Hi friends!
This week’s 5 selections are:
Lavoro E Tempo Libero - Giuliano Sorgini (Edizioni Musicali Goldfinger, 1980)
#Theme #Funk #Disco #Italian Library
Giuliano Sorgini's Lavoro E Tempo Libero was a hidden gem from Italy's golden age of library music. Originally released in 1980 by the elusive Goldfinger label, this album faded into obscurity until its recent resurrection by Sonor Music Editions. From the pulsating rhythms of "Produzione Intensiva" to the laidback funk vibes of "Lavoro Cerebrale," Sorgini's creativity knows no bounds. With Nino Rapicavoli's soothing flute melodies and Sorgini's sharp guitar finesse, the album offers a glimpse into the past while remaining relevant in the present.
Power-Fuerza - Ghetto Brothers (Salsa Records, 1972)
#Latin Funk #Rock #Soul #Salsa
Recently reissued by Vampisoul, this one was recorded in a single take, almost resembling a demo, by the leaders of a Puerto Rican street gang from the South Bronx. Benjy Melendez, the frontman, founded the band alongside his brothers Robert on rhythm guitar and Victor on bass. Benjy spearheaded the historic Hoe Avenue Peace Meeting, which marked the end of the violent gang epidemic that plagued New York City during the turbulent era of the early 1970s. Among those present were Afrika Bambaataa (at just 14 years old) and the Black Spades. According to Joseph Mpa of the Black Panthers, the truce itself played a role in the emergence of hip-hop culture, facilitating easier travel between neighborhoods without the fear of crossing gang boundaries.
Pieces Of A Dream - Scott Grooves (Soma Quality Recordings, 1998)
#Deep House #Jazzy House
One more gifted musician from Detroit, Scott Grooves delivered a standout debut LP filled with absolute bangers. Kicking off with a stunning collaboration with Roy Ayers on Lonnie Liston Smith’s classic "Expansions," the album sets the bar high. Tracks like “The Sax Speaks” establish a deep, jazzy house vibe that persists throughout. Occasionally, this is swapped for an even deeper, tougher sound, as heard in “Pieces of a Dream” and “Feels So Good.” "The Mothership Re-Connection," a standout hit in Europe, incorporates a live Parliament gig, with George Clinton's blessing. Last but no leat, "Bumpin' on the Underground" impresses with its clever sample from Wes Montgomery's "Bumpin' on Sunset."
Atma - Michal Urbaniak (Columbia, 1974)
#Jazz Fusion
Atma was the first album by Polish violinist Michal Urbaniak's Fusion band. With its phased violin, Mini Moog stabs, tight basslines, and vibrant percussions, it embodies the essence of jazz fusion. While the opening track doesn't quite resonate with me, it offers a traditional Polish folk flavor. Urbaniak's wife, Urszula Dudziak, delivered vocals in a distinctive manner, evoking echoes of Flora Purim's 1970s style. Sampled in tracks by Lord Finesse, Common, and Large Professor, Atma remains an overlooked gem in the realm of jazz fusion.
Blow Up - Isao Suzuki Trio / Quartet (Three Blind Mice, 1973)
#Post Bop #Modal Jazz
In MMLW#49 we listened to Midnight Sugar, and now is time to delight ourselves with another gem of the high fidelity standards Japanese label Three Blind Mice. Suzuki, regarded as one of the best Japanese bass jazz players, along with drummer George Otsuka, pianist Kunihiko Sugano, and bassist Takashi Mizuhashi, they play three originals and three classic standards. With impeccable soundstage and imaging, the album's mix is sublime, allowing ample space for each instrument to shine. It's truly a moment of pure joy.
That was all for this week. I hope you liked the selections :D
Stay groovy,
Dudier