby. In 1955 they released their first record, "No No Baby" on the Middle-Tone label. They also recorded with a vocal group, The Voices, who included Bobby Byrd and Earl Nelson of The Hollywood Flames (later Bob & Earl).
Freeman played on numerous early rock and R&B sessions in Los Angeles, California in the 1950s, particularly on the Specialty, Modern, and Aladdin labels, as well as for white artists such as Duane Eddy and Bobby Vee. He played piano on The Platters' "The Great Pretender" in 1955, and began releasing a number of instrumental records of his own. These included "Jivin' Around" (#5 on the R&B chart in 1956), and his cover version of Bill Justis' "Raunchy", his biggest solo success, which reached #4 on the pop chart and #1 on the R&B chart in 1957.
In 1958 The Ernie Fields Orchestra, including Freeman, became the house band for the newly formed Rendezvous record label. In 1961, with Palmer, Johnson and René Hall, they began recording as B. Bumble and the Stingers, and Freeman played piano on their first hit, "Bumble Boogie" (but not their later hit, "Nut Rocker"). He also performed with and arranged for The Routers and their parallel group The Marketts.
He continued a successful session career in the 1960s, appearing on material by Frank Sinatra ("Strangers in the Night", Grammy Award in 1967), Connie Francis ("Jealous Heart", "Addio, mi' amore"), Dean Martin, and Petula Clark ("This is My Song", "For Love"), and becoming musical director with Reprise Records. From 1960 to 1964 he arranged virtually every session for Snuff Garrett at Liberty Records including artists Julie London, Bobby Vee, Johnny Burnette, and Gene McDaniels).
In 1970 he contributed string arrangements to Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water album, before his retirement later in the decade. He died in Los Angeles in 1981.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved)

By Celo

Tuesday 15 June 2010

Eddie Jefferson "Letter From Home"

Eddie Jefferson

"Letter From Home"
( LP Riverside Records, 1962 )
Catalog # RLP 411


Tracklisting:
1. Letter From Home
2. Take The "A" Train
3. Billie's Bounce - (Take 4)
4. Billie's Bounce - (Take 3)
5. I Cover The Waterfront
6. Soft And Furry
7. Night In Tunisia, A
8. Things Are Getting Better
9. Keep Walkin' - (Take 4)
10. Keep Walkin' - (Take 1)
11. Body And Soul
12. Parker's Mood (Bless My Soul)

Personnel & Credits:
Eddie Jefferson (vocals)
Eddie Jefferson; Sam Jones (bass instrument)
Barry Galbraith (guitar)
James Moody (flute, alto saxophone)
Johnny Griffin (saxophone, tenor saxophone)
Arthur Clarke (baritone saxophone)
Clark Terry, Ernie Royal, Joe Newman (trumpet)
Jimmy Cleveland (trombone)
Joe Zawinul, Junior Mance, Wynton Kelly (piano)
Louis Hayes, Osie Johnson (drums)

Notes:
Liner Note Authors: Orrin Keepnews; Peter Drew.
Recording information: New York, NY (12/18/1961-02/08/1962); Plaza Sound Studios, New York, NY (12/18/1961-02/08/1962).
Unknown Contributor Roles: Jimmy Cleveland; Clark Terry; Ernie Royal; Johnny Griffin; James Moody; Joe Zawinul; Wynton Kelly; Sam Jones.
Arranger: Ernie Wilkins.
** Also issued on Riverside RS 9411; Fantasy OJC 307, OJCCD 307-2.

Reviews:
The king of vocalese (the putting of words to pre-existing jazz instrumentals) further cemented his reputation with this fine 1961 Riverside date. Eddie Jefferson truly approached his singing with the mind of a horn player, paying particular attention to phrasing, and the form and rhythmic cadence of his applied lyrics. The result was a fun, technically intriguing take on jazz that was refreshing while also paying homage to the original tunes.
LETTERS FROM HOME features compositions by, among others, Duke Ellington ("Take the 'A' Train"), Charlie Parker ("Billie's Bounce"), and Dizzy Gillespie ("A Night in Tunisia"). Each of these cuts shine with Jefferson's unique, bop-inflected singing, but the vocalist also makes room for Johnny Griffin's tenor sax and the alto work of James Moody on some lovely instrumental solos as well.

