Wonderfully tripped-out pop from the late 60s – served up by a few famous names and an even better band of lesser-knowns – all of whom recorded for Warner Brothers and related labels at the time! The package does a great job of showing the "pop" side of psychedelia – a sound that's a lot harder than the Sunshine Pop end of the spectrum, but which also shares a similar love of groovy themes, sweet vocals, and cool production techniques! A few of the tunes get a bit way out, but most of the numbers manage to pack a whole trip's punch within a short little 3 or 4 minute song – leaving us to marvel even more at the deft economy in the studio, and the wonderful quality this kind of music had before it succumbed to too many of its own excesses. Titles include "Her Name Is A Melody" by Adrian Pride, "It's Love" by The Misty Wizards, "Break Away" by Next Exit, "Hallucinations" by Baker Knight & The Knightmares, "That's The Way It's Gonna Be" by Lee Mallory, "Wildflowers" by The Holy Mackerel, "Smell Of Incense" by West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band, "My Mind Goes High" by MC2, "Straight Aero" by Jeff Thomas, and "The White Pony" by Ellen Margulies. CD
Just about nothing could match the sublime quality of Jorge Ben's late 60s or early 70s – so we'll admit that we're quite biased against the work on this set, most of which is collected from the late 80s and early 90s. The roots of the music are still the same for Ben – with lots of choppy samba grooves, strong soulful vocals, and great guitar work – but most of these tracks are pretty slickly produced, rubbing off some of the edge that made the early stuff great. Still, Jorge's kind of always great – and if we didn't like his early material so much, we'd probably groove more to this set. Includes remakes of "Taj Mahal", "Pais Tropical", and "Charles Anjo 45" – plus "Cowboy Jorge", "Pelos Verdes Mares", "Homem Do Espacao", "Menina Sarara", and "Engenho De Detro". CD
The album's got a rootsy looking cover, but it's quite polished overall – one of Gilberto Gil's mid 80s sets done with producer Liminha, who brings a fair bit of American influence to some of the tunes! The sound's got some of the soul touches of previous records, but a bit more of a crossover vibe as well – one that's heavy on guitars and catchy rhythms – stepping along nicely with a fair bit of electric instrumentation on some cuts – but some gentler acoustic moments on others. These second sort of tracks really stand out from the rest, and remind us of Gil's more introspective moments of the 70s – and titles on the album include "Barracos", "Roque Santeiro, O Rock", "Touches Pas A Mon Pete", "Seu Olhar", "Duas Luas", "Casinha Feliz", "Logos Versus Logo", "Cliche Do Cliche", and "Febril". CD
Gilberto Gil live at Montreux – playing in this spare, stripped-down style that's quite a change from some of his more fully produced albums of the period – a mode that's very much like some of Gilberto's best albums from the start of the 70s! There's a lot of acoustic guitar in the instrumentation – as you'd guess from the cover – and backing is by a jazzy combo who can bring a slight touch of funk at times, but only in these gentle ways that still live Gil holding most of the energy of the performance with his charismatic presence. The tracks are all very long, with the kind of vocal and instrumental jamming that Gil brought to his best live performances – and the set's recorded in such a way that it really draws the audience into the picture. Titles include "Chororo", "Chuck Berry Fields Forever", "Atras Do Trio Electrico", "Tirole", and "Bat Macumba". CD
12
Milt Jackson with The Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orch —
Explosive! ... CD WEA, 1999. Used ...
Out Of Stock
Milt Jackson on vibes with John Clayton Jr on bass, Jeff Hamilton on drums, and Jeff Clayton on lead alto sax, flute, and clarinet. CD
Quincy Jones —
Dollar ($) ... CD WEA (UK), 1972. Used ...
