Prelude

Released in 1972 on the CTI label, Prelude stands as the commercial and artistic peak of Eumir Deodato's career. The album is most famous for its nine-minute reimagining of Richard Strauss's 'Also Sprach Zarathustra,' which became a global hit and won a Grammy. Recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studios, the album features an all-star lineup of jazz greats, including Ron Carter, Stanley Clarke, and Billy Cobham. This personnel ensures that while the arrangements are lush and orchestral, the rhythmic foundation remains incredibly tight and funk-oriented. The record is a cornerstone of the CTI sound - sophisticated, high-fidelity jazz-fusion with pop sensibilities. It successfully translated the 'Space Age' aesthetic into a jazz context, influencing both the disco movement and later hip-hop producers who would frequently sample its deep grooves.