1
Les Cyclades - Glika
2
Les Cyclades - Yser Mystère
3
Les Cyclades - Alocasia
4
Les Cyclades - Short Hero
5
Les Cyclades - Epigone
6
Les Cyclades - Parc Fou
7
Les Cyclades - DRAM
8
Les Cyclades - Niko
9
Les Cyclades - PAME!
10
Les Cyclades - Glossa
Tracklist
A1 Glika
A2 Yser Mystère
A3 Alocasia
A4 Short Hero
A5 Epigone
B1 Parc Fou
B2 DRAM
B3 Niko
B4 PAME!
B5 Glossa
(comes with a poster) The Klein blue horizon, gliding seagulls, a ferry purring between two languid islands, dotted with ultra-white villages and ancient ruins... These idyllic visions run through Glika, the ultimate musical project of Les Cyclades. An exciting electronic odyssey from West to East, from Belgian effervescence to Greek mysticism.
In 2020, confined to the neighborhoods of Yser and Mystère in Brussels, Alex and Ludo dream of Greek islands, of scorching sun on their skin, of salty baths, chilled ouzo and braised octopus. But everywhere, time stands still. Must one necessarily move to travel? To levitate? In the absence of Elsewhere, the Franco-Canadian duo will compose the imaginary soundtrack to their escape.
Glika (which means "sweet" in Greek) perfectly synthesizes the musical influences of Les Cyclades: a cosmic saxophone inherited from Alex’s dub and free jazz past, an architect-pastry chef-botanist from Normandy, and Ludo’s "Balearic" tracks, a musician-performer-wine lover who frequented his first raves in 1995 in Houston, Texas.
From a hedonistic encounter on a friendly terrace in the 19th arrondissement of Paris to their chosen exile in Brussels, these hypersensitive jacks-of-all-trades first danced and mixed records. Before creating their own phantasmagorical sonic territories, where cinema and poetry meet more or less human voices, brass instruments, synthesizers and analogue drum machines.
A searing fragment of Greek filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos's "Eternity and a Day" preludes Glika. Then, on Yser Mystère - the names of the two stations on tram 51 that physically linked Alex and Ludo's psyches during the lockdown - Alex's astral sax balances out the industrial mechanics of a locomotive, against a backdrop of urban soundscapes.
And then a rising bpm dominates Alocasia, with its deep and sensual light foot. So sunny. From one track to another, there are interludes influenced by Xenakis, Vangelis and Jean-Michel Jarre. Seminal heroes of the Cyclades... But soon, the duo unleash hostilities at the helm of Epigone, their meta-techno anthem. "I know", "You know", echoes Alex.
Laughs of friends, "mouth noises," and "bizarre rhythms" still dominate Parc Fou, while DRAM eyes the minimalist techno of Detroit. So dear to Ludo's heart... And what about PAME, that post-modern Greek epic.Or Glossa, a timeless track that finishes with a fascinating - because diffracted - elegance, this multi-sensory journey through Les Cyclades. Let's close our eyes. Silencio! Hay Banda!
By Eléonore Colin, journalist (and friend!!)
•••Les Cyclades are:
Alexandre Rabineau (saxophone, keyboards,percussion,programmation)
Ludovic Gayer (drum machines, effects, sampler, tape deck)
••• All tracks written, recorded and mixed by Les Cyclades at studio Yser Mystère
In Brussels (2020-2023).
Except A5 mixed by Chris Ferreira
••• Tracks A2, A3, B1, B2, B4 and B5 previously self-released on tape cassette (Glossa ep) in 2021.
••• Mastering & lacquer cut by Ångström
••• Artwork by Marius Cstlle
••• A1 contains a sample taken from the movie « Eternity and a day »
Directed by Thedoros Angelopoulos (1998).
••• B2 features a phone call with Ioannis Nikolaou, owner of Underflow Record store
In Athens.
Big love and thank you: Lucie, Mimu, Thomas, Mumu, Ascencio, Chris, Violette, Marius, Serge, Louise, Famille Gayer/Goux, Pablo Volcano, Seb Tonka, ojpb, Marie, Barbara, Jésus, Crevettes Records, Balades Sonores, Mickey and Kiosk Radio, and everybody we forgot.
