Rodney Franklin - Skydance

Pianist Rodney Franklin released this album in 1985 on Columbia Records, it was recorded in London and L.A. and features Kuma Harada, Vic Lyton, Paulinho Da Costa, Gerald Albright, Ray Brown, Keith Jones, Simon Phillips, Ray Gomez plus vocalists Oji, Howard Smith, Darryl Coley and others.

1. Fiesta
2. Destiny
3. Song For You
4. Children
5. One From The Heart
6. Skydance

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Dr. Strut - Struttin'

Dr. Strut were a jazz-funk band from L.A., this album was released in 1980 on Motown Records and features band members David Woodford, Kevin Bassinson, Tim Weston, Peter Freiberger, Claude Pepper and Everett Bryson.

1. Struttin'
2. Acufunkture
3. Blue Lodge
4. CMS
5. Flip City
6. Commuter Rabbit (For Folon)
7. After
8. Nitwit
9. Nice 'n' Sleazy
10. No! You Came Here For An Argument

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Houston Person - Broken Windows, Empty Hallways

Saxophonist Houston Person released this album in 1972 on Prestige Records, other players are Joe Wilder, Victor Paz, Hubert Laws, Buzz Brauner, Ronnie Jannelli, Jim Buffington, Cedar Walton, Ernest Hayes, Jimmy Watson, Grady Tate, Bunny Brigs (tap dancing) and Billy Ver Planck (orchestrations).

1. I Think It's Going To Rain Today
2. Don't Mess With Bill
3. Everything's Alright
4. Mr. Bojangles
5. Moan Er-uh Lisa
6. Imagine
7. Let's Call This
8. Bleeker Street

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Henry Cain - The Funky Organ-ization Of Henry Cain

Organist Henry Cain released this album in 1967 on Capitol Records, it was produced by David Alxelrod and features Howard Roberts, Arthur Wright, Tony Terran, Fred Hill, Plas Johnson, H.B. Barnum, John Kelson, Earl Palmer, James Bond, Jerry Williams and Gary Coleman. Arrangements were done by Oliver Nelson and H.B. Barnum.

1. The Way I Feel
2. Respect
3. Sunny
4. Why? (Am I Treated So Bad)
5. Lonely Avenue
6. Dead End Street
7. Shake A Lady
8. Precious Memories
9. Critic's Choice
10. I'm On My Way
11. Horror Scope

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Don Sebesky - The Rape Of El Morro

Arranger and keyboardist Don Sebesky released this classic CTI album in 1975, it features a host of luminaries like Don Grolnick, Roland Hanna, Pat Rebillot, Ron Carter, Will Lee, Steve Gadd, Joe Beck, George Devens, Phil Kraus, Michael Brecker, David Sanborn, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis plus more horns & strings.

1. The Rape Of El Morro
2. Moon Dreams
3. Skyliner
4. The Entertainer
5. Footprints Of The Giant
6. Lucky Seven

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Astrud Gilberto - That Girl From Ipanema

This album by Brazilian singer Astrud Gilberto was released in 1977 on Image Records, it was produced by Astrud Gilberto and Vincent Montana Jr., arrangers are Vincent Montana Jr., Don Sebesky, Al Gorgoni and Ben Aronov, the line-up includes Victor Paz, Urbie Green, Jim Maelen, Will Lee, Alan Schwartzberg, Chet Baker, Eddie Daniels, David Tofani, Frank Owens, Jay Berliner, Ron Carter, Rubens Bassini, Ronnie Zito, Warren Bernhardt, Elliot Randall, George Young, Lou Marini and many others.

1. The Girl From Ipanema
2. Meu Pião
3. Far Away (with Chet Baker)
4. We'll Make Today Last Night Again
5. Black Magic (A Gira)
6. All I've Got
7. Love For Sale
8. Wanting You
9. The Puppy Song
10. Mamae Eu Quero / Chica Chica Boom Chic

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Airto - Touching You... Touching Me

Brazilian percussion player Airto Moreira released this album in 1979 on Warner Bros. Records, players include Manolo Badrena, Alphonso Johnson, George Duke, Michael Boddicker, Herb Alpert, Joe Farrrell, Jose Bertrame, Flora Purim, Marcos Valle, Al Ciner, Hugo Fattoruso and others.

1. Amajour
2. Partido Alto
3. Open Space
4. Heartbeat
5. Toque De Cuica
6. Move It On Up
7. And Then We Touched The Sky
8. Tempos Atras (Dreams Are Real)
9. It's Not A Ballad
10. Introduction To The End

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Art Farmer - Crawl Space

This is a great CTI session by trumpet player Art Farmer which was released in 1977, the top-notch lineup includes Dave Grusin, Will Lee, George Mraz, Steve Gadd, Eric Gale and - very prominently featured - flautist Jeremy Steig.

1. Crawl Space
2. Siddhartha
3. Chanson
4. Petite Belle

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Ben Sidran - I Lead A Life

Singer/keyboardist Ben Sidran released this album in 1972 on Blue Thumb Records, other players are Curley Cooke, Phil Upchurch, Clyde Stubblefield, John Almond, Blue Mitchell, Dennis Oliver, George Brown, Tim Davis, Jim Gordon, plus horns and vocals.

1. Chances Are
2. Lust
3. It Don't Pay To Worry Like That
4. Eliyahu
5. When A Woman Say She Ready
6. I Lead A Life
7. The Devil Comes To Las Vegas
8. Talking About Money
9. Slippery Hip
10. Back Down On State Street

Buy at Amazon.com

George Duke - The Aura Will Prevail

This release by keyboardist George Duke was released on MPS Records in 1975 and features Ndugu Chancler, Alphonso Johnson and Airto Moreira, plus some vocalists. The session was produced by Baldhard Falk.

