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Airto Fogo — Airto Fogo
(Guerssen PHS047 / PHS0447CD, 1976/2017, LP / CD)

by Henry Schneider, Published 2017-09-07

Airto Fogo Cover art

The mysterious Airto Fogo, pseudonym for Sylvain Krief, which could also been a pseudonym for Brazilian Waltel Blanco, recorded a one-off album in France in 1976 that is probably the ultimate French jazz-funk record. It certainly is one of the those Holy Grail recordings collectors are always searching for. Now Pharaway Sounds has released this album as both an LP and CD. The record features nine solid jazz-funk instrumentals with heavy drums, Rhodes, analog keyboards, deep bass, and a ton of brass horns, with Blaxploitation and Latin touches. Today this album is considered one of the Top Ten French jazz funk records. I hear touches of Chicago, latter day Blood Sweat and Tears, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, etc. And on “High Stakers” there is something about the melody that makes me think of the Doobie Brothers’ hit “Black Water.” There is not a weak moment on this album. This is music that you can get down to and enjoy, as well as music that is not being produced today. If you enjoy sold and tight jazz-funk instrumentals this reissue of an obscure gem is for you.

Filed under: Reissues, 2017 releases, 1976 recordings

Related artist(s): Sylvain Krief / Airto Fogo / Rupture

 

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