One of the
greatest moments ever from saxophonist Gato Barbieri – and that's saying a lot,
given that by the time of this recording, he'd already had a great 60s run as
an avant jazz musician, and started the 70s with a string of albums that
criss-crossed jazz and South American musical styles! Yet Last Tango In Paris
may well be Barbieri's crowning achievement – a sublime record that draws on
all the richer, more emotive themes of his Latin America projects, but gives
them new focus in the arrangements of Oliver Nelson – who ensures that the
music is never too cheesy or overdone – quite a feat, given the sexy setting of
the film! Gato draws a lot from Argentine tango, but often uses his own sax
solos in place of a more familiar bandoneon – in a way that pushes the
"new tango" mode of the time even farther – especially when set
amidst Nelson's wonderful orchestrations. Titles include many versions of the
"Last Tango" theme, plus the tracks "Girl In Black",
"Jeanne", "Why Did She Choose You?", "It's Over",
and "Fake Ophelia". Fantastic 2CD version – with the full film score
recording, plus the original album as well. ~ Dusty Groove
YUSUKE
HIRADO - SPEAK
A really
beautiful album from Yusuke Hirado – a musician you might know as the pianist
in the combo Quasimode, but who steps out here in a whole new range of styles!
Hirado plays mostly acoustic piano throughout – and some of the tracks have a
straighter jazz vibe that shows off a warmer, more lyrical side of his music
than might emerge in the more groove-centric Quasimode – but other tracks also
add in some funky elements, too – but in ways that really expand past the core
club jazz sound of the other group! Hirado plays a bit of Fender Rhodes on the
record, but his piano is maybe the real revelation – especially in the
modally-grooving trio numbers, which are especially nice – and the set also
features a bit of guest work – including vocals from both Bird and Miyuki
Hatekeyama, alto from Motoharu of Soil & Pimp, and backings from the Cradle
Orchestra on one track. Titles include an excellent remake of Roy Ayers'
"Love Will Bring Us Back Together", plus "Taxi Driver
Theme", "I'm In Love", "Against The Invisible Wall",
"Love Is A Losing Game", "Down To The South", and "A
House Is Not A Home". ~ Dusty Groove
BOOKER T. & PRISCILLA
Memphis goes
to California – with surprising results! The album's one of a few that Booker T
cut after splitting with the MGs – of legendary Stax Records fame – and it's
completely different than his earlier sides, and not in a bad way! Book
recorded the set in California with wife Priscilla Jones, and it's done in a
mixture of soul, rock, and folk styles – one that's as much in keeping with the
Laurel Canyon or San Francisco scenes than Book's earlier work was with the
Memphis ones. Booker and Priscilla both sing – sometimes together, sometimes
apart – and the double-length set is pretty warm, fuzzy, and a bit trippy.
Titles include "Delta Song" and "Wedding Song", both of
which are standout tracks – and other titles include "She",
"Funny Honey", "Medley From The Jones Ranch", and "The
Sun Don't Shine". (SHM-CD pressing!) ~ Dusty Groove
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