By Scott Yanow:
This record (which augments the original LP program with two alternate takes) is a fine showcase for vocalese master Eddie Jefferson. Backed by either a tentet or a quintet that gives solo space to altoist James Moody and the tenor of Johnny Griffin, Jefferson sings his lyrics to such numbers as "Take the 'A' Train," "Billie's Bounce," "I Cover the Waterfront," "Parker's Mood" (the latter differs from the famous lines immortalized by King Pleasure), "A Night in Tunisia," and "Body and Soul," among others. Jefferson is in prime form and these boppish renditions as a whole form a near classic.
(AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

By Celo

The Three Deuces ''Keep On It: Live At The Yardbird Suite''

The Three Deuces

''Keep On It: Live At The Yardbird Suite''
( Yardbird Suite Records, UK, 1997 )
Catalog # YRB 005


Tracklisting:
1.Keep On It
2.Face To Face
3.Is That All
4.Boogie On Reggae Woman
5.Mr Ed
6.Down At Art's

Personnel & Credits:
Artwork By [Design] - Neil Howson
Drums - Bill White
Guitar - Eddie Roberts
Mixed By - D. Creffield (tracks: 6) , W. Jackson (tracks: 1 to 5)
Organ [Hammond] - Ian Rose
Other [Liner Notes] - DJ Lubi "O.J.C."
Percussion [Special Guest] - Sam Bell
Photography - Stephen Hodkin
Photography [Group Shot] - Alex Coley
Producer - Eddie Roberts
Written-By - Three Deuces (tracks: 1, 3, 5, 6)

Notes:
All tracks recorded live at the Yardbird Suite, 27 April 1996 and mixed at Soundworks Studios, except 'Down At Art's' recorded at Beaumont Street Studios, August 1995.
Format:Album
Country:UK
Released:1997
* Re-issued on P-Vine Records, Cat.#93066, 2008.

Bill's note:
Hope it`s new to you.
Organ trio recorded in 1996 Eddie Roberts on guitar,Ian Rose on Hammond,Bill White and Sam Bell on percussion.

Courtesy of Bill

Monday 14 June 2010

Willie Bobo ''Feelin' So Good''

Willie Bobo

''Feelin' So Good''
( LP Verve Records, 1966 )
Catalog # V6-8669


Tracklisting:
A1 Sunshine Superman 2:57
Written By - Donovan
A2 Call Me 2:30
Written By - Hatch
A3 Dichoso 3:17
Written By - Gimenez
A4 Sunny 2:48
Written By - Hebb
A5 Reza 2:50
Written By - Lobo-Buerra
B1 Feelin' So Good 2:58
Written By - Keys
B2 Yesterday 2:04
Written By - Lennon-McCartney
B3 Sockit To Me 3:25
Written By - Keys
B4 Tahiti 1:50
Written By - Thielemans
B5 To Be With You 2:51
Written By - Gimenez-Torres
B6 Li'l Red Riding Hood 3:01
Written By - Kessler-Blackwell

Credits:
Artwork By - Acy R. Lehman
Engineer - Val Valentin
Photography - Ken Whitmore
Producer - Pete Spagro, Teddy Reig

Notes:
Format:Vinyl, LP
Country:US
Released:1966

Review:
One of the Verve albums that focuses on Willie Bobo's talents as a singer -- still very much in the tight Latin Soul style of Willie's other work from the time, but with more vocals on the tracks -- done in Willie's rough-styled soulful mode! Includes the groovers "Feelin' So Good" and "Sock It To Me", plus "Lil Red Riding Hood", "Sunshine Superman", "Call Me", "Dichoso", and "Sunny". Very nice pop Latin soul groove!
Content provided by Dusty Groove America©, Inc. © 1996-2010 (Copyright © 2010, All rights reserved)

By Pier

Saturday 12 June 2010

Rhythm Heritage ''Disco-Fied''

