Brazilian composer, arranger and pianist Eumir Deodato’s 1980 release, Night Cruiser, is a blend of disco, pop and jazz. The album is rooted with soulful melodies, smooth hooks and fluid horns. It showcases Deodato in fine form. A true highlight on this masterfully produced album is the magnificent collaboration with Kool & the Gang’s saxophonist Ronald Bell on the track “Uncle Funk.”
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A key record in Deodato's move from funky jazz in the 70s to modern soul in the 80s -- and one that showcases the best of his talents in both genres! The approach here is more tightly arranged and produced than that of his earlier CTI sides -- but in a mode that's still plenty nice to our ears -- as Deodato's uncanny sense of rhythm and timing is still very firmly in place, making the set way way more than just a smooth jazz album -- and pushing it strongly into the realm of soulful spacey fusion! There's some really great tracks on the set -- like the amazing "Skatin", a sweet keyboard number that's a perfect roller skating jam (in case you couldn't guess from the title) -- plus "Love Magic", "Uncle Funk", "East Side Strut", and "Night Cruiser".