Prayve's Jazz Funk Fusion

JAZZ FUNK... More Jazz Funk!!! Total grooviness, bouncing funk beats, plus very solid jazz musicianship all the way. That's what you're getting on this one.

Starts off with Herbie Hancock's "Bring Down The Birds" from the 1966 film "The Blowup". You'll immediately recognize the insane bass line from Dee Lite's "Groove is in the Heart"... Then some more from Abba's session guitarist Janne Schaffer. First with the band Svenska Löd Ab! and a very tight session from the album "Hôrselmat", an absolute rarity and collector's Holy Grail - then with the track "Dr. Abraham", from his second solo album.

Roy Porter's track entitled "Panama" with its thumping bass line, hypnotic Fender Rhodes, stellar horn and flute arrangements is a Jazz-funk classic masterpiece. A pure gem that won't stop haunting you.

Quinteplus is another rare jazz collector's favorite. A killer set by funky instrumentalists from Buenos Aires, with wonderful keyboards and sharp drum beats. The track "El Pasito de Nano" is an absolute winner... Marc Moulin's Placebo is next, and needs not be introduced any further. Outstanding funky jazz from Belgium, highly sought-after and sample-packed. "Only Nineteen" is another example of fine keyboard and horn savoir-faire.

You'll also hear some great instrumental jazz funk from Brazil, with Antonio Adolfo, Azymuth and Banda Black Rio, all of which were featured on previous posts on this blog. "Mr Funky Samba" is a timeless piece of Brazilian music. It's whatever you want to call it: samba funk, soul samba, funky samba... heavy electric bass and funky Fender Rhodes with stabbing horn sections and a strong jazz influence.

The great Dennis Coffey is also featured here, with "Scorpio". One of the most sampled track in history with its staggering 2:20 minute open break beat! Doesn't get any funkier than this...

Then come the Frenchies. Jean-Claude Pelletier, with an extract of his album "Streaking". Some of the best groovy funk ever recorded in France. Super heavy and very rare stuff... Then, Les Wanted with "Six, Quatre, Nous". Another PURE jewel, directed by Francois Rolland and Jean-Claude Pierric; "Mister J.", by the legendary Cortex from their second album "Vol.2", for all you Fender Rhodes lovers out there; "Old Timmy" by Schifters, aka. Jacky Giordano & Yan Treger; "Black Sweat" by the cult funk ensemble Chute Libre; "Clavinet Shit" by Ceccarelli, Chantereau, Padovan & Pezin. The name of the song speaks for itself; and finally "So be it" by Airto Fogo. This is basically the Funk DREAM TEAM from France (Cocorico!).

Classics to wrap up. U.S. Classics. The J.B.'s "Blow your head" will definitely fulfill the promise. Powerfull Moog driven madness from Fred Wesley's crew ; and finally the Blackbyrds' theme... Dig that!

Click on the image below to see the album art for all of tracks in this compilation:


Tracklist is:

01. Herbie Hancock - Bring Down The Birds, 1966
02. Svenska Löd Ab! - Va Då Rå - Va E', Reö, 1971
03. Roy Porter - Panama 1, 1975
04. Quinteplus - El Pasito De Nano, 1972
05. Placebo - Only Nineteen, 1973
06. Ray Bryant - Cool Struttin', 1974
07. Antonio Adolfo - Diana e Paulo, 1979
08. Azymuth - A Caça, 1977
09. Banda Black Rio - Mr. Funky Samba, 1977
10. Janne Schaffer - Dr. Abraham, 1974
11. Dennis Coffey - Scoprio, 1971
12. Jean-Claude Pelletier & Orchestra - To Streak With Devil, 1974
13. Les Wanted - Six, Quatre, Nous, 1975
14. Cortex - Mister J., 1977
16. Chutte Libre - Black Sweat, 1977
16. Schifters - Old Timmy, 1974
17. C.C.P.P. (Ceccarelli, Chantereau, Padovan, Pezin) - Clavinet shit, 1975
18. Airto Fogo - So be it, 1976
19. The J.B.'s - Blow Your Head, 1974
20. The Blackbyrds - Blackbyrds' Theme, 1974

Get your jazz funked up right here, right now!

Classic Soul Samples

Here's a compilation I've been wanting to put together for a while. Having listened to a lot of hip-hop growing up, I've always been fascinated by the use of sampling, and how looping a few seconds of an original song, speeding and chopping up a breakbeat or a bassline, could create an entirely new song. Of course, most of the best beats created were made using classic soul and Rn'B samples, so I've tried here to pull together a selection of the best original tracks -- that were or were not hits in their time -- hoping you'll say to yourself "Oh, this is where they took that from!" when you play them.

Mostly, these are all excellent stand-alone Soul gems, which just need to be rediscovered.

First come is Joe Cocker's "Woman to woman" from his 1972 album called... "Joe Cocker". Pure funky soul groove, with an instantly recognizable piano & horn riff, borrowed in 1996 by Tupac for his #1 "California Love". This original version is just as much a party bomb as Tupac's... The second track, the Delfonics' "Ready or not, here I come" is also an instant catch. Sheer soulfulness from 1969, which inspired the Fugees to create a groundbreaking hit on their 1996 album "The Score".

The next track is even more grasping. Camille Yarbrough's "Take yo praise" from 1975. A beautiful gospel/spoken word/funk tune sampled by Fatboy Slim in 1998 for his hit "Praise You". Then come Syl Johnson "I hate I walked away", sampled by IAM on the album "L'école du micro d'argent", Ann Peebles "Troubles, heartaches & Sadness" sampled by the Wu Tang. Both Johnson and Peebles recorded on the soul label "HI" in the early 70s, and mostly evolved in Al Green's shadow, as he was the most famous act signed on Hi Records.

Then? Joe Simon. "Before the night is over". Just listen to the opening verse a couple of times and you'll recognize Outkast's "So fresh & so clean". This another HUGE Funky Soul piece, with a thumping bass and great wah guitar licks. Following is Bill Wither's "Grandma's Hand", the opening humming and guitar chords from which were sampled by Dr Dré for Black Street's "No Diggity" in 1996.

Another favorite in the selection is "All your goodies are gone" by Parliament, from the "Up for the downstroke" album. Mystical and spiritual soul funk, with a massively sampled opening break. Just brilliant! ~ And then... you'll need just a couple of seconds to recognize the huge sample taken from the Chi-lites "Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)". MASSIVE boogie soul funk...

Then comes an amazing piece. An legendary bit of jazzy soul, by an obscure soul singer from Milwaukee called Penny Goodwin. Arranged by the genius Richard Evans, with a strong Chicago soul feel. "Soon you're old" starts in a quite mellow mood and picks up at about half time, rising to a jazz funk climax of strings, Fender Rhodes, massive wah guitar and percussions, aerial flute groove and a frantic bass line. Need I say more? Absolute winner track!

Next is "As long as I've got you", from another obscure Soul outfit called the Charmells. The opening piano & drum break was used on the Wu Tang's "C.R.E.A.M.". A classic production by RZA, and one of the defining moments in hip-hop history, if you want my opinion.

Other standout tracks include: "I Want'a Do Something Freaky To You" by Leon Haywood, sampled by Dre on ""Nuthin But A G Thang"; and "Never Gonna Stop" by Linda Clifford sampled by Tupac on "All Eyez on Me"

Tracklist is:

01. Joe Cocker - Woman To Woman, 1972
02. The Delfonics - Ready Or Not, Here I Come, 1969
03. Camille Yarbrough - Take Yo Praise, 1975
04. Syl Johnson - I Hate I Walked Away, 1973
05. Ann Peebles - Trouble, Heartaches & Sadness, 1972
06. Gwen McCrae - I've got nothing to lose, 1976
07. Joe Simon - Before The Night Is Over, 1977
08. Bill Withers - Grandmas Hands, 1971
09. The Detroit Emeralds - Let Me Take You In My Arms, 1972
10. Parliament - All Your Goodies Are Gone, 1974
11. The Chi-Lites Are You My Woman (Tell Me So), 1971
12. Penny Goodwin - Too Soon You're Old, 1974
13. The Charmels - As Long as I've Got You, 1967
14. The Dramatics - In The Rain, 1972
15. Clarence Reid - Living Together Is Keeping Us Apart, 1973
16. Bobby "Blue" Bland - Ain't No Love In The Heart of the, 1974
17. O.V. Wright - Let's Straighten It Out, 1978
18. Leon Haywood - I Want'a Do Something Freaky To You, 1975
19. Linda Clifford - Never gonna stop, 1979
20. The Isley Brothers - Between the Sheets, 1983

Get it here!

Freakbeat & Jerk Grooves - Made in France

I'm back with some more ultra groovy music from the late sixties -early seventies period with this selection of Freakbeat and Jerk masterpieces "à la Française".

Whether they come from Library records, film & T.V. soundtracks, or studio albums, the party bombs in this selection are all drenched with great drum breaks, speedy bass lines, psychedelic fuzz guitars and crazy mod Hammond organ solos.

