Friday, June 07, 2013

NEW RELEASES - ED MOTTA, PACO DE LUCIA / RAMON DE ALGECIRAS, BALLROGG


ED MOTTA - AOR

Tremendous work from Ed Motta – a record that not only lives up to all the promise we've found in his music over the years – but which also goes way way beyond, and really knocks it out of the park! The title here is no lie, as Ed's a huge fan of AOR modes from the 70s – especially those magical sounds from the west coast that perfectly blended jazz, soul, and pop with sweet studio perfection – an approach he goes for wonderfully here, with results that are even better than we expected! Motta's always had soul music at his core, but has professed a strong love for Steely Dan over the years – and this set's a sublime balance of both modes – especially on this English version, where Ed's lyrics are able to reach American ears that have never been able to fully appreciate his genius. Everything about the album is totally right, and totally great – an instant classic set that should get Motta's music out to generations of fans for generations to come. The set features guest work from David T Walker and Bluey of Icognito – and titles include "Playthings Of Luv", "Simple Guy", "Lost In The Night", "Smile", "1978", "AOR", "Dried Flowers", and "Dondi". ~ Dusty Groove

PACO DE LUCIA / RAMON DE ALGECIRAS - DOS GUITARRAS FLAMENCAS EN AMERCA LATINA

A pair of Spanish guitars take on the sound of Latin America – as the great Paco De Lucia and partner Ramon De Algeciras run circles around a host of traditional and folklore tunes! The pair of guitars are very dynamic – and handle both complicated rhythm and melody throughout – with a dexterity that's not only amazing because of Paco's youthful powers on his instrument, but also because the pair of players can work together so seamlessly too! Titles include "El Jarabe Tapatio", "Manana De Carnaval", "Granada", "Malaguena Salerosa", "Tomo Y Obligo", and "Fina Estampa". ~ Dusty Groove


BALLROGG - CABIN MUSIC

The coolest album so far from this compelling Norwegian combo – a set that's got a much more hypnotic feel than any of their other records – spinning out in a weird way that's kind of a combination of ECM jazz and Terry Riley! The tunes all have this slow pulsing sort of quality – not really atmospheric, as there's more going on musically – but kind of elliptical as they move along – always retracing territory while moving forward – and offering up a stunning mix of sax, clarinet, and electronics from Klaus Ellerhausen – who also throws in some field recordings too – plus bass from Roger Arntzen, and a mix of pedal steel, acoustic guitar, and banjo from Ivar Grydeland. Titles include "Breakfast Music", "Sliding Doors", "Fireplace", and "Swedish Country". ~ Dusty Groove

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