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ACEWAXCOLLECTORZ A TASTE OF HONEYのブログ
by acewaxcollectorz

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 An album that’s, in a way, not very Motown-like. “Eivets Rednow? Who’s that?” you might ask—though of course, we both know. It actually says right on the top right corner of the jacket: “How do you spell Stevie Wonder backwards?” Released in 1968, when the legend himself was just 18 years old, this remains his only non-vocal, all-instrumental album to date. And yet, it seems to be one of his lesser-known works. Here, he deliberately sets aside his voice— which, especially at the time, was one of the biggest parts of his appeal— and instead chooses another weapon. While we now think of him primarily as a keyboard player, it’s actually the harmonica that takes center stage here. Collaborating with an orchestra, Stevie blends hit songs of the time with his own original compositions, creating an experimental work. Even without hearing his voice, you can instantly tell—it’s Stevie. It’s got a bit of that “Beatles meets Quincy Jones” vibe to it, if I had to describe it. That said, the harmonica’s pitch is so high that it might not be the best choice for store background music.
エイベッツ・レッドナウって誰? って白々しいですが、ジャケット右上にこう書かれています。 “How do you spell Stevie Wonder backwords?” 1968年、御大18歳の時にリリースした 今なおもって唯一のノンボーカル/インスト作品。にもかかわらず、あまりスポットを浴びることのないアルバムのように思います。御大の魅力の中でも大きなウエイトを占めるであろう(当時は尚更)声を封印。では何で勝負するのか? 今でこそ鍵盤を弾いてるイメージが定着していますが、若き日の御大と言えばそう、ハーモニカ。 オーケストラとコラボし、 当時のヒット曲とオリジナル曲を織り交ぜた実験的な作品ですが、 声を聴かずともやっぱりスティーヴィー。に、ビートルズとクインシー・ジョーンズのセンスが絡んだ感じとでも言いましょうか。 てか、ハーモニカのキーが高過ぎてお店のBGMなんかにはやや不向きかも。
Medley: Coordinator [Recording Coordinators] – Ira Tucker Jr., John Harris Illustration – Efram Wolff Mastered By – George Marino Producer, Arranged By – Stevie Wonder Programmed By [Arp, Moog], Engineer [Electronic Music] – Malcolm Cecil, Robert Margouleff Recorded By [Recordist] – Austin Godsey, Dan Barbiero Synthesizer [Arp], Synthesizer [Moog] – Stevie Wonder Tape Op – Gary Olazabal Written-By – Stevie Wonder (A1 to B5)
 Who else but the “Inokashira Rangers of France” — the unstoppable Mato, standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow mashup wizard Taggy Matcher! Here comes his 2023 STIX release on 7-inch vinyl! For this outing, Mato enlists labelmate Ethel Lindsey, one of the label’s promising young vocalists. Part of his Mellow Reggae Series, this record takes aim at none other than the ultimate AOR anthem — Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do for Love.” A timeless classic, sampled countless times but rarely covered, Mato fearlessly reworks it into a stunning reggae version that feels both respectful and refreshingly original. The flip side features a DUB version, but don’t worry — it’s far from a throwaway. With bold dubwise treatment on those signature horn lines from the chorus, some listeners might even prefer this side — it’s that good. The sleeve artwork, which cleverly samples the design of Caldwell’s original album, oozes love and respect for the source material. A perfect way to kick off Mato’s Phase Two — pure killer vibes!
