A real standout 70s set from Nina Simone – a one-off date for CTI Records, done with a sound that's different than her earlier work for RCA, Philips, and Colpix! The groove here is often as soul-based as it is vocal jazz – thanks to arrangements from David Matthews, who brings a similar sound here to his other work with Esther Phillips in the decade – another older singer who'd hit some very hip territory at the time. The groove here is very much like Phillips' best for Kudu – smooth and soulful, but in ways that still retain all the rasp and character of the lead vocals. Titles include a sublime reading of Randy Newman's excellent "Baltimore", plus "The Family", "My Father", "Music For Lovers", "Rich Girl", and "Balm In Gilead". ~ Dusty Groove
A brilliant setting for the soulful Frank McComb – a stretched out live performance that unlocks a whole new side of Frank's talents, and makes us love him even more than before! The tunes are very laidback – and McComb accompanies himself on Fender Rhodes and acoustic piano with an easygoing vibe that has plenty of jazzy touches – all in a mode that's right up there with Donny Hathaway's legendary live recordings of the 70s – yet with all the personal, upfront style we've always loved in Frank's music! There's only bass and drums to back him up – which gives his keyboard lines and tremendous vocals plenty of room to fly – and although we've loved his studio work, this set may well be our favorite album ever from Frank. Titles include "Love Natural", "Future Love", "All You Need Is Love", "Superstition", "Do You Remember Love", "Gotta Find A Way", and "Cupid's Arrow/Contact". (This is Frank McComb's own version – a self produced CDR in a slimline case, with color copy cover.) ~ Dusty Groove
New blues, but with some definite rootsy elements too – yet all turned around in really weird ways, by an ensemble that features some key contributions from Eugene Chadbourne! The set's half originals by pianist Aki Takase, and half old classics by Fats Waller, WC Handy, and Jelly Roll Morton – served up in a very playfully avant approach – with the sort of freshness we remember from Chadbourne's great recordings in the 80s. Takase plays piano and handles all arrangements – and the group features Chadbourne on banjo, guitar, and a bit of vocals – plus Rudi Mahall on bass clarinet, Nils Wogram on trombone, and Paul Lovens on drums – plus guest trumpet from Alex Von Schlippenbach on one track. Titles include "Dr Jazz", "So Long Kurt", "New Blues", "Joint Is Jumpin", "Mr Jelly Lord", "Memphis Blues", "Take The U Train", and "Dead Man Blues". ~ Dusty Groove
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