LES MCCANN レコード& CD

Review: A major departure from Les McCann’s earlier acoustic jazz and soul jazz outings, this exquisite 11-track record by the Kentucky pianist, vocalist and composer was the first in his discography to extensively feature electronic instrumentation, making it a favourite sample seep of producers such as Madlib and J Dilla. Following a studio-driven will by McCann to expound a deep, introspective and dynamic fusion sound, the record’s cosmic outcries - guaranteed by its use of ARP Odyssey and Fender systems - serve to transcend the expectations of the soul jazz genre. At times it sounds predictive of motorik kosmische, as on ‘Let’s Gather’, and even the raunchier wah-inflectors, such as ‘The Dunbar High School Marching Band’, carry an huge re-verbiage, reminiscent of the ambitious abysses of space.

Review: One of soul jazz's most electrifying live recordings and a spontaneous triumph born from an unrehearsed, last-minute collaboration at the 1969 Montreux Jazz Festival. Pianist and vocalist Les McCann, alongside tenor saxophonist Eddie Harris and trumpeter Benny Baileyiwho had never played together beforeideliver an exuberant, groove-heavy set that captures the raw energy of the moment. Despite the lack of preparation, the chemistry between the musicians is undeniable and the resulting performance remains one of the most talked-about live jazz recordings. The set opens with 'Compared to What', McCann's politically charged anthem railing against Nixon and the Vietnam War, propelled by a relentless groove and impassioned vocals. The band locks into a deep pocket, with Harris and Bailey trading fiery, blues-inflected solos. 'Cold Duck Time' follows with an irresistible bounce, its bluesy vamp providing the perfect backdrop for extended improvisation. The mood shifts with 'Kathleen's Theme', where Harris takes center stage, exploring the melody with fluid grace before 'You Got It in Your Soulness' brings the session back to its gospel-infused roots, McCann's percussive piano stabs and Donald Dean's driving beat igniting the crowd. Decades later, Swiss Movement still exudes an infectious, unfiltered joyiproof that great jazz can thrive in the most unplanned circumstances. It's a high-spirited, deeply soulful document of musicians seizing the moment with dazzling results.

Review: The Galaxy Sound Co US is now up to number 41 in their buy-on-sight 'Series: 1$ Bin Breaks'. It's another vital 45 rpm that packs a lot in with plenty of epic sound sources that you will recognise and love from some of your favourite hip-hop joints. Artists like Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, Puff Daddy, De La Soul, Ghostface Killah, J Dilla, Redman and Alicia Keys have called upon the sounds you will hear here from original artists like Odessa, Milt Jackson With The Ray Brown Big Band, Issac Hayes and many more. File this one under essential breaks, library sounds and jazz nuggets.

Review: Party people in the place to be! Another precision trip into the history books as 5BB take us back to one of the most important neighbourhoods in hip-hop history. This time we head to Harlem and Uptown courtesy of the heavily influential Troubleneck Brothers crew and their '94 nostalgia shock "Back To The Hip-Hop". Still smooth, still reminiscent of the finest foundations, still flowing like water. Meanwhile the B side flexes the drum inspiration with a crisp version of Les McCann's "North Carolina". The party has already started, and now it's about to end.