HANK CRAWFORD – CAJUN SUNRISE
Hank Crawford comes across here as much as a soul star as a
jazz musician – as he sings on half the album's tracks, and delivers his
trademark alto solos throughout! The album's got a similar vibe to some of
Crawford's other CTI/Kudu material of the 70s – but the presence of vocals also
brings about something new – especially as Hank's singing nice has a vibe
that's maybe more raspy and down to earth than the smooth sound of his horn!
Arrangements are by David Matthews, and other players include Fred Wesley on
trombone, Randy Brecker on trumpet, Hiram Bullock on guitar, and Cliff Carter
on keyboards. Titles include the strong instrumental cut "New York's One
Soulful City" – plus "Just The Way You Are", "Daytime
Friends", "Evergreen", "Cajun Sunrise", "What A
Difference You've Made In My Life", and "I Don't Want No Happy
Songs". (Part of the CTI 50th Anniversary Special Collection!) ~ Dusty
Groove
SERGIO MENDES & BRASIL ‘77 - LOVE MUSIC
Warm mellow magic from Sergio Mendes in the 70s – a great
little album that's got a sweet electric feel! The set was recorded with help
from Tom Scott and Bob Alcivar on arrangements, and has a sunny southern
California feel that's a nice extension of Sergio's 60s work – yet which also
takes his sound to a whole new level. There's still some traces of Braziliana
in the mix, but there's also a lot more straight soulful pop – really working
that twin female vocal lead style nicely, and wrapping it around some great
tunes like "I Won't Last A Day Without You", "Hey Look At The
Sun", "Love Music", "Killing Me Softly With His Song",
"Where Is The Love", "Put A Little Love Away", and
"Walk The Way You Talk". ~ Dusty Groove
RON CARTER - ANYTHING GOES
Ron Carter gets sweet and funky on this 70s classic for Kudu
Records – a set that's a fair bit different than some of Carter's acoustic trio
sides of the decade, or some of his more high-concept work in recent years! The
approach here is free and flowing – larger arrangements penned by Carter and
David Matthews – all in that sweet Kudu blend of soul and jazz, acoustic and
electric elements. Ron himself plays acoustic bass and piccolo bass – alongside
some great keyboards from Don Grolnick and Richard Tee. A few cuts have backing
singers, but others are more instrumental – and titles include a great cover of
"Barretta Theme (Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow)", plus "Anything
Goes", "Big Fro", "Quarto Azul", and "De
Samba". (Part of the CTI 50th Anniversary Special Collection!) ~ Dusty Groove
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