Out Of Stock
One of Quincy Jones' best soundtracks of the 70s – a massively funky record that's full of the kind of hip electric grooves you always look for on some of his other albums, but don't always find in such strong supply! The lineup here is great – wicked guitar lines from Arthur Adams and David T Walker, keyboards from Clare Fischer, and heavy drums from the great Paul Humphrey – and the whole thing follows nicely in a "Hicky Burr" sort of mode – with some especially nice Fender Rhodes moments in the mix! There's a few more complicated cuts that really round out the sound wonderfully – and the whole thing has had a heck of a lot more staying power than the film! Heck, even the appearance of Little Richard on vocals at a few points sounds surprisingly great – and titles include the classic sample cut "Snow Creatures", which has an amazing intro and a very dark mood – next to other cuts that include "Passin The Buck", "Rubber Ducky", "Money Is", "Do It Do It", and "Money Runner". CD
A light and lovely album from the trio of Jacques Morelenbaum cello, Paula Morelenbaum voice, and Ryuichi Sakamoto piano! The "casa" in the title refers to the "casa" of Antonio Carlos Jobim, where part of the album was recorded – as you may well hear in the Jobim-esque presentation of the material. The light touch of Sakamoto's piano is wonderful – and it's great to hear him working in such a setting, after years of expressing Brazilian influences in many of his compositions. Paula's vocals are light and airy, and the cello of Jacques fills in the spaces with a sad and moody feel that fits the material well. Titles include "Sabia", "Chanson Pour Michelle", "Bonita", "Estrada Branca", "Amor Em Paz", "Sem Voce", "Experanca Perdida", and "Tema Para Ana". CD
This is hardly the encyclopedic set you'd expect it to be from the title – but it is a great set of tracks that Baden recorded for Warner/Atlantic at the end of the 70s, with a beautifully rootsy feel that makes the material some of his best of that decade! Forget the date of the material, because the overall feel is similar to some of Baden's best (and most sophisticated) work of the late 60s. His guitar playing is wonderfully complex, but even better is his singing – which by this point has matured to a fantastically dark style that perfectly matches his playing and songwriting. Titles include "Refem Da Solidao", "Valsa Numero Um", "Odeon", "Feinha Pro Poeta", "A Lenda Do Abaete", "Berimbau", "Canto De Ossanha", and "Naquele Tempo". Also features "Gente Humilde", recorded in 1994 with Louis Marcel. This set is similar to the older Musica collection – but it features 6 songs that weren't on that one, and vice versa. CD
A great little album by Elis – recorded for Warner/Elektra at the end of her career, but very much in the spirit of her classic work for Philips in the 70s. Like so many of those records, this one features arrangements and keyboards by Cesar Camargo Mariano – and the list of tracks is a stellar blend of work by some of Brazil's finest writers. Includes a wonderful version of Milton Nascimento's "Maria Maria" – plus "Alo Alo Marciano", "O Primeiro Jornal", "Marambaia", "Menino", "Redescobrir", "Sabia", "Onze Fitas", "Conversando No Bar", and "Redescobrir". Double CD, with all tracks from both volumes! CD
In the years before the emergence of MPB giants like Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso, Geraldo Vandre was a huge talent that promised to break big – a young vibrant singer who pushed past the romantic stylings of other vocalists, a free thinker who embraced new styles but didn't succumb to the copycat rock of the "Jovem Guarda", and a new force in music who made it seem dangerous and exciting again. Most of his best work's been out of print since the years it came out, which is why we're super-pleased to have this set of 14 tracks from the mid 60s – featuring work that Vandre recorded for Continental, RGE, and BMG, work that we almost never see on vinyl. Titles include "Ladainha", "Vou Caminhando", "Asa Branca", "Disparada", "Hora De Lutar", "Despedida De Maria", "Dia Da Festa", and "Pra Nao Dizer Que Nao Falei Das Flores". CD
(Out of print.)
28
Vangelis/New American Orchestra —
Blade Runner ... CD WEA, 1982. Used ...
Out Of Stock
One of the best-remembered moments of music from the enigmatic Vangelis – a set that's maybe a bit darker and more moody than some of his other records of the time – thanks to the Blade Runner setting provided by director Ridley Scott! Vangelis works plenty of familiar early 80s soundtrack elements here – lots of keyboards and electronic wash, plus even a bit of almost-cheesy sax at times – but he makes the whole thing sound nicely off-kilter at most moments, with just the sort of awkward replication that fits perfectly with the narrative theme of the film. There's some beautiful exotic currents that are maybe even more captivating here on record than you might remember from their use onscreen – and titles include "Memories Of Green", "Tales Of The Future", "Rachel's Song", "Blush Response", "Lone More Kiss Dear", and "Tears In Rain". CD
29
Joachim Witt —
Marchenblau ... LP WEA (Germany), 1983. Near Mint- ...
