La Clave – Acoustic Sounds

by Audiophile Audition | Jun 2, 2024 | Jazz CD Reviews, SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews | 0 comments

Verve/Universal Music Group releases a re-mastered vinyl of an obscure, but highly entertaining 70’s album.

La Clave – Verve Records V6 8819 (1973)/Verve/Universal Music Group B0037858-01 (2023) Acoustic Sounds Series 180-gram stereo vinyl, 34:30 ****1/2:

(Benny Velarde – percussion, band leader; Lalo Schifrin – piano; and many others)

The early 1970’s music scene in San Francisco was diverse and revelatory. From The Grateful Dead to Santana, Van Morrison to The Tubes, there were no strict boundaries on style and genre. One of the more popular, albeit obscure music groups from this era was La Clave. Headed by percussionist Benny Velarde, this Latin-infused funk/jazz ensemble delivered an interesting release on the Verve label in 1973, exploring pop and jazz compositions. With a group of excellent session players (whose identities are mostly uncredited), this album epitomizes the interconnected tapestry of the San Francisco sound. One of the credited musicians is film composer Lalo Schifrin who plays piano and wrote two of the songs.

Universal Music Group has released a 180-gram re-mastered vinyl of this unique debut. All of the musical influences from this distinctive era are on display. Side One opens up with a slow-burning cover of the pop song, “Sally Go Round The Roses”. With a muscular horn section, wah wah guitar and searing organ, La Clave reinvent this as a soul classic. The unison singing and keyboards are a nice touch and expand the texture. Shifting to a heavier Latin arrangement with syncopated tempos, “Angels Of Mercy’ is jaunty with atmospheric one-line vocalese. There are crisp, emphatic accents that make this a celebration with a spirited organ run, piano vamp and plenty of brass. Dr. Lonnie Smith’s opus, “Move Your Hands” gets the full La Clave treatment with a soulful organ run and the dense vocal accompaniment. There are tempo breaks and a hypnotic flow that make this track shine. Lalo Schifrin’s first songwriting contribution (“Latin Slide”) is arranged like a salsa-infused dance party with its relentless tempo and and funky piano (also by Schifrin). The level of intensity never abates and the instrumental cohesion is palpable. Bringing the temperature down a notch, “Who You Fooling” is a swirling, gossamer texture of soulful acoustic piano, voices and of course, tight percussion. The influence of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Goin’ On” is prevalent.

One of the unflinching strengths of La Clave is the soul groove. Donny Hathaway’s “The Ghetto” initializes a visceral infectious jam with electric piano, a searing jagged guitar and blasting horns. This carries over into the hook-driven r & b standard, “Roadrunner”. As with most of the arrangements, the percussion drives the momentum and more electric piano (with echo) suits this number. It mirrors and transcends the early 70’s motifs and structures. The horns bring this to a rousing finish. With concise precision, Dizzy Gillespie’s “Soul Sauce” is evocative and combines big band and Latin jazz aesthetics.The piano in counterpoint with the band is another highlight. The lone original composition, (“Baila Mi Guaguanco”) is the epitome of propulsive Latin-jazz merged with popular dance. There is a Spanish-language vocal with saxophone and trombone-led accompaniment. The finale (“Cocoa Leaf” by Scifrin) is a no-holds-barred frantic jam that in a mere 1:45, will get anyone out of the chair and up moving around.

Kudos to Universal Music Group and Acoustic Sounds for re-introducing this seminal album of Latin jazz. It is refreshing and the sound mix (Ryan Smith/Sterling Sound) is vibrant. The vinyl (Third Man Pressing) is pristine with minimal surface noise.

—Robbie Gerson