This collection of smooth and funky Italian yacht rock and AOR begun a few years ago when I acquired a number of records from an Italian-Australian collector. Most of the records were on major Italian labels such as CGD, Polydor and RCA Italiana and dated back to the late 70s and early 80s. They would have been filed under Italo pop, soft rock or singer-songwriter back in the day. Although some veered close to schmaltzy MOR, they often had one or two groove-based tracks that embraced the popular flavours of the era. These cuts took a smoother R&B approach, incorporating genres such as funk, soul, disco, jazz and Latin music. Mellow electric piano, syncopated guitars, tropical percussion, twitchy bass lines, sleazy saxophones and killer grooves intersected with the melodramatic and lush songwriting characteristic of Italian pop music. So, sit back and enjoy 90 minutes’ worth of warm and sophisticated balearic grooves from Italy.

In Alto Mare: Smooth and Funky Italian Yacht Rock & AOR, 1977-84

This mix attempts to shine light on the smooth, sophisticated and funky sounds that were released in Australia in the 1970s and 1980s. Inspired by compilations such as the 'Too Slow to Disco' series by DJ Supermarkt, which have compiled some of the best examples of 70s and 80s Yacht Rock, AOR and Soul, and the recent compilation 'Pacific Breeze' by Light in the Attic, which shun light on the Japanese version of this smooth and funky style of music known as 'City Pop' in Japan.  This vinyl-only mix seeks to present an Australian version of this sound, picking songs from records that were mostly released only in Australia, ranging from rare private pressings to major label issues. Although many of these songs could be filed under many different genres from Blue-eyed Soul to Funk to Yacht Rock to Sophisti-Pop, they are connected in that they all share an undeniable smoothness and sophistication, and take inspiration from the popular urban styles of the era, particularly smooth jazz, funk and soul. These selections also evoke the laid-back, sunny, warm and escapist imagery associated with genres such as Yacht Rock and City Pop. Six back, relax and feel the Oceanic Breeze.

Volume 2 of this series can be listened to here: https://www.mixcloud.com/OceanicCafe/oceanic-breeze-vol-2-smooth-australian-yacht-rock-aor-1978-84/

Oceanic Breeze: Smooth Australian Yacht Rock, AOR and Soul Mix, ca. 1977-1987

This mix digs into the smooth, soulful and funky world of Nordic Yacht Rock and AOR Disco, showcasing acts from European countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland and focusing on music from the early to the mid-1980s. Like my Australian 'Oceanic Breeze' mix, this special is inspired by compilations such as the 'Too Slow to Disco' series, which have compiled some of the best examples of 70s and 80s Yacht Rock, AOR and Soul, and the recent compilation series 'Pacific Breeze' by Light in the Attic, which shun light on the Japanese version of this smooth and funky style of music known as 'City Pop' in Japan. Sit back and enjoy a Nordic-oriented mix of smooth, funky and sophisticated grooves that drew inspiration from genres such as smooth soul, funk, jazz, disco and soft rock.

European Special: Smooth & Funky Nordic AOR Disco and Yacht Rock, 1978-85

Australian-based vinyl enthusiast and selector. Contact: oceaniccafemusic@gmail.com.

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