First time on CD! The benevolent Dusty Groove has done broke diggers the world over a favor by remastering and reissuing this rare Axelrod catalog nugget. Originally released in 1975, the accurately titled Seriously Deep is Axelrod at his funkiest, conducting a gang of trained studio assassins (including Joe Sample, Ernie Watts and percussionist Ndugu Chancler) through six great jazzy excursions. The pulsing opener "Miles Away(1)" sets the tone for the rest of the record with its tight groove and loose (yet not overly jammy) solos, while the slinking "Reverie(2)" carries more of a classic Axelrod vibe at first but soon falls into a hypnotic loop with great bluesy guitar soloing and a haunting organ breakdown. Also includes "Go For It(3)," the break-laden "1,000 Rads(4)" and "One(5)." 6 tracks; 40 minutes. Recommended.

reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red