Francis Lai kicks it off with the heavy instrumental funk chaser called "St Tropez" composed for Brigitte Bardot's album "the Brigitte Bardot Show". He is followed by the Hammond organ driven "Audition" by François de Roubaix, from the soundtrack for "L'homme orchestre" with Louis de Funès.

Michel Legrand's "Mi, sol, mi, mi, ré, ré, mi" comes out of the soundtrack for the film "La Dame Dans l'Auto Avec des Lunettes et un Fusil" and blends together jazz, jerk, pop, and mod elements. Legrand at the very top of his 60s cinematographic composing.

George Rodi is next with the brilliant mid tempo instrumental jazz jerk "Stercok" from the original soundtrack for the TV movie "Arsène Lupin". Francis Lai is featured again, with Nicole Croisille this time on the track "I don't know why" from the soundtrack for the film "La Leçon Particulière".

The groove bomb that follows next, "No no, yes yes" was composed by Michel Colombier and Serge Gainsbourg, for the film "Mr Freedom". The original record is extremely rare and pricey, and is one of the greatest late 60's French Freakbeat recordings, in a kind of "Aretha Franklin & Janis Joplin meet super killer organ player & the funky drummer" style.

Dany Maurice with his crazy "Hoodlum's Parade Jerk" and Michel Bernholc "Chevauchée Fantastique" follow with fast, car-chase like, wicked vibes. Then, often-featured on this blog, comes Bernard Estardy, the super talented organist behind Nino Ferrer's "Metronomie" and the cult "La Formule du Baron" with the delirious "Autoscopie". A baroque symphonic swirl of organ, harpsichord and piano.

Legrand again, with "Soirée Jerk chez les Dumonceau", soundtrack for the Jean Becker film "Tendre Voyou" with Michel Belmondo. The next track "Patrick Jerk" by Les Pros, was released on a promotional EP for a kids and teens clothing company called Boum Bomo. The song features some great fuzz guitar and just seams to stick in your head!

Other highlights in this compilation include : "Take One" by the Golden Pot, a fantastic jerk piece that was the theme from the Campus radio station show, pure instrumental psych-funk jerk madness ; Georges Garvarentz's psychedelic sitar groovy score for the film "Sapho" ; Jack Arel & Pierre Dutour's hundred-mile-an-hour "Following you" which is almost as fast as Bernard Lubat's "Crazy Organ" (the name speaks for itself).

Also included are the fantastic substance-infused "Freak" from Nino Ferrer's album Metronomie; the huge breakbeat jerk "Strip Poker at Caesar's Palace" by David Whitaker and the trippy organ score by Claude Bolling for the film "Doucement les Basses"

Click on the image below to see the album art for all of tracks in this compilation:

Tracklist is:

01. Brigitte Bardot & Francis Lai - St Tropez, 1968
02. François de Roubaix - Audition, 1970
03. Michel Legrand - Mi, Sol, Mi, Mi, Re, Re, Mi, 1970
04. Georges Raudi et son Orchestre - Stercok, 1970
05. Francis Lai & Nicole Croisille - I don't know why, 1968
06. Serge Gainsbourg & Michel Colombier - Mister Freedom - No no, yes yes, 1969
07. Dany Maurice et son Orchestre - Hoodlum's Parade Jerk, 1971
08. Michel Bernholc - Chevauchee Fantastique, 1976
09. Bernard Estardy - Autoscopie, 1967
10. Michel Legrand - Soiree jerk chez les Dumonceau, 1966
11. Les Pros - Patrick Jerk, 1966
12. Ben & the Platano Group - Castill Battle, 1971
13. The Golden Pot - Take One, 1968
14. Georges Garvarentz - Nues dans l'eau, 1970
15. Jack Arel & Pierre Dutour - Following You, 1974
16. Nino Ferrer - Freak, 1971
17. Bernard Lubat - Crazy Organ, 1975
18. David Whitaker - Strip Poker at Caesar's Palace, 1966
19. Vladimir Cosma - Cool Pool, 1970
20. Claude Bolling - Générique Fin (happy night), 1970

Get it here (and don't forget to comment!)

Prayve's Blaxploitation Bombs

I've been wanting to make a compilation of Blaxploitation tracks for a while... here it is!
I looked as deep as I could to uncover some of the rarest and most fantastic epic car chase jams and kung-fu-esque beats. No Shaft or Superfly on this one, but some amazing tunes by some of the genre's greatest!

Curtis Mayfield, James Brown and Marvin Gaye haven't been forgotten of course, but you'll also run into to some much harder to come across gems. First of which: the main theme for "Black Belt Jones" the soundtrack to the classic kung-fu/blaxploitation movie starring bad-boy Jim 'Dragon' Kelly and Gloria Hendry. Composed by Dennis Coffey and Luchi de Jesus, with some serious scat backing vocals and lush string and horn arrangements...

Harlem Underground's "Smoking Cheeba Cheeba" is another monster groover, from a band we know very little of. The cover of the record states that George Benson was part of line-up, which has yet to be proven. Often sampled killer tripped-out funky $hit from 1976!

You'll also hear a great cover of Gil Scott Heron's "Home is where the hatred is" by Ester Phillips, and the incredible break beat DJ favorite "Funky Mule" by Ike Turner.
Among the tracks that actually were film soundtracks, we have: Quincy Jones' main theme for "They Call Me Mr. Tibbs", James Brown's track "the Boss" for the movie "Black Caesar" and his theme for "Slaughter's Big Rip Off" and Marvin Gaye's "T Plays it Cool" from the movie "Trouble Man".

Some Europeans are also featured here: Franco Micalizzi "L'Italia A Mano Armata", a huge horn driven poiice movie theme, was recently featured in Tarantino's movie "Death Proof" for the final car chase! Also from Europe, Tony Barthele recorded for the French Library Label "Patchwork", and Memphis Black was just a stage name for a German organ player called Ingfried Hoffmann. His heavy drum break/ organ tune BOMB "Why Don't You Play The Organ, Man" is totally in the blaxploitation feel and deserves being featured here.

Other great tracks featured here include Roy Ayers "He's a Superstar", Gil Scott Heron & Brian Jackson's "Ain't No Such Thing As Superman", 9th Creation "Learn-N to Live", 24 Carat Black's "Ghetto Misfortune's Wealth" and Donald Byrd's "Stepping into Tomorrow". Unfortunately Isaac Hayes was left out of this one, due to some pretty fierce competition, let's say this post is dedicated to his memory. ENJOY!

Tracklist is:

01. Dennis Coffey & Luchi de Jesus - Black Belt Jones Theme, 1974
02. Ike Turner & His Kings of Rhythm - Funky Mule, 1969
03. Esther Phillips - Home Is Where The Hatred Is, 1971
04. James Brown - The Boss, 1973
05. Quincy Jones - They Call Me Mister Tibbs, 1970
06. Curtis Mayfield - (Don't Worry) If There's A Hell Below We're All Going To Go, 1970
07. Marlena Shaw - Woman of the Ghetto, 1969
08. Marvin Gaye - You're the Man, 1972
09. Harlem Underground Band - Smokin Cheeba Cheeba, 1976
10. James Brown - Slaughter's Theme, 1973
11. Roy Ayers - He's a Superstar, 1972
12. Gil Scott Heron - Ain't no Such Thing As Superman, 1974
13. 9th Creation - Learn-N-To Live, 1975
14. Franco Micalizzi - Italia a Mano Armata, 1976
15. 24 Carat Black - Ghetto Misfortune's Wealth, 1973
17. Tony Barthele - Harlem Bass, 1974
18. Memphis Black - Why Don't You Play The Organ, Man, 1969
19. Marvin Gaye - T Plays it Cool, 1972
20. Donald Byrd - Stepping Into Tomorrow, 1975


Get your blaxploitation fix here

Great Euro Pop Funk!

I'm back with some more incredibly rare funk tracks, most of them from European Library releases and soundtracks.

Once again, the spotlight is put on Paris-based composer/arranger Janko Nilovic, with the amazing "Sacha Pacha". A vibrant and theatrical masterpiece with multiple layer orchestration and one of the nastiest bass lines I've ever heard.

In the same cinematic vibe, the next track "Ophis le Serpentaire" by Vincent Gemignani is filled with abstract hip-hop beats and eerie choir arrangements - music that will make your mind travel.

Then comes Serge Gainsbourg, with arrangements by Michel Colombier, on the "Breakdown Suite" a dark and worrying funk piece, from the Sound Track for the film "Si j'étais un espion" directed by Bertrand Blier in 1967.

Piero Piccioni's "L'Italia Vista dal Cielo" is another funk track for a movie score, less dark than the previous one, with a loungy-easy listening feel. Then come a couple of French libray tracks, all with very distinguishable psych-pop string and percussion arrangements.

Another highlight in this selection is the track "Cha Tatch Ka" by Bernard Estardy. A musical experiment that falls in no category whatsoever. Hypnotizing drum and guitar loops, psychadelic synth licks and what seems to be a 1 year old baby beatboxing over all this madness. Believe it or not, this was recorded in 1967 - far ahead of its time.

