Great post-Curtom work from Linda Clifford – an album that has her nicely shaking off the excesses of the disco years, and going for a warmer, more sophisticated sound! The style here is almost a bit like the Jones Girls at the time – full modern soul, often grooving in a midtempo mode – but not nearly as over the top as late 70s club. Linda's really nicely laidback on the vocals – rolling warmly with most of the grooves – and the arrangements are by Leon Pendarvis and James Mack, with some especially great vocal arrangements by Luther on some of the best numbers – done in a way that buoys Clifford's vocals up with just the right bit of backing! Titles include "Build A Fire", "Never Say Never", "Let It Ride", "I Lied", "Don't Come Crying To Me", "Ain't You Glad", "Only The Angels Know", and "All The Man I Need". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the best records that Emitt Rhodes cut on his own after leaving The Merry Go Round – a slightly rough blend of rock, folk, and dimmed sunny pop influences – and a perfect document of the waning light of the west coast scene at the turn of the 70s. There's almost a boozy feel to the work – Rhodes' vocals a little scratchy, and the songs honestly plucked out like some of Nilsson's more intimate work – touched with occasionally more expansive instrumentation. Titles include "Side We Seldom Show", "Mirror", "Really Wanted You", "My Love Is Strong", "Better Side Of Life", "Love Will Stone You", and "Golden Child Of God". LP, Vinyl record album

Elmer Bernstein serves up some of his most famous soundtrack themes – but in a style that's even more jazz-based than the original! The group here is a large one, filled with great west coast players – and Bernstein's tunes sparkle even more in this rich setting than they did in their initial use on film – partly because the presentation allows some musicians the chance to really open up and solo! The lineup features Bud Shank and Bob Cooper on saxes, Pete Candoli and Don Fagerquist on trumpets, Milt Bernhart and Dick Nash on trombones, Bob Bain on guitar, Russ Freeman on piano, Shelly Manne on drums, and Francisco Aquabella on percussion – and titles include "Rat Race", "Three Time Blueser", "Hop Skip But Jump", "Jubilation", "Man With The Golden Arm", "Saints & Sinners", and "Sweet Smell Of Success". LP, Vinyl record album