GABOR SZABO — 1969 (review)

GABOR SZABO — 1969 album cover Album · 1969 · Exotica Buy this album from MMA partners
2.5/5 ·
js
After working with Chico Hamilton for half a decade, Gabor Szabo took off on his own in the mid 60s and made a big splash with his unique music that combined Hungarian folk music with jazz and raga like long form improvisations. In between these more esoteric recording dates, Szabo would occasionally opt for a more money oriented direction and cut creative cover pop tunes for the 60s hip easy listening crowd. These albums are generally held in low regard by his jazz fans, but seekers of exotic instrumentals can sometimes find some odd gems here. “Gabor Szabo 1969” is not one of his best efforts in this area, but its not a total write off either. Szabo and his crew do give an honest effort here, the guitar sounds and stereo placements are much with the new hip 60s “hi fi stereophonic” sound, but overall the record seems a bit lifeless, even by easy listening standards.

There are a couple cuts on here towards the end of the album where Gabor digs a little deeper and gets jazzy with it. “I’ve Just Seen a Face” is ok 60s soul jazz with a nice B3 solo from Mike Melvoin, and “Somewhere I Belong” is an excellent Szabo style "gypsy-raga" jam with cool psychedelic effects. That last song alone might make this album worth purchasing if the price is low enough. “1969” is not of Sazabo’s better albums, but it may be of interest to his fans and collectors of interesting instrumentals.
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