Bruno Spoerri was a swiss composer in the 70s, who recorded music to promote various industrial products. "Les Electroniciens" for instance, is a PR disc for a company that sold fork lift trucks - an astonishing slab of funk concrete with fast looping bass and heavy drumming. You can even hear the fork lift truck in full operation!

"Tema de Soninha" by IRP-3, was a soundtrack for an obscure Brazilian movie "Soninha Toda Pura" (Soninha all pure). The movie was quite controversial because of it's lesbian theme and sexual content, and the music arranged by Erlon Chaves was released in very small quantities on a 7" single. Performed by the obscure IRP-3, this is a pure gem with a high speed organ solo and a swelling break beat throughout the song.

These two songs as well as "Ophis le Serpentaire" were recently compiled and reissued by the excellent Jazzman Records, a UK based label specialized in uncovering and re-releasing rare quality funk music.

The other tracks selected are all just as good, if not even better. Harlem Pop Trotters, Jacky Giordano "Pop in... Devil's Train", Ivan Jullien, Ben & the Platano Group "Paris Soul", Vincent Gemignani "Modern Pop Percussion" are some of the most desirable and sought after French funk records ever recorded.

The album "Hörselmat" by Svenska Löd Ab!, was recorded in Sweden in 1971. Only 200 copies were pressed which makes this another collector's most wanted, full of improvisational jazz riffs and skilled musicianship. The man at the guitar is no other than Janne Schaffer, who later becam the studio guitarist for the band Abba.

Tracklist is:

01. Janko Nilovic - Sacha Pacha, (Pop Impressions - 1970)
02. Vincent Gemignani - Ophis Le Serpentaire, (Modern Pop Percussion - 1970)
03. Serge Gainsbourg - Breakdown Suite, (Si j'étais un espion - 1967)
04. Piero Piccioni - L'Italia vista dal cielo, 1968
05. Raymond Guiot - Bass Dancing, (Basse Contre Basse - 1972)
06. Guy Boyer - Bongos & Sound, (Vibra Conception - 1966)
07. Hervé Roy - Pop Vibes, (French Pop - 1970)
08. Disco 12 - Pink Champagne, (The Disco Tramps - 1975)
09. Stefano Torossi - Sixth Dimension, 197?
10. Steve Gray - Winning Is Easy, 1973
11. Harlem Pop Trotters - Mocassin, (S/T - 1975)
12. Jacky Giordano - Don't be Cool, (Pop in... Devil's Train - 1974)
13. Bernard Estardy - Cha Tatch Ka, (La Formule du Baron - 1967)
14. Michel Colombier & Ivan Jullien - Talk, (Pour Danseurs Seulement - 1968)
15. Svenska Löd Ab! - Den Dan Vi Sket I Hugo, (Hörselmat - 1971)
16. Ben & the Platano Group - Arte Pino Pasta, (Paris Soul - 1971)
17. Bruno Spoerri - Les Electroniciens, 1973
18. Vincent Gemignani - Liberalia, (Pop Impressions - 1970)
19. IRP-3 - Tema de Soninha, (Soninha Toda Pura, 1971)
20. Vladimir Cosma - Ultra Pop-Op, (Ultra Pop.Op, 1970)

Get it here!

Jazz Funk Delight

This one is for all the jazz funk lovers out there. For those of you who are mad for the frantic drum beats, funky bass, warm Fender Rhodes keys, flutes all over the place and sax and trumpets galore. This selection of rare tracks, known mostly to the record collecting community - stuff you'll probably never hear on the radio - is made up of the work of some of the most brilliant instrument players, composers and producers ever to grace the world with their music. A lot of these have been sampled by house and hip-hop producers, but deserve to be featured in you music library as stand alone tracks.

Many of these musicians are tied together in some way: Eddie Russ formed a band called Mixed Bag, with whom he recorded his first album "Fresh Out"; a jazz funk gem from 1974 which gave us the first track of this selection "The Lope Song". Larry Nozero, flutist and sax player was part of the Mixed Bag, and plays the flute on "The Lope Song". His following track "Tune for L.N." is a hypnotic trip, filled with wah guitar, mystical flute phrases and lifting choirs.

Then comes the wonderful "Windy C" by 100% Pure Poison, and its very distinctive drums/bass/guitar/rhodes intro, sampled by everyone, from Pete Rock to Saint Germain, to Nas... The whole song is an amazing pre-disco piece of soulful jazz from 1974, recorded for EMI in... Chicago? Detroit? No, in Germany by American servicemen on the leave.

Then come the Europeans: Vincent Gemignani and his sculptural jazz funk, from the utra rare album "Modern Pop Percussion" originally composed as a "pop" version of Shakespeare's Midsummer night dream, featuring the finest French session jazz players. Marc Moulin and his band Placebo come next with the track "Aria" from the 1971 album "Ball of Eyes". No need for any further introduction, it's at least the 4th time I put up a Placebo song on this blog.

"Party Time", from Roy Porter's album "Jessica" is another amazing jazz funk gig, and another song from this album already made it on this blog too :) Then Ray Bryant, and the banging piano and drums on "Up above the Rock" will have your heads nodding for more. More is coming of course, with 2 HUGE tracks: Frank Strazzerri "Cloudburst" and Kenny Barron "Spirits". Straight up Jazz Funk madness with all the Rhodes solos you can dream of.

One of my favorite pieces from one of my favorite producers David "the Axe" Axelrod follows: "Mucho Chupar", and Martial Solal "Un Drôle d'Escalier Roulant" (A Funny Elevator). Then some great tracks from Seatrain, Mixed Bag (again!), Jeremy Steig, a couple of tracks featured on the excellent "Dusty Fingers" series ("On the Hill" by Oliver Sain, and Sammy Nestico's "Shoreline Drive" - sampled by Krs1 on "Mc's Act Like You Know").

The last track is from one of my very favorite studio jazz producers: Janko Nilovic, which I've featured numerous times on this blog. "Xenos Cosmos" from the album "Rythmes Contemporains" is a baroque suite of jazz moves, with an amazing orchestration, mind-shifting choirs, and a cinematic dimension that will blow your mind away to finish off this musical voyage.

Track list is:
01. Eddie Russ - The Lope Song, 1974
02. Larry Nozero - Tune For L.N., 1974
03. 100% Pure Poison - Windy C, 1974
04. Vincent Gemignani - Insidieusement les Elfes, 1970
05. Placebo - Aria, 1971
06. Roy Porter - Party Time, 1974
07. Ray Bryant - Up Above the Rock, 1968
08. Kenny Barron - Spirits, 1975
09. Frank Strazzerri - Cloudburst, 1976
10. David Axelrod - Mucho Chupar, 1974
11. Martial Solal - Un Drôle d'Escalier Roulant, 1974
12. Seatrain - Flute Thing, 1973
13. Johnny Hawksworth - Jazz Rule, 1970's
14. The Mixed Bag - Shark, 1975
15. Jeremy Steig - Goose Bumps, 1975
16. Sammy Nestico - Shoreline Drive, 1982
17. Oliver Sain - On the Hill, 1972
18. Janko Nilovic - Xenos Cosmos, 1974

Get you groove on right here

More Rare Funk...

Here is another selection of super rare grooves from my personal collection :) Many of these should have been posted earlier, as there are really some excellent tracks in here.

Rare sound illustrations unearthed from the glorious days of Library music, rare soundtracks from 1960-70s European films, rare American funk grooves, all tied together by the ever present thumping bass, breaking drums, scatting flute and horny horns.

Many artists here have already been featured on this blog: Janko Nilovic, Bernard Estardy, Ivan Jullien...

Stefano Torossi and Roger Roger, already featured in the previous selection open up on this one, and are followed by Barry Forgie's "Mindbender". This track is a classical suite, recorded in one 3-hour session. Beautiful string arrangements, electric harpsichords, bongos and other rare instruments come together to form a true baroque/psych/funk masterpiece. Released on a Library Record, it is now one of the most sought after Library LP's in the world (find it for less than $500 and I'll buy it!)

Then comes a track from Jean Claude Vannier's conceptual masterpiece "L'enfant Assassin des Mouches" from 1972. This is an album way ahead of it's time, by the arranger of Gainsbourg's "Melody Nelson". This track mixes classical tones, European mod funk and oriental modalities. An incredibly rich production for a beautifully lush result. An album that MUST be discovered at all costs.

Some serious funky flute moves follow, with Raymond Guiot's "Primitive Spirit" and Jeremy Steig's "Howlin' for Judy". If you've ever listened to the Beastie Boys, you'll know exactly where I'm coming from.

David Snell was also featured in the previous post, and returns with a very etheral and mellow track. A slow-jammer filled with harp melody and a very groovy bass. The track that follows is a mind blowing psychadelic gem from Georges Garvarentz, famous for being Charles Aznavour's arranger and for composing over 150 film scores.