Special thanks to Koen Galle and Hi Scores for listening, believing and making it real!
More
A1 Glika
A2 Yser Mystère
A3 Alocasia
A4 Short Hero
A5 Epigone
B1 Parc Fou
B2 DRAM
B3 Niko
B4 PAME!
B5 Glossa
(comes with a poster) The Klein blue horizon, gliding seagulls, a ferry purring between two languid islands, dotted with ultra-white villages and ancient ruins... These idyllic visions run through Glika, the ultimate musical project of Les Cyclades. An exciting electronic odyssey from West to East, from Belgian effervescence to Greek mysticism.
In 2020, confined to the neighborhoods of Yser and Mystère in Brussels, Alex and Ludo dream of Greek islands, of scorching sun on their skin, of salty baths, chilled ouzo and braised octopus. But everywhere, time stands still. Must one necessarily move to travel? To levitate? In the absence of Elsewhere, the Franco-Canadian duo will compose the imaginary soundtrack to their escape.
Glika (which means "sweet" in Greek) perfectly synthesizes the musical influences of Les Cyclades: a cosmic saxophone inherited from Alex’s dub and free jazz past, an architect-pastry chef-botanist from Normandy, and Ludo’s "Balearic" tracks, a musician-performer-wine lover who frequented his first raves in 1995 in Houston, Texas.
From a hedonistic encounter on a friendly terrace in the 19th arrondissement of Paris to their chosen exile in Brussels, these hypersensitive jacks-of-all-trades first danced and mixed records. Before creating their own phantasmagorical sonic territories, where cinema and poetry meet more or less human voices, brass instruments, synthesizers and analogue drum machines.
A searing fragment of Greek filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos's "Eternity and a Day" preludes Glika. Then, on Yser Mystère - the names of the two stations on tram 51 that physically linked Alex and Ludo's psyches during the lockdown - Alex's astral sax balances out the industrial mechanics of a locomotive, against a backdrop of urban soundscapes.
And then a rising bpm dominates Alocasia, with its deep and sensual light foot. So sunny. From one track to another, there are interludes influenced by Xenakis, Vangelis and Jean-Michel Jarre. Seminal heroes of the Cyclades... But soon, the duo unleash hostilities at the helm of Epigone, their meta-techno anthem. "I know", "You know", echoes Alex.
Laughs of friends, "mouth noises," and "bizarre rhythms" still dominate Parc Fou, while DRAM eyes the minimalist techno of Detroit. So dear to Ludo's heart... And what about PAME, that post-modern Greek epic.Or Glossa, a timeless track that finishes with a fascinating - because diffracted - elegance, this multi-sensory journey through Les Cyclades. Let's close our eyes. Silencio! Hay Banda!
By Eléonore Colin, journalist (and friend!!)
•••Les Cyclades are:
Alexandre Rabineau (saxophone, keyboards,percussion,programmation)
Ludovic Gayer (drum machines, effects, sampler, tape deck)
••• All tracks written, recorded and mixed by Les Cyclades at studio Yser Mystère
In Brussels (2020-2023).
Except A5 mixed by Chris Ferreira
••• Tracks A2, A3, B1, B2, B4 and B5 previously self-released on tape cassette (Glossa ep) in 2021.
••• Mastering & lacquer cut by Ångström
••• Artwork by Marius Cstlle
••• A1 contains a sample taken from the movie « Eternity and a day »
Directed by Thedoros Angelopoulos (1998).
••• B2 features a phone call with Ioannis Nikolaou, owner of Underflow Record store
In Athens.
Big love and thank you: Lucie, Mimu, Thomas, Mumu, Ascencio, Chris, Violette, Marius, Serge, Louise, Famille Gayer/Goux, Pablo Volcano, Seb Tonka, ojpb, Marie, Barbara, Jésus, Crevettes Records, Balades Sonores, Mickey and Kiosk Radio, and everybody we forgot.
Special thanks to Koen Galle and Hi Scores for listening, believing and making it real!