1. Dawn
2. For Love (I Come Your Friend)
3. Foosh
4. Floop De Loop
5. Malibu
6. Fools
7. Echidna's Arf
8. Uncle Remus
9. The Aura

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Flying Dutchman Night - Montreux Jazz Festival 1971

During the 1971 Montreux Jazz Festival the Flying Dutchman label featured their roster of artists during the "Flying Dutchman Night", according to some liner notes it was planned to release all concerts on LP. I did some research on the Internet, unfortunately I didn't find the line-up of that night nor a listing of the Flying Dutchman catalog of that year. But I gathered the following information:

The evening was opened by Oliver Nelson with his big band, as guest he had Gato Barbieri and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson with him. There is a french CD release of that concert called "Suisse Suite".

Later Gato Barbieri played a great concert which is available on a CD entitled "El Pampero"

The other two sets I know of are Harold Alexander's "Are You Ready?" and Leon Thomas's "Gold Sunrise On Magic Mountain", who concluded the night, which are both available on this blog.

Does anyone know of more material which is available from this particular night?

Harold Alexander - Are You Ready?

Saxophonist Harold Alexander appeared as part of the "Flying Dutchman Night" at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1971 too, he is accompanied by Neal Creque, Victor Gaskin, Cornell Dupree and David Lee Jr. Another freewheeling appearance of that magic night.

1. Watermelon Man
2. High Heel Sneakers
3. Quick City Revisited

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Leon Thomas - Gold Sunrise On Magic Mountain

This LP by vocalist/percussionist Leon Thomas was recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1971 and released on Flying Dutchman Records, personnel is Neal Creque, Cornell Dupree, Victor Gaskin, Oliver Nelson, Na-Na, Sonny Morgan and Danny Lee Jr. This concert was part of the "Flying Dutchman Night" and wrapped up the night in the early morning hours.

1. The Honey Man
2. Chains Of Love
3. Cousin Mary
4. Na Na / Umbo Weti

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Phil Upchurch - Free & Easy

This is one of my favorite albums of guitarist Phil Upchurch, it was released in 1981 on JAM Records and features Eddie Harris, Russ Ferrante, Phil Upchurch Jr. (on bass), Harvey Mason and Ephrain Toro. Production by Esmond Edward, vocals on "Groovin' Slow" by Sylvia Cox.

1. Free & Easy
2. Groovin' Slow
3. People Make The World Go 'Round
4. Midnight Blue
5. Reunion
6. Moment's Notice
7. She's Out Of My Life

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Bobbi Humphrey - Flute-In

Flautist Bobbi Humphrey released this album in 1972 on Blue Note Records, it was arranged by Wade Marcus and features Lee Morgan, Billy Harper, Hank Jones, Frank Owens, Gene Bertoncini, George Devens, Ray Armando, George Duvivier, Gordon Edwards, Idris Muhammad and Jimmy Johnson.

1. Ain't No Sunshine
2. It's Too Late
3. Sidewinder
4. Sad Bag
5. Spanish Harlem
6. Don't Knock My Funk
7. Journey To Morocco
8. Set Us Free

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Ahmad Jamal - Genetic Walk

This compilation by pianist Ahmad Jamal was released in 1980 on 20th Century Records, production work was mostly handled by Richard Evans, musicians include Roger Harris, Morris Jennings, John Heard, Eddie Marshall, Jamil S. Nasser, Frank Gant, Richard Evans, Steve Cobb, Calvin Keys, Harvey Mason and Danny Leake.

1. Genetic Walk
2. Spartacus Love Theme
3. Chaser
4. La Costa
5. Pablo Sierra
6. Bellows
7. Don't Ask My Neighbors
8. Time For Love

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Norman Connors - This Is Your Life

This album by drummer Norman Connors was released in 1977 on Arista Records, next to lead vocalist Eleanor Mills we get the "Starship Orchestra" featuring Ralph Buzzy Jones, Shunzo Ono, Billy McCoy, Richard Cummings, Petro Bass and singer James Robinson, plus guest artists Jean Carn, Pharoah Sanders, Gary Bartz, Bobby Lyle, Jacques Burvick, Richard Tee, Ronnie Coleman, Mike Boddicker, Lee Ritenour, David T. Walker, Wah Wah Watson, Jay Graydon, Charles Fearing, Eddie Watkins, Ben Atkins, Kenneth Nash, Elmira Collins, Eddie "Bongo" Brown and James Gadson, plus horns and strings. Heavy stuff!

1. Stella
2. This Is Your Life
3. Wouldn't You Like To See
4. Listen
5. Say You Love Me
6. Captain Connors
7. You Make Me Feel Brand New
8. Butterfly
9. The Creator

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Norman Connors - Love From The Sun

This album by drummer Norman Connors was released in 1973 on Buddah Records, it was produced by Skip Drinkwater and features a killer line-up consisting of Herbie Hancock, Hubert Laws, Eddie Henderson, Gary Bartz, Buster Williams, Carlos Garnett and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

1. Revelation
2. Carlos 11
3. Drums Around The World
4. Love From The Sun
5. Kumakucha (The Sun Has Risen)
6. Holy Waters

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Nat Adderley - Double Exposure

Trumpet player Nat Adderley released this album in 1975 on Prestige Records, it was produced by Cannonball Adderley and David Axelrod, players are George Duke, Billy Fender, Phil Upchurch, Walter Booker, Roy McCurdy, King Errison, plus Cannonball Adderley, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Hal Galper, Rudy Copeland, Don Peak, plus horns, strings and vocals.