誰が言ったかフランスの井の頭レンジャーズ。まだまだ止まらない タギー・マッチャーと双璧を成すマッシュアップ職人 マトの2023年 STIXリリース 7"! サンプリングソースとしても人気ですが、名曲過ぎて誰もカヴァーしてこなかった曲を確信的アレンジで誰もが納得するヴァージョンに。 フリップはDUBヴァージョンですが、違う曲が良かったなとガッカリすることなかれ。 サビのホーンを大胆にダブワイズした、こっちのほうが好きってむきもあるくらいの極上キラー。 アルバムのデザインをサンプリングしたジャケットワークもオリジナルに対するリスペクトを感じて最高! マトのフェーズ2の幕開けでス。
Mato Feat. Ethel Lindsey – What You Won't Do For Love '23 Stix
Credit; Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Ethel Lindsey Producer – Mato
- その他のMATO作品 -
Price:3900yen
 Released in 1980 between his two Grammy-winning masterpieces “All Fly Home” and “Breakin’ Away,” “This Time” features Al Jarreau on the cover, resting his chin on his hand with a pensive look — almost as if he foresaw not winning a Grammy that year. Of course, the fact that it didn’t take home the award (that year’s Album of the Year went to The Doobie Brothers’ “What a Fool Believes,” while George Benson won Best Male Vocal Performance for “Give Me the Night”) doesn’t mean it’s any less of an album. Those who were listening in real time back then, or any long-time Jarreau fan, know full well that his Warner Bros. period — from “All Fly Home” through “High Crime” in 1984 — represents the golden era of Al Jarreau. In fact, this record marked his first #1 on the Jazz charts and reached #6 on the R&B charts. Personally, I’d rank it easily among his top five albums. As with any classic, there’s a reason behind its greatness. The man behind the production was none other than the masterful Jay Graydon, who handled all of Jarreau’s prime-era work — and this album marked their first collaboration. Most of the songs were written by Al himself (he sits out only on “(If I Could Only) Change Your Mind”), together with Tom Canning (on guitar and Rhodes) and Tom Kellock, both members of his touring band. The opener, “Never Givin’ Up,” instantly exceeds expectations — Greg Mathieson’s piano is nothing short of sublime, and the way Al’s vocals gradually rise in intensity from a low key is pure artistry, almost unfairly good. This track doesn’t just start the album — it defines it. Vocal-wise, “Love Is Real” is another standout — Jarreau’s signature scat phrasing bursts through, satisfying longtime fans while radiating a refined sophistication. And of course, there’s his take on Chick Corea’s “Spain,” where Al adds lyrics to the iconic instrumental — something only he could pull off, delivering what feels like the grand finale of both vocal and instrumental mastery. Other highlights include “Distracted,” sampled later by Three 6 Mafia on “Triple 6 Hotline” and by Royal Flush & Mic Geronimo on “Regulate.” Truthfully, there isn’t a single throwaway here. It’s not just full of highlights — the entire album is the highlight. A truly flawless record. もちろんグラミーを獲ってないから(その年のアルバム賞はThe Doobie Brothers「 What A Fool Believes」, 最優秀R&Bボーカル・パフォーマンス賞は ジョージ・ベンソン「Give Me The Night」)前述2作より劣るというわけではなく、彼のファンだったり当時リアルタイムで聴いていた当方よりパイセンの洋楽リスナーの方であればご存じかと思いますが、「風の~」以降84年「High Crime」 までのワーナー在籍期はアルの黄金時代であり、本作のチャート成績は JAZZでキャリア初の1位、R&Bでも最高6位を獲得し、個人的には彼のアルバムでも5本の指に入る傑作と思います。 名盤には名盤たる理由があり、黄金期のプロデュースを担当したのが名匠ジェイ・グレイドンで、彼が初めてアルをプロデュースしたのが本作。収録曲はほぼアル(A5「(If I Could Only) Change Your Mind」のみ不参加。B1のチック・コリア「スペイン」とタイトル曲にあたるラストのB4「(A Rhyme) This Time」はインスト曲ですが、アルが詩をのせて歌っています)とギターとローズで演奏にも参加しているトム・カニングやツアーバンド・メンバーのトム・ケロックが手掛けていて、幕開けを飾る「Never Givin' Up」は、作品に対する期待を軽々と越えてくる、名盤であることを告げるかのようなグレッグ・マティソンのピアノがもう最高で、低いキーから徐々にギアアップしていくアルのボーカルがもはや狡(ズル)いと思うくらい、本作のオープニングに留まらず象徴するといっても差し支えない素晴らしさ。ボーカルだけで言えば、アル特有のスキャットが炸裂する「Love Is Real」も既存のファンを納得させつつ洗練を感じるGOODチューン。前に触れましたが、この曲に詩をつけ歌うことができるのはアルだけであろうと思わざるを得ない、圧倒的歌唱力とミュージシャンも含めたテクニックの決勝のような「スペイン」, Three 6 Mafia「Triple 6 Hotline」と Royal Flush and Mic Geronimo「Regulate」でサンプリングされたB2「Distracted」等まさしく捨て曲なし。聴きどころ満載ではなく、聴きどころしかない良作でス。
Al Jarreau – This Time '80 Warner Bros.
