On Double CD, Raven presents Master of Funk: The Essential Albums 1974-1977 combining three legendary albums by Los Angeles-born saxophonist, TOM SCOTT: Tom Scott and the L.A. Express (1974), Tom Cat (1975) and New York Connection (1975). This music still sounds fresh and vibrant today and with the addition of four bonus tracks from Blow it Out (1977), represents the very essence of jazz-funk fusion, highlighting Scott and The L.A. Express at the peak of their powers. With Scott as leader, L.A. Express members Joe Sample (keyboards) and Larry Carlton (guitar) also enjoyed a parallel career in The Crusaders and with Scott, backed Joni Mitchell on many of her best recordings from the mid-70s. Tom Scott and the L.A. Express is regarded as one of the finest jazz-fusion albums of all time, becoming one of the most sampled records ever. Snoop Dog, Bruno Mars, Madonna, Massive Attack, Wu-Tang Clan, N.W.A., 2Pac, The Chemical Brothers are just a few of the scores of musicians that have used Tom Scott's groundbreaking beats and breaks. Tom Cat is another highly accessible jazz-funk-R&B session, with lots of inspired blowing courtesy of Scott and new guitarist Robben Ford on 'Rock Island Rocket' and the eight & a half minute 'Mondo'; 'Sweaty, hard-hitting jazz-funk all the way' All Music Guide. For New York Connection, Scott left the L.A. Express and headed to the Big Apple to work with Bob James (keyboards), Hugh McCracken (guitar) and Steve Gadd (drums) on gritty, down-home pieces such as 'Dirty Old Man' and 'Midtown Rush'. Of the bonus tracks, 'Gotcha (Theme from 'Starsky & Hutch')' is one of Scott's most iconic recordings. With superb quality audio, detailed liner notes and colour booklet, this is a must for jazz-funk fusion enthusiasts.
M**S
Great Scott! 3 funk fusion classics from down under!
Killer vintage 70's jazz funk from the L.A. session masters that provided the groove for so many major pop, rock, r&b and jazz artists. Saxman/Composer/Arranger Tom Scott always surrounds himself with the greatest players and creates thick, layered grooves and killer sax/guitar unison leads. These classic recordings feature Bob James, Robben Ford, Larry Carlton, Joe Sample, Richard Tee, George Harrison, Joni Mitchell, among others. Most of these albums are difficult to find on CD (they're either out of print or available as expensive imports). The critics never could understand or categorize this music. 'F' them! You'll also want the U.K. double CD set that includes Scott's BLOW IT OUT, INTIMATE STRANGERS and STREET BEAT. Beautifully packaged Australian import.
S**L
Five Stars
Excellent example of pure 70's jazz funk. Great remastering job too. Highly recommended.
S**N
Five Stars
My husband loves it.
P**G
Five Stars
Just as i remembered it.
J**D
The Best Tom Scott compilation
This is a 2-CD Australian compilation of Tom Scott's 1974-77 albums, and there is also a UK (BGO label) of the same albums. The remastered sound on both compilations is similar (and in both cases an improvement over the original Epic/Legacy CDs). I bought both compilations, but I'd give the edge to this one from Raven (Australia) because of the four added bonus tracks for about the same price on Amazon, and better liner notes and artwork. But the BGO collection has new and unique liner notes as well, and because it does not have the bonus tracks, it has a better running order on the two cds (i.e. the 2nd cd begins with a better set of tunes). A lot of this is still fresh-sounding and enjoyable jazz/rock with mass appeal, and there is the curiosity of George Harrison's slide guitar cameo on one quiet-storm-type song. (Tom Scott had contributed to Harrison's albums and live shows.)
S**E
killa
Gritty funk, driving soul jazz workouts from the mid 70s. The productions are pretty slick which might have you initially thinking smooth jazz, but some consideration reveals a real chicken plucking jammer of a set. A party starter for sure. The Rhodes Scholar: Jazz-Funk Classics 1974-1982 set also comes highly recommended in this genre. The sound on both sets is greatly improved over previous editions.
V**T
Definitivement FUN-KY !!
C'est une merveille!! pour tous les fans de la funk instrumentale des années 70... Rappelez-vous Starsky & Hutch, saison 2.. c'était lui : Tom Scott...Ce double CD vous replonge dans cette ambiance jazz-fusion-funk, tellement propre à Starsky & Hutch: des lignes de basse à couper le souffle, des parties de batteries (souvent samplées depuis) à vous faire groover dans votre salon, des solos de Fender Rhodes d'anthologie et un saxo bien dosé, qui balance comme jamais...Meilleur témoignage de cette époque magistrale au niveau musical : le CD offre en bonus le fameux 'Gotcha', qui était le thème de S&H saison 2.à posséder d'urgence!
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