About this item

BBE are back with another essential reissue, putting this ultra-rare LP from Ted Coleman back in press for the first time since 1980. Heavily influenced by the likes of Bobby Hutcherson and Roy Ayers, "Taking Care Of Business" is full of positive, uptempo soul/jazz gems, featuring Ted Coleman's wonderful vibraphone playing throughout. Not only did Coleman both sing and play piano, synth and vibes on the record, but he also designed the artwork himself; a true DIY LP if ever there was one! This DIY ethos even extended to the New Jersey label JSR who originally pressed the LP, describing themselves as: "a new company that helps working club bands that can sell their own records. JSR artists spend no money for recording or production costs, and there are no recording contracts." This could well explain the album's rarity, with original copies selling on Discogs for eye-wateringly high prices. Ted Coleman cut his teeth playing local clubs and venues in his hometown of Pittsburgh, where his skills on vibes and mallet percussion quickly earned him popularity in the local area. "Taking Care Of Business" was his very first studio album, blending latin rhythms with smooth jazz and soul stylings. The musicianship on the record is striking, the vocals mellow and soulful, the lyrics warm and tender: put simply this album is designed to warm the heart. Still writing and recording at ‘Joyful Noise’, his Metuchen New Jersey studio, Ted Coleman also performs across the US with his “Good Vibes” band. More sublime stuff from the flawless BBE.

STAFF COMMENTS

Patrick says: Oh my Lord! BBE reissue another lost classic here, putting the spotlight on unsung vibraphone hero Ted Coleman. Stick this on the player and soar away on the soulful strings, deep grooves and stunning vibes of this jazz-funk masterpiece.

TRACK LISTING

A1 Can You Feel It
A2 Due Consideration
A3 If We Took The Time
A4 Due Consideration Interlude
B1 Sweet Bird
B2 What A Lovely Way
B3 Samba De