Isaac Hayes “Fragile” (Virgin 1998)
This is a quite recent record from the man with the velvet voice, a
beautiful slow groover as only he can make. It’s actually a cover of a Sting
song but it sounds 100% Hayes like his best work from the 70’s.
Gato Barbieri “I want you” (A&M 1977)
Another cover here, but this time from a much know song by Marvin Gaye. No
one could replace Marvin’s sweet and melancolic vocal but a lushious piano,
strings and sax workout, the sound dynamics on this cut are impressive and
it sets up a delicious atmosphere
Inner Life “Make it last forever” Larry Levan remix (Salsoul 1980)
this has to be listened in the full 12 minutes plus glory of the Larry Levan
uncut remix. The vocal stops mid way and it lets an infectious sensual
groove unfold topped by Patrick Adams’ nagging synth that just takes you in.
Four Flights “All I want is you” (Almeria 1977)
A delicious love song from the Patrick Adams and Greg Carmichael stable,
sweet soul at it’s best with precise vocal harmonies and very rich
arrangement
Starvue “Body fusion” (MIR 1979)
Straight of Chicago, this was a classic with british Soul boys back in the
days. Absolutely stunning strings and a driving beat pace this song that
keeps you tapping your feet although it’s almost as slow as a ballad.
France Joli “Gonna get over you” (Prelude 1979)
One of my ever favorite songs, needs to be enjoyed in it’s 12″ version,
where both the vocal and instrumental mixes have a flavor of their own, the
latter being the most sensual.
Joe Gibbs and the professionals “Bionic encounter” (Joe Gibbbs 1979)
This has to be the best example of “Reggae Not Reggae” tucked in the grooves of quite traditional Dub album lies this gem of a slow Disco cut which is no other than an instrumental version of Salsoul Orchestra evergreen hit
“Runaway” complete with a Patrick Adams’d synth melody.
Blue Velvets “Summertime” (RSC 1977)
Here we go again with another cover, the classic Porgy and Bess song gets
the male soul group treatment. The vocal are perfect, and the Disco-ey
arrangement even better.
Eddie Kendricks “Keep on trucking” Tom Moulton remix (Motown/Soul Jazz 1977)
One of the best Eddie Kendricks song recently got the Tom Moulton treatment
it always deserved. From a pretty rough Detroit cut it now turns into a
Gamble & Huff like Philly diamond
Robin Beck “Sweet Talk” (Mercury 1978)
I never found much info on who that white chick was but she definitely has
some soul, the music is bouncy like a Chic production complete with lush
strings.
Dimitri – ‘Super Disco Friends’ comp out now.