A1. Never Givin' UpA2. Gimme What You GotA3. Love Is RealA4. AlonzoA5. (If I Could Only) Change Your MindB1. Spain (I Can Recall)B2. DistractedB3. Your Sweet LoveB4. (A Rhyme) This TimeCredit; Arranged By [Horn], Flugelhorn – Jerry Hey Art Direction – Richard Seireeni Artwork – Harry Mittman Bass – Abe Laboriel Creative Director – Patrick Rains & Associates Drums – Carlos Vega, Ralph Humphrey Engineer – Bernie Grundman, Debbie Thompson, Joe Bogan Engineer, Electric Guitar, Synthesizer [Programing] – Jay Graydon Guitar – Oscar Neves Guitar [Fender Rhodes] – Tom Canning Photography By [Cover] – Richard Avedon Photography By [Sleeve] – Susan Jarreau Piano [Acoustic] – David Foster Producer, Electric Guitar, Synthesizer [Programing] – Jay Graydon Synthesizer [String] – Michael Omartian Synthesizer [String], Piano [Acoustic] – Greg Mathieson Vocals, Backing Vocals, Vocal Percussion – Al Jarreau
- その他のアル・ジャロウ作品 -Price: 1200yen
 Known for his innovative techniques using the tenor bass, tuned a fourth higher, and the piccolo bass, tuned an octave higher — both allowing him to play in a guitar-like style — Stanley Clarke revolutionized the role of the electric bass with his mastery of chordal strumming and slap techniques. He was ranked 13th on Rolling Stone’s list of the “50 Greatest Bassists of All Time.” In 2010, his album “The Stanley Clarke Band Featuring Hiromi,” which welcomed Japanese pianist Hiromi Uehara as a guest player, won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, a testament to his continued brilliance. Born in Philadelphia in 1951, the legendary bassist celebrates his birthday today. The record featured here is his fourth original studio album, “School Days,” released in 1976. Produced once again by Clarke himself alongside engineer Ken Scott (who also worked on “Journey to Love”), the album opens with the title track — a purely rock-driven introduction. While we may never know exactly what Clarke’s school days were like, once David Sancious’s keyboards enter, the mood shifts dramatically into a mystical atmosphere, perfectly contrasted by Clarke’s guitar-like bass strumming. The track’s constantly evolving structure pulls the listener in deeper, ultimately landing back in jazz territory — a truly great tune. Track A2, “Quiet Afternoon,” continues seamlessly from the fading end of the opener — and features Steve Gadd on drums, whose signature playing will immediately ring familiar to fans, reminiscent of Jurassic 5’s “Canto De Ossanha.” A3, “The Dancer,” lives up to its title, while B1, “Desert Song,” paints a vivid sonic image enhanced by elegant string arrangements and John McLaughlin’s acoustic guitar. The finale, “Life Is Just A Game,” brings together Billy Cobham on drums and Moog synthesizer, Icarus Johnson on guitar, and George Duke — Clarke’s longtime collaborator — contributing keyboards (his only appearance on the album). From start to finish, “School Days” maintains a perfect balance of tension and dynamic flow, making it an AWC highly recommended classic. 4度高くチューニングしたテナーベースや、オクターブ高くチューニングしたピッコロベースでギターに近い奏法を得意とし、エレクトリック・ベースのコード・ストロークとスラップ奏法を駆使したプレイで知られ、ローリング・ストーン誌が選ぶ「史上最高のベーシスト50選」で第13位に選ばれる。