Wonderfully groovy work from Trini Lopez – the singer/guitarist who cut some great albums for Reprise Records in the 60s, but who seemed to sound even groovier in the space of a 7" single! This set brings together most of Trini's 45s for Reprise, most on CD for the first time ever – and together, the cuts are a long-overdue tribute to the pop genius that Lopez offered up in the 60s – a sound that was initially served up in a rocking small combo mode, but took in all these great flights into sunshine pop, Latin soul, and other cool styles that are all served up on this very cool collection! 24 tracks in all – with titles that include "Made In Paris", "Pretty Little Girl, "Up To Now", "The Bramble Bush", "You Make My Day", "Five O'Clock World", "Love Story", "Master Jack", "Something Tells Me", "There Was A Crooked Man", "Let's Think About Living", "Mexican Medicine Man", "Regresa A Mi", and "Let It Be Known". ~ Dusty Groove
The great Louis Hayes has been giving us incredible records for decades – and this recent set still has the drummer very much at the top of his game – working with a soulful conception that few folks can match, and really getting the best out of the wonderful group he's got on the set! The lineup is fantastic – Steve Nelson on vibes, Abraham Burton on tenor, David Hazeltine on piano, and Dezron Douglas on bass – all artists we love in other settings, but who seem to sparkle even more strongly here under the guidance of Hayes! Camille Thurman sings on two cuts – "Where Are You" and "I'm Afraid The Masquerade Is Over" – but the real strength of the album comes from the many instrumental tracks, on titles that include "Crisis", "Arab Arab", "Desert Moonlight", "Creeping Crud", "Roses Poses", and "Oxygen". ~ Dusty Groove
The first album in many years from German jazz legends Embryo – and a set that hardly has them missing a beat at all from their famous work of the 70s! Part of the strength of the record might be its placement on Madlib's record label – but from the notes, it seems that all the credit is due to the group themselves – still doing a fantastic job of mixing together global elements and long-drawn jazz explorations – served up here on Fender Rhodes, vibes, guitar, saxes, flute, and plenty of percussion – sometimes with a bit of vocals, but usually in a way that's more chanted or instrument-like – which only seems to further the global explorations in the music! A stunning addition to their legendary catalog – with titles that include "Baran", "Januar", "Alphorn Prayer", "Besh", and "Yu Mala". ~ Dusty Groove
A really powerful solo album from JD Allen – maybe the first we've ever heard from the tenor saxophonist, and a set that's got a very different vibe than some of his recent outings with groups! Allen recorded the music during the height of lockdown in 2020, at a time when he'd had to step back from performing live and collaborating with others – a moment he used to get back to basics on his instrument, and begin to re-explore all the things that first made being a saxophonist so important to him. There's definitely a sense of isolation and melancholy here – as you might expect – but there's also a feeling of hope and new inspiration, a quiet message from a dark time that's great to have on record. Titles include "Nyla's Sky", "Maude", "OTR", "Vernetta", "Queen City", "Gem & Eye", "Kristian With A K", and "Wildwood Flower". ~ Dusty Groove
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