Rhythm Heritage

''Disco-Fied''
( LP ABC Records, 1976 )
Catalog # ABCD-934


Tracklisting:
A1 Disco-Fied
A2 Caravan
A3 Barretta's Theme (Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow)
A4 Theme From S.W.A.T.
B1 Blockbuster
B2 My Cherie Amour
B3 (It's Time To) Boogie Down
B4 Three Days Of The Condor
B5 Disco-Fied (Reprise)

Personnel & Credits:
Bass - Scott Edwards
Drums - Ed Greene
Engineer [Assistant] - Howard Gale
Engineer [Mastering] - Lanky Linstrot, Phil Cross
Engineer [Recording] - Phil Kaye
Guitar - Ben Benay , Dean Parks, Ray Parker
Other [Guest] - Lee Ritenour
Percussion - Victor Feldman
Photography - Ken Marcus
Producer - Steve Barri
Producer, Arranged By, Keyboards - Michael Omartian
Woodwind - Ernie Watts, Tom Scott

Notes:
Produced for Golden Clover Productions
Format:Vinyl, LP, Album
Country:US
Released:1976

Review:
Rhythm Heritage was never a band in the true sense of the word. Best known for its disco-funk versions of themes from movies and television cop shows, Rhythm Heritage was a group of Los Angeles studio musicians that producers Michael Omartian and Steve Barri threw together. None of its three albums were distinctive -- they weren't meant to be. But if you take them for what they are, those albums aren't without their pleasures. Although uneven, Rhythm Heritage's first album, Disco-Fied, is arguably its best. This 1976 LP contains its biggest hit, the infectious "Theme From S.W.A.T.," as well as its slick remake of "Baretta's Theme (Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow)," which became the album's second single. Rhythm Heritage's version of the Baretta theme isn't the best one -- Sammy Davis, Jr. and Merry Clayton provided superior versions -- but it's still enjoyable. Also noteworthy are Rhythm Heritage's arrangements of Dave Grusin's "Three Days of the Condor" and Duke Ellington's "Caravan," which is devoid of jazz elements in Omartian and Barri's hands. To jazz snobs, recording a glossy disco version of an Ellington standard was musical heresy. But then, Omartian and Barri never claimed that their arrangement of "Caravan" was authentic jazz. Meanwhile, the LP's weaker tracks include "(It's Time To) Boogie Down" and the robotic title song, both of which find Rhythm Heritage sounding like a poor man's Kool & the Gang. But despite its flaws and limitations, Disco-Fied is Rhythm Heritage's most fun and memorable album.
By Alex Henderson (AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

Biography:
A Los Angeles studio group that keyboardist Michael Omartian and producer Steve Barri assembled in the mid-'70s, Rhythm Heritage had a pair of television theme hits before fading into obscurity. "Theme From S.W.A.T." topped the pop charts in 1975 and peaked at number 11 R&B, while "Baretta's Theme (Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow)" was a Top 20 R&B and pop single in 1976. Oren and Luther Waters served as group vocalists, but they couldn't keep things going with subsequent follow-ups.
By Ron Wynn (AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

By Pier

Tony Camillo's Bazuka "Bazuka"

Tony Camillo's Bazuka

"Bazuka"
( LP A&M Records, 1975 )
Catalog # SP-3411


Tracklisting:
A1 - T.C.'s Inferno 7:14
A2 - Side Dish 5:05
A3 - Come To Me 3:29
A4 - Bazuka Limited 4:22
A5 - I'm Gonna Love Lovin' You 4:12
B1 - Love Explosion 5:26
B2 - Shark Bite 4:09
B3 - Walkin' Tall 3:40
B4 - Dynomite 5:10
B5 - Earthquake 2:55
B6 - T.C.'s Inferno (Reprise) 1:45

Personnel & Credits:
Artwork By [Direction] - Roland Young
Artwork By [Illustration] - Lou Beach
Backing Vocals - Jerry Knight , Joe Schkloven , Kenney Kerr
Engineer [Assistant] - Bob Clifford , Frank Koenig , Henry Borysewicz
Executive Producer - Bob Marcucci
Mastered By - Frank De Luna
Producer, Arranged By - Tony Camillo
Recorded By, Mixed By - David Domanich , Ed Stasium

Notes:
Recorded at: Venture Sound Studio, Sounds of Somerville, New Jersey.
Ed Stasium is credited as Edward Stasium, Jr.