Others include Plimsoll Sandwich from England, the great Italian sountrack composer Piero Umiliani. The track "Topless Party" was part of a score for a soft-core Swedish Porn film "Svezia, Inferno e Paradiso". This 1968 Soundtrack has become legendary for the song "Mah Na Mah Na" covered by..... THE MUPPETS.

Bop Jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie is featured with a massive funk tune "Matrix" and is followed by "Brother" McDuff with his "Moon Rappin'". Then come Jimmy Sabater from Puerto Rico, Brazilian-born Jazz Funk artist Jayme Marques, Missus Beastly from Germany, Tihomir Asanovic ("the most funky ex-Yugoslavian keyboard player in the world") and Embryo from Switzerland. Great Funkiness From Around the World!

Tracklist is:

01. Stefano Torossi - Having Fun, 1975
02. Roger Roger - Safari Park, 1972
03. Barry Forgie - Mindbender, 1972
04. J.C. Vannier - Danse des Mouches Noires Gardes du Roi, 1971
05. Raymond Guiot - Primitive Spirit, 1971
06. Jeremy Steig - Howlin' for Judy, 1970
07. David Snell - Crab Apple Jam, 1975
08. Georges Garvarentz - Haschisch Party, 1971
09. Plimsoll Sandwich - Memphis Underground, 1975
10. Piero Umiliani - Topless Party, 1968
11. Janko Nilovic - Gipsy Funk, 1970
12. Dizzy Gillespie - Matrix, 1970
13. 'Brother' Jack McDuff - Moon Rappin', 1970
14. Ivan Jullien - An Oscar for Eddy, 1970
15. Jimmy Sabater - Kool it (Here comes the Fuzz), 1970
16. Bernard Estardy - La Gigouille, 1967
17. Jayme Marques - Negra Orquidea, 1970's
18. Missus Beastly - Space Guerilla, 1976
19. Tihomir Asanovic - Berlin, 1976
20. Embryo - Knast Funk, 1977

Get it here

Library Funk

Here is some music I've been wanting to post for a long time! Music that was recorded back in the days by super talented musicians, most of them completely unheard of at the time, music never made commercially available to the public! This music called "production music" or "library music", was produced by production companies who owned 100% of the licensing rights to these tracks - allowing them to license the music for usage in Film, TV, Radio, commercials, etc. The musicians were paid for their studio time, and the licensing companies then owned the music and all the rights to it. The largest production music libraries owned hundreds of thousands of tracks that were classified by genre, and licensed as "musical illustrations" for other media productions. The customers browse through music catalog until they find something thet fits their need (western, jungle, car chase... you name it!)

Many artists, arrangers, studio engineers, talented sidemen and band leaders worked for these libraries at the time to make a living. The production of library music was especially fertile between the end of the 60s and 1976-77, until the advent of the Disco Era, when musicians became aware that they could become commercially successful with a single hit - and commercial music as we know it now was born...

This selection comprises ONLY European artists, all of which recorded for French, English and Italian libraries, the countries which produced and licensed most of the production music at the time. De Wolfe (England), Telemusic (France) were two of the largest and most prolific libraries, and the list would be too long to name them all.

In this selection, you will here some very rare, groovy, mind-expanding funk, that would probably been long forgotten about, had it not been for the record collecting community - and I think we should be thankful!


Janko Nilovic, is once again featured - so is Jean Claude Pierric, who was one of the driving forces in French Funk in the 70's producing library records and albums that have become classics, and are sought after all over the world. He is behind: "Les Wanted", Godchild, JM Lorgere, Harlem Pop Trotters, and many more. The man is a greatly under-appreciated genius, and is still around - ripping his own productions and posting them to his blog!

Other French Maestros include Guy Pedersen, Nino Nardini & Roger Roger, Bernad Lubat, Claude Bolling (Full Speed is actually a film soundtrack, but it's one that will drive you insane) & Ivan Jullien.

Then come the Italians! Stefano Torossi, Remigio Ducros, Puccio Roelens. Funky Italian wah-wah madness... & please check out the Fender Rhodes solo in "Running Fast".

All the other artists recorded in the U.K.: Reg Wale, Roger Webb, David Snell, Pete Moore, Piet Van Meren, Alan Hawkshaw and Brian Bennett.

Big Bass, funky flute work, killer Rhodes solos, sensational Moog experimentations, jazzy horns and up-tempo drum-breaks all over the place. You don't have to thank me...
Although you can if you want :)

Tracklist is:

01. Janko Nilovic - Scratching Machine, 1970
02. Reg Wale - Bright Spark, 1970s
03. Bernad Lubat - Bahia Bossa Nova, 1970s
04. David Snell - International Flight, 1960s
05. Les Wanted - O Sabia, 1977
06. Nino Nardini & Roger Roger - Shere Khan, 1971
07. Stefano Torossi - Running Fast, 1976
08. Roland Vincent - L.S.D. Party, 1970
09. Pete Moore - Shady Blues, 1974
10. Big Jullien & his All-Star - Crescendo, 1970
11. J.M. Lorgère - Wrong, 1970s
12. Guy Pedersen - Les Copains de la Basse, 1970
13. Claude Bolling - Full Speed, 1970
14. D. Janin & J.C. Pierric - Move Man, 1970s
15. Godchild - Chut bebe dort, 1975
16. Roger Webb - Grey Sigh, 1971
17. Piet Van Meren - Soul Punch, 1973
18. Puccio Roelens - Northern Light, 1977
19. Remigio Ducros - Discoteca, 1970
20. Alan Hawkshaw & Brian Bennett - Oddball, 1974


Get this here, and believe me, you won't ever look at a 70s Italian TV show the same way.

Sambossa Jazz

I had such a great time putting the previous Jazz selection together, that I thought it would be a good idea to go through all the great collection of Brazilian music I have, and write a post about Jazz from Brazil. Sambossa is a contraction between Samba and Bossa, and reflects the flavor of Brazilian Jazz really well.

In deed, if Brazil is famous for being the birthplace of Bossa Nova, and the the homeland of Samba music - the history of Jazz in Brazil is also very rich. This selection features some of the great names in the genre, and will certainly surprise you if you are not yet familiar with them.

The list starts out with Rubens Bassini, a bongo player who recorded many albums as a sideman for João Gilberto, Sergio Mendes, Dom Salvador and only 2 under his name. Bongos don't have a very large place in Bossa Nova, Samba and MPB as bongos are more associated with Afro-cuban music. Rubens is the face of Bongo music in Brazil - and what a face!

Next are 2 songs by jazz pianist João Donato, from his 1962 album "Muito a Vontade". Donato went on to become one of the most prolific piano arrangers in Brazil, working with artist like Tom Jobim, Deodato, Sergio Mendes, Astrud Gilberto, and many others.
This album was his first on the piano and was recorded in just 2 days and most of the songs were composed on the studio.

The following title is by "Corisco e os sambaloucos" and is filled with percussions, a mellow samba groove and amazing vibraphone and trumpet solos that last for more than half of the song!

J.T. Meirelles, the father of Samba Jazz, arranger of the first Jorge Ben albums, talented saxophonist and flautist, leader of the legendary "Copa 5", passed away only a few days ago on June 4th. These two songs are from his 1964 album "O Som", and this post is of course dedicated to his memory.

The two following songs are form Milton Banana Trio. Milton Banana was a seminal Bossa Nova drummer, and worked in the studio with all the greatest names: João Gilberto, Jobim, Stan Getz, Johnny Alf, Roberto Menescal, etc... He recorded the two most historic Bossa Nova albums (Chega de Saudade by J. Gilberto, and Getz/Gilberto), and can be credited with inventing the Bossa Nova drumming style.

Waltel Branco's 1966 album "Mancini Tambem è Samba" is made of Henry Mancini covers, including the title "Meglio stasera", from the Pink Panther Soundtrack.

Then comes Sambalanço Trio. A jazz trio with a very pure yet personal style, composed of César Camargo Mariano (piano), Humberto Clayber (bass) and Airto Moreira (drums). Mariano later became one of the biggest arrangers in Brazil, and Moreira after moving to the US, became one of the most famous jazz drummers in the world and has worked with Mlies Davis, Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter, Jack DeJohnette, John McLaughlin, Keith Jarrett, Al Di Meola, George Duke, the Greatful Dead, and Chick Corea (just to name a few).

Dom Salvador also is one of the biggest names in Brazilian music. Talented pianist, precursor in Samba Jazz, and Brazilian Funk, featured more than once already on this very blog, and currently living in New York City, where he still performs weekly.

The last few songs in this selection are far from being less good than the previous. Roberto Menescal is another founder of the Bossa Nova movement and a very talented guitarist. The two next outfits "Le Trio Camara" and "Mandrake Som" both recorded outside of Brazil. Le Trio Camara were a relatively unknown French trio, and they must have been listening to a lot of Brazilian music, which was very much in vogue in 1968, when they released their self-titled album. Inspired by the likes of João Gilberto, João Donato, Milton Banana, and Baden Powell, their bossa infused jazz is very lively, groovy and danceable. So good I put 3 songs from their album!!