Out Of Stock
A novela soundtrack – wirk work from Secos E Molhados, Rubao Sabino, Kleiton e Kledir, Oswaldo Montenegro, Fatima Guedes, and others! LP, Vinyl record album
The second volume in one of our favorite compilation series of the past few years! Natural High explores the smoother side of soul – digging around the Warner vaults of the late 70s and early 80s to come up with some really great tracks! The sound here is a mixture of mellow and uptempo grooves – Brazilian beats coming into play with jazzy funk, soulful vocals on most numbers, and a warm finish that will have you coming back to this one again and again and again. 16 tracks in all – most pulled from long out of print LPs, many of which haven't been reissued. Titles include "Call On Me" by Anglo Saxon Brown, "You Can't Hide Love" by Art Webb, "Sideway Shuffle" by Linda Lewis, "Game Of Life" by Chameleon, "Simple & Sweet" by Roy Ayers Presents Ubiquity, "Forget Me Nots" by Patrice Rushen, "You're A Star" by Aquarian Dream, "Keep The Fire Burning" by Gwen McCrae, "Very Special" by Debra Laws, "Mysterious Maiden" by Chico Hamilton, "Feeling Something" by Ronn Matlock, and "Toque De Cuica" by Airto. LP, Vinyl record album
Sweet modern soul with a sound that would get picked up on years later by the LA G-Funk scene. The album's produced by War's Far Out production team – and it's got a smooth sound that's mixed with moogy keyboards and compressed instrumentation on the best cuts. Some tracks are a bit too funky, but the mellow ones are very tasty. Includes the excellent track "Summer Love", plus "Cream City", "Magic Night", "Lonely Princess", and "Jungle Desire". LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes the printed inner sleeve. Cover has a cut corner, some ring and edge wear, small sticker spot, some pen on both sides, bent corners, and small center split in the spine.)
A lost hard rock gem from a Milwaukee quartet – produced by Kim Fowley with a sound that's as raw and garagey as his best indie productions from the mid 60s! These guys have all sorts of familiar elements in the mix – an influence from blues, a trippier style of guitar, and some nicely soulful currents in the vocals of Den Geyer – but there's a special brew that takes all of these qualities into special territory, making for the kind of standout set that was mysteriously overlooked at the time – but which makes for one of those rare treasures that lie far below the giants of the classic rock generation. Titles include "Gotta Be Free", "Hope For The Future", "Pearl", "Lady In The Dark", "I'm Walkin", "Trackin Shoes", "Sweet Mother Earth", and the jazzy guitar tune "Gazebo" – dedicated to the great Gabor Szabo! LP, Vinyl record album
(DJ yellow label pressing. Cover has surface & ring wear, spot of marker, remnant of a promo sticker on back, small top seam split. Label has an ink stamp.)
A great set from the John Abercrombie Quartet – that late 70s group that seemed to find one of the best matches for John's unusual phrasing on the guitar – with round, warm work on bass from George Mraz, equally great piano from Richie Beirach, and drums from Peter Donald. The songs are a mix of melodic moments and more chromatic shades – and titles include "Blue Wolf", "Dear Rain", "Stray", "Madagascar", "Foolish Dog", and "Riddles". LP, Vinyl record album
(US pressing. Cover has unglued seams, a cutout notch, and light wear.)
42
John Abercrombie/Ralph Towner —
Sargasso Sea ... LP ECM, 1976. Very Good+ ...
$6.99
A classic acoustic set on ECM – a pairing of guitarists John Abercrombie and Ralph Towner, working here together in a beautifully spare sound! The album predates the bigger wave of work like this that would soon become cliched by the start of the 80s – and both players stretch out with sensitivity not always found on some of their other albums. Abercrombie plays mostly acoustic, but also some slight electric guitar – mostly in the background – and Towner plays 12-string and classical guitars, and a bit of piano as well. Titles include "Sargasso Sea", "Fable", "Avenue", "Elbow Room", "Parasol", "Romantic Descension", and "Staircase". LP, Vinyl record album
(White label promo. Cover has ringwear, edge wear, some marks from sticker removal, and is lightly stained at the top seam and top of the spine.)
