KONRAD ELFERS - FUNERAL IN BERLIN (ORIGINAL FILM SOUNDTRACK)
One of
the grooviest Michael Caine spy films of the 60s – given an equally groovy
soundtrack by Konrad Elfers! We don't know Elfers from other work of the time,
but this album's a real standout – not the usual spy sort of work, although
still with some great jazzy touches at times – including some wonderful reed
passages – which are then mixed with some of the more tense, thriller-style
elements that are served up with larger orchestrations – but always given this
odd, offbeat style that reflects the unusual feel of Caine's films as Harry
Palmer in the 60s. Titles include "The Funeral", "Fate Of Two
Pawns", "Skating Rendezvous At Europa Centre", "Palmer
Meets Samantha", and "Checkpoint Charlie". New version features
better mastering than the previous CD, new notes, and four bonus tracks
too! ~ Dusty Groove
ELLA FITZGERALD - SUNSHINE OF YOUR LOVE
Very
cool, very groovy, and one of Ella Fitzgerald's hippest albums of the 60s! The
set was recorded in San Francisco in the late 60s, but was issued by MPS in
Germany as proof that the label always had an ear for bringing something
different out of a mainstream artist. And although live, the album's got a
romping, hard grooving style that's filled with plenty of soul – arranged
surprisingly by Tommy Flanagan, with a bouncing, bottom-end groove that even
gets a bit funky at times! The centerpiece of the album is Ella's funky cover
of the title cut – Cream's big hit "Sunshine Of Your Love" – proof
that even an old gal can get funky with the right material! Other tracks
include "This Girl's In Love With You", "Watch What Happens",
"House Is Not A Home", and "Hey Jude". ~ Dusty Groove
DUKE PEARSON - THE PHANTOM
Incredible
work from pianist Duke Pearson – a darkly-tinged album of grooves that
surpasses all his other gems for Blue Note! The record showcases some great
work from Bobby Hutcherson – slid into the mix in a really sly way, so that his
jazzy vibes color all the tunes with an edgey feeling that's missing from most
of Duke's other albums. The group's slightly largeish – with Jerry Dodgion on
flute and alto, Sam Brown and Al Gafa on guitar, plus added Latin percussion on
a number of tracks – but although the larger group format often made for softer
edges on other Pearson sessions from the time, the mix here is quite different
– at a level that works in complicated rhythms, rich colors and tones, and warm
harmonics that have a slightly unsettling undercurrent. The album's worth it
alone for the mighty title cut "The Phantom" – but the whole thing's
great, and other tracks include "Bunda Amerela", "Say You're
Mine" and "Blues for Alvina". CD features a bonus track –
Komeda's great "Theme From Rosemary's Baby"! (SHM-CD pressing!) ~ Dusty Groove
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