So, if this selection of brazilian jazz rarities does not have you jumping on the table by now, no doubt you will be when you hear Mandrake Som. An obsucre Bossa-Jazz group that recorded this amazing album in Italy in 1975. The track "Reza" has a 2:30 mn percussion intro, and like I said, this will have you literally jumping on the table.

Closing track is Ed Lincoln's cover of "A Sack o' Woe" (Saca-Uo) from Cannonball Adderley's album "Mercy Mercy Mercy". Groovy organ action, Brazil style.

Tracklist is:

01. Rubens Bassini - Mirage, 1961
02. João Donato e Seu Trio - Naquela Base, 1962
03. João Donato e Seu Trio - Vamos Nessa, 1962
04. Corisco e os Sambaloucos - Volta por Cima, 1963
05. Meirelles e os Copa 5 - Quintessência, 1964
06. Meirelles e os Copa 5 - Solo, 1964
07. Milton Banana Trio - Minha Saudade, 1965
08. Milton Banana Trio - Garota de Ipanema, 1965
09. Sambalanço Trio - Tensao, 1965
10. Sambalanço Trio - Improviso Negro, 1966
11. Waltel Branco - Meglio stasera, 1966
12. Dom Salvador Trio - Freds Ahead, 1966
14. Roberto Menescal - Five Four, 1969
15. Le Trio Camara - Muito A Vontade, 1968
16. Le Trio Camara - Bia, 1968
17. Le Trio Camara - Noa Noa, 1968
18. Mandrake Som - Reza, 1975
19. Mandrake Som - Deixa Isso Pra La, 1975
20. Ed Lincoln - Sack O' Woe (Saca-Uo), 1968

Clique aqui pra baixar essa pérola, e disfruta sem parar ;)

Deep Jazz, hard and dark

Here it is, finally - my first attempt at compiling some of my favorite jazz pieces in a way that is both pleasant and coherent.

It starts with rather darker compositions, heavy on the baritone sax and low chords with some fine work from Charlie Mingus, Sahib Shihab, Roy Porter and Yusef Lateef, then lightens up a bit to some classic themes all executed in alternate versions, the moods speeds up a little bit with some great Bebop and finishes with some more soulful, mellow jazz.

The opening track is from the soundtrack of "A bout de Souffle" (Breathless), from French-Algerian pianist Martial Solal. Not only is Godard's movie one of my all time favorite, the score written for it fits the film so well, it almost tells the story...

Then the song "Moanin'", a frenzied tune by Charles Mingus and his big band, dark as the night and curiously so uplifting... It's followed by two Sahib Shihab tracks from the album Companionship. Shihab was an American saxophonist (baritone, alto and soprano) and flautist, who converted to Islam and then moved to Europe in the late 50s, tired with the racial tensions in the US. He lived in Danemark and recorded some of the best European modal jazz albums ever released. On these two dark, frantic and percussive tracks, he teams up with Francy Boland, Kenny Clarke, Jimmy Woode just to name a few... A desert Island record for any serious jazz lover.

Steve Reid comes next, with "Free Spirits" from his 1976 album Nova. This is spiritual jazz, much less conventional in form and structure, and it can take a few listens to fully appreciate. His music is dark and introvert, and the man has an atypical and fascinating story: He played in Sun Ra’s Arkestra, was a Motown session drummer and backed James Brown at the Apollo! He was imprisoned during the Vietnam war as a conscientious objector and lived in Africa in the early 1970s.

Roy Porter's "Jessica" is a great instrumental theme by this talented L.A. drummer, still very dark, but funky and mellow at the same time. Incredibly rare recording from 1984, and worth every penny of it if you manage to find a copy.

Then comes a mix of more standard jazz pieces, such as Charlie Parker's rendition of "A night in Tunisia", written by Dizzie Gillespie (with Miles Davis on trumpet and Roy Porter on Drums). This one piece is considered by many a defining moment in Jazz, and a turning point leading to the Bebop revolution...

It is followed by some more Big-Band work by Clarke & Boland (Speedy Reeds), the beautiful "Snafu" from Yusef Lateef's masterpiece album "Eastern Sounds", and an amazing rendition of Duke Ellington's standard "Caravan" by Thelonious Monk.

More Classic themes follow, "Poiniciana" by Ahmad Jamal, "Nica's Dream" by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers (including pianist Horace Silver, who composed this gem), and "Giant Steps" by Coltrane. "Nica's Dream" is one of many Jazz standards dedicated to the baroness Pannonica "Nica" de Koenigswarter, who was a great jazz enthusiast and member of the prominent Rothschild family. Nica was a friend and patron of many of Jazz's greatest... Charlie Parker lived and died in her New York City Suite, and Thelonious Monk in her house in New Jersey.

Hank Mobley, Cannonball Adderley and Ramsey Lewis follow, and the list ends with two beautiful, soulful tracks: the short but mystic "Django" by Cal Tjader, and the melancholic "Life has it Trials", by harpist Dorothy Ashby, unfortunately the only woman to be featured in this selection.

Tracklist is:

01. Martial Solal - Duo (A Bout De Souffle), 1960
02. Charles Mingus - Moanin', 1959
03. Sahib Shihab - Om Mani Padme Um, 1960's
04. Sahib Shihab - Bohemia After Dark, 1960's
05. Steve Reid - Free Spirits, 1976
06. Roy Porter - Jessica (Instrumental), 1984
07. Charlie Parker - A night in Tunisia, 1946
08. Clarke-Boland Big Band - Speedy Reeds, 1963
09. Yusef Lateef - Snafu, 1961
10. Thelonious Monk - Caravan, 1955
11. Ahmad Jamal - Poinciana, 1958
12. Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers - Nica's Dream, 1956
13. John Coltrane - Giant Steps, 1959
14. Hank Mobley - Gayle's Groove, 1970
15. Cannonball Adderley - Hippodelphia, 1966
16. Ramsey Lewis Trio - Look-a-here, 1963
17. Cal Tjader - Django, 1967
18. Dorothy Ashby - Life has its trials, 1968

Download here and enjoy :)

Jazz Funk Break Beats

Finally some more good music on Food4Funk!! I'm back this time with a selection of soulful Jazz and Funk tunes, all rare and extremely groovy with tons of FAT drum breaks, rolling bass lines and crazy Fender Rhodes keyboards solos... The kind of music you unfortunately don't hear on the radio, or when you go out... but that will -- with no doubt -- make you want to turn the sound up, and nod your head to the beat. The kind of music you will -- for sure -- hear if you walk into my apartment :)

Great Jazz Funk, from Cortex and Placebo, which I have already featured on this blog, and who define the European Jazz fusion sound from my standpoint. More Europeans too, with the super talented Janko Nilovic, a film and library music producer from Montenegro, who lived in Paris and produced over 30 albums in the 70s. Also from France: Bernard Estardy, legendary organ player and sound engineer, with a real chaser here called Road Number 9... Francis Lai, the Oscar winning soundtrack producer for "Love Story" and "Un homme et une femme" (A Man and A Woman), with his ultra funky title "Rapt" from the film "L'aventure c'est l'aventure". And finally Airto Fogo, which I hardly know anything about, except that they were recorded in France, and released only there and in Canada. Heavy heavy bass and choppy wah-wah guitars... Starsky & Hutch Style.

There are also a few amazingly good pieces from German musicians... such as Jazz Rock genius bass player Peter Trunk, with the Beautiful: "Fresh air, where?" - Classic Funk track "Executive Party" from the movie "Rollerball" by German-born André Prévin (who has won 4 Oscars for best Musical Score); and the amazing Theme song from the late seventies German TV show "Timm Tahler", one of the finest pieces of cosmic synth music you will probably ever listen to...

Music from other parts of the world as well, as the track "River of Fire", by Melodiya Ensemble from 1974, which is said to be the very first jazz-rock effort in the USSR. The result is simply stunning. Also Rogier Van Otterloo, an orchestral arranger from Holland once called the Dutch Quincy Jones...

You'll aslo find some great American artists that I invite you to discover: The very unique Moondog, and his Lament for Charlie "Bird" Parker, which you've probably already heard as a very notorious sample, Mike Longo (more Starsky & Hutch style action), Ramsey Lewis, Oliver Sain, Jack McDuff, David Matthews and Ike Turner (with the super funky "Thinking Black").


Track list is:

01. Moondog - Lament 1 (Bird's Lament), 1969
02. Ike Turner - Thinking Black, 1969
03. Airto Fogo - Right On Bird, 1976
04. Cortex - La rue, 1974
05. Placebo - Humpty Dumpty, 1971
06. Ramsey Lewis - Tambura, 1974
07. Peter Trunk - Fresh Air, Where?, 1973
08. Melodyia Ensemble - River of Fire, 1974
09. Janko Nilovic - Cross Rolls, 1970's
10. Andre Previn - Executive Party (Rollerball), 1975
11. Jack McDuff - Electric Surf Board, 1976
12. David Mathews - Dune, Part II (Sandworms), 1977
13. Rogier van Otterloo - My Dearest Fluffie, 1976
14. Mike Longo - Like a Thief in the Night, 1974
15. Oliver Sain - London Express, 1975
16. Francis Lai - Rapt (L'aventure c'est l'aventure), 1972
17. Christian Bruhn - Wetten, dass.. (Timm Tahler), 1979
18. Bernard Estardy - Road Number 9, 1970's


Download, relax, play loud and funkify your soul....

