Trying out new ideas (including Stravinsky) after leaving Impulse! in 1975, by turns deploying Wurlitzer, Rhodes and harp, and Charlie Haden and Ben Riley, percussionists, and an orchestra.
With the funky, bad-ass Smoking Cheeba-Cheeba. A bit of a skeleton in the closet, surely — the debauched transition from Wes Montgomery-styled 60s soul jazz, to the urbane sophistication of his super-stardom.
Their last record, from 1975 — ‘a psychedelic afrojazz stunner… celebratory, carnivalesque and wholly in the groove. Features the burning classic Black Man And Woman Of The Nile.’
Her legendary, heart-wrenching recording for Capitol in 1969; now remastered all-analogue-style from the masters; with a decent booklet.
Previously unissued underground rock from 1969, Rockford, Illinois.
With Eno more the guiding hand for this second collaboration with Cluster. Open, airy, ambient, unhurried. Originally released in 1978, but still fresh (except for Eno’s singing).
Half-speed mastering.
A terrific example of gospel in the form of soul music, so prevalent in the mid-seventies.
A family group, the Browns were from Aberdeen, Mississippi. Annie was 11, A.R.C was 12, and Edward was 13 when they got their start, building a reputation by playing school talent shows and front yards.
“We were so strange and we were so young,” says Edward, “and a lot of people didn’t understand that.”
Addo-Nettey was a conga player and singer for Fela’s Africa 70 when he cut this heavy afro-funk album in 1973, with the Martin Brothers Band from Portharcort, for the Tabansi label.
‘Classic Vinyl Series.’
Powerful, fierce free improvisation, crossed with avant-rock, bringing together Steve Noble, John Edwards and Alex Ward. A numbered edition of three hundred, on heavy vinyl, with thick, hand-assembled covers.
Gale-force masterpiece.