More
More records from HI SCORES
1
LARSON - Our Inner Sun 06:57
2
LARSON - Hi Scores 06:08
3
LARSON - Slack Breeze (Club mix) 05:40
4
LARSON - Slack Breeze (Sensual mix) 05:22
5
LARSON - Lethal Dance 06:33
6
LARSON - High Jazz Travel 06:44
7
LARSON - Hi Scores (Chris Ferreira’s Magic Force Remix) 06:53
8
LARSON - Souvenir d'Enfance 04:22
(Chris "Funk" Ferreira remix) A true love letter to house music, Larson presents his account of the ubiquitous dance music genre diving deep into its origins. Connecting the dots with some of the genre’s most beloved innovators such as Larry Heard, Boo Williams, Ron Trent, Chez Damier or Chris Brann, the Belgian producer pays tribute by adding his own emphases.
TRACKLIST
A1 Larson - Our Inner Sun 06:57
A2 Larson - Hi Scores 06:08
B1 Larson - Slack Breeze (Club mix) 05:40
B2 Larson - Slack Breeze (Sensual mix) 05:22
C1 Larson - Lethal Dance 06:33
C2 Larson - High Jazz Travel 06:44
D1 Larson - Hi Scores (Chris Ferreira’s Magic Force Remix) 06:53
D2 Larson - Souvenir d'Enfance 04:22
INFO
A true love letter to house music, Larson presents his account of the ubiquitous dance music genre diving deep into its origins. Connecting the dots with some of the genre’s most beloved innovators such as Larry Heard, Boo Williams, Ron Trent, Chez Damier or Chris Brann, the Belgian producer pays tribute by adding his own emphases. Setting a bright mood, at times aiming for the dance floor, at others comforting the listener into a casual vibe, Larson is not seeking, but spontaneously drawing attention with his graceful sounds, stripped to the bone and built on an intuitive factor.
Larson hails from Liège, the South Belgian city known for its meat balls and the mighty river La Meuse, and works as a sound editor in movie production. Recognised by those-who-know as one of the most quintessential figures of Liège’s burgeoning underground nightlife scene, the time is now for Larson to step forward. His 2x12” debut release dubbed ‘Interlace Joy Motions’ is one for the house heads, shifting between 121 and 130 BPM and showcasing the diverse sounds the producer has in store.
Opening track Our Inner Sun has smiles written all over. A simple yet effective piano loop, warm strings and a delicately running acid baseline are all Larson needs to set the standard for the beauty that is yet to come. Effortlessly entertaining for close to seven minutes, here is the essence of timeless house music at work.
Pushing up the speed up to 129 BPM, A2 brings the brand new label’s title track, Larson’s take on the many meanings the name may represent. Designed for jubilant dance floor action, Hi Scores is punchy and elegant at the same time.
On the flip side, Slack Breeze is an eleven-minutes-long breezy electro trip paying homage to Detroit music pioneer Juan Atkins and offers two mixes, nicely manufactured as one auditive whole on the vinyl record with a useful visual marker in between. Be aware of the slight tempo drop between the bold Club mix and the more laid back Sensual mix.
In a cultured and charming manner, Lethal Dance opens the second 12”. Driven by a fab bassline and soft as silk string arrangements, here is a slow burner for moments lost track of time. High Jazz Travel on C2 continues this trip to lofty spaces, speeding up the pace but holding on to Larson’s well crafted dream universe, with its mellow aura almost turning into a debonair lullaby for grown-ups.
Adding another layer to the cake is Chris ‘Funk’ Ferreira, the C12 resident DJ and ½ Senga Ferreira. Also active as the mixing engineer of this double 12”, on the D1 the Brussels based producer takes up the role as remixer with his stomping and energy building ‘Magic Force’ version of Hi Scores, contributing the single vocal sample to the EP. Things come to an end with Souvenir d’Enfance, a playful and innocent conga driven house track, cherished as a safe and sound childhood memory, forever in our hearts just as this excellent debut by Larson.
CREDITS
Music: Nick Moinet
Remix: Chris “Funk” Ferreira
Mixing: Chris “Funk” Ferreira at The Sword-Hall studio, Brussels
Mastering: Wouter Brandenburg
Graphic design vinyl: Léonard Dufois
Graphic design label: Léo Fouan
Hi Scores
Made in Belgium, 2022.