Review:
Bazuka was an American instrumental R&B group, put together by the record producer Tony Camillo.
They released a self-titled album on A&M Records in 1975 which featured the song "Dynomite" a #10 hit in the US Billboard pop chart that year. The single also peaked at #29 on the US R&B chart, #6 Hot Dance Club Play, and #11 Disco. The track peaked at #28 in the UK Singles Chart in June 1975. The follow up single, "Love Explosion", was less successful, peaking at #92 on the US R&B chart.
Content provided by Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved)

By Celo

Friday 11 June 2010

Amazonas "Amazonas Play Santana"

Amazonas

"Amazonas Play Santana"
( LP Stereo Gold Award Recordings, UK, 1973 )
Catalog # MER 377


Tracklisting:
A1 - Black Magic Woman
Written-By - P. Green
A2 - Oye Como Va
Written-By - Tito Puente
A3 - Amazona
Written By - C. Dobbie , D. Ashanti
A4 - No One To Depend On
Written-By - C. Escobedo, M. Carabella
A5 - Saragossa
Written By - C. Dobbie , D. Ashanti
B1 - Jingo!
Written-By - M. Olatunji
B2 - Samba Pa Ti
Written-By - C. Santana
B3 - Sierra-Do-Mar
Written-By - L. Muller
B4 - Just In Time To See The Sun
Written-By - C. Santana, G. Rolie, M. Shrieve
B5 - Song Of The Wind
Written-By - C. Santana, G. Rolie, M. Shrieve
B6 - Primevil Return
Written-By - L. Muller

Review:
"The pulsating erotic dance rhythms of the best in Afro-Latin percussion. Fluid guitar solos with various spellbinding instrumental colours in a tribute to the hypnotic genius of Santana."
One of the best of Leo Muller albums. Includes a wicked version of "Jingo" and his own track "Sierra Do Mar". Not to mention the hot cover!...

By Celo

Rimona Francis "Rimona Francis"

Rimona Francis

"Rimona Francis"
( LP MPS Records, 1978 )
Catalog # MPS 15.508


Tracklisting:
01 - Bulgarian Beans (Stu Hacohen)
02 - Colours Of Excitement (Rimona Francis)
03 - Escape (Rimona Francis)
04 - Debka Druze (trad./Stu Hacohen)
05 - Eulipia (Frank Tusa)
06 - Five And Nine (Stu Hacohen)
07 - Gingi (J. van't Hoff/Rimona Francis)

Personnel & Credits:
Rimona Francis - vocal, piano
Leszek Zadlo - soprano-, tenor-saxophone, flute
Jasper van't Hof - acoustic and electric pianos, organ, synthesizer
Barry Finnerty - guitar
Frank Tusa - bass
Buddy Williams - drums

Notes:
PRODUCED BY JOACHIM-ERNS BERENDT
Tune "GINGI" recorded live at the Donaueschingen Music Festival 1977 Sudwestfunk Baden-Baden
All compositions published by FUTURE PASSED (ASCAP)
All arrangements by Stu Hacohen
Recorded: October 24-27th, 1977 by Hans Georg Brunner-Schwer MPS Studio, Villingen/West-Germany
"Thank you, Stu Hacohen, for help, ideas and arrangements!"