Barbara Acklin's first album – and a landmark of Chicago soul that firmly established Acklin as one of the city's best writers and new female singers! Acklin had a classy sound that was different than some of her raw soul sisters in the city – but although she was classy, she also didn't have any of that little girl stuff that you might hear from singers like Denice Chandler or Barbara Mason. Instead, she had an approach that mixed a real soul vocal with more sophisticated material, in a manner that worked well with the evolving blueprint for the Brunswick Chisoul sound. Carl Davis and Eugene Record do a perfect job producing Barbara's songs, all forged nicely into the loping soul groove that set Chicago apart from other cities in the late 60s. Includes the big title track "Love Makes A Woman" – plus "Be By My Side", "Your Sweet Loving", "Come and See Me Baby", and a great cover of "The Look of Love"! LP, Vinyl record album
(Black label stereo pressing. Vinyl plays with a short crackle on the first song on side 2. Cover has ring & edge wear, cutout hole, wear on the lower corner.)
This is Leo Addeo's entry into the "Stereo Action" RCA series, and is housed in a perfectly preserved white die-cut sleeve with a vivid spirograph type drawing showing through the hole. LP, Vinyl record album
(Stereo pressing with deep groove, 1s stampers. Includes the heavy inner sleeve. Cover has a split top seam, light surface wear & aging, small library sticker. Initials in marker on labels and cover.)
A great lost chapter in the Cannonball/David Axelrod story! The record features Cannon's classic quintet performing some longer, more serious works with orchestral backing – and the sound is vaguely similar to some of Axelrod's "high concept" work for Capitol. The record features a recording of Axelrod's "Tensity" and William Fischer's "Experience In E", both conducted by Fischer, a hip modern soul-oriented arranger, with a sound that's not dissimilar to Axelrod. The last piece on the album is a nice long one by Lalo Schifrin, "Dialogues For Jazz Quintet & Orchestra", which is also conducted by him as well. LP, Vinyl record album
A landmark album – even if it was the only session that Cannonball Adderley ever cut for Blue Note! The album was recorded at a time when Adderley was working with Miles Davis – and as such, the session features a group that includes Miles, blowing trumpet in a cool tone that's a perfect offset to Cannonball's more soulful style on alto sax – also different than the sound of his brother Nat, who was Adderley's more frequent partner on records. The rest of the group includes Hank Jones on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Art Blakey on drums – and like John Coltrane's Blue Train, the record's more of an "special session" than the usual Blue Note album, but the strength of the players make it one of the more memorable records of its day! Titles include "Somethin' Else", "One For Daddy-O", "Autumn Leaves", "Love For Sale", and a nice moody take on "Dancing In The Dark". LP, Vinyl record album
(63rd street mono pressing, with deep groove, RVG stamp, and ear! Cover has light wear near the top seam, a small bit of splitting on the bottom, and a small rip on back – but looks nice overall.)
Aerosmith's second album – and a prime slab of badass mid 70s rock – coming close to, maybe even equalling Toys In The Attic as ultimate Aerosmith badassery! It's got a tighter, punchier sound than their debut – courtesy of producer Jack Douglas – who would continue to produce Aerosmith in their pre-blowout 70s best. It opens up with one of their staples, "Same Old Song And Dance" and other tracks include their kickass cover of "Train Kept A Rollin'", plus "Lord Of The Thighs", "Spaced", "Woman Of The World" and "Pandora's Box". LP, Vinyl record album
(Later pressing – PC 32847. Cover has some ring and edge wear.)
One of the best albums ever by this legendary Chicago trio – a great example of the way that records on the Nessa label can really get to the heart of artists' intentions! The trio of Henry Threadgill on reeds, Fred Hopkins on bass, and Steve McCall on percussion have never sounded better – and have this intimate, soulful interplay that's sometimes missing from other efforts – that special kind of energy that makes the AACM so great when it's really clicking this well – as deeply spiritual as it is freely expressive! Threadgill plays alto, tenor, bass flute, and the compelling hubkaphone – and titles include "I'll Be Right Here Waiting", "No 2", "GvE", "Subtraction", and "Keep Right On Playing Thru The Mirror Over The Water". LP, Vinyl record album
(Blue & white label pressing. Cover has minimal wear.)
Easily one of the greatest records that Brazilian percussionist Airto ever recorded – a stunning blend roots and jazzy currents, and a set that follows strongly off his work in the group Quarteto Novo! The set's got contributions from one of his key partners in that combo – reedman Hermeto Pascoal – and like Pascoal's material at this point, the whole thing is maybe one of the most perfect realizations of the musical vision that Airto was going for! There's none of the tighter, more polished sounds of his later fusion years – and this is the record that will show you just why his arrival on the American scene made such big waves at the time. Flora Purim also sings on the record – and titles include "Andei", "On Sonho", Papo Furado", and "O Galho da Rosiera". LP, Vinyl record album
(Original pressing with Sterling stamp/RL etch. Cover has a cutout notch, some ring and edge wear, and is lightly bent at the edges and corners.)