1. Watermelon Man
2. Quit It
3. 59 Go And Pass
4. Contant 19
5. Traffic
6. In A Silent Way (The Sound Of The Sky)
7. Song Of The Valdez Diamond

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Mike Mandel - Sky Music

This funky album by keyboard player Mike Mandel was released in 1978 on Vanguard Records, it was produced by Danny Weiss and features David Sanborn, Gary Anderson, Darryl Thompson, Burt Jones, Steve Khan, Wilbur Bascomb, John Lee, Christopher Parker, Gerry Brown, "Crusher" Bennett, Chris Hills plus a great horn section.

1. Pyramids
2. Just The Way You Are
3. Elephant & Castle
4. Peg
5. As Fine As You Are
6. Jupiter Finger
7. Another Kind Of Spring

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Michael Longo - Funkia

This album by pianist Michael Longo was released on the Groove Merchant label in 1974, the session was produced by Sonny Lester and features Ron Carter on bass, Mickey Roker on drums and Patato Valdez on percussion.

1. Olé For The Gypsies
2. Samia
3. Funkia
4. Windmills Of Your Mind
5. What's Going On
6. The Last Tango In Paris
7. Southern Soul
8. Gingele

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Hubert Laws & Earl Klugh - How To Beat The High Cost Of Living

Although being a movie soundtrack this is an outstanding piece of music, flautist Hubert Laws and guitarist Earl Klugh team up and play songs which were composed and conducted by Patrick Williams, other players are Mike Lang, Tim May, Mitch Holder, Neil Stubenhaus, Steve Schaeffer and Paulinho Da Costa. The album was released on Columbia Records in 1980.

1. Down River
2. Night Moves
3. Piccolo Boogie
4. Dream Something
5. It's So Easy Loving You
6. The Edge
7. The Caper
8. Ready To Run
9. The Scuffle
10. Song For A Pretty Girl

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Kilimanjaro - Kilimanjaro

This album by pop-jazz quartet Kilimanjaro was released in 1979 on Philo Records, the band seems to hail from northern Vermont and consists of Paul Asbell on guitars, Bill Kinzie on drums, Tony Markellis on bass and Chas Eller on various keyboards.

1. Cold Flame
2. Kilimanjaro Beach Party
3. Nothing To Know
4. Said 'n' Did
5. Frederiksted Portrait
6. Big Foot
7. Spurt
8. Minor Commitment
9. Skateland

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Jimmy Ponder - Down Here On The Ground

This album by guitar player Jimmy Ponder fits perfectly to the batch of the previously posted Jimmy McGriff albums, it was released in 1984 on Milestone Records and features Mickey Tucker, Paul West, Virgil Jones, Scott Lee, Arnold Sterling, Victor Jones and Mino Cinelu. The album was produced by Bob Porter.

1. Billie Jean
2. Another Kind Of Love
3. Epistrophy
4. Superstition
5. Down Here On The Ground
6. El Samba
7. Lush Life
8. My Funny Valentine

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Jimmy McGriff - Skywalk

This album by organ player Jimmy McGriff was recorded in 1984 and released on the Milestone label, it was produced by Bob Porter and features Michael Ridley, Glenn Kaye, Dominick Carelli, Bill Easley, Coy Shockely, James Brundige, JImmy Ponder, Don Williams, Arnold Sterling and Wayne Boyd.

1. Skywalk
2. Easy Time
3. Motoring Along
4. Let's Stay Together
5. Barb' Wire
6. Jersey Bounce

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Jimmy McGriff - The Groover

Another great session by organist Jimmy McGriff, recorded in just one day in 1982 and released on JAM Records, featuring Arnold Sterling (who released his "Here's Brother Sterling" LP concurrently), Billy Butler, Bob Cranshaw, Belton Evans and Ray Mantilla. Produced by Esmond Edwards.

1. Night Train
2. When I Grow Too Old To Dream
3. Soft
4. Song For My Father
5. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy
6. This One's For Ray

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Jimmy McGriff - City Lights

Organist Jimmy McGriff released this album in 1981 on JAM Records, it was produced by Bob Porter and engineered by Rudy Van Gelder, players are Bill Easley, Idris Muhammad, Victor Jones, Danny Moore, Jimmy Ponder, Harold Vick, Leo Johnson, Wayne Boyd and Alfred Boyd.

1. My Way
2. Funky Accents
3. Brickyard
4. City Lights
5. Teach Me Tonight
6. Jimmy's Room

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Jeff Tyzik - Radiance

This LP by trumpet player Jeff Tyzik was released in 1982 on Capitol Records and features a top-notch session band consisting of Steve Khan, Warren Bernhardt, Will Lee, Steve Gadd, Rubens Bassini, Gerry Niewood, Grant Geissman, Don Grolnick and Steve Jordan, plus brass, strings and vocals.

1. Sweet Nothings
2. Far Away
3. Love Ya'
4. Better And Better
5. Notte A Roma (Night In Rome)
6. Let There Be Light
7. Straight Ahead
8. Circe (The Enchantress)

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Brother Jack Mc Duff - The Natural Thing

Organist Brother Jack McDuff recorded this album at the famous Te Mar Studios in Chicago in 1968, it was released on Cadet Records and features Cliff Davis on sax and flute, Phil Upchurch and Roland Faulkner on guitars while Richard Evans took care of the arrangements. The groove and arrangements are quite similar to the output of pianist Ramsey Lewis of the same time.

1. Let My People Go
2. Who Stole My Soul?
3. L. David Sloan
4. Funky Guru
5. Ain't It?
6. The Natural Thing
7. Run On Home
8. Con Alma
9. Rock Candy

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Jack McDuff - Kisses

Organ player Jack McDuff released this album in 1980 on Sugarhill Records, it features main guest artists Joe Farrell on saxophone, Stanley Banks on bass, Phil Upchurch on guitar and Karl Lidral on sax, next to the "Heatin' System" featuring Gerryck King, Jonathon Wood, Danny Wilensky and Danny Petrow.

