Hi friends!
Today I would like to present albums whose legacy has been preserved, in one or another way, over the years.
This week’s 5 selections are:
Telecommunication - Azymuth (Milestone, 1982)
#Jazz-Funk #Latin Jazz
I was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Ivan Conti, aka Mamao, the drummer of the legendary Brazilian band Azymuth. My mind immediately went back to the unforgettable concert I attended in Amsterdam at the North Sea Jazz Club back in 2013, where I witnessed the magic of Azymuth's live performance. Only three men delivered so many different and futuristic electronic sounds coming from the Fender Rhoders, vocoders and other synthesizers. Among with “Light As a Feather” and “Flame” this is one of the three records that my father and uncle Juan gave me. My favorite pick here is “Last Summer in Rio”.
Letter From Home - Pat Metheny Group (Geffen Records, 1989)
#Contemporary Jazz
Another soundtrack of my car travels when I was a kid. "Letter From Home" features a diverse range of musical styles, with Metheny's virtuosic and emotive guitar work taking a more supportive role than being the driving force of the music. What sets this album apart from his other works is its emphasis on melody and atmosphere, created through a variety of instruments and subtle electronic effects that form an epic collage. The album's use of different ambient sounds adds to its unique character. For me, every song is a hit!
Bonus Track: Nick Holder - Summer Daze. Nick sampled track 11 “Slip Away"
America Eats Its Young - Funkadelic (Westbound Records, 1972)
#P-Funk #Soul #Psychedelic Rock
Born in the turbulent context of the late 1960s early beginnigs of the 1970s in the US, this was the first album by Funkadelic with a clear sociopolitic message calling for social change. The title itself is a powerful statement on the disillusionment felt by many in the wake of the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement. Also, it was the first album they recorded without being under the influence of acid. According to George Clinton, this was also the moment when they shifted from “a psychedelic thing” to “straight funk with horns and things”. Sadly, the album was not a commercial success at the time of its release. However, its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists.
Non-profit disclaimer: I read about this album in Wax Poetics Vol.2 Issue 2.
New Direction - Gene Russell (Black Jazz Records, 1971)
#Jazz #Soul-Jazz
The very first reference out of 22 records published by Black Jazz Records, Gene’s iconic label. He founded it along with percussionist Dick Schory with the goal of promoting African American jazz artists and, despite its short lifespan, its legacy has been preserved thanks to the efforts of selectors as Gilles Peterson, DJ Mitsu or Theo Parrish. The first thing I noticed about "New Direction" was that the mix was way too amazing. Later on, while doing a bit of research, it appears that they recorded it using quadraphonic techniques. This lend an added vitality to Russell's bluesy and spiritual approach to classic jazz standards. While the album has long been a sought-after gem among crate diggers, it has been reissued a couple of times and now you can get your copy at a standard price!
Goldtones - Jovonn (Clone Classic Cuts, 2014)
#Deep House #House #Garage House
Oh yes. Let’s finish this time with something really DEEP for the house headz. This compilation of Jovonn’s early 1990s works is outstanding and represents pretty accurate how I like house music: deep, jazzy and underground! Mixing raw bumpy basslines, rough percussive elements, dreamy pads and probably Korg M1 flutes, Jovonn had the recipe for a good party. In this ocassion we have to thank Clone, the Dutch label for compiling and reissuing these bangers. This one is perfect for your Friday night groove or for your ride back home from work. It’s Friday!
That was all for this week. I hope you enjoyed the selections :D
Tune in next week for more music!
Stay groovy,
Dudier
