JOAO DONATO & DONATINHO - SINTETIZAMOR
One of the most unusual projects we've ever heard from the
legendary Joao Donato – not the bossa jazz of his roots, but instead a fresh
new groove created with his son Donatinho! The music is heavy on keyboards, and
definitely has the 80s vibe promised by the cover – with the younger member of
the duo handling keyboards from that generation, and singing with a bit of
electric crackle in his voice – while the older Donato brings in all his
classic charms, and creates a great sense of counterpoint in the process! The
whole thing's nicely funky – sweet 80s electro overall – but Joao's presence
also gives the whole thing a lot more depth, and it's clear from their duo
moments that the pair really have a lot of warmth in their hearts for each
other. Titles include a remake of "Quem E Quem", plus "Luz
Negra", "Clima De Paquera", "De Toda Maneira",
"Lei Do Amor", "Interstellar", and "Vamos Sair A
Francesca". ~ Dusty Groove
JASON STEIN QUARTET – LUCILLE!
Brilliant modernism from Chicago reedman Jason Stein – a set
that draws strong energy from the work of Lennie Tristano, but also instantly
grabs us with a bold statement of Stein's own genius as well! The group
features Stein on bass clarinet, and Keefe Jackson on contrabass clarinet and
tenor – horns that are often presented in counterpoint, tangling around each
other beautifully – but always in a way that inspires further flights of sound
– ala Jimmy Giuffre on the thinner reeds. There's no piano in the group – just
deft drums by Tom Rainey and bass by Josh Abrams – and the intersection of
Stein and Jackson is breathtaking throughout! Titles include Tristano-era gems
"Marshmallow", "April", and "Wow" – plus versions
of "Dexterity" and "Little Rootie Tootie" – and Stein's own
"I Know You Were", "Ryder's Uncle Dragon", and "Halls
& Rooms". ~ Dusty Groove
MISHA PANFILOV SOUND COMBO – EN ROUTE
An incredible record from one of the hippest funky talents
around – an artist who can always match the rest of the deep funk scene for
sharp-edged instrumentation – but also serve up so many other musical elements
as well! Misha Panfilov has a way of blending core funky rhythms with lots of
sonic surprises – at a level that maybe hasn't been done this well since the
sound library generation – especially in the work of artists like Sven Libaek
or Alan Hawkshaw! Misha himself plays guitars, organ, synth, bass, and handles
lots of effects – and the album also has some might cool vibes, flute, alto,
and tenor as well! Yet it's probably the "effects" that make the
whole thing come together – weird spacey touches at some points, creating
almost an otherworldly funk feel – yet one that never loses its soulful core.
Titles include "Magnetism", "Follow The Clouds",
"Reflections", "Get Well", "Bufo Bufo", and
"Flaming". (Limited to 500 copies.)
~ Dusty Groove
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