Of all the artists who recorded for the Black Jazz label, keyboardist and composer Doug Carn was the most prolific, releasing four albums for the imprint. 1972's Spirit of the New Land was his second Black Jazz release, but the first one (of two) to co-feature his wife, vocalist Jean Carn, in the album title; we've chosen to lead with this record from Carn's catalog not only because it's the most collectible of the bunch, but also because it showcases his innovative approach of adding lyrics to jazz standards. Thus, both Miles Davis' 'Blue in Green' and Lee Morgan's 'Search for the New Land' are blessed with spellbinding vocals from Jean Carn set to her husband's words, while Doug Carn originals like 'Arise and Shine' and 'My Spirit' soar with spiritual fervor on the wings of his wife's five-octave range. Along for the ride are a stellar cast of players, including trumpeter Charles Tolliver, co-founder of the Strata-East label; saxophonist George Harper, who played with Herbie Hancock and Jimmy Smith among others; trombonist Garnett Brown, who appears on albums by Roland Kirk, Albert Ayler, and Art Blakey among his hundreds of album credits; tuba player Earl McIntyre, whose discography spans from Carla Bley to the Band; and drummer Alphonse Mouzon, founding member of Weather Report. Produced for reissue by Real Gone's own Gordon Anderson and noted jazz archivist Zev Feldman, and remastered by Mike Milchner at Sonic Vision, this beautiful, uplifting album comes with a special surprise: liner notes by Pat Thomas, author of Listen, Whitey! The Sights and Sounds of Black Power 1965-1975, that feature excerpts from a freewheeling interview recently conducted with Doug Carn himself!
Fantastically jamming genius from Butcher Brown – a contemporary funk combo, but one with a sound that owes nothing to anyone else! These guys aren't retro, or any kind of jamband offshoot – and instead, they rework vintage instrumentation with a very fresh feel of their own – a groove that's been well-nurtured on previous releases, and which really explodes here – heavy with Fender Rhodes, bass, guitar, and drums – and getting occasional vocals touches from Tennishu, who also blows trumpet and tenor! There's maybe a bit more vocals than before, but they're right on the money, and perfect for the sound – on cuts that include "1992", "Broad Rock", "Cabbage", "#KingButch", "Gun In My Mouth", "Hopscotch", "Tidal Wave", "For The City", "IDK", and "Love Lock". ~ Dusty Groove
Great grooves from Paul Simpson – music that mixes a strong influence from classic soul with some of the best touches of contemporary club – all served up in a blend that's mighty nice throughout! Paul's got some great help on the record – which features work from Nando Griffiths, Diplomats Of Soul, Byron Stingily, Kenny Bobien, Jennifer Holiday, and many others – but it's clear that it's his own sense of soul that really holds the whole thing together – blending together his own instrumentation with contributions from a few funk and soul studio giants. Titles include "Tom's Theme", "Baby 2Nite", "I Like It When", "We Are The Ones (2019 gospel mix)", and "Motions" – plus nice takes on "Running Away" and "Girl You Need A Change Of Mind". CD also features bonus mixes – "Free Yourself (2019 musical freedom mix)" with Adeva, "Walk Away From Love (2019 found Philly mix)" with Anthony White, and "We Are The Ones (2019 lost Philly mix)". ~ Dusty Groove
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