Category Archives: Jazz

Feelings.

Wednesday: March 25, 2009 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Funk, Jazz 1 Comment

Artist: Stefano Torossi (uses the alias Jay Richford & Gary Stevan)
Title: Feelings (Italian Release)
Year: 1975
Label: Carosello
Format: Vinyl LP (Original)
Flwrpt Rating of this Record: 4.0/5.0

Front Cover

Review
I’m not generally a fan of library records, but when I came across this and gave it a listen…I made a MAJOR exception. This one is titled Feelings, compiled of a bunch of songs that evoke moods and feelings through dynamic instrumentation. Stefano Torossi is the creator, however, this Italian release of the record credits Jay Richford & Gary Stevan on the front cover. I always find it amazing how some musicians create altar egos (kinda like super hero’s), to further the point that it’s about the music, not about them individually. Anyway, Torossi puts together a top-notch collection of funk grooves, breaks, and movie soundtrack material with this release. There are 10 songs total on the LP, of that 10, I’d say that 5 of them are solid classics, the others are good but not great. I’ve posted my favorites, have a listen and let me know what you think. The tracks have a decent amount of dope change-ups, so try to listen to the full stream.

Check out the sound!

Fearing Much

Running Fast

Feeling Tense

Fighting For Life

Design
I like this cover a lot, however, the legibility of the typography is a major concern of mine. You can barely see/read it! The white type blends into the already busy and heavily contrasted background. But the overall idea to use the alias might be why the design is hard to read, maybe it’s intended to be illegible, just a thought. Otherwise, the subject matter is hot, the setting is hot, and the font that was used here is hot. That font was used a lot in the 70′s on album covers…it always works for me.

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Additional info on Stefano Torossi

Águia Não Come Mosca.

Monday: March 16, 2009 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Jazz, Latin 2 Comments

Artist: Azymuth
Title: Águia Não Come Mosca
Year: 1977
Label: Atlantic
Format: Vinyl LP (Original)
Flwrpt Rating of this Record: 4.5/5.0

Front

Review
As a follow-up to my previous post, I’ll share this amazing album by the Brazilian jazz masters, Azymuth! I love all of their music, however, Águia Não Come Mosca is one of my favorite records out of their discography. Very melodic at times, this record tends to be very dream-like. That said, one can only imagine that the rhodes piano plays a major role in the instrumentation. The percussion is very prominent here as well, but that carries over into almost all of their music. Innovative and unique only begin to describe this group, the way the music is arranged draws you in from start to finish, they definitely believe in the “change-up”, so don’t get too comfortable with any particular groove, they’ll flip it in a second!

Hopefully this album sparks your interest in the group, they have so much great music that isn’t heard about/talked about here in the states. In fact, you can check their discography here.

Check out the sound!

Falcon Love Call ( Armazém Nº 2)

Águia Não Come Mosca

Avenida das Mangueiras

A Presa

Design
The cover is striking! Very powerful in its appearance, I love it. From the type, to the rays bursting around the eagle, this is a very strong piece. Honestly, I am not exactly sure what it’s trying to visually convey, but it definitely stands out. Looks as if the eagle is carrying to glass balls of sand (???), I even tried translating the title of the album to see if that would help, but it made no sense…translations came back as:

1. Eagle Does not eat Fly
2. Eagle Eateth not Fly
3. Do not Come Fly Eagle

None of those really helped me out lol! Anyway, ENJOY THE MUSIC!

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Additional info on Azymuth

Rhythm Of Life.

