NEW RELEASES: GATO BARBIERI – THE LAST TANGO IN PARIS; YUSUKE HIRADO - SPEAK; BOOKER T. & PRISCILLA

GATO BARBIERI – THE LAST TANGO IN PARIS (2-CD EXPANDED EDITION)

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