“Do It Again” by EUMIR DEODATO. A Review of the Universal CD compilation.

After he left the CTI label - and just before his "Night Cruiser" stuff on Warner Brothers - Brazilian multi-keyboardist EUMIR DEODATO punched out a string of jazz-funk albums for MCA in the mid Seventies - and that's where this 2007 European CD comes in.

Digitally remastered and at mid-price, Universal Verve Jazz Club 06007 5300715 breaks downs as follows (76:15 minutes):

1. Do It Again
2. Peter Gunn
3. Amani
4. Moonlight Serenade
5. Havana Strut
6. Whirlwinds
7. Juanita
8. Theme From Star Trek
9. Adam's Hotel
10. Funk Yourself
11. Speak Low
12. Black Widow
13. St. Louis Blues
14. Super Strut

1, 4, 5 and 6 are from "Whirlwinds" (1974)
2, 3, 7, 8 and 12 are from "Very Together" (1976)
9, 10 and 11 are from "First Cuckoo" (1975)
13 and 14 are live tracks from "Artistry" (1974)

His covers of Steely Dan's "Do It Again" and Henry Mancini's "Peter Gunn" open the jazz-funk proceedings very nicely, followed soon afterwards by a particular favourite of mine - the speedy synth funk of "Whirlwinds" - and it pretty much continues like that all the way to the enthusiastic crowd on the live "Super Strut" track that ends the disc. The smooth lurch of "Adam's Hotel" may be a little too elevator music for some, but it's soon redeemed by the brilliantly foot-tapping "Funk Yourself" and slinky almost Steely Dan's "Aja" feel of "Black Widow". Very nice stuff indeed.

The remastered sound is fabulous throughout - really clean and muscular - which in turn brings out the great musicianship contained within - guitarist John Tropea, drummer Billy Cobham, Tony Levin on bass - and many, many others.

Disregard the naff 'luscious lips' artwork - this dinky little compilation delivers where it matters - great track choices coupled with top sound - and it's a steal at less than four pounds/six dollars.