Review:
The unique thing about Rimona Francis is her natural ability to transcend categories. Folk, jazz, rock... Debussy, Bach, Bartok... The Balkans, Israel, Arabia - it's all there and yet - no single category applies! Of course, a clever producer might try to establish Rimona as a rock star or a jazz singer or even (listen to "Escape") a classical singer. She could make it in any of these areas. But Rimona is not interested in "making" it in the usual sens of the word. She is not a jazz, or rock, or classical or even a folk singer. She is a singer... period. So, instead of trying to "establish" Rimona, this record tries to give an idea of her range (and not just the technical one of 3 1/2 octaves!).
Rimona Francis lives in New York. She was born in Tel Aviv of Bulgarian descent. She says: "My Balkan background was a natural base for my love for Bartok and for irregular rhythms. Later, my husband, the Bulgarian musician Stu Hacohen, intensified this love. We had our own jazz group in Israel. We played in Tel Aviv and in different Kibbutzim and made two records."
Internationally, Rimona got known thorugh the Enja record, "Future Passed" (1975, with vibes player David Friedman). A year later, she sang in two very different settings at the Berlin Jazz Days - in bass player Miroslav Vitous's rock group ("Majesty Music" on Arista) and with large symphonic orchestra in a piece written by German composer Wolfgang Dauner (this, too, indicates her versatility). Rimona Francis: "Since we got to to New York (1974). I have learned much about modern jazz. I listen to instrumental music, not very much to singers. I discovered that I breathe like a saxophone player. I vocalized jazz solos by Sonny Stitt, Paul Desmond, Clifford Brown, Oscar Peterson. Of course, I love singers. But nobody ever will surpass Ella Fitzgerald or the
warmth of Sarah Vaughan. I don't want to imitate the black sound. I don't want to be limited to a certain musical style."
Rimona's husband Stu Hacohen, is a fanatical practitioner of irregular rhythms. "Bulgarian Beans" is in 11/8, "Five and Nine" has a constant change of one 5/8 and two 9/8 bars all through the piece - an almost impossible challenge for the musicians. Yet, they managed to play the tune and even improvise on it with as much ease as in the common 4/4 meter. "Beans" based on Macedonian and Bulgarian rhythms, has a 12-bar blues-like structure, but not the usual blues harmonies. "Five and Nine" is in the style of a Bulgarian folk song done in a modern concept. In the beginning before the rhythm comes in, Rimona introduces the tune as a lovely ballad with great feeling and sensitivity. Rimona's composition "Escape" is more a "lied" than a song, reminiscent of late Debussy or early Schoenberg. The piece is in three parts with Rimona accompanying herself on the piano and with Jasper, between the two vocal parts, playing a marvelous piano improvisation, based on the chords of the tune.
The words, too, are by Rimona: "Hylet me go back to the womb/To my mother's womb/Where it's warm and safe and blind.../Blindness without pain/Just peace of the blank.../Just heartbeat is there...". "Colours Of Excitement", also composed by Rimona, is in a Brazillian mood - with lovely improvisations by Barry Finnerty on guitar and Leszek Zadlo on flute and with great synthesizer sounds by Jasper van't Hof. "The Debka" is a dance of the Druses, the Arabian tribe which is fighting for freedom in the mountainous border region between Iran and Turkey. It's interesting to note that the Druses are among the most courageous fighters in the Israeli army. The Debka is danced only by men. They hold each other by their belts with the first one leading the dance with a white handkerchief. Rimona's solo improvisation in Arabian style sounds like a peaceful tribute to Israel's Arabian neighbors.
Some of this record's most sensitive music is heard in the duos. Frank Tusa's "Eulipia" is dedicated to "a very musical place in California, near Santa Cruz. And "Ginghi" - meaning "red-headed" in Hebrew - is Rimona's name for piano player Jasper van't Hof; you can hear her shouting the word in the middle of the improvisation. This track was recorded at the Donaueschingen Music Festival 1977 in Germany. The Piece was not rehearsed. It's a completely spontaneous improvisation and
a great example of musical rapport and humour and wit. You should have seen their faces as they played and sang on the stage at Donaueschingen. One of them would seem to say, "You do that", whereupon the other would signal, "So I do this". I have seldom seen two musicians having so much fun while performing. We wanted to repeat this duo in the studio but the
performance on the Donaueschingen stage is so unique that we preferred to include the live recording.
Rimona's group on this record was assembled by Sudwestfunk (Southwest German Radio and Television Network) for a concert at the Music Festival in Donaueschingen, Germany. Rimona brought three musicians from New York and added two Europeans. Never before on a record session have i heard so many different languages - Hebrew, Bulgarian, Russian (Stu and Polish saxophone player Leszek Zadlo communicate in this language), Polish, Dutch, German, English... Drummer Buddy Williams has recorded with Herbie Hancock and Nat Adderley. Guitarist Barry Finnerty is on records with Michal Urbaniak, Chico Hamilton, Hubert Laws and Blood Sweat and Tears. And Frank Tusa, of course, is known through performances and records with Elvin Jones, Richard Beirach, Badal Roy and Dave Liebman. Leszek Zadlo is one of the many excellent musicians from Poland. And Dutchman Jasper van't Hof, winner of polls all over Europe, is one of the most well-known European keyboard players.
By JOACHIM-ERNST BERENDT (Author of the "Jazzbook - from Rag to Free and Rock", Hill & Co. Publishing Company, New York) (Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved)