2010年には自身のバンドに上原ひろみをゲストプレイヤーに迎えたアルバム「スタンリー・クラーク・バンド フィーチャリング上原ひろみ」が第53回 グラミー賞最優秀コンテンポラリー・ジャズ・アルバム賞を受賞したことも記憶に新しい スタンリー・クラークは1951年フィリー生まれで 本日誕生日。 ピックした一枚は、通算4枚目のオリジナル・アルバムとなる76年リリース作「スクール・デイズ」 プロデュースは前作 「Journey To Love」に引き続き自身とレコーディング・エンジニアでもあるケン・スコットで、冒頭タイトル曲の入りは完全にロック。どんな学校生活をスタンリーが送っていたのか知る由もありませんが、デヴィッド・サンシャスのキーボードが加わると曲調は一転し幽玄な雰囲気に。そんな中ギターのようにかき鳴らすスタンリーのエレべとのコントラストの妙。二転三転する展開にどんどん引き込まれ、最後はやっぱりジャズだったと思わせるグレート・チューン。ちなみにChiveer「Ordinary Days」でサンプリングされています。フェードアウトしていくタイトル曲の延長線上のような、まさしくタイトル通りのA2「Quiet Afternoon」のドラムは、聴けば納得のスティーブ・ガッド。ジュラシック5「Canto De Ossanha」にも似たドラミングが印象的なA3「The Dancer」。 これまたタイトル通りのイメージで、ストリングスを効果的にあしらったB1「Desert Song」のアコギは ジョン・マクラフリン。ドラムとムーグに ビリー・コブハム、ギターイカルス・ジョンソン、キーボードで本作ではこの曲のみ参加の盟友ジョージ・デュークの編成による、アルバムの集大成のようなラスト「Life Is Just A Game」まで。 終始程よい緊張感と楽曲の緩急の構成が素晴らしいAWCオススメ盤でス。
Acoustic Guitar – John McLaughlin (B1) Art Direction – Bob Defrin, Lynn Breslin Brass – Albert Aarons, William Peterson, Robert Findley, Buddy Childers, Dalton Smith, Gary Grant, George Bohanon, Jack Nimitz, Lew McCreary, Stuart Blumberg Drums – Gerry Brown (A1, A3), Steve Gadd (A2, B2), Billy Cobham (B3) Electric Guitar – David Sancious, Raymond Gomez (B2) Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Icarus Johnson (B3) Engineer [Assistant] – Ed Thacker (B3), Jerry Solomon (A1 to B2) Engineer [Remix Assistant] – Ed Thacker Guitar – Raymond Gomez (A1) Illustration – Robert Giusti Keyboards – David Sancious (A1), George Duke (B3) Lacquer Cut By – SR Organ, Synthesizer [Mini-moog Solo], Soloist [Mini-moog] – David Sancious (A3) Producer, Arranged By, Written-By, Conductor – Stanley Clarke Producer, Engineer [Recording And Remix] – Ken Scott Strings – David Campbell, Dennis Karmazyn, Gordon Marron, Janice Adele Gower, John Wittenberg, Karen Jones, Lya Stern, Mareia Van Dyke, Marilyn Baker, Robert Dubow, Rollice Dale, Ronald Strauss, Thomas Buffum
・Bizzoe「School Days」('10)
 In September 1980, just before its release, Professor Sakamoto’s solo album “B-2 Unit” came out on the 21st, followed by Susan’s “Do You Believe in Mazik?” — featuring all three YMO members — and Kazuhiko Kato’s “Utakata no Opera,” which Harry (Hosono) and Yukihiro (Takahashi) both took part in, on the 25th. On October 1, Akiko Yano’s “Gohan ga Dekitayo” was released, and the next day, YMO held a press conference for their second world tour, “YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA WORLD TOUR ’80.” The following day, October 3, they flew to the U.K. After returning to Japan, the members remained extremely busy: appearing on Sheena & the Rokkets’ “Channel Good,” Rajie’s “Mahiru no Hodou,” Yuko Kanai’s single “Wait My Darling” (featuring Harry and Yukihiro), and Shigesato Itoi’s “Penguinism,” which featured Harry. Beyond songwriting and production work, YMO (minus programmer Hideki Matsutake, plus Kenji Omura) even appeared on Soul Train on November 2, and from December 24 to 27, they held their legendary Nippon Budokan concerts. The whirlwind continued into 1981: the single “Tighten Up” was released in the U.K. that January, along with Pink Lady’s “Last Pretender” (featuring Takahashi), Rajie’s “Itsuwari no Hitomi,” Kenji Omura’s “Haru ga Ippai,” Snakeman Show’s self-titled album (with Harry), and Yuko Kanai’s “écran,” again with Harry and Yukihiro. Amidst this