LARSON BIO
Belgian dj and producer Larson is one of those artists whose name you see popping up more frequently on line-ups these days. Based in Liège, promoter for Telefunk, Excursion & Unrhythmic, regular on Kiosk Radio, former co-owner of the House Running label & curator for the La Nature Festival, Larson has been multiplying roles and experiences on the music scene for 15 years, bringing over Rick Whilhite, Hunee, Masalo, Mendel, Vincent Floyd, AliA, San Soda or Jakob Korn to the city famous for its meat balls!
Inspired by the true deep house sound courtesy of a bunch of American artists based in Detroit, Chicago and New York and created in the second half of the eighties and the nineties, Larson aims to add his own touch to the culture, pushing forward his unique blend of atmospheric and hypnotizing house music to dance floors such as C12 in Brussels, La Cadran in Liège, L'international in Paris, Mauke Club in Wuppertal, Cube in Dusseldorf and many more. He holds a residency at online radio Kiosk in Brussels as well.
Together with his friend Flo, Larson has founded House Running, a label responsible for releasing 12 inches by Belgian and French producers such as Baltra, Flabaire and Kiani & His Legion. Lately he has been spending countless hours in the studio, resulting in releases on C12’s label, Bardouin Music and his upcoming debut 2x12” EP on Kong DJ’s new label Hi Scores.
HI SCORES BIO
Founded by Kong DJ in 2022 in Brussels, Hi Scores is a love letter to house music, a soul search in a fantasy world and a nightly quest for the zenith. Each release crafted with an extensive eye for detail in the analog and digital world, the label pushes forward both new talents and established names, all united by a devoted and idiosyncratic interpretation of electronic dance music. More
TRACKLIST
A1 Larson - Our Inner Sun 06:57
A2 Larson - Hi Scores 06:08
B1 Larson - Slack Breeze (Club mix) 05:40
B2 Larson - Slack Breeze (Sensual mix) 05:22
C1 Larson - Lethal Dance 06:33
C2 Larson - High Jazz Travel 06:44
D1 Larson - Hi Scores (Chris Ferreira’s Magic Force Remix) 06:53
D2 Larson - Souvenir d'Enfance 04:22
INFO
A true love letter to house music, Larson presents his account of the ubiquitous dance music genre diving deep into its origins. Connecting the dots with some of the genre’s most beloved innovators such as Larry Heard, Boo Williams, Ron Trent, Chez Damier or Chris Brann, the Belgian producer pays tribute by adding his own emphases. Setting a bright mood, at times aiming for the dance floor, at others comforting the listener into a casual vibe, Larson is not seeking, but spontaneously drawing attention with his graceful sounds, stripped to the bone and built on an intuitive factor.
Larson hails from Liège, the South Belgian city known for its meat balls and the mighty river La Meuse, and works as a sound editor in movie production. Recognised by those-who-know as one of the most quintessential figures of Liège’s burgeoning underground nightlife scene, the time is now for Larson to step forward. His 2x12” debut release dubbed ‘Interlace Joy Motions’ is one for the house heads, shifting between 121 and 130 BPM and showcasing the diverse sounds the producer has in store.
Opening track Our Inner Sun has smiles written all over. A simple yet effective piano loop, warm strings and a delicately running acid baseline are all Larson needs to set the standard for the beauty that is yet to come. Effortlessly entertaining for close to seven minutes, here is the essence of timeless house music at work.
Pushing up the speed up to 129 BPM, A2 brings the brand new label’s title track, Larson’s take on the many meanings the name may represent. Designed for jubilant dance floor action, Hi Scores is punchy and elegant at the same time.
On the flip side, Slack Breeze is an eleven-minutes-long breezy electro trip paying homage to Detroit music pioneer Juan Atkins and offers two mixes, nicely manufactured as one auditive whole on the vinyl record with a useful visual marker in between. Be aware of the slight tempo drop between the bold Club mix and the more laid back Sensual mix.