Friday: March 6, 2009 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Funk, Jazz 4 Comments

Artist: James Mason
Title: Rhythm Of Life
Year: 1977
Label: Chiaroscuro
Format: Vinyl LP (Original)
Flwrpt Rating of this Record: 4.75/5.0

Front

Review
I was always intrigued by this record, originally because it’s one of the most amazing album covers that I’ve ever seen, but then upon hearing the music…it really sealed the deal. This has to be one of the most official acid jazz/fusion records in the history of the genre. James Mason played with Roy Ayers Ubiquity on the Lifeline LP, which produced one of the hottest disco/boogie tracks of the late 70′s, “Running Away” (which just so happens to appear on Boogiesco). But back to the album at hand, Rhythm Of Life has pretty much everything you could want in a record, breaks, killer grooves, nice vocals, synth experimentation, and most of all, ENERGY. This was James Mason’s only solo LP, he did it once, and he did it right. Again, this is one of those amazing LP’s that didn’t do well (as far as sales) during it’s original release back in ’77, jazz fans weren’t ready for this type of sound, and the mainstream wasn’t quite sure what to think of it just yet. It was essentially just waaaaaay ahead of its time, any of these tracks could be released today, and nobody would have a clue that it’s from ’77. To me, that’s genius, and not just anyone can write, produce, and arrange timeless music. James Mason, a slept on legend with a classic LP.

Check out the sound!

Sweet Power Your Embrace

Free

Good Thing

Design
Another one of the most amazing covers ever! Who can disagree? The typography is very minimal but works very well within the space (for the other design nerds out there, the font looks to be Gill Sans CAPS). The central figure, James Mason, has a glow surrounding him (reminiscent of Bruce Leroy from The Last Dragon, lol), that puts this cover over the top. Without that powerful glow, this instantly becomes an average cover, but with it…it’s above average. Simple design details, they work ALL the time. One of the dopest things about this album cover is that it sounds as good as it looks, diggers know, most of the time that’s not the case…which is why I make it a priority to listen to every album that I think might be good (when I base it on cover design).

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Additional info on James Mason

Supreme Jazz Masterpiece.

Monday: February 2, 2009 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Jazz 5 Comments

Artist: Wendell Harrison
Title: Dreams Of A Love Supreme
Year: 1980
Label: WenHa
Format: Vinyl LP (Original)
Flwrpt Rating of this Record: 4.5/5.0

Front

Review
Dreams Of A Love Supreme is one of my favorite jazz albums of all-time, and Wendell Harrison is a habitual envelope-pusher. Wendell Harrison is a multi-talented master jazz musician who played the tenor sax, and the jazz clarinet, amongst other instruments. One can’t help but love his music.

So this album might freak some people out, seeing as though it’s a jazz album released in 1980, we all know that 1980 wasn’t the year for many great jazz albums. Cast all preconceived notions aside for this one, because there’s nothing short of amazing material on this LP. The sound is definitely raw and innovative for it’s time, laid back in its overall essence, but manages to produce some grooves. One of the elements that gives this album a lot of character is the fact that it was recorded in an awful studio, AWFUL, sonically this record is patchwork. Wendell Harrison left Tribe records (after it disbanded around 1975) and started his own label, WenHa/Rebirth, this was one of the earliest releases on the label, so I’m assuming money was low…hence the low budget recording. But regardless of all that, the strength of the music still makes this one of the best jazz albums EVER made, point blank PERIOD. As you listen, pay close attention to the arrangements and the style of the instrumentation, you’ll soon fall in love with vibes of this music as well. Enjoy…

Check out the sound!

Take Time Out

Belle Isle

Pink Snowballs and Violet Skies

Design
As simple as this cover appears, I think it’s amazing. The deep black with the inner cyan square are a nice combination. I think the image is quite clear, there’s a picture of Wendell Harrison visualizing himself in his own dream, waiting…for a love supreme. It’s straight to the point. But it’s interesting how he interpreted what a dream should look like in a conscious state. The multiple images of the same shot overlaying one another was a nice solution, and makes the cover visually interesting.

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Additional info on Wendell Harrison

Child Prodigy of 81.

