Artiste: David Axelrod
Spotlight Track: The Smile
Compilation: The Edge
Label: Capitol Jazz
Bass: Carol Kaye
Guitar: Howard Roberts
Drums: Earl Palmer
Conductor: Don Randi
Strings: Arnold Belnick, Harry Bluestone, Douglas Davis, Alvin Dinkin, Harry Hyams, Ralph Kramer, Richard Leith, Leonard Malarsky, Nathan Ross, Henry Roth, Myron Sandler, Harold Scheneier, Marshall Sosson, Tibor Zelig
Violin: Bobby Bruce, Freddie Hill, Sid Sharp, Jack Shulman, Harry Sigismonti, Tony Terran
Viola: Anne Goodman, Gareth Nuttycombe
Vibes & Percussion: Gene Estes, Gary Coleman
French Horn: Vincent De Rosa, Arthur Maebe
Trumpet: Allen Di Rienzo, Ollie Mitchel
Trombone: Lew McCreary
Composed, Arranged And Produced By David Axelrod
Recorded in 1968, this cut along with the rest of the tracks released under it’s original LP ‘Songs Of Innocence’, changed the face of jazz forever and it was aptly coined ‘A Jazz Fusion’ . Suffice to say, David Axelrod was thus called ‘The Father Of Fusion’.
Now, in comparing Axelrod’s sound to the fusion jazz artists of the 70s and 80s, you will find a marked difference especially in the tonation and instruments used, but why critics saw this as the birth of jazz fusion was because the expressions and arrangements were so fresh during those days, it seemed like a brilliant mish-mash of jazz styles and harmonics – always interesting to the listener nevertheless.
The intro for The Smile starts off nicely with em’ melancholic violins, obviously preparing you for some serious down-tempo psychedelic funk action. Soon, the rest of the band and orchestra will let lose the jazz jooce – the vibe confirm steam to the brim liao – and I suspect you will most definately be blown away. Special shoutout to Carol Kaye who is always sublime with her bass licks and in this track, absolutely gave that special woman’s touch to the overall groove. Round of applause!
The Edge is basically a compilation of some of David Axelrod’s Capitol Jazz recordings and my hat’s off to the A&R who chose the tracks (Eothen Alapatt) cos they are ALL spot on swifty vibin’ ifyaknowhaddaimsayin. Of course, 10 kow taos to the maestro himself Mr. David Axelrod for his forward-bound brilliance and musical foresight.
I remember putting this CD on one day in the office after lunch. The music pulled me in so much that I spent the next 3 hours analysing the tracks from top to toe. I don’t think I got much work done that day but I was very happy that David Axelrod was instrumental in one of my ‘work-not-work’ escapades. If one day, you feel like skiving at work, please feel free to head down to Borders and tangkap a copy of The Edge in US Press. You will not regret and I guarantee your Outbox will see very little action that day ; )
Tangkap This!!!
-Crispian
