DRAWING A BLANK

Charanga 76: Music Trance
From The Blank Generation: Blank Tapes 1975-1985 (Strut, 2010)

Bob Blank's Blank Tapes studio saw a smorgasbord of styles during its tenure, from later period Gladys Knight disco to avant garde Sun Ra jazz. What got some of the highest acclaim was his work with Tito Rodriguez and Eddie Palmieri as Charanga 76, which was nominated for numerous Grammys. This, and other work, finds its way on Strut's latest compilation celebrating Bob Blank's work at the studio.

Coming in with the best song title I've heard in years is James Blood Ulmer's “Jazz Is The Teacher, Funk Is The Preacher,” which would warrant inclusion even if the song sucked (it doesn't). From a historical standpoint, “Crystalized” by Milton Hamilton is also featured. It was the first song recorded at the studio. With its jazzy, disco-like vibes especially on its electric piano solo, it's an homage to the Ulmer track: jazz truly is the teacher.

DISCO FUNK

Alice Russell: Living The Life Of A Dreamer (Mr. Scruff Remix)
From Pot Of Gold Remixes Vol. 1 (Six Degrees, 2009)

Recently I heard this tasty little gem by UK chanteuse Alice Russell, who has garnered all sorts of comparisons to other blue-eyed soulsters. The beat itself was constructed by her fellow British comrade Mr. Scruff and is featured on one of the remix suites to last year's Pot Of Gold album. The new remix suites are available now digitally or on December 15th in 2-CD physical format.

With its groove-heavy disco funk that replaces the original's jittery backbeat, Russell sings with an impassioned urgency. The track spins for a lengthy 8 minutes with long breaks that extend throughout in multiple spots. It's sure to find its way into your local club DJ's sets with a groove like this that is so hard to deny.