Random Fuzz: Six Of The Best

Oscar Brown, Jr.: A Dime Away from A Hotdog
From:Movin on [Atlantic, 1972]

Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers: Bustin’ Loose
From:Bustin’ Loose [Source Records, 1979]

Phirpo Y Sus Caribes: Comencemos
From: Parilla Caliente [Phillips, 1973]

Bobby Pauneto: El Senor Sid
From: El Sonido Morderno [Mardi Gras, 196?]

Bobby Hutcherson feat. Harold Land : Goin’ Down South
From: San Francisco [Blue Note, 1970]

Max Roach: January V
From: M’Boom [Columbia, 1979]

Back with an odds and sods post today though be assured that this has been handpicked for that EarFuzz seal of quality and all tracks are suitably fantastic.

I’ve been thinking about putting together a post on Gil Scott Heron to mark the release of his new album next month and, while flicking through the collection, suddenly remembered about Mr Oscar Brown, Jr. , an artist who could be said to have covered some of the similar ground as Scott Heron in his own work, particularly his early compositions which had a serious focus on what it was to be an African-American. Movin’ On, released just over ten years after his debut solo LP, Sin & Soul (well worth checking out in itself) may not be Brown’s most political work but is an undeniably enjoyable listen with some great tracks, the pick being A Dime Away From A Hotdog. Both funky and a message song, this has Brown delivering his tale over some wah wah bass and chorusing trumpets. Good stuff.

Moving on (see what I did there?) we have Godfather of Go-go Chuck Brown’s Bustin’ Loose off the 1979 album of the same name. Nothing complicated going on here, just a great groove, a rhythm and brass section dripping in funk and Chuck proclaiming his need to bust loose over the top. Perfect. Just seen that it’s the Washington National’s baseball team’s home run tune so no doubt widely known.  Oh well, I’ll post it anyway for us non Americans/fans of baseball. Can’t imagine anything quite that funky playing at a premiership football match anytime soon.

Next up is a Latin track by Phirpo Y Sus Caribes. I can’t claim to know diddly squat about the Latin music scene but the album was posted in a recent music exchange and this particular track, Comencemos, is so damn good I couldn’t resist posting it. One of the catchiest horn and basslines I’ve heard in ages the track just rolls and rolls and rolls and would probably make me do things I would later regret on a dancefloor. Just noticed that this has been reissued as a 7″ on Soundway. Will be picking up shortly.

Wait what? More Latin? Yep, my knowledge may be lacking but picking out tracks like this is like shooting fish in a barrel. El Senor Sid by Bobby Paureto starts off in the most unassuming way before you get what is almost an amen breakbeat which sets the scene for the pure salsa fever that follows. The kind of track that makes me pity myself for not knowing more about the scene.

Next up, we’re entering Jazz territory with the stunning collaboration between Bobby Hutcherson and Harold Land, Goin’ Down South, off their San Francisco LP. Little more than a rolling hook the undeniable groove sets the scene for Land’s laid back accompaniment and Hutcherson’s insane soloing. I’ve loved this track for so long it almost feels a bit strange having to explain it. Just listen and judge for yourself but this absolutely does it for me.

Last up we have January V by Max Roach’s M’Boom. No bassline hook here, no face melting open break, just a sublimely beautiful piece of jazz which seems to drift across the senses slowing everything to a standstill for the three and a half minute duration. Featuring such names as Joe Chambers among the players this is truly music that sounds like it’s been touched by angels.