A really lyrical set from trumpeter Marcus Printup – done in close collaboration with harpist (and wife) Riza Printup – a player who gives the record a really unique sort of sound! Riza doesn't pluck her instrument as much as other jazz harpists – such as Dorothy Ashby – and instead, she often uses the harp to bring these rich waves of sound to the album – augmenting sounds from Printup's trumpet, and the bass of Ben Williams and drums of EJ Strickland – creating a quality that's really fresh, and which seems to suit all the warm tones of Marcus' horn in a really great way. Things are never cheesy at all, but hit this evocative sound that really goes beyond any expectations you might have – on titles that include "Bee Dub Blues", "Rebirth", "Along The Way", "El Gato Travieso", "One Note Samba", and "Visions". ~ Dusty Groove
An early 80s gem from Booker T – and continuing proof that he made some mighty nice music after he split from the MGs! This set's got Book grooving in a sweet Cali mode all the way through – a vibe that's warm, yet never sleepy at all – and blended with just the right touches of funk and jazz to keep things hip, and give the album way more depth than you might expect! There's some surprising fusion touches at times, but the album always has a great focus – and if anything, reminds us of some of the best soul sides on Capitol Records of the time – particularly those influenced by earlier funk on Blue Note. Booker handles vocals, keyboards, and guitar – plus most of the arrangements too – and the album's got a sweet stepping groove that's mighty nice all the way through! Titles include "I Want You", "Treasure Chest", "Don't Stop Your Love", "Electric Lady", "You're The Best", and "I Came To Love You". CD features bonus tracks – "Don't Stop Your Love (ext)" and "I Want You (single)". ~ Dusty Groove
The world of Andy Bey is a great place to be – a special strain of jazz vocals that are unlike anything any other singer has ever given us – and which continue to be a delight, even in Andy's later years! This beautiful set has a deeply personal feel – just piano and vocals from the elder Bey, delivered with a sensitivity that even goes beyond his famous work with his sisters, or his righteous 70s sides with Horace Silver and Gary Bartz! The approach is gentler here, yet surprisingly powerful – and Andy's really discovered how to to more with less – carefully phrasing the tunes and delivering them with a mature quality that's breathtaking. The tunes are a mix of standards and more obscure numbers – showing Bey's continuing ear for sounds around the edges – and titles include "Dissertation On The State Of Bliss", "There's So Many Ways To Approach The Blues", "The Morning After", "Being Part Of What's Happening Now", "The Demons Are After You", and "Dedicated To Miles". ~ Dusty Groove
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