World Psychedelic Classics 4: The Existential Soul of Tim Maia
October 2, 2012
Maia effectively introduced American R&B, funk, and soul into Brazilian music during the Tropicalia era, and came up with something completely new in the process. His themes of universal brotherhood, spiritual transcendence, free love, and collective partying fit the psych era in a decidedly more groove-based musicology. Nobody Can Live Forever: The Existential Soul of Tim Maia, more than lives up to its title; it is the definitive compilation from his greatest years.
Chico Hamilton / Chico Hamilton Quintet
October, 1961
The fourth version of the Chico Hamilton Quintet only recorded two albums (including one of movie melodies) and was the least known of his early groups. However, this generally excellent album is significant for introducing Charles Lloyd (who here plays flute and alto instead of tenor). The other three musicians (cellist Nate Gershman, guitarist Harry Polk, and bassist Bobby Haynes) would all remain quite obscure, and this would be the last album in Hamilton's famous string of cello groups before the drummer changed directions.