Thursday, July 14, 2016

NEW RELEASES: JERRY BERGONZI – SPOTLIGHT ON STANDARDS; MICHAEL KIWANUKA – LOVE & HATE; EARTH, WIND & FIRE - EARTH, WIND & FIRE

JERRY BERGONZI – SPOTLIGHT ON STANDARDS

The tunes may be standards, by tenorist Jerry Bergonzi makes them into something else entirely with his performance here – taking these really open-ended runs on the familiar numbers, in these beautiful waves of soul and sound with Hammond organist Renato Chicco! The two work together at a sublime level – as Bergonzi's horn has those raspy tones that we love so much, and almost a Joe Henderson-like balance between modernist impulses and a soulful core. Chicco's amazing – almost Don Patterson-like in his fluidity – handling both the keys and the basslines, and getting some spacious rhythms from drummer Andrea Michelutti. The whole thing's great – maybe one of Jerry's most compelling records in years – and titles include "Bi Solar", "Witchcraft", "First Lady", "Dancing In The Dark", "Out Of Nowhere", "Stella By Starlight", and "Blue Cube". ~ Dusty Groove

MICHAEL KIWANUKA – LOVE & HATE

A set that arguably has even more majesty than the debut album from Michael Kiwanuka – and that's saying a lot, given the strength of that now-classic record! Production here is by Dangermouse, Inflo, and Paul Butler – and there's an airiness to some songs that really has Kiwanuka's vocals floating in space – maybe more iconic than before, and held nicely in a balance between open sonic elements and more crispily-focused instrumental touches. Michael uses folksy currents in his vocals that almost recall Nina Simone during her Philips Records years – and titles include "Black Man In A White World", "One More Night", "Love & Hate", "Rule The World", "Father's Child", "The Final Frame", and "Cold Little Heart". ~ Dusty Groove

EARTH, WIND & FIRE - EARTH, WIND & FIRE

Earth, Wind & Fire's first album from 1971– recorded at a time when the group recently had ties to the Chicago soul and jazz scenes, and a range of experience that ran the gamut from work with Sun Ra, the Artistic Heritage Ensemble, The Pharoahs, Ramsey Lewis, and countless other influential groups. Headed up by Maurice White on drums and percussion, the group forged an amazing blend of all these influences, creating a future soul sound that pushed black music to the next level – taking a wealth of previously underground modes of expression, and fusing them into a soaring sound that would soon put them at the top of the charts. This album's a lot looser and freer than their Columbia albums – with plenty of raw funk and some nice off-beat jazz soling. Includes the classic break track "C'Mon Children", plus "Fan The Fire", "Bad Tune", and "Moment Of Truth". ~ Dusty Groove


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