Today we remember iconic propducer/arranger Davis Axelrod who died yesterday at the age of 83.

Song of the Day: David Axelrod “The Fly”

A great minor key cut from David Axelrod, the famed Los Angles-born producer, arranger and composer’s 1969 album ‘Songs of Innocence’. Axelrod worked as a producer for Capitol Records in the 60s, specializing in jazz and soul music. Axelrod’s work combined string arrangements, studio tricks and off instrumentation to create some of the most memorable and sampled records of the late 60s/ early 70s. On this cut, part of a suite of songs inspired by the poetry of William Blake, Axelrod mixed a catchy harpsichord riff, a string arrangement and funky drums and bass to create a minor sonic masterpiece. The song was subsequently sampled most recently on hip-hop super group La Coka Nostra‘s “Mind Your Business“.

Axelrod, who sadly died yesterday at the age of 83, worked with a wide variety of acts over the course of his career. As a house producer for Capitol Records, Reprise Records and other labels he worked with everyone from Jazz great Cannonball Adderley to soul legend Lou Rawls and famously, arranged and co-composed the Electric Prunes’ cult classic ‘Mass in F Minor’. Axlerod also made several solo records, with themes dealing from everything from the above mentioned William Blake, to ecological concerns and heightened mental awareness. Trained in classical composition, Axelrod’s work usually included Baroque orchestral themes and heavily miked drum beats, the latter of which proved to be perfect for hip hop. Over the years, his work has been sampled by everyone from De La Soul, to Dj Shadow and Madlib. His work also has proven popular in the rock world, with both the Manic Street Preachers and ex- Oasis guitarist/songwriter Noel Gallagher noted and vocal fans. Axelrod’s work will likely live on to be sampled and enjoyed by generations of music fans and producers to come.

Song of the Day: David Axelrod “The Fly”