Way way more than just bossa nova – a mighty groover from the great Nico Gomez! Nico's known for his harder pounding tracks that have become favorites with the funky crowd, but this stellar album shows that Nico could also work in jazzier territory when he wanted to – as the album's a wonderful batch of tunes that mix together Latin, groovy, and bossa styles! There's some very nice wordless female vocals on a few cuts, scatting along with a warm breezy feel – and other tracks feature vibes, or guitar, sax, and other strong instrumental elements – with more than enough punch to be funky at a few points. The whole thing's as groovy as groovy can be – with a sound that's past bossa, and way more than any fake easy instrumental attempt at the genre – a real peep into the mad mind of Nico Gomez, and proof that his albums are always worth tracking down! Titles include "Din Din Din", "Aquarela", "Samba De Rio", "Saudade Do Rio", "Agua", "Rio", and "O Barquinho". ~ Dusty Groove
Sublime sounds from Roger Nichols and the revived Small Circle Of Friends – a record that definitely echoes the style the group first created in the late 60s for A&M Records! The set follows strongly on the style of Nichols first comeback album from a few years back – offering up the sweet, warm, personal charm that's always made his music so unique – produced with an edge that's really respectful to the complicated balance of his songs – and which never tries to update things too much at all. A few of the songs are more obscure numbers from the old days, a few others are new, and there's even a special Holiday number in the set too! Titles include "Take Me Home", "Something From Paradise", "My Heart Is Home", "This Is Love", "The Moon Is Red", "Show Your Love", "Christmas Is My Favorite Time Of Year", "Feels Good To Be Bad Again", and a remake of "We've Only Just Begun". (HQ – Hi Quality CD pressing!) ~ Dusty Groove
A really unique album for Lou Donaldson – especially for his early 70s run on Blue Note! The session lives up to its title by offering up a batch of soulful ballads from Lou – tunes that really focus on his sweet lines on alto, yet set amidst some larger backing arranged by Wade Marcus – which also feature some wonderful Fender Rhodes from Derek Smith in the mix! The groove is relatively gentle, and has a nicely laidback sort of feel – the kind of lush yet soulful sounds that Marcus could do so well almost a CTI/Kudu vibe, but a bit more easygoing overall. Titles include a version of Lou's "Blues Walk", plus "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life", "The Long Goodbye", "Stella By Starlight", "You've Changed", and "Autumn In New York". ~ Dusty Groove