By Celo

Thursday 10 June 2010

Kjell Ohman "Organ Jazz"

Kjell Ohman

"Organ Jazz"
( LP Discofon Records, Sweden, 1968 )
Catalog # DELP 5004


Tracklisting:
A1 - Feudin and Fightin 02:25
A2 - Sherri 03:14
A3 - Rosetta 03:02
A4 - Maybe Its Nothing At All 03:34
B1 - Summerwind 04:07
B2 - Skating In Central Park 04:18
B3 - Feppe 03:21
B5 - Cry 03:54
B6 - Minni 04:20

Notes:
Swedens answer to Jimmy Smith - Kjell Ohman, probably (still) the most outstanding organist in Sweden...
Recorded at: Metronome Studio, Stockholm, November 1968.

By Celo

Marc Moulin "Sam Suffy" (Remastered)

Marc Moulin

"Sam Suffy"

(Remastered)
( 2 x LP Blue Note Records, 2005 )
Catalog # 07243 5636761 6


Tracklisting:
A1 - La Saule 6:00
A2 - Misterioso 1:43
A3 - From 3:35
B1 - La Blouse 4:10
B2 - La Bougie 1:58
B3 - Le Beau Galop 4:20
C1 - Tohu-bohu I 5:12
C2 - Tohu-bohu II 4:08
C3 - Tohu-bohu III 2:11
D1 - Tohu-bohu IV 2:08
D2 - Tohu-bohu IV 3:36
D3 - Tohu-bohu Part 2005 Remix 4:35

Personnel & Credits:
Composed By - Marc Moulin (tracks: A1, A3 to D3)
Thelonious Monk (tracks: A2)
Engineer - Alan Ward , Philippe Delire
Mastered By [Remastered By] - Vincent Goffart
Reissue Producer - Gilbert Lederman

Notes:
Originally issued as CBS 80753, except D3.
Originally issued in 1975.
(P) 2005 Danmark under exclusive license to EMI Music Belgium.
(C) 2005 Danmark under exclusive license to EMI Music Belgium.
Blue Note is a registered trademark of Capitol Records, Inc.
Originally recorded in December 1974.
Remastered at Equus.

Review:
Marc Moulin's debut LP is a compelling and unique mosaic of jazz, soul, and electronic elements that employs sampled sounds and sequencers to startling effect, vividly anticipating the music of the not-so-distant future. While rooted in collective improvisation, cuts like the opening "Le Saule" and "Le Beau Galop" foreshadow the emergence of house music via their underlying electronic motifs; more impressive still is the five-part, 17-minute epic "Tohubohu," a remarkable update of musique concrète sensibilities that creates drumbeats from water drops and pits trumpeter Richard Rousselet against a herd of hippos. But for all its complexities and innovations, Sam Suffy is above all a sublime listening experience, closer in spirit and scope to trip-hop than the more abstract fusion classics it follows. Blue Note's 2005 30th anniversary reissue (which includes video content and a new remix of "Tohubohu") should earn the album the classic status it demands.
By Jason Ankeny (AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

Not available on the free blog edition

By Celo

Wednesday 9 June 2010

Ron Wright / Ken Mansfield ''Van Nuys Blvd.''

