[DSD][OF] Gabor Szabo - Macho - 1975/2013 (Jazz, Funk, Soul, Post-Bop)

Macho is right. This 1975 album is 1 of the headiest in the Hungarian-born guitarist Gabor Szabo’s entire catalogue. Produced by Bob James, the album is deep in fretless Fender bass lines courtesy of Louis Johnson, funky Rhodes pianos & synthesizers from James & former Mother of Invention Ian Underwood, guitar savvy from Szabo with Eric Gale on rhythm, & a horn section that features no less than George Bohanon, Jon Faddis, & 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 & razor sharp melodic sensibilities, is centred here by James, who attempts to make Szabo’s 6 strings be at the absolute dead-centre of the mix. Tracks like James’ own “Transylvania Boogie,” (the long title track), & 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, & flawlessly executed.
~ Thom Jurek
Gabor Szabo (Szabó Gábor; March 8, 1936, Budapest, Hungary – 28 Febr 1982, ibid) – the famous American jazz guitarist, Hungarian origin. One of the 1st mixed jazz with rock music & national motives. Gabor Szabo in the early 60s known for his experiments with sound & instruments: Jimi Hendrix before he began to use the effect of Feedback, before The Beatles used a sitar, introduced Latin rhythms into the music before Santana. Gabor Szabo significant impact on their creativity recognized musicians such as Carlos Santana, John McLaughlin, Robbie Krieger & Larry Coryell.
~ Wiki