1. Kisses
2. Say Sumpin' Nice
3. Primavera
4. Night Fantasies
5. Pocket Change
6. Nasty
7. Tunisian Affair

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Houston Person - Suspicions

Tenor saxophonist Houston Person released this album on Muse Records in 1980, other players are Virgil Jones, Ernie Hayes, Sonny Phillips, Jack Cavari, Melvin Sparks, Wilbur Bascomb, Ralph Dorsey, Idris Muhammad and Horace Ott. The session was produced by the leader and engineered by Rudy Van Gelder.

1. Suspicions
2. If
3. Me & Me Brudder
4. Pieces
5. Blue Monk
6. This Bitter Earth
7. Let's Love Again

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Hank Crawford - Cajun Sunrise

This album by saxophonist Hank Crawford was released in 1978 on Kudu/CTI Records, the session was arranged by David Matthews and features Cliff Carter, Steve Robbins, Will Lee, Steve Gadd, Sue Evans, Hiram Bullock, Joe Caro, Cliff Morris, Randy Brecker, Fred Wesley, Ronnie Cuber and some background vocalists.

1. What A Difference You've Made In My Life
2. I Don't Want No Happy Songs
3. New York's One Soulful City
4. Take This Job And Shove It
5. Just The Way You Are
6. Daytime Friends
7. Evergreen
8. Cajun Sunrise

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Gene Ammons - Brasswind

This great album by tenor sax player Gene Ammons was arrangend and conducted by David Axelrod, it was released in 1974 on Prestige Records and features George Duke, Michael Howell (who played all guitar solos), Don Peake, Carol Kaye, Johnny Guerin, Walter Booker, Roy McCurdy, Prince Lasha and Kenneth Nash, plus a large horn section.

1. Cantaro
2. Brasswind
3. Solitario
4. Cariba
5. Once I Loved
6. 'Round Midnight
7. Rozzie

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Gene Ammons - Free Again

Tenor sax player Gene Ammons released this album in 1972 on Prestige Records, it features Bobby Bryant, Dennis Budimir, Arthur Adams, Bob Saravia, Chuck Rainey, Joe Sample, Dwight Dickerson, Candy Finch, Paul Humphrey and Bob Norris plus a large horn section.

1. Crazy Mary
2. Free Again
3. Fru Fru
4. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?
5. Jaggin'
6. Jackson

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Aranjuez - Concierto De Aranjuez

This all-star session under the banner "Aranjuez" features guitar players Kenji Omura, Kazumi Watanabe and Lee Ritenour, they are backed by Dave Grusin, Don Grusin, Jun Fukamachi, Ernie Watts, Abraham Laboriel, Alex Acuna and Steve Foreman. The album was released in 1978 on Alfa Records.

1. Concierto De Aranjuez
2. I Never Was A Cowboy
3. Latin Stuff
4. I Feel Breeze
5. Tighten Up

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Fania All-Stars - Spanish Fever

This is the second album by the Fania All-Stars which was produced by Jay Chattaway and sees input from some major jazz players, it was released in 1978 on Columbia Records. Next to the latin section featuring Papo Lucca, Nicky Marrero, Johnny Pacheco, Roberto Roena, Johnny Rodriguez, Bobby Valentin, Ismael Miranda, Ruben Blades, Louie Ramirez and Louis "Perico" Ortiz we have Maynard Ferguson, Hubert Laws, Eric Gale, David Sanborn, Jay Berliner, Patti Austin and Joe Caro yielding some very nice results.

1. Spanish Fever
2. Que Pasa?
3. Space Machine (Ride, Ride, Ride)
4. Your Sereneness
5. Coro Myare
6. Donde
7. Te Paceres A Judas
8. Sin Tu Carino

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Grant Green - Shades Of Green

This is another great funky album by guitarist Grant Green, it was released in 1972 on Blue Note Records and arranged by Wade Marcus. Personnel is Emmanuel Riggins, Billy Wooten, Wilton Felder, Stix Hooper, King Errison plus a horn section.

1. I Don't Want Nobody To Give Me Nothing, Open Up The Door I'll Get It Myself/Cold Sweat
2. Sunrise, Sunset
3. Never My Love
4. Got To Be There
5. California Green
6. If You Really Love Me
7. Cast Your Fate To The Wind
8. In The Middle

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Eddie Daniels - Street Wind

This LP by saxophonist Eddie Daniels was released in 1978 on Marlin Records and features some groovier material and a great line-up, with production and arrangements by Don Sebesky. Artists include Bob Rose, Clifford Morris, Neil Jason, Don Sebesky, Bernard Purdie, Sue Evans, Joe Beck, Don Grolnick, Steve Jordan, Patti Austin, John Scofield, Allan Schwartzberg, Dave Friedman, Francisco Centeno, Rubens Bassini, Dave Grusin, Rufus Reid, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis and others.

1. Preparation F
2. How Deep Is Your Love
3. Song For My Son
4. One Night With You
5. I Go To Rio
6. What's At The End Of A Rainbow
7. Fantasy Of A Street Corner Flute Player
8. Old Man River - Part II

Buy at Henry Stone Music

Eddie Daniels - Brief Encounter

This session by saxophonist Eddie Daniels was recorded in 1977 by Rudy Van Gelder and released on Muse Records, his sidemen are Billy Mintz on drums, Rick Laird on bass and Andy Laverne on fender rhodes.

1. Brief Encounter
2. A Child Is Born
3. The Path
4. Sway
5. There Is No Greater Love
6. Ligia

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George Howard - Asphalt Gardens

This is the debut album by saxophonist George Howard which was released in 1982 on TBA Records. It was re-released on CD, but it has gone out of print in the meantime and has become a collector's item, so I post a rip from my CD as requested here. Other players are Kaye Williams, Allen Blake, Mark Knox, Ray Chew, Derek Graves, Leonard Dr. Gibbs, Billy Johnson and Ron Smith.