62
Jan Akkerman —
Aranjuez ... LP CBS, 1978. Near Mint- ...
$14.99
One of the most sensitive 70s albums from guitarist Jan Akkerman – a set recorded with larger backings from Claus Ogerman, who really helps Jan find a newly mellow side of his sound! Gone are some of the too-jamming, rock-inspired modes of Akkerman's other records – and in their place are open, flowing lines on guitar – played with a sensitivity that reminds us a bit of some of Jim Hall's more ambitious albums of the same period – although even a bit more classically-oriented overall. Ogerman's arrangements are wonderful – full and lush, but never too sleepy – and titles include "Nightwings", "Modinha", "Espanoleta", "Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte", "Love Remembered", and "The Seed Of God". LP, Vinyl record album
(Late 70s Dutch pressing in a textured cover, with some ringwear in back.)
63
Jan Akkerman & Kaz Lux —
Eli ... LP Atlantic, 1976. Near Mint- ...
$8.99
Jan Akkerman did plenty of unusual projects in the 70s, and this album may well be the best of them – an outing with vocalist Kaz Lux, whose unique phrasing really helps give the music a lot of focus! Akkerman's still hanging nicely between rock, funk, and jazz – but the use of vocals means that some of his guitar lines are a bit more spacious in ways that we really love, especially when they mix in these cool cosmic passages with the MPS-like keyboards of Jasper Van't Hof. The album's hardly a straight fusion album, but it's also not really a rock one either – more like a fusion set with vocals in all the right places – on titles that include "Guardian Angel", "Tranquilizer", "Can't Fake A Good Time", "Naked Actress", "Wings Of Strings", and "Strindberg". LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes the printed inner sleeve. Cover has a tracklist sticker, some ring and edge wear, and is bent at the top left corner.)
Amazing work from singer Dee Alexander – a wonderfully soulful album of jazz vocals, and one that we'd rank right up there with our favorite records by Carmen Lundy or Dee Dee Bridgewater! Dee's a singer who's worked in Chicago for years, but we've honestly only begun to appreciate her talents of late – possibly because she's really hipped up her sound a lot over the years, picking up a range of spiritual, soulful influences that push her music to a whole new level – as you might have heard on her recent collaboration with IG Culture. The music on the set is wonderful too – work by Chicago players we know, but have never heard this strongly before – grooving in modal and soulful modes behind Dee's great vocals, with a lineup that includes Miguel De La Cerna and Michael Logan on piano, Harrison Bankhead on bass, and Leon Joyce on drums and percussion. Titles include versions of two tunes by AACM member Henry Huff – "Live" and "You & I" – plus the Alexander originals "Long Road Ahead", "Rossingnol", "Butterfly", and "C U On The Other Side". CD
(Digipak has light wear.)
68
Monty Alexander —
Solo ... LP Jeton (Germany), 1980. Near Mint- Gatefold ...
$29.99
Monty Alexander on solo piano. LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has edge wear, bent corner at the top right, and is bent a bit at the spine.)
A beautiful album from Lorez Alexanderia – one of her two excellent sessions for Impulse! The record was cut after Lorez recorded some great sides for the Argo label – and it works off the strength of those sides, taking her unique vocal approach, forged in R&B, but smoothed by jazz, into a whole new level of expression! The backing is great – small combo, with featured musicians who include Bunk Shank and Paul Horn on reeds, and Victor Feldman and Wynton Kelly on piano – all working with moody, soulful arrangements that are a perfect accompaniment to Lorez' beautiful voice. Includes the cuts "Get Me To The Church On Time", "Satin Doll", "Show Me", "The Best Is Yet to Come", "I'm Through With Love", and 5 more! LP, Vinyl record album
(Early 80s MCA pressing in a barcode cover, with light surface wear, a cutout notch, and rounded corners.)
70
Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah —
Slippin' Away ... LP Little Foot, 1977. Near Mint- ...
$7.99
Fun fact – Mitch Aliotta was also a member of Chicago's Rotary Connection! LP, Vinyl record album
(Red label stereo pressing – 1A/1A. Cover has a small cutout hole, ring and edge wear, small sticker remnants, wide center split held with clear tape at the bottom seam, and is lightly bent at the top right corner.)