Afro Funk & Bongo Groove

In case you hadn't noticed yet, the 70s are my favorite years musically. At that time, North American Funk bands were ubiquitous, and the sound made by the likes of James Brown, Sly & the Family Stone, and George Clinton's Parliament & Funkadelic was widely available, all over the world. Funk was created by Jazz musicians eager to explore new dimensions in music, who decided that rhythm had to be put forward in order to drive the music; but the rhythm itself had come a long way. The soulful groove found in all jazz, blues, gospel from which the Funk originated comes from the heart of Africa, and from its traditional percussions & ancient rhythms.

When North-American musicians of African descent started looking into contemporary African music in the late sixties and early seventies - they discovered that the legacy had gone a full circle, with African musicians being directly inspired by the music they were making at the time. Hugh Masekela, Manu Dibango and of course Fela Kuti are good examples of musicians from who first started to embrace the rhythmic structures of jazz and Funk, blending them with the traditional rhythms of African culture. In 1972, when North America discovered Manu Dibango's album "Soul Makossa", the term "world music" was born, and Afro Funk was at its best.

The following selection of music gathers artists from several continents, all connected together through their African roots and their use of the traditional rhythms. Many of these bands were not based in Africa, but in Europe, North and South America, and many of them, composed by immigrants, who would join forces to play funk music, so popular at the time.

Cymande and Demon Fuzz, both signed in the early 70's on the Janus Label, which were seminal bands in the Afro-psychedelic scene, were both based in London, and regrouped musicians from African, Caribbean and European descent. More than just funk, these bands blended psychedelic soul, heavy-dub, progressive rock, Afro-jazz and black acid rock in a way no other band ever achieved. They met quite modest success in their day, but have now become staples of the genre and highly influent on today's music.

Ben & the Platano Group was a legendary funk ensemble based in Paris, who used to be the orchestra for the famous Cabaret called "Le Lido". They recorded one single album in 1970 before the band leader was interned in a psychiatric hospital. Their afro-cuban percussion driven album "Paris Soul" became legendary, and if you're lucky enough to own one of the 300 original copies that came out on the Barclay label, and would accept to send it to me... I would be for ever thankful :)

Lafayette Afro Rock Band, who later changed their name to Ice, were an American funk band from Long Island who re-located to Paris, France; where they recorded some legendary Afro-Funk albums. At one time, they even were the backing band for French popstar Nino Ferrer.

Oneness of Juju who are still active today, were formed in the culturally and spiritually aware African-American community of Washington DC. The two songs in this compilation come from their first album "African Rhythms", a mix of percussion, vocal jazz and Afro Funk, lead by the Sax-player Plunky Nakabinde.

Hot stuff Band is a Brazilian super-band, made up of Azimuth augmented by drummer Wilson das Neves. Others in this selection include Dutch musician Tony Sherman, who's parents immigrated to Europe from the West Indies; Afro-latin funk percussionist Candido, "The man with a thousand fingers" (in the picture above); Marius Cultier from the French West Indies, and others you will just have to discover for yourself...

Tracks include:
01. Manu Dibango - Aphrodite Shake, 1972
02. Macumba - Sultana, 1971
03. Cymande - The Message, 1973
04. Tony Sherman - The Swinger, 1974
05. Hugh Masekela The Boy's Doin' It, 1975
06. Dick Khoza - African Jive, 1976
07. Marius Cultier - Ouelele, 1975
08. Ice - Racubah, 1978
09. Matata - Wanna Do My Thing, 1972
10. Oneness of Juju - African Rhythms [45 version], 1975
11. Manu Dibango - African Battle, 1972
12. The Beginning of the End - Funky Nassau (Part II), 1971
13. Ben & the Platano Group - Platano Split, 1970
14. Demon Fuzz - Mercy (variation N.1), 1972
15. Candido - I Shouldn't Believe, 1970
16. Oneness of Juju - Poo Too, 1975
17. Hot Stuff Band - Juju Man, 1976
18. Ashantis - Safari, 1977
19. Mombasa - African Hustle, 1976
20. Lafayette Afro Rock Band - Hihache, 1974


This is not just funk, it's not afro-beat, it's Afro Funk baby.

Download >>here

Saudades do Brasil

"Saudade" is a Portuguese word that has no direct translation in English or in French- although it is sometimes translated in French as "vague à l'âme" (wave to the soul?).

It refers to the longing for the return of something that was once loved, but is now gone, or far. It blends feelings of melancholy and nostalgia- and can provoke a rush of sudden sadness combined with paradoxical joy that arises from accepting that the saddening fate could soon be replaced by a new fulfillment.

Quite an interesting concept, really -- especially in music. The term has been very much associated with Bossa Nova, and was part of the the title of the seminal Bossa Nova album, "Chega de Saudade" (1959) written by Tom Jobim and interpreted by João Gilberto. The first track of this selection is taken from this album.

The lingering "saudade" feeling can be felt in many other styles of music, as it is a true part of the Brasilian people's identity. This selection of tracks is a very eclectic mix of songs of different styles, that in some way or another make my mind linger, and rock my soul in both a melancholic and joyfull way. Some of course sound more sad than cheerful, or the opposite- as I said it was a very personal appreciation. This compilation fuses Bossa Nova with MPB, Samba, Soul, Funk and even disco music. Nothing huge for the dancefloor, but great music to make you mind travel a little.

Most of the artists that are compiled here are very popular mainstream artists in Brazil, but I've tried to include some of their lesser known songs. Some, as Bossa Nova godfather Joao Gilberto, poet Vinicius de Moraes, and Chico Buarque could not be ignored in this collection. Others include Wilson Simonal, Jorge Ben, Bebeto (bass player from Tamba trio), Soul Brother number 1 in Brasil Tim Maia, Marcos Valle, Samba Legend Martinho da Vila, Tropicalists Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso & Gal Costa, etc...

Tracklist is:

01. João Gilberto - Saudade fez um samba, 1959
02. Gilberto Gil - Queremos Guerra, 1969
03. Chico Buarque - Cotidiano, 1971
04. Vinicius de Moras e Trio Mocoto - Como Dizia O Poeta, 1971
05. Jorge Ben - Negro É lindo, 1971
06. Dom Salvador e Abolicão - Hey Voce, 1971
07. Bebeto - Batuque, 1975
08. João Donato - A Ra (the frog), 1973
09. Gal Costa - Desafinado, 1973
10. Wilson Simonal - Nem Vem Que Nao Tem, 1967
11. Caetano Veloso - Irene, 1969
12. Vinicius de Moraes - Tomara, 1971
13. Marcos Valle - Garra, 1970
14. Jorge Ben - Que Nega e Essa, 1972
15. Tim Maia - Réu Confesso, 1973
16. Trio Mocoto - Maior É Deus, 1973
17. Martinho da Vila - Disritmia, 1974
19. Cravo e Canela - Preco De Cada Um, 1977
19. Orlandivo - Bolinha de Sabão, 1977
20. Alaide Costa - Catavento, 1976

Download >>here

O som do Samba Rock

Today's post will be another selection of Brazilian music, and will bring to you the best of the influential style called Samba Rock.

It was Jorge Ben who first started blending the sounds of Samba, Soul and Funk in the late sixties. Soon to be imitated by many other artists from Brazil and around the world. Most famously, Trio Mocoto, who were his backing band between 1969 and 1971 and recorded 3 of his best albums with him (Jorge Ben 1969, Forca Bruta & Negro e Lindo).

In this selection you will here other famous Brazilian acts from the same period: Antonio Carlo e Jocafi, Bebeto, Abilio Manuel, and Mutreteiros Grilados. Even French pop Singer France Gall (Hé ouais! France Gall) recorded a samba flavoured track in 1970 with Cesar Camargo Mariano, one of the most renowned instrumental artists to come out of Brazil. Others artists featured on this one include Samba legend Jaïr Rodrigues, samba ensembles "Os Originais do Samba", "Samba 6", "Orquestra e Côro", and samba rock songs from famous Tropicalia artists Novos Baianos and Maria Bethania.

Some Brazilian rock bands, that made it big in the 60's with during Jovem Guarda movement by performing "Twist" also gave a shot at Samba Rock. The Golden Boys and Os Incriveis are good examples.

All these songs share a typical Samba feel, given by the traditional instruments used in Samba: Violao (guitar), Cuica, Tamborim & Ganza. Most of these are incredible party songs, that will fill a dancefloor anytime - trust me.