1. Asphalt Gardens
2. Brand New (And All Made Over)
3. Rocket Love
4. Bright Eyes
5. The Preacher
6. Is This Commercial Enough For You
7. As We Grow

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Jun Fukamachi - On The Move

Japanese keyboard player Jun Fukamachi summoned the cream of the NY session players for this album which was released in 1978 on Alfa Records, players include Richard Tee, Steve Gadd, Anthony Jackson, Will Lee, Errol "Crusher" Bennett, Sammy Figueroa, Barry Finnerty, Eric Gale, Randy Brecker, David Sanborn, George Young, Michael Brecker, Barry Rogers, Ronald Cuber, Michael Mainieri and some vocalists.

1. On The Move
2. You're Sorry
3. Letter To N.Y.
4. Departure In The Dark
5. Dance Of Paranoia Op. 2
6. When I Got Your Wave “Pathetique”
7. Early Evening Lullaby
8. Departure In The Dark - Again

Buy at Amazon.co.jp

Gary Bartz - Music Is My Sanctuary

This is one of my all-time favorite albums of saxophonist Gary Bartz which was released in 1977 on Capitol Records, it features Larry Mizell, Syreeta Wright, Curtis Robinson Jr., Welton Gite, Nate Neblett, James Gadson, Howard King, Eddie Henderson, Ray Brown, George Cables, David T. Walker, Juewett Bostick, Wah Wah Watson, John Rowin, Mtume and Bill Summers. The LP was produced by Larry and Fonce Mizell.

1. Music Is My Sanctuary
2. Carnaval De L'Esprit
3. Love Ballad
4. Swing Thing
5. Oo Baby Baby
6. Macaroni

Buy at Amazon.com

Bobby Bryant - Swahili Strut

Trumpet player Bobby Bryant released this LP in 1971 on Cadet Records, personnel is Bob Norris, Herman Riley, Charles Owens, Carl Lott, Henry Cain, David T. Walker, Arthur Adams, Willie Allen, Max Bennett, Delbert Hill, Dennis Budimir, Joe Sample and John Klemmer.

1. Swahili Strut
2. A Prayer For Peace
3. Peace
4. Kriss Kross
5. We've Only Just Begun
6. The Beauty Of Her Soul
7. Nite Crawlers

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Bennie Maupin - Slow Traffic To The Right

Obtaining this LP was a long and expensive fight on eBay but eventually I suceeded, which allows me to share this album with you. Saxophone player Bennie Maupin - who played with Miles Davis and later with Herbie Hancock's Headhunters - released this album under his own name in 1977 on Mercury Records, it was produced by Pat Gleeson and features Onaje Allen Gumbs, Patrice Rushen, Ralph Armstrong, Paul Jackson, James Levi, Blackbird McKnight, Eddie Henderson, Craig Kilby, Nathan Rubin and Pat Gleeson. This album is pure dope!

1. It Remains To Be Seen
2. Eternal Flame
3. Water Torture
4. You Know The Deal
5. Lament
6. Quasar

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Art Farmer - Something You Got

Trumpet player Art Farmer teams up with saxophonist Jusef Lateef and the David Matthews Big Band on this CTI release from 1977, other players include Burt Collins, Joe Shepley, Sam Burtis, Tony Price, Fred Griffin, Frank Vicari, David Tofani, Kenny Berger, David Matthews, Hiram Bullock, Harvie Swartz, Jim Madison and Sue Evans.

1. Something You Got
2. Flute Song
3. Saudade
4. Sandu
5. Spain
6. Hombre Del Sol

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Leslie Drayton - Love Is A Four-Letter Word

Trumpet player Leslie Drayton released this great album in 1986 on Optimism Records featuring songstress Barbara Morrison.

1. Love Is A Four-Letter Word
2. When Will You Be Mine?
3. You Ain't Gonna Keep Me Blue
4. A Greasy Brown Paper Sack
5. Stormy Monday
6. What If?
7. I Need Your Love So Bad
8. Love Is A Four-Letter Word (Instrumental)

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Stanley Clarke - I Wanna Play For You

Bass player Stanley Clarke released this live 2 LP set in 1979 on his Nemperor label, this star-studded and very varied album features artists like Jeff Beck, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Darryl Brown, Gerry Brown, George Duke, Ronnie Foster, Steve Gadd, Michael Garson, Stan Getz, Raymond Gomez, Al Harrison, Freddie Hubbard, Bob Malach, Harvey Mason, Airto Moreira, Lee Ritenour, Tom Scott, James Tinsley, Al Williams and others. In its zeal to get this two-LP set onto one disc, Epic deleted three of the original 15 tracks — including at least one gem, the sizzling hard rocker "All About" — and scrambled the order of the remaining tunes. So if the industry is not able to re-release this album properly on CD, this blog has to step in.

1. I Wanna Play For You
2. Rock 'n' Roll Jelly
3. All About
4. Jamaican Boy
5. Christopher Ivanhoe
6. My Greatest Hits
7. Strange Weather
8. I Wanna Play For You
9. Just A Feeling
10. The Streets Of Philadelphia
11. School Days
12. Quiet Afternoon
13. Together Again
14. Blues For Mingus
15. Off The Planet
16. Hot Fun - Closing

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Les McCann - Music Box

This is a great live album by keyboardist Les McCann, it was recorded at the Blues Alley in Washington D.C. in May 1984 and features his tight band with Bobby Bryant Jr. on sax, Curtis Robinson Jr. on bass and Raymond Pounds on drums.

