A tremendous take on the music of Steely Dan – one that doesn't just serve up instrumental versions of these classics, but instead creates whole new themes and sounds based on the originals! All tracks here are penned by the legendary team of Donald Fagan and Walter Becker – but Mark Masters' arrangements really take them to rich new places – almost working like mini-soundtracks for each number – using these complex horn passages and bold tones to transform the songs, almost with a narrative-like power! Of course, it also helps that the group features some excellent players – including Billy Harper on tenor, Tim Hagans on trumpet, Oliver Lake on alto, and Sonny Simmons on English horn – all of whom help shape things strongly. Anna Mjoll sings a bit on the record, but the overall feel is really instrumental – and titles include "Boshisattva", "Show Biz Kids", "Charlie Freak", "Black Cow", "Aja", "Fire In The Hole", "Josie", and "Chain Lightning". ~ Dusty Groove
A very cool EP from the mighty Soil & Pimp Sessions – and a set that has the group stepping into a whole new realm of music! The fierce horns and sharp jazzy energy of the combo is still at the core here – but the music takes on a bit more of a classic mode, too – almost a crime jazz sort of vibe, with elements that echo an older Henry Mancini mode – but in ways that still have all the joyous bursting of sound we love from Soil & Pimp! Vocalist Ringo Sheena joins the group on the title track – adding in a soulful sort of swing – and the second track is an instrumental with a Japanese title, followed by a third sweet instrumental – "Spy High". (Special package comes with a surprisingly large fold-out poster too!) ~ Dusty Groove
DIONNE WARWICK - PROMISES, PROMISES
Sublime sounds from Dionne Warwick – a classic Scepter Records set produced by Burt Bacharach, who also wrote a good number of the tunes too! Arrangements are by a few different top-shelf studio talents – Don Sebesky, Peter Matz, and Bacharach himself – all in that breathy gentle style that works so well with Dionne's vocals. Titles include "Promises Promises", "This Girl's In Love With You", "Where Is Love", "Who Is Gonna Love Me", "Where Am I Going", "Whoever You Are I Love You", and "Wanting Things". Bonus tracks include "Dream Sweet Dreamer", "Promises Promises (mono single)", "Odds & Ends", "This Girl's In Love With You (mono single)", and "Who Is Gonna Love Me (mono single)". ~ Dusty Groove
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