Track list is:
01. Os Incriveis - Venderdor de Bananas, 1969
02. Golden Boys - Se voce quiser mas sem bronquear, 1970
03. France Gall & Cesar Mariano - Zozoi, 1970
04. Jorge Ben - O Telefone Tocou Novamente, 1970
05. Abilio Manuel - Luiza Manequim, 1971
06. Maria Bethania e Jorge Ben - Mano Caetano, 1971
07. Antonio Carlos e Jocafi - Morte do Amor, 1971
08. Trio Mocoto - Coqueiro Verde, 1971
09. Os Originais Do Samba - Tenha Fé Pois Amanha Um Lindo Dia Vai Nascer, 1971
10. Samba 6 - Boca fechada não entra mosca, 1972
11. Novos Baianos - Brasil pandeiro, 1972
12. Orquestra e Côro - Kriola, 1973
13. Trio Mocoto - Vem Cá, 1973
14. Mutreteiros Grilados - Vamos Sacudir, 1974
15. Brasilian Singers - Dingui Li Bangue, 1974
16. Grupo Arembepe - Iaia, 1974
17. Bebeto - Pensar pra que, 1975
18. Brasilian Singers - Camisa 10, 1974
19. Jaïr Rodrigues - Alegria de Vocês, 1975
20. Mutreteiros Grilados - Depois de 2001, 1976


Download >>here

Soul Funk Sample Heaven

Here is a welcome welcome gift to the world of Rare Grooves.
These songs have all been picked from albums that every record collector is searching for. Favorites for samplers and hip-hop producers, these tracks have all been sampled numerous times. I'm sure you'll recognize many of these if you have ever listened to an album from Public Enemy, De La Soul, The Beastie Boys or a Tribe Called Quest.

For instance, you'll instantly recognize the Honeydrippers' "Impeach the president", sampled by the entire world (Run DMC, Gang Starr, Ice Cube, EPMD, NWA, the Wu-tang, Shaggy, just to name a few).

Some of these Soul & Funk gems came out to meet little commercial success in their time, and have since been rediscovered and awarded the praise they deserve.

A few examples:

Eugene McDaniel's album "Headless heroes of the Apocalypse" was released in 1971, but because of its angry socially criticism, Atlantic records were asked by Nixon's vice president to stop marketing the album! Still, it was re-discovered by later generations, and The Beastie Boys' "Paul Boutique" and Tribe's "The Low End Theory" albums heavily sample this record.

Syl Johnson used to record for HI Records in Memphis, which was also Al Green's label. He spent most of his career in Al Green's shadow, both commercially and artistically, and had to wait until the early 90's sample craze to be regarded as a classic Soul Front Man. "Different Strokes" is an intense display of Soul - one wonders how it could have been forgotten for almost 20 years until De La Soul sampled it in the song "Magic Number".

Billy Brooks, when he recorded "Windows of the Mind" in 1974, was a obscure session trumpet player from LA, who would record in studio for Ray Charles' band. This album, and the track "40 Days" specifically, have since been sampled by Tribe Called Quest, and many others afterwards, becoming one of the most sought after "Private Funk" records.

Magnum, are an early 70's Funk band that only recorded one album "Fully Loaded" in 74, which went completely unnoticed. Mostly because of the amount of Soul & Funk bands at the time, and because the established getting most of the media attention. 25 years later, they finally were re-issued, after samples from the album had been used in hip-hop production, and the original LP now goes for over $500 on e-Bay...

Lafayette Afro Rock Band were a Soul and Funk outfit, from Long Island, NY - who decided to relocate to Paris, France - given the number of funk groups in the US at the time. They first recorded under the name Ice, and drew a great following in the Barbes neighborhood of Paris. They also backed French popular singers such as Nino Ferrer... The opening sax line of their track "Darkest Light", from the 1975 album "Malik", has been sampled by almost everybody, including Public Enemy, Wreckx'n'Effect and Janet Jackson.

The Mighty Ryeders were a mighty Funk band from Miami, active in the late 70s but not very well known anywhere else. The album came out and sold few, but has been cherished by samplers and collectors ever since... The song "Evil vibrations" has been made legendary by De La Soul's sample in "A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays". I've seen this one sell over $1000 on e-Bay, and it's on top of any serious collector's wish list.

24 Carat Black is another example of a recording that completely fell through the cracks. Released in 73 on Stax (also the label of Isaac Hayes & Otis Reading)- the album "Ghetto : Misfortune's Wealth" is a masterpiece. But it only was granted this much respect after the hip-hop community made it theirs through intense sampling.

Some other tracks in this selection are ever rarer, and were never ever released other than on 45rpm singles. Trying to find the tracks from The Chefs, and The fabulous originals is impossible.

The tracklist is:
01. Bob & Earl - Harlem Shuffle, 1963
02. Syl Johnson - Is It Because I'm Black, 1969
03. Al Hirt - Harlem Hendoo, 1967
04.The Chefs - Mr. Machine, 1971
05. Syl Johnson - Different Strokes, 1969
06. Melvin Van Peebles ft. Earth, Wind & Fire - Hoppin' John, 1971
07. Eugene McDaniels - The Lord Is Back, 1971
08. Earth, Wind & Fire - Bad Tune, 1971
09. The Fabulous Originals - It Ain't Fair But It's Fun, 1971
10. Jimmy Castor Bunch - Its Just Begun, 1972
11. Ernie Hines - Our Generation, 1972
12. The Honeydrippers - Impeach the President, 1973
13. 24 Carat Black - Ghetto Misfortune's Wealth, 1973
14. Billy Brooks - Fourty Days, 1974
15. The Heath Brothers - Smiling Billy suite pt 2, 1975
16. Cymande - Brothers on the Slide, 1974
17. Lafayette Afro Rock Band - Darkest Light Band,1975
18. Magnum - Evolution, 1975
19. Travis Biggs - Tibetian Serenity, 1979
20. The Mighty Ryeders - Evil vibrations, 1978


Welcome to the world of rare grooves.

I want to get this compilation of soul & funk gems >>here
No thanks, I'd rather go and buy all the original records because I'm filthy rich >>here

Sounds of the Afro Funky Beat

For the 5th post I bring to you on Food4Funk, I'll be focusing, to the request of my good friend ABDB, and for everybody else's pleasure, on the exciting and energetic sound of Afro Beat.

Of course, Afro Beat was crafted, characterized and immortalized, mostly by the works of one single person - Fela Kuti. The charismatic, multi-instrumentalist and politically involved band leader, created the term itself and used his music as a weapon to trigger massive social changes during the 70's, amidst the fierce political & military dictature the African continent was facing as it struggled to recover from its colonial past.

Blending traditional African music with North-American Jazz, Funk and Big Band, Afro Beat emerged from Lagos in Nigeria in the early 60s, and quickly spread throughout Africa with countries like Ghana, Liberia, Cameroon, Ethiopia and South Africa widely embracing this new current.

In this selection, you will find some of the most defining names in Afrobeat (Fela Kuti, Orlando Julius) and also discover lesser known artists form different regions in Africa. Of course, I couldn't resist throwing in a few afro jazz and hard funk, that only reflect some afrobeat sonorities (Pacific Express, Brigth Engelberts), but I'm sure no one will mind...

The tracklist is:
01. Orlando Julius - Alo mi alo, 1970 - Nigeria
02. Manu Dibango - New Bell, 1972 - Cameroon
03. The Funkees - Dancing Time, Early 70's - Nigeria
04. Sahara All Stars Band - Enjoy Yourself, Nigeria
05. Sweet Talks - Eyi Su Ngaangaa, 1976 - Ghana
06. George Danquah - Just a Moment - ??
07. Wganda Kenya - Shakalaode, ?? - Kenya
08. Moussa Doumbia - Keleya, 1970 - Ivory Coast
09. Wali & the Afro Caravan - Hail the King, 1970 - Texas, USA
10. Segun Okeji - I like woman, 1978 - Nigeria
11. Buari - Karam bani, 1975 - Ghana
12. Ebo Taylor - Heaven, 1977 - Ghana
13. Tunde Williams & Africa 70 - Mr. Big Mouth,1975 - Nigeria
14. Pacific Express - The Way It Used to Be, 1978 - South Africa
15. Fela Anikulapo Kuti & Africa 70 - Zombie, 1977 - Nigeria
16. William Onyeabor - Better Change Your Mind, 1978 - Nigeria
17. Peter King - Mystery Tour, 1976 - Nigeria
18. Brigth Engelberts & The B.E. Movement - Get Together, ??

Get your Afro Beat fix >> here (part 1)
Get your Afro Beat fix >> here (part 2)

Euro Jazz Funk Madness

Back in the early 1970’s, the fusion of jazz with funk and elements of rock was a pretty big trend in North America. With the recent introduction of synthesizers and other electric instruments and with the increasing popularity of funk music; recognized jazz band leaders such as Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley and Donald Byrd started exploring new electronic grounds. Before long, their most noted band members started their own jazz-funk outfits and by the mid 70’s, the likes of Herbie Hancock and the Head Hunters, Chick Corea and Return to Forever and Joe Zawinul and Weather Report were drawing huge attention and had become big record sellers.