intense schedule, BGM was recorded between January 15 and February 20, and finally released on March 21, 1981. The album is said to have been inspired by “B-2 Unit” and “Utakata no Opera.” I can’t say exactly how those influences manifest in the record, but apparently, the decision to write the lyrics in English was to soften the directness that Japanese lyrics would have conveyed — using English as a sort of buffer. My first impression after listening was: “How could something sound this sophisticated as early as 1981?” The soundscape immediately brought to mind Talking Heads’ “Remain in Light.” Admittedly, it didn’t hit me with quite the same shock factor, but the English lyrics feel almost inevitable — as if YMO were consciously creating a work destined to become an international standard. Indeed, BGM went on to win the Album Award at the 1981 Japan Record Awards. Commercially, the album did well — though not explosively so — selling 275,000 LP and cassette copies. Despite a rare-for-the-time ¥5 million TV commercial campaign, it peaked at No. 2 on the LP charts. Following their first best-of, “X∞Multiplies,” BGM’s darker, heavier sound drew mixed reactions and even drove away some fans. But as far as I’m concerned, anyone who abandoned YMO after hearing BGM simply lacked taste. 我らが YMOの通算5枚目のオリジナル・アルバム「BGM」 1980年9月21日に坂本教授のソロアルバム「B-2ユニット」、メンバー3人が参加したスーザンのアルバム「Do You Believe In Mazik - 魔法を信じるかい?」、同月25日にハリーさんと幸広さんが参加した 加藤和彦「うたかたのオペラ」がリリースされ、10月1日に 矢野顕子「ごはんができたよ」、2日に2度目のワールドツアー「Yellow Magic Orchestra World Tour '80」の記者会見が行われ、翌3日に渡英。帰国後も3人が参加したシーナ&ザ・ロケッツ「Channel Good」、Rajie「真昼の舗道」、ハリーさんと幸広さんが参加した金井夕子のシングル「Wait My Darling」、ハリーさんが参加した糸井重里「ペンギニズム」がリリースされる。楽曲制作/提供以外にも11/2にソウル・トレインに松武を除く5人憲司で出演し、12/24~27日には武道館公演を敢行。81年に入り、1月にはイギリスにてシングル「タイトゥン・アップ」、同月21日には高橋が参加したピンク・レディーのシングル「Last Pretender」、 ラジのシングル「偽りの瞳」、3人が参加した大村憲司「春がいっぱい」、ハリーさんが参加したスネークマンショー「スネークマン・ショー」、ハリーさんと幸広さんが参加した金井夕子「écran」がそれぞれリリースされる等、超多忙を極める中1月15日~2月20日の間録音され、3月21日にリリースされた本作。 前述の「B-2ユニット」と「うたかたのオペラ」よりインスピレーションを得て制作されたようで、当方はそれがどう作品に反映されてるのかわかりかねますが、歌詞が英語なのは日本語だと内容がストレート過ぎるため、英語でワンクッション置きたかったのだとか。とにかく初めて聴き終えた感想は「81年でこんなにも洗練されてるのか」 事実、81年の日本レコード大賞アルバム賞も受賞した本作。ですが、セールスとチャートにおいては、当時音楽アルバムとしては珍しく制作費500万円で テレビCMが作成され放映されるも、LPとカセットテープで27.5万枚。チャートもLPで最高2位と悪くはないけれど、初のベスト盤「X∞Multiplies」の次ということもあり、これまでに比べダークで重たいサウンドは当時酷評され、離れたファンもいたとかいなかったとか。 当方に言わせれば、本作を聴いて辞めるようなファンやリスナーは音楽を聴くセンスがないと思います。
Credit; A&R [A&R Director] – Kazusuke Obi Art Direction – Yukimasa Okumura Artwork [Creative Service] – Plan-Net Werk, Toshinao Tsukui Design – The Studio, Tokyo, Japan Engineer [Engineered By] – Mitsuo Koike Engineer [With] – Yoshifumi Iio Executive-Producer – Kunihiko Murai, Shoro Kawazoe Lyrics By [Additional Lyrics By] – Peter Barakan Management – Hiroshi Okura, Yoichi Itoh, Yoroshita Music Inc. Mastered By – Hiroshi Yuasa Mixed By – Y M O Mixed By [With] – Mitsuo Koike Photography By [Photograph] – Kenji Miura Producer [Produced By] – Haruomi Hosono Programmed By [Computer Programming By] – Hideki Matsutake Technician [Equipments Coordination] – Don Nagata, Takeshi Fujii, Tomoki Miyadera Written-By [All Selections Written], Performer [Performed], Arranged By – Y M O
- その他のYMO作品 - Price:1500yen
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