In a cultured and charming manner, Lethal Dance opens the second 12”. Driven by a fab bassline and soft as silk string arrangements, here is a slow burner for moments lost track of time. High Jazz Travel on C2 continues this trip to lofty spaces, speeding up the pace but holding on to Larson’s well crafted dream universe, with its mellow aura almost turning into a debonair lullaby for grown-ups.
Adding another layer to the cake is Chris ‘Funk’ Ferreira, the C12 resident DJ and ½ Senga Ferreira. Also active as the mixing engineer of this double 12”, on the D1 the Brussels based producer takes up the role as remixer with his stomping and energy building ‘Magic Force’ version of Hi Scores, contributing the single vocal sample to the EP. Things come to an end with Souvenir d’Enfance, a playful and innocent conga driven house track, cherished as a safe and sound childhood memory, forever in our hearts just as this excellent debut by Larson.
CREDITS
Music: Nick Moinet
Remix: Chris “Funk” Ferreira
Mixing: Chris “Funk” Ferreira at The Sword-Hall studio, Brussels
Mastering: Wouter Brandenburg
Graphic design vinyl: Léonard Dufois
Graphic design label: Léo Fouan
Hi Scores
Made in Belgium, 2022.
LARSON BIO
Belgian dj and producer Larson is one of those artists whose name you see popping up more frequently on line-ups these days. Based in Liège, promoter for Telefunk, Excursion & Unrhythmic, regular on Kiosk Radio, former co-owner of the House Running label & curator for the La Nature Festival, Larson has been multiplying roles and experiences on the music scene for 15 years, bringing over Rick Whilhite, Hunee, Masalo, Mendel, Vincent Floyd, AliA, San Soda or Jakob Korn to the city famous for its meat balls!
Inspired by the true deep house sound courtesy of a bunch of American artists based in Detroit, Chicago and New York and created in the second half of the eighties and the nineties, Larson aims to add his own touch to the culture, pushing forward his unique blend of atmospheric and hypnotizing house music to dance floors such as C12 in Brussels, La Cadran in Liège, L'international in Paris, Mauke Club in Wuppertal, Cube in Dusseldorf and many more. He holds a residency at online radio Kiosk in Brussels as well.
Together with his friend Flo, Larson has founded House Running, a label responsible for releasing 12 inches by Belgian and French producers such as Baltra, Flabaire and Kiani & His Legion. Lately he has been spending countless hours in the studio, resulting in releases on C12’s label, Bardouin Music and his upcoming debut 2x12” EP on Kong DJ’s new label Hi Scores.
HI SCORES BIO
Founded by Kong DJ in 2022 in Brussels, Hi Scores is a love letter to house music, a soul search in a fantasy world and a nightly quest for the zenith. Each release crafted with an extensive eye for detail in the analog and digital world, the label pushes forward both new talents and established names, all united by a devoted and idiosyncratic interpretation of electronic dance music. More
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1
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - A1 : Flying High (3:35)
2
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - A2 : Going Home (2:46)
3
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - A3 : Walking In The Dark (4:42)
4
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - A4 : Fighting For Life (3:37)
5
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - A5 : Feeling Tense (4:05)
6
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - B1 : Running Fast (4:42)
7
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - B2 : Loving Tenderly (3:27)
8
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - B3 : Fearing Much (3:35)
9
Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - B4 : Being Friendly (2:54)
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Jay Richford and Gary Stevan - B5 : Having Fun (4:00)
2023 repress
Format Notes: 140g vinyl, remastered from the original tapes
Territories:
Worldwide no restrictions
Track List:
A1 : Flying High (3:35)
A2 : Going Home (2:46)
A3 : Walking In The Dark (4:42)
A4 : Fighting For Life (3:37)
A5 : Feeling Tense (4:05)
B1 : Running Fast (4:42)
B2 : Loving Tenderly (3:27)
B3 : Fearing Much (3:35)
B4 : Being Friendly (2:54)
B5 : Having Fun (4:00)
Release Notes:
More than once Jay Richford and Gary Stevan’s Feelings has been described as the greatest library record ever released. Of course Be With can’t be seen to be playing favourites, but we have to admit, it’s pretty good. Insanely rare and immensely sought-after, it’s a tough funk, street jazz masterpiece coveted for many years by collectors of all musical genres.
