Here’s a recent two-CD set from BGO Records bringing together three 1980s albums from African American guitarist Earl Klugh. He plays a light ‘n’ easy blend of Jazz fusion and smooth jazz, with touches of other genres blended into the mix here & there. The three albums featured are Dream Come True (1980), Crazy For You( 1981), and Low Ride( 1981)

Over the last few years, we’ve covered two album collections from Mr Klugh on BGO- those dated from the 70’s- so it’s nice to step into his output in the next decade, and as with his 70s output, all the albums are weaved through with touches of popular genres from the decade.

The release is presented in BGO’s house-style packaging-  with the clear double jewel case coming presented in a card slip. Inside we get a twelve-page inlay booklet- this features full album credits for each of the three albums, as well as a five-page write-up about Klugh & the releases presented here.

On the first disc, we have both Dream Come True & Crazy For You. So, the first album is from 1980 and features eight tracks. These go from the wide eye brightness of “Doc” with its lead melody built around a wishful higher-pitched synth tone- this nestled in a light swoon orchestration, touches of lightly jiving organ tone, and of course  Klugh’s playing which moves from soothing-yet- forthright strums and shimmering light jazzy elegance. We have the glowing country slide meets harmonic acoustic intimacy of “I Don’t Want To Leave You Alone Anymore” which in its last quarter adds in gospel chorus & soulful wail male vocals.  There’s the light jiving organ that meets mellow twanging guitar tones of the title track, which adds in light rising orchestrion and warming vibe cascade.

Crazy For You is from 1981, and takes in another eight tracks. These go from light pop funk meets mellowly strutting guitar tones of “I’m Ready For Your Love”. Onto gentle bounding synth bass line,  plucking ‘n’ galloping guitar tones, and harmonica earthiness of “Broadway Rumble”. Or the lightly swooning &  rising orchestral led “Ballerina”  with Klugh’s wonderful mannered & elegant guitar picking out the track's melody.

So, on the other disc we find 1981’s Low Rider- which once again features another eight tracks. We go bonding ‘n’ chugging funk soul of “(If You Want To) Be My Love” with Klugh’s spritely darts, twangs, and harmonic plucks edged occasionally by rising soul gospel choruses.  There’s lightly funk jive meets elegant flamenco guitar of “I Never Thought I’d Leave” which also features touches of female chorusing & lightly soaring male vocals. Or the steady/ even keyboard roll ‘n’  hopefully orchestration glide of “Christina” which finds Klugh on elegantly harmonic ‘n’ upfront guitar tone.

All three albums highlight both Klugh’s ear for melody and gentle genre blending. I'd say each is fairly equal in their worth/ enjoyment, but if I was pushed I’d say the best of the bunch is Crazy For You- as it’s quite varied & often surprising in both its emotional flavour and genre use. Here’s hoping BGO dig up a few more 1980’s  Klugh albums