Eumir Deodato
Whirlwinds

Just over thirty and having achieved success with Prelude, Eumir Deodato repeats himself in the same '73 with the excellent Deodato 2, which, however, does not replicate the splendor of the previous LP, but even leads to the separation from the record label that had produced them, CTI, which then disappeared. Thus begins a new chapter in our hero's career as he signs a contract with MCA, a much more prestigious label than the previous one.

Conversely, Eumir, in the production of the new Whirlwinds, released in '74, continues with all, really all the ingredients that had taken him so high. In fact, we find Billy Cobham and John Tropea again, a robust accompaniment of horns and strings, and essentially the same music made of arrangements of famous pieces: "Moonlight Serenade" and "Ave Maria," which, although performed with mastery, add nothing more to what Deodato had already proposed, always making comparisons with the originals severe (and losing). Much more successful is "Do It Again" from the brilliant debut album of Steely Dan, where alongside the usual horn section, the great John Tropea stands out once again, without whom perhaps Deodato's success would be diminished.

After the arrangements, side B of the album showcases Deodato's creativity, unlike previous works in which they were mixed. I would say this was a brave choice: the attempt to break free from the image of an arranger, to increasingly propose himself as an author, which would continue in subsequent works.

Unfortunately, without the desired result! Indeed, his decline would be quite rapid, not so much as an artist, but as a celebrity. Returning to the album, and despite excellent tones and orchestral work: "West 42nd Street" and "Havana Strut" are quite noisy and fail to generate the desired enthusiasm.

Much better is the final title track, once again thanks to the decisive contribution of John Tropea, who, not surprisingly, inaugurates the piece with great flair, immediately followed by the horn section and followed by the long suite meant to highlight Deodato's good skills on the keyboards, but also leaves room for Billy Cobham's commitment. Thanks to such a conclusion, and comparing with the two previous works, the "honest" judgment can only award Whirlwinds 3 stars, also supported by the excellent reproduction technique of both the LP and the CD.