Ron Wright / Ken Mansfield

''Van Nuys Blvd.''
(Original Soundtrack Recording)
( LP Mercury Records 1979 )
Catalog # SRM-1-3794


Tracklisting:
1.Van Nuys Blvd.
2.Gotcha
3.Discoliope
4.Love Party
5.Boogie On Down The Boulevard
6.Teacher Of Dreams
7.What Is Love?
8.Mama's Car
9.What Is Love? (reprise)

Credits & Notes:
Arranged By - Ken Mansfield, Ron Wright
Composed By - Ken Mansfield, Ron Wright
Mastered By - Mike Reese
Producer - Ken Mansfield
Format:Vinyl, LP
Country:US
Released:1979
A Hometown Production
Recorded At Smoketree Ranch
Mastered At Mastering Lab
Ripped from the original US vinyl by Celo

Notes:
Van Nuys Boulevard is a major north-south arterial road that runs through the central San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles County, California. It is also the name of a 1979 motion picture about the cruising lifestyle on Van Nuys Boulevard in the 1960s and 1970s.
A small-town kid hears about the wild nights of cruising the boulevard in Van Nuys, California. He drives out there to check it out, and gets involved with drag racers, topless dancers and bikers.

By Celo & Pier (The MFS Originators)

Tuesday 8 June 2010

Archie Shepp "Jazz A Confronto 27"

Archie Shepp

"Jazz A Confronto 27"
( LP Horo Records, Italy, 1976 )
Catalog # HLL 101-27


Tracklisting:
A - Lybia 21:20
Written-By - A. Shepp, Garrett
B - My Heart Cries Out To Africa 19:03
Written-By - A. Shepp, C. Greenlee

Personnel & Credits:
Artwork By [Cover Design] - Sandro Lodolo
Bass - David Williams
Drums - Beaver Harris
Engineer - Giorgio Loviscek
Liner Notes - Walter Mauro
Photography [Liner Photos] - Antonio Ortolan
Photography [Photo] - Isio Saba
Piano - Dave Burrell
Producer - Aldo Sinesio
Saxophone [Soprano & Tenor Sax] - Archie Shepp
Trombone - Charles Greenlee

Notes:
Recorded September 28, 1975, Roma
976
Fly Record Ed. Mus.
Produzione, Distribuzione
HORO srl, Casella Postale 12024, Roma, Italy

Review:
Jazz a Confronto 27 is an album by jazz saxophonist Archie Shepp recorded in Rome, Italy, on September 28. 1975
and released on the Horo Records label as part of the "Jazz a Confronto" series.

By Celo

Eddie Jefferson "Things Are Getting Better"

Eddie Jefferson

"Things Are Getting Better"
( LP Muse Records, 1974 )
Catalog # MR 5043


Tracklisting:
A1 - Bitches Brew
A2 - Things Are Getting Better
A3 - Freedom Jazz Dance
A4 - Night In Tunisia
B2 - Trane's Blues
B3 - I Just Got Back In Town
B4 - Billie's Bounce
B5 - Thank You - Falletinme Be Mice Elf Agin

Personnel & Credits:
Adcomm - Imaging
Conrad Buckman - Vocals
Gary Giddins - Liner Notes
Eddie Gladden - Drums
Paul Goodman - Engineer
Sid Gribetz - Liner Notes
Eddie Jefferson - Vocals
Sam Jones - Bass
Billy Mitchell - Flute, Clarinet (Bass), Sax (Tenor)
Joe Newman - Trumpet
Don Schlitten - Producer
Mickey Tucker - Organ, Piano, Piano (Electric), Saw
Annalee Valencia - Art Direction, Design
Mildred Weston - Vocals

Review:
Singer Eddie Jefferson's first album in five years finds him doing his best to keep up with the times. Somehow he manages to sing Miles Davis' "Bitches Brew" (a nearly impossible melody to make much out of) and he also performs "Freedom Jazz Dance" and "Trane's Blues" in addition to more boppish material (including an exuberant "Things Are Getting Better," "Night In Tunisia" and "Billie's Bounce"). The Sly Stone tune "Thank You" is the only trivial selection among the eight reissued on this record while "I Just Got Back In Town" is based on James Moody's improvisation to the ballad "I Cover The Waterfront." The master of vocalese (who was at the peak of his powers during this period) is assisted by trumpeter Joe Newman, Billy Mitchell (on tenor, flute and bass clarinet), keyboardist Mickey Tucker, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Eddie Gladden. A worthy effort.
By Scott Yanow (AMG. Copyright © 2010 All Media Guide, LLC. Content provided by All Music Guide ®, a trademark of All Media Guide, LLC. All rights reserved.)

By Celo

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