1. Intro: Memories Of Compared To What
2. Elephant Strut
3. Blue & Boogie
4. All Strung Out On You (Instrumental)
5. Bat Yam
6. Outro: Memories Of Compared To What

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Stanley Turrentine - The Man With The Sad Face

This album by saxophonist Stanley Turrentine was released in 1976 on Fantasy Records and features players Paul Griffin, John Miller, Eric Gale, Cornell Dupree, Bob Babbitt, Ron Carter, Buster Williams, Charles Collins, Idris Muhammad, Crusher Bennett, David Carey and Richard Trifan, plus the usual horns, strings and vocals. Arranged and conducted by David Van De Pitte.

1. Evil Ways
2. The Man With The Sad Face
3. Ligia
4. You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine
5. I Want You
6. Whatever Possess'd Me
7. Love Hangover
8. Mighty High

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Teruo Nakamura - Rising Sun

Japanese bass player Teruo Nakamura released this album in 1977 on Polydor Records, it features a great line-up of players like Art Gore, Bob Neloms, Shiro Mori, Lonnie Smith, Steve Grossman, John Mosley, Harry Whitaker, Onaje Alan Gumbs, Carter Jefferson and others.

1. Morning Mist / Steppin' With Lord
2. Cat
3. Rising Sun
4. Red Shoes
5. Precious One
6. Sweet Pea & Collard Greens

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Scot Scheer - Night Heat

This album by saxophonist Scot Scheer was released in 1987 on Optimism Records, other players are Dominic Messinger, Gary Solt, Reed Vertelney, Paul Merar, Emil Palame, Luis Conte, Michael Thompson, Greg Smith and Ron King. According to the year of release, electronic instruments and drum machines are more prevalent on this album.

1. Ocean Air
2. Commitment
3. All Fired Up
4. Horizon
5. Night Heat
6. Here Comes That Rain Again
7. Sauvignon
8. Bring It Down

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Scheer Music - Rappin' It Up

Saxophonist Scot Scheer released this album under the banner of Scheer Music in 1982 on Palo Alto Jazz, his band consists of Frank Potenza, Jerry Kalaf, Bill Mays, Bob Bowman, Ron King, Ken Wild, Steve Kaplan, Tom Sala, Nick Lane and Gary Weisberg.

1. Rappin' It Up
2. Pam's Song
3. Pass The 5th
4. Ballad For Bonnie
5. Daybreak
6. Naima
7. Straight Up
8. Some Tones For Joan

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Reuben Wilson - Got To Get Your Own

Organ player Reuben Wilson released this funky album in 1975 on Cadet Records, he is accompanied by Richard Tee, Elliot Randall, Lloyd Davis, Jerry Friedman, Wilbur Bascomb, Gordon Edwards, Bernard Purdie, Norman Pride, Tommy Derrick and Esmond Edwards. Featured soloists are Houston Person and Alfred "Pee Wee" Ellis on saxes, additionally there is a horn section and vocals. Arrangements by Brad Baker and Wade Marcus. So you know it's quality stuff.

1. What The People Gon' Say
2. In The Booth, In The Back, In The Corner, In The Dark
3. Back Rub
4. Tight Money
5. Stoned Out Of My Mind
6. Together (You And Me)
7. Got To Get Your Own

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Young-Holt Unlimited - Just A Melody

This album by Young-Holt Unlimited was released in 1969 on Brunswick Records, it was produced by Carl Davis, Eugene Record and Willie Henderson and sees the drummer and bassist go through some nice covers and a few originals. No infos on the other players.

1. When I'm Not Around
2. I Wish You Love
3. Give It Away
4. My Whole World Ended
5. Just A Melody
6. I Heard It Through The Grapevine
7. By The Time I Get To Phoenix
8. Light My Fire
9. Gotta Find Me A Lover (24 Hours A Day)
10. Young And Holtful

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William Eaton - Struggle Buggy

This album by arranger and producer William Eaton was released in 1977 on Marlin Records, it was produced by the leader along with old cohorts William Salter and Ralph MacDonald for Antisia Productions and features a top-notch line-up of artists like Steve Gadd, Ralph MacDonald, Anthony Jackson, Eric Gale, Hugh McCracken, Richard Tee, Don Grolnick, Rubens Bassini and Dr. Gibbs, while the horn sections consists of Michael & Randy Brecker, Ronny Cuber, Eddie Daniels, Victor Paz, Barry Rogers, Alan Rubin and Tom Scott. Additionally there are some vocalists (among them Patti Austin and Zachary Sanders) and a string section.

1. Struggle Buggy
2. Friends And Lovers
3. Just Can't Turn Down
4. Brand New Lover
5. Time And Love
6. Elevator To The Stars
7. Conjure Woman

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Wade Marcus - Metamorphosis

This album by arranger and conductor Wade Marcus was released in 1976 on ABC Records, produced by Esmond Edwards and features an all-star cast. Players are Joe Sample, Sonny Burke, Lee Ritenour, Henry Davis, Scott Edwards, Chuck Domanico, Harvey Mason, Bill Summers, Gary Coleman plus horns, strings and vocals. Soloists are Lee Ritenour, Joe Sample, Jerome Richardson, "Red" Holloway, Fred Jackson Jr., Warren Luening, Bill Green, Buddy Collette and Dorothy Ashby.

1. Metamorphosis
2. Sugar Loaf Sunrise
3. Would You Like To Ride
4. Journey To Morocco
5. Poinciana
6. Feelings
7. Funk Machine
8. Daniel

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Soulful Strings - Groovin'

The Soulful Strings consist of two violins, one viola and three cellos plus Charles Stepney, Lenard Druss, Vernice Green, Roland Steele, Phil Upchurch, Cleveland Eaton, Louis Satterfield, Philip R. Thomas and Moris Jennings, arranged and conducted by Richard Evans. The album was released in 1967 on Cadet Records.