A wonderful vocal set – with jazzy backings by Bill Holman! Titles include "Impossible", "Hooray For Love", "Shake Down The Stars", "I've Got The Sun In The Morning", and "They All Laughed". LP, Vinyl record album
(Mono black label pressing with deep groove. Cover has light wear and a vintage price sticker.)
(Mono black label pressing with deep groove. Cover has some ringwear, mostly in back.)
78
Keith Allison —
In Action ... LP Columbia, 1967. Near Mint- ...
$14.99
... LP, Vinyl record album
(360 Sound stereo pressing. Cover has some ringwear, edge wear, yellowing from age, and some spotty blemishes, a bit of red marker, and Demonstration stamp in back.)
A nice bit of funky blues, and a very strange record to appear on Motown! The production style and presentation are very rootsy – right down to the photo of Luther on the front cover, who's smoking a cigarette, but trying to pretend it's a joint! The style is electric blues of the Chicago school, but given a bit more of a country funk kind of sound. Titles include "Bad News Is Coming", "Dust My Broom", "Evil Is Going On", "Rock Me Baby", and "Raggedy & Dirty", which actually has some very nice drums! LP, Vinyl record album
(Purple label stereo pressing. Cover has light ringwear.)
It's the early 70s, and Mose is still going strong – grooving with a unique blend of New Orleans soul and Northern jazz influences, his own particular brand of music, timeless from the day it was born! The setting here is a live one, and Mose is playing with a trio that includes Clyde Flowers on bass and Eddie Charlton on drums. The album features a number of strong originals – including "Look What You Made Me Do", "Powerhouse", "I Don't Worry About A Thing", and "Don't Forget To Smile" – plus versions of "The Seventh Son" and "Fool's Paradise". LP, Vinyl record album
Mose Allison creates a very swinging machine for this classic Atlantic Records set – by adding in a few horns to his usual trio, and making for a groove that's even jazzier overall! Mose's vocals are wonderful, as always – extremely witty, with that great balance of New Orleans roots and 60s hipster jazz – served up in a host of his own wonderful compositions! But at some points, the horns step out even more strongly, and get some great solo play of their own – with excellent work from the obscure Jimmy Reider on tenor sax, a surprisingly great player we wish we knew better – plus the great Jimmy Knepper on trombone. Some tunes are instrumentals – and titles include the classic"Swingin Machine", plus "Do It", "Stop This World", "Promenade", "If You're Goin To The City", and "Saritha". LP, Vinyl record album
(Stereo blue & green label pressing. Cover has some wear & aging.)
(Yellow Broadway label stereo pressing with RI suffix. Cover has a promo sticker, small distro sticker, some ring and edge wear, bumped corners, and some splitting in the bottom seams.)
Guitarist Laurindo Almeida returns to a bit of his roots here – but he also shows off a lot of the jazz experience he's picked up along the way! The album features Almeida working solo on acoustic guitar – although possibly overdubbed alongside himself at times – and while the set begins with the serious title composition, things never get too much in the realm of classical guitar – and instead have Almeida skirting many different styles, including a bit of bossa guitar – and working with this uniquely echoey recording style that makes each note resonate with a richly expressive sound! Titles include "Cool Cat Keeps Coat On", "Holiday For Strings", "Songs From Black Orpheus", "The Summer Knows", and "Star Dust". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has light wear and is bent a bit at the edges.)
(Mono rainbow label pressing. Includes the Capitol inner sleeve. Cover has light ringwear, some aging, small center split in the bottom seam, and is bumped at the top right corner.)
(Mono pressing with deep groove. Cover has a split top seam held by old tape, and some surface wear.)
93
Alpacas Collective —
Big Words ... CD Catalpas (Belgium), 2023. New Copy ...
$17.9919.99
A cool Scandinavian combo, and one who've got heavy influences from both American and African funk of the 70s – influences that they weave together wonderfully here in a rich tapestry of grooves! There's as much Nigerian elements in the music as Ethiopian – especially the more exotic horn parts of the latter – and in addition to familiar funk instrumentation on guitar, keyboards, saxes, and trumpet – the record features some especially nice use of percussion, flute, xylophone, and sitar too! Titles include the long Indian-themed track "Bhimpalasi" – plus "Gunkali", "Movefeze", "What Could I Do", "Surrounded", and "Big Words". CD
Alpacas Collective —
Big Words ... LP Catalpas (Belgium), 2023. New Copy ...
