Thursday, April 05, 2018

NEW RELEASES: JAZZTRONIK – BB1; ERNIE HAWK & THE SOUL INVESTIGATORS – SCORPIO MAN; LEON’S CREATION – THIS IS THE BEGINNING


JAZZTRONIK – BB1

The first music we've heard in quite awhile from Jazztronik – and a set that has them sounding even more funk-oriented than before! We've always loved the creations of leader Ryota Nozaki – even his mellower moments – but this time around, he really steps into new territory by working with a larger group that's heavy on horns, and which has some especially strong bass and drums – all to create a vibe that's more 70s funk than you might expect! But there's also some richer, more sophisticated currents too – that strong sense of arrangement that Nozaki has really developed over the years, worked out here in live horn charts that can be extremely beautiful. Some tracks feature soul-styled vocals by singers Eliana and Aisha, and some are instrumental – and tracks include "Dolphin Smile", "Spotlight", "Caprice", "Sanctuary", "Deja Vu", and "Meguru (2017 version)". ~ Dusty Groove

ERNIE HAWK & THE SOUL INVESTIGATORS – SCORPIO MAN

Ernie Hawks looks right out of the 70s on the cover – with his long hair, fringe jacket, and fiercely-held flute – which he mixes here with some great grooves from the Soul Investigators, in a vibe that's maybe even better than classic! The album's all instrumental, and has this fantastic sound that's way different than the usual contemporary funk set – nicely trippy at times, with echo and other effects applied to the instrumentation – and a strong ear for the overall sound, not just the power of each member of the group! Hawks is often out front, soloing with a funky flute sound – but he also handles vibes, pianoman, and trombone – in a very cool lineup that also has Martti Vesala on wah-wah trumpet, and Jimi Tenor on saxophone. All tunes are original, and they're really fantastic – each the kind that if you found on a rare soundtrack or lost jazz album, you'd be willing to pay plenty to own. Titles include "Still Trippin", "Bag Full Of Miracles", "Cold Turkey Time", "Scorpio Walk", "Windy City Blues", "Journey To The Bottom", and "Street Of Tears". ~ Dusty Groove

LEON’S CREATION – THIS IS THE BEGINNING 

A rare album of funky soul from the Bay Area scene at the start of the 70s – and a set that's every bit as righteous as you might expect from the cover! The group's the creation of singer/keyboardist/arranger Leon Pattillo – hence the name – and you might know Leon from his later famous work in the 70s – including a stint with Santana, and loads of great work with other soul artists. But here, he's a young genius working in the freest, funkiest style of the San Francisco generation – with a vibe that's maybe a more spiritual take on territory explored by Sly & The Family Stone – with an earthier, more indie vibe overall. The group has great interplay – tight instrumentation, but never slick, and with some nice long-haired currents – and vocals are by Leon and a female singer – on titles that include "Confusion", "If I Had The Power", "Sightless", "Back Roads", "This Is The Beginning", and "Mirage". ~ Dusty Groove


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