Calibro 35 - Jazzploitation (2024)

Italian cinematic funk legends Calibro 35 are always in search of new territories to venture into. Their new journey is called ‘Jazzploitation’: a new EP paying tribute to jazz-funk, rare groove and pshychedelic cinematic-jazz, to be released next October 18th on digital platforms via Record Kicks and on limited edition clear vinyl 7".

None of the members of Calibro 35 are (or consider themselves) jazz musicians, but over the years jazz has often and significantly inspired them. ‘Jazzploitation’ is not a “jazz record” but an “inspired by jazz” EP in which Calibro 35 pay homage to some of their favorite musicians; from Bob James to Lalo Schifrin, from Piero Umiliani to Miles Davis and Idris Muhammad.

The first single taken from the EP is a cover of RAI TV’s legendary ‘Lunedì Cinema (Monday Movie)’ theme, a jazzy disco-funk mover composed by Italian renowned singer-songwriter Lucio Dalla, which features for the occasion the scat singing of Sicilian artist Marco Castello (Nu Genea, Erlend Oye). The new single ‘Lunedì Cinema’ is out on September 16th on all digital platforms and on November 15th also on ltd edition clear 7” vinyl.

On the EP’s tracklist feature also the second single ‘Chaser’, a groovy jazz-funk stormer composed by Piero Umiliani, who originally recorded it for the soundtrack of 1975’s erotic-noir movie ‘The Body’ directed by Luigi Scattini, as well as ‘Nautilus’ by the jazz keyboardist Bob James and ‘Ascenseur pour l'échafaud (Generique)’ by Miles Davis taken from Lous Malle’s film. A total of four jazz-funk numbers that confirm the musicianship of Calibro 35, already proven in over a decade of history.

Described by Rolling Stone as "the most fascinating, retro-maniac and genuine thing that has happened to Italy in the past few years", Milan-based Calibro 35 enjoy a worldwide reputation as one of the coolest independent bands around. Active since 2007, during their long career they were sampled by Dr. Dre on ‘Compton’ (‘One Shot One Kill’ feat. Snoop Dogg), Jay Z (‘Picasso Baby’), The Child of Lov & Damon Albarn (‘One Day’) and Demigodz (‘The Summer Of Sam’). They played major venues and festivals all over Europe and as unique musicians they collaborated with, amongst others: PJ Harvey, Mike Patton, John Parish, Stewart Copeland and Rokia Traoré.

Tracklist
1. Chaser (3:02)
2. Ascenseur pour l'échafaud (Generique) (3:00)
3. Lunedì Cinema (1:56)
4. Nautilus (4:44)