If you think you know Jazztronik, think again – because this beautiful set has the group working live in the studio – all spontaneous, without any overdubs or added programming – in a mode that's even more soulful than before, and which really represents a great progression for the Jazztronik style! As you'd guess from the name, there's always been plenty of jazz in their music – but this time around, the liveness really makes things crackle – and brings in an even deeper vibe and sense of humanity to their whole groove – whether the cuts are vocal numbers with a soulful finish, or some of the more cosmic instrumentals. Not really club jazz, but something even greater – and a tremendous achievement for Ryo Nozaki – one that's got us loving his music all over again! Titles include "Love Tribge", "Tiger Eyes", "Mista Swing", "Black Dragon", "Voyage", "Butterfly Dance", "Saumrai", and "Beauty Flow" – all done in new versions here. ~ Dusty Groove
Maybe the most smoking collaboration so far between The Dynamites and vocalist Charles Walker – a singer who only seems to sound younger and younger with each new record – driven on by the sharp funky sounds of the group! Walker's got a way of stretching out a note that's rooted in 60s deep soul styles – yet also has a compactness that fits in well with The Dynamites' hip blend of Hammond, trumpet, guitar, and saxes – all stepping out with a beautifully soulful vibe on the album's host of original tracks! Titles include "Wakie Wakie", "I Just Want To Know", "Love Is Only Everything", "Please Open Up The Door", "So Much More To Do", and "Yours & Mine", which features a guest appearance from Bettye Lavette! ~ Dusty Groove
A really unique album from funky drummer Alphonse Mouzon – a set that has him putting away some of the guitars used heavily on other Blue Note records, in exchange for a keyboard-heavy groove that almost sounds a bit like Gene Harris a the time! In addition to drums, Alphonse solos a fair bit on Arp, moog, and organ – alongside other keyboardists Harry Whitaker and Leon Pendarvis – both of whom contribute some really great work to the set. Tracks are shorter and more focused than before – and a number of them include vocals from Alphonse, sung in a rough-edged style that goes quite nice with his heavy drums on the set! Titles include the incredible break track "You Don't Know How Much I Love You" – worth the price of the album alone – and other tracks include the great "Funky Snakefoot", plus "Tara Tara", "Ism", "I've Given You My Love", "I Gotta Have You", "A Permanent Love", and "Where I'm Drumming From". ~ Dusty Groove
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