Macho is right. This 1975 album is one of the headiest in the Hungarian born guitarist Gabor Szabo's entire catalog. Produced by
Bob James, the album is deep in fretless Fender basslines courtesy of
Louis Johnson, funky Rhodes pianos and synthesizers from
James, and former
Mother of Invention Ian Underwood, guitar savvy from Szabo with
Eric Gale on rhythm, and a horn section that features no less than George Bohanon,
Jon Faddis, and
Tom Scott, with the venerable
Harvey Mason Sr. on drums. This is a tough, in-your-face funky soul-jazz band. Szabo's sense of camp was eternal as he covers, disco-style,
Franz Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody #2, but slips into the souled-out groove-jazz of his own "Time," without a seam. Szabo's playing, with its mysterious, liquid runs and razor-sharp melodic sensibilities, is centered here by
James, who attempts to make Szabo's six strings be at the absolute dead-center of the mix. Tracks like
James' own "Transylvania Boogie," (the long title track -- of which the alternate is better, looser, more wiry), and
Phoebe Snow's "Poetry Man," offer a glimpse of Szabo as the consummate melodist: with teeth. Harmonically, this band was as disciplined as the charts would allow, giving nothing away in the ensemble sections. This is a tough, streetwise, commercial jazz album that has plenty to offer to anyone with an open mind. In the pocket, groove-soaked, and flawlessly executed. This French reissue comes with amazingly remastered sound, and two bonus tracks including the classic "Evening In the Country."
