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

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

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

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