Janko Nilovic's Rythmes Contemporains:
A Funky Masterpiece in Library Music

A happy-funk-discovery for me: Janko Nilović! 😍

Janko Nilović is a multi-talented musician: composer, arranger, conductor, pianist, and producer, working in a wide range of musical styles: easy listening, jazz, funk, pop, psychedelic, classical; and was born in Istanbul!! Just as he navigates a wide range of genres and instruments, his “identity” as an artist is equally diverse (he is known to release records under various pseudonyms to explore different musical styles while maintaining a distinct, creative voice). 

 

In the late 1960s, Janko Nilović finds his calling in what is known as "library music"—a genre of stock or production music that can be licensed for use in films, television, and other media (I searched for “library music” and learned that it differs from traditionally copyrighted music in that it is often created on a “work-for-hire” basis, allowing music libraries to license it without needing the composer's consent). He teams up with French singer Davy Jones to establish Ju Ju Records, producing a series of singles that catch the attention of André Farry, the founder of the library music label Éditions Montparnasse 2000 (MP 2000). He is signed as a producer, setting the stage for a series of LPs that later become cult classics among collectors and music lovers.

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1974 seems to be a busy year for Janko Nilović; he releases several albums under the MP 2000 label, each showing his extraordinary range and talent:

Chorus – A library music album that explores lush, orchestral arrangements.

Jouets Musicaux – Another library music gem, this one with a quirky, playful vibe.

Classical Phases – A complex, melodic exploration of chamber music.

And Rythmes Contemporains – The crown jewel of 1974, blending jazz fusion, jazz-funk, big band, and more.

 

“Rythmes Contemporains” is originally recorded in 1972 with the title “Giant” and reissued in 1974 with an additional track, “The Savage Rose.” The album is initially open for sales but becomes part of the library music repertoire in its reissued form, making it less accessible to the general audience.

The original recording of “Rythmes Contemporains” is a huge effort, featuring a 45-piece orchestra. Nilović assembles a stellar group of musicians. The choir even features members of the French cast of the musical Hair.

Back in the 70s, the best musicians were paid the same rates as the mediocre ones, so I stuck to working with the best guys I could find and assembled the band in 1970. The drummer was André Ceccarelli. He’s an amazing musician who toured with some of the best players ever and my American friends still ask me for his number when they’re in Paris. Antonio Rubio was on bass and Jean-Louis Chautemp was on sax, with Michel Barrot on trumpet. We even had a choir that was made up of singers from the French version of the musical Hair. (Janko Nilović interview at SpeakHertz)

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​His decision to form a big band jazz group is driven by his desire to innovate within the genre, blending jazz-rock elements with traditional big band arrangements. The end product is a sound distinguished by its energy, technical skill, and psychedelic undertones that sets it apart from other jazz records of the era. However, the band plays only a handful of concerts before disbanding, as it is almost impossible to maintain such a large ensemble.

The reissue of "Giant,"  now titled “Rythmes Contemporains,"  is released in 1974 with a new, and somewhat unexpected, cover art. 😃

The director of MP 2000 noting that only 100 copies had been sold, decided to release a Library version called ‘Contemporary Rhythms’ I would never know why this choice of the title, with a very special cover:, a nice African, which has nothing to do with the kind of Jazz compositions! Needless to say, this record has had an international success with many American singers (Jay Z /Dr. Dre and others) who sampled some titles from this album.

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The music has a lot of energy and depth. The opening track, “Black on a White Ground,” sets the tone with its driving beats and film score-like sensibility. The album’s longer pieces, “Giant Locomotion” and “Underground Sessions,” are standout tracks that explore diverse musical terrains. 

Like nearly everyone else who has commented and reviewed the album online, my personal favorite track is “Xenos Cosmos.” This piece seems to have gained recognition as the album's most iconic track. It is a fusion of jazz, funk, and cinematic elements, making it a true masterpiece. 😎

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Gülben - 08/2024

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📌 Official site

📖 Janko Nilović interview at SpeakHertz

📖 Janko Nilović interview at ItsPsychedelicBabyMagazine

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🎶 Genre: Jazz-Funk

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