Best of Friends - Daybreak

Legendary East Coast AOR album by Joe & Bing, produced by Bossa Nova producer Roberto Quartin. While the original Brazilian pressing - released on Quartin's own label - is worth a few hundred euros, here's a cheap alternative, sketchily repackaged for the Italian market as an Eumir Deodato LP (who was indeed in charge of the arrangements). Phony artwork but sounds good!

Here's a good example of how dodgy this industry has always been: released on Roberto Quartin's tiny Brazilian label, the master tapes of Daybreak somehow ended in Italy and a ridiculous-looking edition of this end-of-summer soft rock masterpiece was eventually released. Some songs' names were changed in the process for unknown reasons, no credits were given to any musician - not even the singing duo, as the album was rebranded as an Eumir Deodato LP, thus capitalizing on his recent successes in  Europe with his Jazz-Fusion arrangements of pop and classical pieces, and of course, no mention of any right-owner, appart from CBS.

I wouldn't be surprised if none of the songwriters and musicians ever made a dollar with this dodgy Italian pressing. That being said, I'm somehow glad it exists, as it's an affordable way to own this album. Joe & Bing's music is your state-of-the-art 1971 soft rock, with, indeed, great arrangements by the man whose name is in giant letters on the cover,  sometimes heartrending, sometimes merrier but always bittersweet. Some standout tracks, for sure, but nonetheless a great album from start to finish. Recommended (VG+/VG+)

Tracklist

1. Daybreak
2. I'm Not Forgetting Your Name
3. Love The One You're With
4. Sailing
5. Drifting With Time
6. Just Playing Livin Blues
7. Summer Song
8. It's O.K.
9. If Loves In Season
10. Fenario