Monday: November 3, 2008 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Boogie, Funk, Jazz Leave a comment

Artist: Bernard Wright
Title: ‘NARD
Year: 1981
Label: GRP
Format: Vinyl LP (Original)
Flwrpt Rating of this Record: 5.0/5.0

Front

Review
This has to be one of the best 80′s LP’s. Bernard Wright was only 16 years old when he released NARD’, but with the support and collaboration with legends like Weldon Irvine, Don Blackman, Dave Grusin, Marcus Miller (the list goes on), he was able to create a masterpiece that not even Wright himself could creatively or musically surpass ever again in his career (as far as his later releases are concerned).

Here, he spreads out the sound. Jazz, Boogie, Funk…some of it could even begin to fit into that Cosmic Funk sub-genre. These arrangements are amazing, the journey through this record is quite clear, the build-up definitely reaches a satisfiable zenith.

As far as talent, Bernard was waaaaay ahead of his time! Waaaaaay ahead. He had a lot of support, no doubt about it, but he definitely owned this sound, earned his stripes, set his mark, and his presence was still felt as THE (with conviction! lol!) artist of this LP. Bottom line.

Enough of my verbal drum-rolling…listen for yourselves…

Check out the sound!

Master Rocker

Just Chillin’ Out

Haboglabotribin’

Bread Sandwiches

Design
A simple album cover, but a dope album cover. Peep the coordination of the jacket with the type at the top right. That font is quite nice as well, although I’m not totally sure what is off-hand, can’t eyeball this one. The use of that hot magenta calls much attention to the title of the album, small detail, but detail. Another nice thing is the tension created between Nard’s fro and the placement of the typography…especially with his head tilted slightly to the left. Again, just a nice, un-forced design.

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Additional info on Bernard Wright

Gotcha’ Didn’t I?

Monday: October 13, 2008 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Boogie, Funk, Jazz, Soul 1 Comment

Artist: Lonnie Smith
Title: Gotcha’
Year: 1978
Label: Lester Radio Corporation
Format: Vinyl LP (Original)
Flwrpt Rating of this Record: 4.0/5.0

Front

Review
A different sound from Lonnie Smith, I must say. I call it Faziscoul (Funk Jazz Disco Soul), a sound that I like though. This LP kind of puts the mind at ease, it’s a very relaxing sound but with some pretty unexpected vocals laced throughout. Smith tracks generally don’t incorporate vocalists, but with Gotcha’, he took it there. The featured singer sounds very similar to a Donny Hathaway or a Stevie Wonder, but with a slight weeping tone. It took me a while, but I eventually got into it (the singing). The album as a whole is solid, and I’m always a strong supporter of musicians who step outside of their comfort zone and still produce an amazing piece of work.

Check out the sound!

What’s Done Is Done

I Need Your Love

Journey To Within

Sweet Honey Wine

Design
There’s something very interesting about this image, because it doesn’t support the title of the LP in any way. However, I am intrigued by it. If you notice, the sky looks like water, a painting of water almost. The font is reminiscent of pacman (peep the G and the C in “Gotcha’”). Overall it’s a pretty powerful cover with a mysterious meaning. I’m digging it.

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Additional info on Lonnie Smith

And Not The Kellogs.

Friday: October 10, 2008 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Funk, Jazz Leave a comment

Artist: Kevin Toney
Title: Special K
Year: 1982
Label: Fantasy
Format: Vinyl LP (Original)
Flwrpt Rating of this Record: 3.75/5.0

Front

Review
Smooth shhh…

Kevin Toney is “Mr.Everything” from the famous jazz/funk band “The Blackbyrds”. This is his first solo attempt, 1982′s Special K. This album has a bit of everything on it as far as sound is concerned, and rightfully so, Toney is trying to demonstrate his talent (which he has a TON of) at this point in his career as a solo artist, because this was the era leading into digital music production. Marketing oneself was a MUST.

Funky for the most part, this album breaks typical jazz expectations and stretches the imagination into where music can go, if we’d just let it. Not a major commercial success for Toney, but a very solid album. Notable track, a cover of John Coltrane classic, Naima.

