‘Classic Vinyl’ series.
‘Eventually crowned Queen of the Norfolk Sound, Barbara Stant was just a teenager when she auditioned for Shiptown impresario Noah Biggs in 1970. A dozen sides were tracked throughout the decade, producing a body of work that stretched from deep soul to northern soul to sister funk. By 1978 disco was in overdrive, Noah Biggs was in the ground, and Stant’s career on hold. My Mind Holds Onto Yesterday is what remains.’
A fourth LP of spiritual jazz by this feted nine-piece from Australia.
‘A stunning work, full of integrity and class… Essential’ (Echoes).
‘Wonderful record, full of some great Kamasi/Donald Byrd/even Art Blakey moments.’ (The Guardian).
Landmark Detroit jazz. Trumpeter Charles Moore was the founder of the Detroit Artist Workshop; he and pianist Kenny Cox would go on to found the highly influential Strata Records. The pair split the compositions here. The second of the Quintet’s two Blue Notes, AllMusic likens this 1969 session to Andrew Hill’s Grass Roots, Jackie McLean’s Jacknife, and Grachan Moncur’s Evolution.
A brawny, no-piano, three-horn quintet — Dave Liebman, Joe Farrell, Frank Foster — including bassist Gene Perla. Questing, widescreen post-bop from 1971.
Originally released in 1975. Featuring guest musicians Ken Boothe, Delroy Washington, Bob Davis, Gene Rondo, and former members of the Cimarons. .. and a sprinkling of Black Ark magic.
Aka the Clem Bushay All Stars, including Candy McKenzie, Dennis Bovell, Janet Kay, Jimmy Mack, Junior English, Moon Rocks and Zabandis…
From 1977.
Aka Counceltation — pimped with a new sleeve and title straight out of the treacherous Hefner-Jazz nexus — featuring a hefty West Coast lineup: Jack Sheldon, Curtis Counce, Harold Land, Carl Perkins and Frank Butler.
Easy swinging and elastic, limpid and lyrical, with brilliant playing all round. Perkins is always a pleasure; Land another HJ legend, lethal in ballads; Butler bosses, as per.