Since its original release on Italian label Carosello in 1974, Feelings has appeared on several labels with different sleeves and even under a different artist. Indeed cult library label Conroy put it out in one of their iconic red sleeves in 1976 and yes, Feelings has indeed had more than one modern re-issue since these “original” releases. But a record this special deserves to be kept in press and we think it deserves the Be With treatment.
No, Jay Richford and Gary Stevan aren’t two of the most Italian sounding names. As the story goes these were the pseudonyms adopted by Stefano Torossi and Giancarlo Gazzani who wrote the album but couldn’t use their real names on the original release for legal reasons. But Stefano Torossi himself later both clarified and confused the tale further by explaining that Feelings was the work of four people not just Gazzani and himself. Fellow composers and musicians Sandro Brugnolini and Puccio Roelens also worked on the album and as Torossi himself explained “we all worked together”, with all four gents “dividing the royalties in equal parts… that’s the story.” Right, so, with that all sorted out let’s get back to talking about the music. And what music it is.
Long hailed as a holy grail of library music, Feelings is the epitome of the sort of cinematic orchestral jazzy funk that is “that 70s library music sound”. Infectiously funky, deliciously melodic and with impeccible, elegant production, this record is the showcase for a stunning set of compositions and arrangements and with performances that are nothing short of virtuoso.
The record’s first side lifts off with “Flying High”, soaring brilliant and shimmering. Funk licks, menacing strings and swaggering horns combine for an ice-cold intro groove that Isaac Hayes would surely have envied, before the steady-paced drums deliver the slo-mo TKO. The string-drenched cop-funk of “Going Home” raises the tempo. All funky quick-fire bass lines and killer electric guitar soloing. A real thriller.
“Walking In The Dark” positively drips in blaxploitation-funk drama strings and horn struts, all laced with delicate drums, velvet piano and more filthy wah-wah. “Fighting For Life” is another funk-fuelled workout built around an effortlessly relentless drum track that refuses to give up until even the stiffest-necked head is nodding.
The loping, open drum break that guides the much-loved “Feeling Tense” through its early stages would be good enough on its own. The heavy bass gloss, swirling strings and ominous horns that follow take things to the next level.
The second side opens with another favourite “Running Fast”, and the track does precisely that. This is one fine rollicking chase theme underpinned by frenetic (yet funky) Fender Rhodes and skipping bass and drums. Those sweeping strings are a gorgeous extra. It’s a deliciously feel-good groove that sets the heart racing.
“Loving Tenderly” envelops us in warm, velvety night-time vibes with easy listening horns and slinky strings dialing up the seduction. Definitely one for the lithe lovers out there. The pace picks up on the electrifying “Fearing Much” where strings dart around deep bass, buzzing guitars and another funky drum break. The lush, melancholic “Being Friendly” is another easy beauty, all warm Rhodes and strings. Majestic stuff that puts an aural arm around you. The climactic “Having Fun” rides a pulsating, bass-heavy drum break with snatches of a funky guitar refrain, some luxurious keys, sweeping strings and triumphant horns. Sensational.
“Feelings” is a profoundly appropriate title for such an emotionally funky and genuinely affecting record. Groove-laden bass, irrepressible horns, sweet flute lines, warm Rhodes, lush string arrangements, blaxploitation-styled wah-wah guitars and so, so much more make this one of the finest instrumental soul LPs of the 70s, if not of all time.
The audio for this re-issue of Feelings comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis and cut by Pete Norman. The same care has been taken by the Be With team to restore that glorious original Carosello sleeve. Feelings is almost too good to be true. Feels good all over.
