Spellbinder opens with the title track, you may think your about to hear an early Santana album, as the tune begins with a heavy percussion riff that sustains throughout the song (like Waiting off Santana I, but this came out 3 years earlier); however, it's the guitar of Gabor not Carlos that sets things off. You can definitely hear Gabor's influence on Carlos throughout this album, the playing is melodic, yet the tension is present throughout. I like how Gabor "breathes" through his playing, winding in and out of the rhythms. The band consists of names that are familiar to Santana fans: Chico Hamilton on drums, author of Conquistador, as recorded on the Live Fillmore cd; Ron Carter on bass, who later played on Swing of Delight; Willie Bobo author of Evil Ways, a major
influence on No One to Depend on, and timbalero on Soul to Soul; and Victor Pantoja who was on the Live album with Buddy Miles and also with Malo.
The disc continues with an instrumental version of Witchcraft. Chances are you'll recognize the melody as sung by Sinatra, Bennett, or cats like that. Here it defintely has a Latin flavor, with some sweet soloing by Szabo. Next comes It Was a Very Good Year, an atmospheric tune, that sounds like it could have been used in a Quentin Tarantino movie.
Gypsy Queen, of course, is why I bought the cd. I'm amazed by the similarities as well as the differences between this and Santana's version. It's extremely energetic, Gabor's playing is inspired and the band is kickin! Definitely worth the price of admission right here.
Bang Bang, a Sonny and Cher cover follows. Gabor's vocals are unique, the music is fine, it's a short tune, not one of my favorites on this cd, but it might grow on me.
Cheetah, is an original composition, with some prominent cymbal work by Hamilton. It's a midtempo number, that captures the essence of this band.
My Foolish Heart starts and ends as a duet between Gabor and Ron Carter. These sections sound like a deep emotional conversationa, like Blues for Salvador. In between the percussion kicks to add another dimension. All in all, a moving piece.
Yearning, another original, with scat vocals embellishing the melody line, has the Evil Ways fish scratching percussion beat going on. However, it's the sparse, hauntingly melodic guitar lines that create the feeling worthy of it's title.
Finally the cd closes with a medley of 2 standards: Autumn Leaves, performed on solo guitar; followed by a percussion intro into the full band playing Speak to Me of Love.
Overall, this is a solid album. If you are not familiar with Gabor Szabo this is a great introduction to his work. I would also recommend, as was recommended to me by another brother on these Cafes, his live cd, The Sorcerer. Please note that Gabor was the artist that painted the cover.
Mike Likier |
