Carlos Franzetti - Graffiti LP (Black Vinyl)

Originally recorded in 1977, Graffiti captures Grammy Award-winning composer, arranger and keyboardist Carlos Franzetti at the beginning of a remarkable career. This sought-after album brings together jazz, Latin rhythm, funk and soul in a fluid six-track set that has long been treasured by collectors, selectors and dancers. Reissued by Jazz Room Records on black vinyl, it restores a cult recording whose reputation has steadily grown far beyond its original release.

Franzetti wrote the material, handled the arrangements and played all keyboards, surrounding himself with a first-rate New York ensemble. Percussionist Ray Mantilla, bassist Victor Venegas and saxophonist Dick Meza, known for his work with the Tito Puente Orchestra, help give the record its rich, muscular character. The performances move easily between extended jazz passages, tightly locked Latin grooves and warm electric textures, creating an album that feels sophisticated without losing its dancefloor pull.

Graffiti opens with the expansive Beatriz before moving through the elegant Lady Soho and the ambitious Romancero. Cocoa Funk became the album's best-known cut after being embraced by London's early jazz-dance scene and later appearing in the influential London Jazz Classics reissue series. Sweet And Low widens the record's global palette, while the title track closes the set with a potent mixture of Latin jazz and funk.

The album's original pressing became difficult to find and regularly commanded high prices on the collectors' market. This edition presents Graffiti in its original single-LP form, making its vivid arrangements and heavyweight rhythm section available again at an accessible price. It is an essential release for listeners drawn to Brazilian and Latin jazz, rare groove, jazz funk and the crossover sound that connected 1970s club culture with adventurous studio musicianship.

Carlos Franzetti's Graffiti is supplied as a black vinyl LP on Jazz Room Records. Catalogue number JAZZR019.