1. Burning Spear
2. All Blues
3. What Now My Love
4. Within You Without You
5. Our Day Will Come
6. Soul Prelude
7. Groovin'
8. Alfie
9. Comin' Home Baby
10. (I Know) I'm Losing You

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Sonny Stitt - Satan

Alto sax player Sonny Stitt released this album in 1974 on Cadet Records, here he teams up with Roland Hanna, Elliot Randall, Billy Butler, Gordon Edwards, Jimmy Johnson, Montego Joe, Norman Pride and Ron Carter, additionally there is a string and horn section arranged by Wade Marcus.

1. Satan
2. A Crazy Mixed Up World
3. Big Bad Henry
4. Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You
5. Will You Love Me Tomorrow
6. Anone
7. It Might As Well Be Spring

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Jimmy Smith - Unfinished Business

Organist Jimmy Smith released this great album in 1978 on Mercury Records, it features Ray Crawford, Kenny Dixon, Kevon Brandon, Nolan Smith, John Phillips, Stanley Behrens, Ronnie Foster, David T. Walker, Abraham Laboriel, James Gadson and Stephanie Spruill.

1. Stevie (Tribute To Stevie Wonder)
2. Norristown, PA.
3. 8 Counts For Rita
4. Unfinished Business
5. Blues For Charlie
6. Until It's Time For You To Go
7. Serpentine Fire

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Hysear Don Walker - Complete Expressions

Here is keyboardist Hysear Don Walker's first release from 1970 on Brunswick Records, after his stint with Young-Holt Unlimited and accompanied by his "newly formed trio" to show off his own skills.

1. Fat Flower, Skinny Stilk
2. Durham Queen
3. It Used To Be
4. Inner Face
5. Hydel
6. Jade Silhouettes
7. Dear Prudence

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This is Vol. 2 of the "Complete Expressions", keyboardist Hysear Don Walker with his quartet featuring Mark Ellicott on bass, Donald Taylor on drums, and Richard Jacobs on congas, released in 1972 on Brunswick Records.

1. Complete Expressions
2. A Di L
3. Poo-Jo
4. Sun Ray
5. D.M.
6. Children Of The Night
7. Black Marble
8. Inner Face Rebirth
9. Satisfaction
10. Killing Me Softly

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Houston Person - Pure Pleasure

Mighty tenor saxophone player Houston Person released this LP in 1976 on Mercury Records, it features a great line-up of players like Cecil Bridgewater, Bruce Nazarian, Paul Griffin, Bob Babbit, Alan Schwartzberg, Lawrence Killian and strings & vocals.

1. Pure Pleasure
2. Déja Vu
3. Dancing Feet
4. Soul Serenade
5. Inseparable

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Richard "Groove" Holmes - New Groove

This is another groover by organist Richard "Groove" Homes which was released in 1974 on the Groove Merchant label. It was produced by Sonny Lester and features players O'Donel Levy, Bernard Purdie, Leon Cook, Eddie Daniels, Ernie Royal, Jon Faddis, Burt Collins and Kwasi Jayourba.

1. Red Onion
2. No Trouble On The Mountain
3. Meditation
4. Good Vibrations
5. You’ve Got It Bad
6. Chu-Chu
7. How Insensitive

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Freddie Hubbard - Skagly

This is probably my favorite album of trumpet player Freddie Hubbard from his Columbia period, it was released in 1980 and features Hadley Caliman, Billy Childs, Larry Klein and Carl Burnett.

1. Happiness Is Now
2. Theme From "Summer Of '42" (The Summer Knows)
3. Cascais
4. Skagly
5. Rustic Celebration

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Harvey Mason - Funk In A Mason Jar

This album by drummer Harvey Mason was released in 1977 on Arista Records and features an endless list of top-notch artists too numerous to mention. This is a rip from the Japanese re-issue CD which has gone out of print in the meantime.

1. Pack Up Your Bags
2. Till You Take My Love
3. Space Cadets
4. Freedom Either Way
5. Funk In A Mason Jar
6. What's Going On?
7. Set It Free
8. Phantazia
9. Liquid

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The Young-Holt Unlimited - Soulful Strut

After their stint with the Ramsey Lewis Trio bassist Eldee Young and drummer Red Holt added pianist Hysear Don Walker to form "The Young-Holt Unlimited" to deliver more funky and groovy piano led jazz, this album being probably their most famous one. It was released during the 60ies on Brunswick Records.

1. Who's Making Love
2. Please Sunrise, Please
3. Be By My Side
4. What Now My Love (Et Maintenant)
5. Baby Your Light Is Out
6. Soulful Strut
7. Just Ain't No Love
8. Little Green Apples
9. Funky Is As Funky Does
10. Love Makes A Woman
11. Ain't There Something Money Can't Buy

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Stanley Cowell - Talkin' 'Bout Love

Keyboard player Stanley Cowell released this funky album in 1977 on Galaxy Records, it features Eddie Henderson, Julian Priester, Clifford Coulter, Keith Hatchel, Albert "Tootie" Heath, Kenneth Nash and Loretta Devine & Charles B. Flowlkes, Jr. on vocals.

1. The Stoker (Instrumental)
2. I Am Waiting
3. If You Let Me
4. What Do I Do?
5. The Stoker (Vocal)
6. Talkin' 'Bout Love
7. (Let Me Love You) Let Me Be Me
8. Here I Am

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Rodney Franklin - Rodney Franklin

This is one of the early and truly great albums by pianist Rodney Franklin which was released in 1980 on Columbia Records, it features Robert O. "Bobby" Bryant, Nathan East, Phil Upchurch, Tony St. James, Paulinho Da Costa, Dennis Budimir, David Shields, Jeff Porcaro, Victor Feldman, Ernie Watts, Oscar Brashear, Don Myrick, Freddie Hubbard, the Seawind horns, and voices & strings.

