The mellower side of Brunswick Records – that slow-stepping, mid-tempo mode that worked perfectly for the hipper side of Chicago soul at the end of the 60s! The tunes here aren't as laidback as soul ballads from other labels – as Brunswick always found a great way to give things a groove, even when moving slow – a quality that really put the label years ahead of other soul imprints, and which really helped focus that loping style of Chicago rhythm that really set the Windy City apart from Detroit, Philly, and other soul scenes. The package features some key illustrations of this mode – plus a few slightly more uptempo numbers, too – all wrapped up in one mighty nice collection! Titles include "Light My Fire" by Erma Franklin, "Seven Days Of Night" by Barbara Acklin, "Because Of You" by Jackie Wilson, "Hope We Have" by The Artistics, "This Is The Lost Generation" by Lost Generation, "From The Teacher To The Preacher" by Gene Chandler & Barbara Acklin, "I'm Gonna Get You" by Lavern Baker, "Stoned Out Of My Mind" by Maryanna Farra & Satin Soul, and "Honey Babe" by Ginji James. ~ Dusty Groove
These guys just keep getting better and better – and this time around, they've got such a tight groove, it's hard not to compare the group with some of the best of the 70s salsa generation! Rhythms are right on the money, and the instrumentation is completely sublime – very jazzy, with lots of rich inflections – yet also able to hone to the groove at all the right moments, especially on the trombone and trumpet parts that give the record so much soul! Vocals are strong, too – and the use of tenor sax at just the right points almost acts like a second "voice" for the record – furthering the richness of the whole set. Titles include "Me Repito", "La Sensacion", "Boda", "No Te Debo Nada", "Macacoa", "Olvidame", and "Lluvia Con Sol". ~ Dusty Groove
Bold grooves from Rob Mazurek – a man of two continents, with a range of talents that's deep enough to match! This set's by Rob's Sao Paulo Underground trio – a group who work here with heady styles that mix free jazz improvisation with electronics and even a bit of proggish jamming – all in this blend of electric and acoustic modes that's mighty nice! Rob's cornet soars out over a really hip brew that includes lots of keyboards, ring modulator, Evolver, harmonium, and other electronics – plus great acoustic elements on percussion and cavaquinho – used in a rich blend that makes for some of Mazurek's most complicated music to date – yet also some of his most powerful too. Tracks are short enough to avoid too much noodling – and although experimental, the set's also got a strong sense of focus, too – and always moves forward in a great way. Titles include "Basilio's Crazy Wedding Song", "Six Handed Casino", "Evetch", "The Love I Feel For You Is More Real Than Ever", "Over The Rainbow", "Into The Rising Sun", and "Taking Back The Sea Is No Easy Task". ~ Dusty Groove
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