$31.9936.99
A cool Scandinavian combo, and one who've got heavy influences from both American and African funk of the 70s – influences that they weave together wonderfully here in a rich tapestry of grooves! There's as much Nigerian elements in the music as Ethiopian – especially the more exotic horn parts of the latter – and in addition to familiar funk instrumentation on guitar, keyboards, saxes, and trumpet – the record features some especially nice use of percussion, flute, xylophone, and sitar too! Titles include the long Indian-themed track "Bhimpalasi" – plus "Gunkali", "Movefeze", "What Could I Do", "Surrounded", and "Big Words". LP, Vinyl record album
Herb Alpert —
Rise ... LP A&M, 1979. Very Good+ ...
$7.99
A whole new level of genius for Herb Alpert – a record that's light years away from his earlier work with the Tijuana Brass, and which has the trumpeter stepping strongly into the world of smooth jazzy fusion! The title track here went platinum the minute it was released – and became an end-of-the 70s instrumental anthem that seemed to drift out of speakers around the country. The rest of the album's pretty great too – built on the modes explored by Donald Byrd, Freddie Hubbard, and other soulful fusion players of the 70s – but cast out with a bit more drama overall. Titles include the seminal jazz dance classic "Rotation" – plus "Rise", "Street Life", "Aranjuez (Mon Amour)", "1980", "Angelina", and "Love Is". LP, Vinyl record album
(Cover has some ringwear, edge wear, and is bent at the sides.)
96
Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass —
Lonely Bull ... LP A&M, 1962. Very Good ...
$3.99
Herb Alpert's first-ever album – a runaway hit that was the birthplace of so many groovy things – not just the start of the Tijuana Brass sound, also the birth of A&M Records! The album's the first to feature Herb's trademark take on the Mexican band style – done here with a bit more "jaunty" pop stylings than in later years, including a "rocking" electric bass that kicks along nicely at the bottom of some of the more chart-oriented tunes. The first full album on A&M – and the beginning of an empire – with titles that include "The Lonely Bull", "El Lobo", "Desafinado", "Mexico", "Never On Sunday", and "Struttin With Maria". LP, Vinyl record album
(Tan label stereo pressing. Cover has light wear, aging, and some application wrinkles in front.)
97
Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass —
SRO ... LP A&M, 1966. Very Good- Gatefold ...
$3.99
A standing room ovation in the A&M Studios – certainly the kind of reception we'd imagine Herb would get during these glory years of his career! The set's one of the most no-nonsense Tijuana Brass sessions of the 60s – a tightly crafted album that has a bit more jazz than usual sneaking in on some of the tunes, but still enough of that snapping, punchy rhythmic approach that makes Herb and the group so great! As usual, the fluidity here is the strongest point – as the A&M touch takes a sound that should be hokey, and flips it into something really really groovy through warm use of compression in the studio. Titles include "Blue Sunday", "Bean Bag", "Work Song", "Our Day Will Come", "Mexican Road Race", and "Freight Train Joe". LP, Vinyl record album
(Japanese London pressing in a gatefold cover, with minimal wear & aging.)
(Cover has a promo stamp, hype sticker, cutout notch, and light wear.)
99
Franco Ambrosetti —
Movies ... LP Enja, 1986. Near Mint- ...
$1.999.99
With John Scofield on guitar, Geri Allen on keys, Michael Formanek on bass, Daniel Humair on drums, and Jerry Gonzalez on percussion. LP, Vinyl record album
(Canadian pressing. Cover has light ringwear and is bent a bit along the spine.)
Warm, mellow, and completely sublime – the mighty America at the height of their powers – working with a quality that nobody else can match! The trio wrap together all the best ideas that were bubbling under in the LA scene of the late 60s – vocal harmonies, studio perfection, and even touches of rootsy instrumentation – yet find a space to work all these elements together in a rich sound that's completely unique – amazingly understated at times, despite a near-perfect level of production! The whole album's great – even their original version of "Muskrat Love" – nestled in here next to "Rainbow Song", "Submarine Ladies", "Molten Love", "Green Monkey", and "Goodbye". LP, Vinyl record album
(Includes printed inner sleeve and poster! Cover has light wear.)