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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