Wanderlist n° 315
From Samba to Soul: A Journey Through the Vinyl Crates
Today, we're diving into a playlist that's as eclectic as a thrift store's vinyl bin - and twice as rewarding. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle into that well-worn armchair, and let's explore some tunes that'll make your ears perk up and your toes tap.
Ready to take you on a musical odyssey that'll make your ears perk up and your soul stir. Wanderlist 314 is a carefully curated collection of sonic gems that'll transport you through decades of musical brilliance.
Our journey begins in Brazil with Mario Castro Neves' "Nanã." This track is a perfect example of the rich, rhythmic tapestry that Brazilian music offers. The interplay between the percussion and the melodic instruments creates a groove that's impossible to resist. It's the kind of tune that makes you want to close your eyes and sway, imagining yourself on a sun-drenched beach in Rio.
Speaking of irresistible grooves, João Donato's "Cala Boca Menino" keeps the Brazilian vibe going strong. Donato's keyboard work is nothing short of magical, blending jazz and bossa nova in a way that's uniquely his own. This track showcases why he's considered a legend in Brazilian music circles.
As we venture northward, we encounter the raw, powerful voice of Syl Johnson on "Concrete Reservation." Johnson's socially conscious lyrics and funky rhythms remind us of the important role music plays in addressing societal issues. It's a stark contrast to our Brazilian openers, but that's the beauty of a well-crafted playlist – it can take you places you didn't expect to go.
And speaking of powerful voices, we can't overlook Gil Scott-Heron's "Gun." Scott-Heron's spoken word delivery over a jazzy backdrop is a masterclass in using music as a medium for message. It's not an easy listen, but it's an important one, showcasing the ability of music to provoke thought and inspire change.
As we cross borders again, we find ourselves in the company of the incomparable Chavela Vargas with "No soy de aquí, no soy de allá." Vargas' deep, emotive voice carries the weight of a thousand stories. This song, with its themes of belonging nowhere and everywhere, resonates deeply in our increasingly globalized world.
Shifting gears, Ray Barretto's "El Diablo" injects a dose of Latin fire into our playlist. Barretto's congas lead the charge in this infectious tune that blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz sensibilities. It's the kind of track that makes you want to get up and move, regardless of your dance skills.
For a change of pace, Carmen McRae's rendition of "Whatever Lola Wants" brings us into smoky jazz club territory. McRae's vocals ooze confidence and sensuality, perfectly capturing the essence of the song. It's a reminder of the timeless appeal of a well-delivered jazz standard.
We close our highlighted picks with KHAN JAMAL's "The Known Unknown." This track exemplifies the exploratory nature of spiritual jazz, with Jamal's vibraphone work creating an almost hypnotic atmosphere. It's the perfect way to wind down our journey, leaving us in a contemplative mood.
But don't stop here, folks! This playlist is brimming with gems waiting to be discovered. From the funk of Gwen McCrae to the psychedelic sounds of Timber Timbre, there's a whole world of music to explore.
Playlist
João Selva - Se Você / Djavan - Nereci / Mario Castro Neves - Nanã / Franko Xavier - Eu Sou Marinheiro / Téo Azevedo - O Novo de Hoje Já É Velho Aqui / João Donato - Cala Boca Menino / Cortex - La rue / Etta James - You Give Me What I Want / Syl Johnson - Concrete Reservation / The James Hunter Six - I Don't Wanna Be Without You / Dusty Springfield - Spooky / Boz Scaggs - Hercules / Gwen McCrae - 90% of Me Is You / Leon Thomas - China Doll / Gil Scott-Heron - Gun / Rahsaan Roland Kirk - Ain't No Sunshine / Chavela Vargas - No soy de aquí, no soy de allá / Eddie Palmieri - Café / Ray Barretto - El Diablo / George Guzman - Camarón / New Regency Orchestra - Mambo Rama / Whatitdo Archive Group - Exotique / Carmen McRae - Whatever Lola Wants / The Chakachas - Stories / Hideo Shiraki - Groovy Samba / John Patton - Pinto / KHAN JAMAL - The Known Unknown / Sven Wunder - Mosaic / Henry Franklin - Plastic Creek Stomp / Web Web - Meskel Flowers (Alternate Version) / The Awakening - Brand New Feeling / Timber Timbre - Magic Arrow / Kourosh Yaghmaei - Gole Yakh
