A compellingly high-energy melding of prog-rock and eclectic jazz fusion enamors on “Charlie Backwards,” a track from Boston-based artist Marc Soucy. Its recording took place in 1983, in a Dracut, Massachusetts stone cellar. A no-frills set-up was embraced; three microphones were used, effectively capturing the creative output of Soucy, bassist Jeff Carano, and drummer Ray Lavigne.
Jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi, especially known for his music for the Peanuts comic strip television adaptations, is cited as an influence on the track. “The title “Charlie Backwards” refers to the fact that my main piano theme feels like the “Charlie Brown theme” only played ‘backwards,'” Soucy says. “This is not literally true, but a fun way to look at it.” He adds: “It’s perhaps the most high energy piece I composed in that era.”
A wonderful, dizzying array of jumpy bass, vibrant piano, and dexterous percussion build with infectious appeal. Playful synth infusions inject a whirring sense of momentum, fondly reminiscent of classic Todd Rundgren. Flourishes of piano and a bluesy bass backbone then drive with further immersion, culminating in a soaring mid-point with resonating organs — pulsing at the four-minute turn with delectably unsettling captivation. The last minute continues to excel, embracing the initial jazz-fusion arsenal into a quick, satiating finality.
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
