"Inner Light", featuring Raashan Ahmad on vocals is the first song from "People Need People" (SCLP/CD 491) chosen for a series of reinterpretations that will be released throughout 2022 - this EP being the first one in a trilogy of 12". Joaquin Joe Claussell needs no introduction: Body & Soul founder and Sacred Rhythm label honcho, a true legend and purveyor of spirituality – a cosmic messenger that brings us two new proper versions of "Inner Light". Further releases in this series will feature none less than Anthony Nicholson, DJ Spinna and Tall Black Guy!
A sublme blend of jazz and Yoruba influences – served up here by keyboardist Jamael Dean with a sound and style that's all his own! Most of the tracks feature vocals from Sharada Shashidhar, but used in a wordless style that blends in beautifully with the instrumentation on the record – music from players who include Aaron Shaw on saxes, Zekkereya El Maghharbel on trombone, and Carlos Nino on piano – all working in a west coast spiritual style that certainly lives up to Nino's roots on the scene, and Dean's own legacy working with Kamasi Washington. There's some great other elements along the way – harp, bassoon, oboe, and other surprise – all used with a subtle sense of majesty that really elevates the whole sound – on titles that include "Galaxy In Leimert", "Osun", "Overstood", "Sango", "Ifa", "Akoda", "Odo To Da Iwa", and "Ori Apere". ~ Dusty Groove
Really great work from bassist Henry Franklin – a musician best known for his important 70s recordings on the Black Jazz label, and one who's secretly been creating some great sounds in more recent decades! The set is one issued on Franklin's own label – one of a run of wonderful records that not only show that Henry's soulful spirit is alive and well, but that he's also still a vital force on the west coast scene as well! The set features a great lineup – Theo Saunders on piano, Ryan Porter on trombone, Nolan Shaheed on trumpet, Willie Jones III on drums, and Teodross Avery on tenor and soprano sax – a group who have a very well-formed sound right from the very first note of the second track – as the first begins with a set of spare percussion and flute! Saunders wrote some great original material for the record – and titles include "Black Lives Lost", "Coconut Island", "The Valley Of Search", "Skipper Meets Pharoah", "The Guardian", and "The Return Of The Skipper". ~ Dusty Groove.
Great work from J.P. Bimeni – a soul singer with a style that's all his own, yet one that's also set up here in some nicely classic backings! Bimeni has unusual vocal phrasing that may well come from his Burundian roots, but he also manages to put across a tune with a vibe that almost feels like classic Memphis soul from years back – a quality that definitely comes from the tight backings of The Black Belts, who blend sharp drums and riffing guitar with nice use of warm organ lines and punctuated horn parts. Titles include "Four Walls", "Not In My Name", "James Stern", "Precious Girl", "Found A Good Thang", "When Everything Is Wrong", "Guilty & Blessed", and "Ghost City". ~ Dusty Groove
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