What was going on in Europe at the time? With the psych pop and Yé-Yé craze slowly fading and the Disco frenzy just a few years ahead… Was the talented European jazz avant-garde falling asleep? Hell no!!! A few guys back here were seriously vibing on the Fender Rhodes and chomping up some of the most groove infected drum breaks you'll ever hear.

In fact, they may have not had the same level of attention back in the days – but they have had as much impact on the hip-hop, trip-hop and electro scenes to come as their American counterparts.

Here is a selection of 20 super rare - super funked up European jazz grooves that you can't miss on. Please meet (if you don't know them yet):

Marc Moulin (from Belgium) and his band Placebo, (he also plays on the amazing track from Cos); a visionary force in European acid jazz, heavily influenced by Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock - who in turn has been highly influent for pop-synth and trip-hop artists in later decades.

Jean Claude Pierric and Francois Rolland who are the masterminds behind the Harlem Pop Trotters, Les Wanted, Minotaure and the legendary Godchild; Most of their music was not even commercially released at the time. It was production music, or library music, pre-recorded and sold via sound banks for usage in commercials or television programs! Other Library musicians featured in this selection include Michel Gonet, and Englishman Peter Milray, from the famous DeWolfe music Library.

The legendary band Cortex, led by Alain Mion & Alain Gandolfi and this track from their Album "Troupeau Bleu" - an indescribable blend of Jazz, funk, samba and batuccada with brilliant keyboard arrangements. The album was recorded in 2 days, and is almost impossible to find - aka Holy Grail for record collectors like myself (luckily it was recently re-edited).

World-class French drummer André Ceccarelli and other Jazz greats such as Martial Solal, Maurice Vander, Michel Sardaby and Romano Mussolini (who is no other that the youngest son of Benito himself), all feeling the funk pretty heavily on these tunes.

Spanish Jazz fusion artists Jordi Sabates and Pedro Ruy Blas, who add a very noticeable (and wonderfully appreciated) flamenco feel to their groove. Ever heard that from Mr Hancock?

Famous French composer Michel Colombier, who has worked with the worlds greatest, from Gainsbourg to the Beach Boys, to Quincy Jones and Madonna. On this track, from his 1979 self titled album, the personel is no other than:
Michel Colombier : piano, fender rhodes synthesizer - Lee Ritenour : guitar - Herbie Hancock : mini-moog solo - Jaco Pastorius : bass - Airto Moreira : percussion - Steve Gadd : drums. That says it all. I've never seen such an impressive line-up.


Tracklist is:
01. Les Wanted - Couidic-Kong, 1972
02. Ceccarelli, Chantereau, Padovan, Pezin. (C.C.P.P.) - Joris of lumina, 1975
03. Peter Milray - Time Machine, 197?
04. Harlem Pop Trotters - La Moto Verte, 1974
05. Michel Sardaby - Welcome New Warmth, 1974
06. Romano Mussolini - Mirage, 1974
07. Maurice Vander - Grand Rogue, 1974
08. Martial Solal - A Train is Better Than Two, 1974
09. Cos - Halucal, 1974
10. Jordi Sabates - Ocells del mes enlla, 1975
11. Cortex - Sabbat, 1975
12. Placebo - Balek, 1973
13. Pedro Ruy Blas & Dolores - La Ausencia, 1976
14. Martial Solal - Locomotion, 1974
15. Marc Moulin - Le Beau Galop, 1975
16. Minotaure Illustration - Yawn and Yell, 1972?
17. André Ceccarelli - Gang Process, 1975
18. Genevieve Paris (with André Céccarelli) - De Paris en Paris, 1975
19. Michel Gonet - Flower Dance, 1978
20. Michel Colombier - Sunday, 1979

This is like good wine. Kept in a cellar for about 30 years, finely matured, it just tastes amazing today (and similarly to Bordeaux, 1974 and 75 were pretty excellent years).


If you'd like to get a feel of this fine music, click here

If you'd rather go to Britney Spears' official website, please click here

Psyché Funk French Movie SOUND TRACKS

Not to be missed, this new post filled up with 20 of the grooviest, pop-psych-funky tracks put out by French movie Score composers.

Keep you ears open for the opening track from Jean Pierre Mirouze - whom we know very little about except an exceptional gift for hammond organ and string arrangements, in the sexiest, most soulfull blacksploitation style! If you read French, a Technikart blogger wrote an excellent post on this track >>here

Others include a track from the pop masterpiece "L'Homme Orchestre" by François de Roubaix, and his much darker, eerie compositions for "Les Caïds" & "Dernier Domicile Connu"; a breakbeat pop killer from Vladimir Cosma; and some of the most saught after funk OST ever to be scored in France: Michel Legrand's "Un homme est mort" and Pierre Cavalli's "Un soir chez Norris".

A special place for Alain Goraguer and his sample haven "La Planete sauvage". The tagline for the movie when it was release fits the music perfectly: A Sublime Trip to a Fine New World.

Serge Gainsbourg, along with Jean Claude Vannier and Michel Colombier are not forgotten, with his long fogotten themes for "La Horse", "Cannabis" and "Le Pacha". Psych-funk at its greatest.
If you thought you could not make very funky stuff with a Harpsichord, a banjo and violins... then listen carfully to "La Horse".

I also added the Track "Voyages" from M. Polnareff's concept album "Polnareff's", which even though it never was a film soundtrack - just blended in so perfectly well with all the other tracks.

You won't be able to miss Michel Magne's tribute to James Brown, in the very funky "Superchic Génial" -- uber kitch original movie extract with the music can be seen: here.

Finally, two of my very favorites, Philippe Sarde's incredible, eastern chord & bass driven "Juke boxes chez Saidani". A bliss of rythm and groove way ahead of it's time. Then the last track of the 20 - the disco frenzied "Grand Theme Malko" by Michel Magne, with its hypnotic Fender Rhodes lead, that would give both Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea a heart attack.

Tracklist:
01. Jean-Pierre Mirouze - Sexopolis (Marriage Collectif, 1969)
02. Serge Gainsgourg & Michel Colombier - Psychasténie (Le Pacha 1968)
03. François De Roubaix - Repetition (L'Homme Orchestre, 1971)
04. Vladimir Cosma - Black Flowers (Ultra Pop - Musique pour l'image, 1970)
05. Francois de Roubaix - Dernier Domicile Connu (1971)
06. Michel Polnareff - Voyages (Polnareff's, 1971)
07. Pierre Cavalli - Un soir chez Norris (1971)
08. Pierre Cavalli - Chasse à l'homme (Un soir chez Norris 1971)
09. Serge Gainsbourg & J.C. Vannier - La Horse (1970)
10. Alain Goraguer - Le bracelet (La Planete Sauvage 1973)
11. Alain Goraguer - Ten et Tiwa (La Planete Sauvage 1973)
12. Michel Legrand - Un homme est mort (1972)
13. Philippe Sarde - Jukes boxes chez Saidani (Max & les Ferrailleurs, 1971)
14. Serge Gainsbourg & J.C. Vannier - Danger (Cannabis 1970)
15. Michel Legrand - Picasso Summer (Summer of 42, 1972)
16. Alain Goraguer - Sur Un Arbre Perché (1972)
17. Michel Magne & Jean Yanne - Superchic genial (Moi Y'en a Vouloir des Sous 1972)
18. Francois de Roubaix - Les Caïds (1972)
19. Jack Arel & Pierre Dutour - Tracking (Aux Frontières du Possible, 1971)
20. Michel Magne - Grand Theme Malko (S.A.S. à San Salvador, 1982)


Enjoy and spread the love around...
Download here

Brasil Jazz Samba Lounge

And for post number 2, I have assembled another set of Brasilian super sweet tracks. These are in a nice, loungy groove, Jazz - Samba - Bossa Style, from 1966 to 1979.

The tracklist is:

01. Ed Lincoln - Cochise, 1966
02. Som Tres - Homenagem a Mongo, 1969
03. Nelsinho e sua Orquestra - Aqui é o Pais do Futebol, 1970
04. Ed Lincoln - Eu Nao Vou Mas, 1966
05. Johnny Alf - Orgulho de Bom Sambista, 1978
06. Antonio Adolfo e a Brazuca - Transamazônica, 1971
07. Antonio Carlos e Jocafi - Morte do Salve, 1971
08. Joao Donato - Cala Boca Menina, 1973
09. Brasil Aquarius e Luis Antonio - Agua de Beber, 1973
10. Sivuca - Ain't no Sunshine, 1974
11. Ana Mazzotti - Agora ou Nunca Mais, 1974
12. Helio Matheus - Briguenta, 1975
13. Antonio Adolfo - Cascavel, 1975
14. Wilson das Neves e Conjunto - Berimbau, 1976
15. Orlandivo - Onde Anda meu Amor, 1977
16. Azymuth - A Presa, 1977
17. Claudia - Rua 33 Numero Particular, 1979
18. Djavan - Nereci, 1978
19. Cesar Mariano e Cia. - Futebol de Bar, 1977
20. Claudia - Salve, Rainha, 1979


Listen with attention and tell me if you loved it!
Download here