Hi friends!
This week’s 5 selections are:
Marcos Valle - Marcos Valle (Som Livre, 1983)
#MPB #Boogie #Funk
Let’s start with my favorite Marcos Valle album: the eponymous one. It was the first one I ever listened to by him and the one I think is the most balanced. Released in Brazil on the iconic Som Livre label after Marcos had spent quite a few years living in the USA, gathering influences from funk, soul, and other styles. Opening with his most cherished boogie hit with an infectious bassline, “Estrelar”, and featuring beautiful smooth delights such as “Fogo Do Sol”, the vocalist and keyboardist delivers great moments of joy and serenity. In this case, I believe that the A side (until track 5, “Naturalmente”) is the clear winner.
Never Give Up / You Stole My Heart - Elaine Vasell / 3rd Zone (Heels & Souls Recordings, 2024)
#Street Soul
Delicious street soul release by the British label Heels & Souls, compiling one side of two different records first pressed in 1993 by Elaine Vassell and 3rd Zone. Inspired by the vibrant scene of the time, these tracks showcase the DIY ethos and raw energy of the underground vibe from that era. Elaine Vassell's "Never Give Up" and 3rd Zone's "You Stole My Heart" blend soulful mid-tempo house, hip hop, and R&B, proving that creativity triumphs over big budgets.
Sunday Morning - Backroom Congregation (D:vision Records, 1998)
#House #Garage House #Gospel House
I discovered this EP yesterday on Dat Vibe's channel. It's the type of music I'd love to hear in clubs here in Spain. Uplifting vocals, groovy basslines, and melodic organ and wind instruments that convey a sense of hope and happiness. Everything serving as the perfect instrumental under a sped up evangelist vocal, taking you to Church! Certainly, with a beat like this I’d probably be attending Church more often on Sunday mornings.
You can listen to all the mixes below on the Discogs link.
Patrice - Patrice Rushen (Elektra, 1978)
#Jazz-Funk #Disco
Heavily influenced by the soul of the Motown era and jazz legends like Miles Davis, Hancock, and Jimmy Smith, this album marks Patrice's transition from pure jazz to a funkier sound, moving from Prestige to Elektra. Jazz critics initially misjudged the record, unable to appreciate Rushen's virtuosity in singing and playing within what they considered a more commercial style. However, listeners who give it a chance will discover a diverse array of tracks suitable for various moods and moments, featuring hits like "Music Of The Earth" and "Wishful Thinking," all infused with that funky vibe.
A Little New York Midtown Music - Nat Adderley (Galaxy, 1979)
#Hard Bop #Soul Jazz
This week, I was watching Woody Allen’s latest film, Coup de Chance, when a song from the marvelous soundtrack (as usual in his movies) caught my interest. It was “Fortune’s Child” by Nat Adderley. After a quick Shazam search, I found the album and listened to it the next morning while strolling through the cozy streets of Trafalgar and Chueca. "A Little New York Midtown Music" has just the right amount of hard bop for a tranquil moment; the rhythm section is sometimes almost as relaxed as in some cool jazz compositions. Featuring excellent personnel such as Victor Feldman, Roy Carter, and Johnny Griffin, this album is pure gold for your Sunday afternoon.
That was all for this week. I hope you liked the selections :D
Stay groovy,
Dudier