Check out the sound!

Naima

A Good Feeling

Special K

Design
As many musicians from the 70′s and 80′s did, they manage to create these super suspect album covers…and they always seem to get away with it. The music and creativity was so respected, that they could do whatever…and it was cool. Imagine if this was a male artists album cover in the year 2008…there would be a different reaction to it, think about it.

Overall, not a great cover, not such an interesting typeface, and the photography is overly-contrasted (yea i said overly, lol).

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Additional info on Kevin Toney

Bead-Head Man.

Monday: September 22, 2008 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Boogie, Funk, Jazz 2 Comments

Artist: Don Blackman
Title: Self-Titled
Year: 1982
Label: GRP
Format: Vinyl LP (Original)
Flwrpt Rating of this Record: 4.0/5.0

Front

Review
A genius…the man behind the scenes! Don Blackman! This LP is both his first and last solo album, ie…his ONLY album. He showed all of his talents here, from the writing, to the singing, to the keys, to the arrangements. I’m still not sure why Don Blackman isn’t a household name, his music is something that everyone should make themselves familiar with.

Don played a major part behind the success of many legends, such as Weldon Irvine and Bernard Wright. Writing and producing for many others as well. He also helped define that Jazz, Spacey Funk Boogie of the early eighties amongst some musicians, looking to explore new sounds. A lot of people don’t give Don his respect, but it’s definitely past due.

Check out the sound!

Heart’s Desire

Loving You, Holding You

Design
The cover is extra plain…but he gets BIG respect for pulling off the Rick James look, with those beads and braids with the funky mustache! That’s sooooooooooooooo 80′s! Also be sure to check out that taco meat on his chest…peace!

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Additional info on Don Blackman

NARD Still Got It.

Wednesday: September 17, 2008 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Jazz, Video Leave a comment

Legendary on the keys, Bernard Wright…here’s a clip of the man himself playing a solo with his band (2007), in his current hometown Dallas, Texas (Bernard is originally from Queens, NY). Not only does NARD still got it, but his band sounds great a well. Check it out!

Best viewed ~~~~~> here

He’s Cooooooornbread.

Tuesday: July 1, 2008 Posted: Darien Victor Birks Category: Funk, Jazz, Soul 4 Comments

Artist: Blackbyrds
Title: Cornbread, Earl & Me (Original Soundtrack)
Year: 1975
Label: Fantasy
Format: Vinyl LP (Original)
Flwrpt Rating of this Record: 4.25/5.0

Front

Review
I have had this record for a while now, but didn’t get deep into it until one night while watching the DVD (courtesy of Latia), I noticed that the movie had a pretty nice score! I told her, as we watched the film, “Bay I’ve got this record…but I don’t remember it sounding this good!”, I couldn’t wait to give it a second listen.

The second time around listening to the record, after seeing the movie obviously, I fell in love with it. Honestly, it’s a different sound for the Blackbyrds, a sound that I wasn’t expecting on my initial listen. But it’s great, it’s refreshing, and the vibe definitely fit with the feeling and the plot of the movie.

There is so much great material on this LP, I decided to post tons of clips! Enjoy…

PS: Go buy this movie, it’s really good! (For what it is). Also, this is Lawrence Fishburne’s first movie, he was like 12 years old or so. But whatever you do, don’t read the back of the cover like my girlfriend did, the back cover spoils the entire film, lol! (Plain ol’ bad descriptive writing)

Check out the sound!

Cornbread

Wilford’s Gone

The Gym Fight

Mother/Son Talk

Riot

Candy Store Dilemma

At The Carnival

Check out the vid!

Best viewed here <~~~~~

Design
It’s a soundtrack cover, with no concept or theme…other than being urban. Not much to say here, it’s pretty generic. However, I DO like the frilly type on the cover. The photography is pretty bad though.

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Additional info on Blackbyrds

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