1. Windy City
2. Life Moves On
3. In The Center
4. Awakening
5. I Like The Music Make It Hot
6. Theme For Jackie
7. On The Path
8. Creation

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Woody Herman - Blowin' Up A Storm!

Bandleader Woody Herman and his band the Herd released this album in 1968, this is a re-issue on the Sunset Label featuring some "storming" big band tracks.

1. Woodchoppers's Ball
2. Caldonia
3. Lullaby Of Birdland
4. Midnight Sun
5. Northwest Passage
6. Wildroot
7. Blowin' Up A Storm
8. Crazy Rhythm
9. I Cover The Waterfront
10. The Good Earth

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Hubert Laws - Make It Last

Flautist Hubert Laws released this LP in 1983 on Columbia Records, the funky "Gonna Be Happy" with the leader on piccolo flute is one of the highlights of his catalog. Musicians include Nathan East, Raymond Pounds, Barnaby Finch, Darryl Jackson, Welton Gite, Milcho Leviev, Alphonse Mouzon and others.

1. Gonna Be Happy (TV Soaps)
2. Make It Last
3. Happy Anniversary
4. Swan Lake
5. Stay With Me
6. Morning Star
7. Life Cycles

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Dan Siegel - Short Stories

Keyboardist Dan Siegel enters the world of electronics on this LP which was released in 1986 on Pausa Records, taking care of the rhythm with "electronic percussion" which means that the natural groove of a band is lost, but here you have it. Other players are Ed Alton, Alex Acuna and Grant Geissman.

1. Remember When
2. It's True
3. Long Ago
4. Fugitives
5. Solitary
6. A Day In The Country
7. I Have A Dream
8. The Concrete Jungle
9. Star Light

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Chick Corea & Michael Longo - Piano Giants

This 2 LP sampler was released in 1974 on Groove Merchant and was produced by Sonny Lester. The first LP features pianist Chick Corea who is accompanied by Hubert Laws, Jack De Johnette, Dave Holland, Woody Shaw and Horace Arnold, the music is quite adventurous straight jazz. The second LP features pianist Michael Longo, with Ron Carter, Mickey Roker and Potato Valdez, this session is groovier and more accessible.

Chick Corea
1. The Brain
2. Song Of Wind
3. Converge
4. Sundance

Michael Longo
5. Ole' For The Gypsies
6. Samia
7. Funkia
8. Windmills Of Your Mind
9. What's Going On
10. The Last Tango In Paris
11. Southern Soul
12. Gingele

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Stan Bronstein - Our Island Music

Saxophonist Stan Bronstein released this LP in 1976 on Muse Records, it features his band "Elephant Memory" with Rick Frank, Steve Tarshis, John Muscat and guest Walter Davis. Funky and groovy jazz.

1. Song For My Father
2. Island Music
3. Jazz Me Down
4. Uptown Walk
5. Columbus Avenue Sunset
6. See You In Rio

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Eddie Harris - The Real Electrifying Eddie Harris

This LP was recorded in 1982 and released on the independent Mutt & Jett label, it features saxoponist Eddie Harris in a funky acoustic setting with Larry Gales on bass, Bill Henderson on piano and Carl Burnett on drums. Eddie plays a few of his old hits with updated arrangements and some new material.

1. Theme In Search Of A Movie
2. Listen Here
3. Essence Of Matter
4. Deacceleration
5. For Your Life
6. Let The Healing Begin

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Jimmy McGriff - Cherry

Sonny Lester produced this session for his audiophile Solid State label, the album was released in 1966 and features organist Jimmy McGriff with Eric Gale, Evert Barksdale, Mil Hinton and Grady Tate.

1. Cherry
2. Tequila
3. Hit The Road Jack
4. Watermelon Man
5. Blue Moon
6. The Comeback
7. I Left My Heart In San Francisco
8. The Way You Look Tonight
9. Sunny Side Of The Street
10. Just Friends
11. The Shadow Of Your Smile

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Willie Bobo - Bobo

Percussion player Willie Bobo released this LP in 1979 on Columbia Records, it is a great piece of latin funk-jazz and features players Willie Bobo, Errol Knowles, Victor Pantoja, Steve Gutierrez, Welton Gite, Abel Zarate, David Kempton, Clay Lawrey, Jiam Coile and Tony Horowitz. Special guest appearances by Roland Bautista, Gary Grant and Ron Starr.

1. Palos
2. Comin' Over Me
3. Latin Lady (Cecilia's Song)
4. It's Over
5. Reason For Livin'
6. Reason Why
7. Set You Free
8. Father And Son

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Urbie Green - Senor Blues

This album by trombonist Urbie Green was arranged by David Matthews and released in 1977 on CTI Records. The line-up consists of Urbie Green, David Matthews, Harvie Swartz, Jim Madison, John Scofield, Sue Evans, Grover Washington Jr., David Tofani, Frank Vicari and a horn section.

1. Captain Marvel
2. You Are So Beautiful
3. Ysabel's Table Dance
4. Señor Blues
5. I'm In You
6. I Wish

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Dan Siegel - The Hot Shot

This album by keyboardist Dan Siegel was released in 1980 on Inner City Records, musicians are Garry Hagberg, Rob Thomas, Gary Hobbs with special guests Jeff Homan, Marc Siegel, Edwards & Cindy McManus and Sue Davis.

1. The Hot Shot
2. Sweet Talk
3. A Gentleman's Retreat
4. Once Upon A Time
5. The Twisted
6. The Wild West
7. Wallflower
8. Full Moon
9. Oblivion

Download at iTMS