Alain Bellaïche - Sea Fluorescent 1976 (Αsylum Records)

Label : Asylum Records

Value :

Rare funky fusion by this overlooked French guitarist -- recorded in New York with a really unusual group, and in a setting that has Alain Bellaiche providing a bit of vocals too! The sound is great -- different than some of the more jamming rock fusion of the European scene at mid 70s -- maybe in part because the keyboardist on the set is John Hicks, an artist who doesn't usually do records like this -- and who brings in some wonderful elements on acoustic and electric piano, and a bit of organ too! There's also all sorts of great percussion touches from the enigmatic Fabiano -- vibes, celeste, bells, and more -- in addition to drums -- plus bass from Worrell Jones, who keeps things nice and tight throughout. Alain sings on most tracks, in this flowing style that's more soulful than slick -- never overdone, and almost just another warm musical element in the mix.

Taste :

Alain Bellaiche - Sea Fluorescent

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By Electric Looser

William S. Fischer - Circles 1970 (Embryo Records)

Label : Embryo Records

Value :

Super-righteous work from William S Fischer -- the ultra-hip arranger who was one of the most important forces in the late 60s underground soul jazz scene! Fischer is best known for his work with Eugene McDaniels, Eddie Harris, and Les McCann -- almost akin to the sorts of collaborative influence that David Axelrod had with Cannonball Adderley or Lou Rawls, but with a style that was decidedly darker, and trippier. This album's one of the few ever recorded under his own name -- originally done for the tripped-out jazz imprint Embryo, and featuring a unique blend of moog, strings, funk, and soul! Billy Cobham plays drums and percussion on the set, Bill Robinson sings on a few numbers, and Walter Sear adds in some extra moog next to Fischer's own work -- but the real brilliance comes from the overall concept -- funky one minute, laidback and trippy the next, very much in the spirit of some of the righteous crossover funk, soul, and rock recordings coming from McDaniels and Axelrod at the time! 

Taste :

William S. Fischer - Chains 

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By Electric Looser

Rupa Biswas - Disco Jazz 1982 (Megaphone)

Label :  Megaphone

Value :

A record that's got to be one of the coolest recorded in Calgary during the early 80s -- as it offers up a really unusual blend of modes that definitely lives up to its title, and which also borrows a bit from Indian music as well! Singer Rupa Biswas fronts a group that's equally strong on the instrumental tip, and which allow for plenty of room in the tracks to let the players stretch out and solo -- in a blend of keyboards and guitar with more traditional sarod and tablas! Rhythms are mostly upbeat, but in ways that are more interesting than the "disco" title implies -- especially in 1982 -- and the whole thing's maybe first a funky fusion record, which then borrows a bit from Indian percussion, then adds in Rupa's vocals in the lead.

Taste :

Rupa Biswas - Disco Jazz (full album)

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By Electric Looser