More
Format Notes: 140g vinyl, remastered from the original tapes
Territories:
Worldwide no restrictions
Track List:
A1 : Flying High (3:35)
A2 : Going Home (2:46)
A3 : Walking In The Dark (4:42)
A4 : Fighting For Life (3:37)
A5 : Feeling Tense (4:05)
B1 : Running Fast (4:42)
B2 : Loving Tenderly (3:27)
B3 : Fearing Much (3:35)
B4 : Being Friendly (2:54)
B5 : Having Fun (4:00)
Release Notes:
More than once Jay Richford and Gary Stevan’s Feelings has been described as the greatest library record ever released. Of course Be With can’t be seen to be playing favourites, but we have to admit, it’s pretty good. Insanely rare and immensely sought-after, it’s a tough funk, street jazz masterpiece coveted for many years by collectors of all musical genres.
Since its original release on Italian label Carosello in 1974, Feelings has appeared on several labels with different sleeves and even under a different artist. Indeed cult library label Conroy put it out in one of their iconic red sleeves in 1976 and yes, Feelings has indeed had more than one modern re-issue since these “original” releases. But a record this special deserves to be kept in press and we think it deserves the Be With treatment.
No, Jay Richford and Gary Stevan aren’t two of the most Italian sounding names. As the story goes these were the pseudonyms adopted by Stefano Torossi and Giancarlo Gazzani who wrote the album but couldn’t use their real names on the original release for legal reasons. But Stefano Torossi himself later both clarified and confused the tale further by explaining that Feelings was the work of four people not just Gazzani and himself. Fellow composers and musicians Sandro Brugnolini and Puccio Roelens also worked on the album and as Torossi himself explained “we all worked together”, with all four gents “dividing the royalties in equal parts… that’s the story.” Right, so, with that all sorted out let’s get back to talking about the music. And what music it is.
Long hailed as a holy grail of library music, Feelings is the epitome of the sort of cinematic orchestral jazzy funk that is “that 70s library music sound”. Infectiously funky, deliciously melodic and with impeccible, elegant production, this record is the showcase for a stunning set of compositions and arrangements and with performances that are nothing short of virtuoso.
The record’s first side lifts off with “Flying High”, soaring brilliant and shimmering. Funk licks, menacing strings and swaggering horns combine for an ice-cold intro groove that Isaac Hayes would surely have envied, before the steady-paced drums deliver the slo-mo TKO. The string-drenched cop-funk of “Going Home” raises the tempo. All funky quick-fire bass lines and killer electric guitar soloing. A real thriller.
“Walking In The Dark” positively drips in blaxploitation-funk drama strings and horn struts, all laced with delicate drums, velvet piano and more filthy wah-wah. “Fighting For Life” is another funk-fuelled workout built around an effortlessly relentless drum track that refuses to give up until even the stiffest-necked head is nodding.
The loping, open drum break that guides the much-loved “Feeling Tense” through its early stages would be good enough on its own. The heavy bass gloss, swirling strings and ominous horns that follow take things to the next level.
The second side opens with another favourite “Running Fast”, and the track does precisely that. This is one fine rollicking chase theme underpinned by frenetic (yet funky) Fender Rhodes and skipping bass and drums. Those sweeping strings are a gorgeous extra. It’s a deliciously feel-good groove that sets the heart racing.
“Loving Tenderly” envelops us in warm, velvety night-time vibes with easy listening horns and slinky strings dialing up the seduction. Definitely one for the lithe lovers out there. The pace picks up on the electrifying “Fearing Much” where strings dart around deep bass, buzzing guitars and another funky drum break. The lush, melancholic “Being Friendly” is another easy beauty, all warm Rhodes and strings. Majestic stuff that puts an aural arm around you. The climactic “Having Fun” rides a pulsating, bass-heavy drum break with snatches of a funky guitar refrain, some luxurious keys, sweeping strings and triumphant horns. Sensational.
“Feelings” is a profoundly appropriate title for such an emotionally funky and genuinely affecting record. Groove-laden bass, irrepressible horns, sweet flute lines, warm Rhodes, lush string arrangements, blaxploitation-styled wah-wah guitars and so, so much more make this one of the finest instrumental soul LPs of the 70s, if not of all time.
The audio for this re-issue of Feelings comes from the original analogue tapes and has been remastered for vinyl by Be With regular Simon Francis and cut by Pete Norman. The same care has been taken by the Be With team to restore that glorious original Carosello sleeve. Feelings is almost too good to be true. Feels good all over.
More