David Axelrod : Seriously Deep (Polydor / Dusty Groove)

A rare session by the mighty Axelrod for Polydor Records, never previously reissued. Produced by Cannonball Adderley and featuring Joe Sample, Ndugu Chancler, Ernie Watts and Jerome Richardson. This is one of the rarest albums ever from the funky maestro, and quite different from his earlier work for Reprise and Capitol. This time round, Axe is working in a jazz-funk mode – in a setting that’s heavy on the keyboards from Joe Sample, and also features reeds and vibes, plus a nice undercurrent of strings. There’s a subtle dose of fusion in the mix, but one that’s never too jamming – and Axelrod always maintains his trademark sense of space and timing – turning the simplest musical measure into the kind of groove that holds up well into the 21st century.

~ par xanakse le mars 3, 2008.