Record collection revisited: Eumir Deodato “The Crossing”

This is actually a new record that has been getting constant play in my CD player over the past few days.  Some records are just really good right out of the box.  Deodato’s new record “The Crossing” is one of those albums.  I have highlighted his earlier work from the 1970s before.  But, this new record keeps his signature sound intact while also featuring some really interesting collaborations.  Deodato mixes his trademark pop sound with healthy doses of jazz fusion, funk, and even a bit of modern R&B or hip hop on “The Crossing”.  It features hip hop and soul influenced vocals by both Londonbeat and Paco Sery.

Each track is unique and one of the tracks called “Double Face” bookends the record.  Somehow I have to think that the tune went down so well, it was decided that two takes should both be included on the finished record.  “Double Face” features vocals by Al Jarreau who is a very unique artist in his own right, developing a signature scat singing style all his own.  I have been listening to his singing for a long time, so hearing his vocals on “Double Face” really enhances the tune.  He co-wrote the piece with Deodato.

Besides Al Jarreau, this record includes other guest artists including Deodato’s longtime guitarist John Tropea (who played on the early ‘70s records he did like “Deodato” from 1972 and “Deodato 2” released the next year in 1973).  Drummer Billy Cobham is featured on a track along with Italian pop group Novecento.  Other singers on the record include R&B/hip hop singer Londonbeat, and vocalist Paco Sery, who contribute vocals to the title track “The Crossing”.  This is a very funky track with synced drumbeats, but also a really pure bass line, Deodato’s Rhodes piano, and, (icing on the cake), horns!

John Tropea is featured on only two tracks, but one of these is a great arrangement of the Gershwin classic “Summertime” which appears in the latter half of the track list.  Well known percussionist Airto Moreira (who has played with Miles Davis among others), is featured on the track “Border Line”.  Deodato’s band on this record includes:

Eumir Deodato: electric piano

Rossana Nicolosi: bass

Lino Nicolosi: guitar

Pino Nicolosi: keyboards, double bass

Billy Cobham: drums

Mimmo Campanale: drums

Marco Fadda: percussion

Al Jarreau: vocals

Jimmy Chambers: vocals

William Upshaw: vocals, backing vocals

Joe Turano: backing vocals

J. Patrick Lundquist: backing vocals

Dora Nicolosi: backing vocals

Gianni Virone: flute, tenor saxophone

There are numerous horn and string players on the recording, something Deodato is known for on all his records.  His music is a combination of jazz fusion, pop, classical, R&B/funk, and hip hop (at least on this recording).  The record was done at his studio in Milan, Italy.  It certainly falls into an improvisational and groove record category like many of his earlier works did.  Here’s the full track listing with featured soloists.

1
1    1. Double Face        feat. Al Jarreau

2. I Want You More feat. Novecento & Al Jarreau

3. The Crossing       feat. Londonbeat & Paco Sery

4. Night Passage     feat. John Tropea

5. No Getting Over You  feat. Londonbeat

6. Summertime     feat. John Tropea

7. Rule My World  feat. Novecento & Billy Cobham

8. Border Line       feat. Airto Moreira

9. Double Face     feat. Al Jarreau                

If you are a Deodato fan, or even if the name is new to you, check out “The Crossing”.  Deodato’s unique brand of jazz fusion is a welcome sound for the ears with his ability as a producer to layer different instruments together and to bring new ideas into the fold, but keep a sound he’s had that is identifiable for over 35 years.  It proves the old adage “why mess with a good thing?”  Well, experimentation is great.  But, by doing that, Deodato also keeps his music very real and truly one of a kind.