After their blink and you missed it Ambiance reissue, High Jazz come through with another black wax bomb, serving up a fusion masterpiece originally released on Poet Records in 1982. This sought-after platter comes from the creative mind of one David Eric Tillman, who united a crack team of musical talents to tackle his futuristic blend of jazz-funk and soul. Not only could these cats kill up tempo and modal bop, but their 'up bop, think quick' know-how saw them lay down the most dextrous jazz-funk around. It's an all killer affair on this jazzed up gem, though you might have a little extra love for “…Space…Rapture”, “Love Is How”, “New Anniversary Waltz”, “It Must Be E.S.P.” and “(Sing) A Simple Song Of Praise”. Golden lead and backing vocals, a super tight rhythm section, forward thinking arrangements, and an amazing combination of piano, Rhodes and various otherworldly synthesizers makes this recording timelessly fresh. The beautiful “Time Is Love”, a tune of positive outlook written during her jazz composition studies, is performed by the one and only Carmen. Flawless from start to finish, this masterpiece grooves its way straight into your feels.
Drummer, percussionist, producer and composer Andrew Scott Potter started playing jazz with Malauwi, Fred Anderson and Bill Brimfield in 1968. In addition to his collaboration with David E. Tillman, he has also played with Minnie Riperton, Michael Wolff, Alex Foster, John Scofield, Chip Jackson, Walter Bishop Jr., and Marcus Miller.
Pianist, vocalist, composer, producer and arranger David Eric Tillman, notably played with Dadisi Komolafe being featured on his highly sought after Hassan’s Walk LP. He also worked with Malauwi which is how he met Andrew Potter. Together they formed the Poet label and prior to this offering released the sublime “N.Y. To L.A.: Coasting” LP in 1980.
Jazz vocalist and composer Carmen Lundy is one of today's most talented and respected jazz singers having performed and recorded with musicians such as Kenny Barron, Ray Barretto, Courtney Pine, Roy Hargrove, Ron Carter, and Robert Glasper. In Harlem NYC in the late 1970s she was also part of a group of emerging young musicians formed by Walter Bishop Jr. with Marcus Miller on bass, Mayra Casales on congas, Ricky Ford on sax, and Kenny Washington on drums who was later replaced by Andrew Potter. Potter fell in love with Carmen’s work and decided to include “Time Is Love” on this album.
The rest of the band is no less a dream team: bass player, producer, arranger, composer & vocalist Brad Bobo who wrote & arranged for the Notations, Willie Williams, the Procedures and The Lost Family, also recorded with Eddie Harris, Wilton Felder, The Crusaders and Natalie Cole. Vocalist Lillian Tynes recorded with Donny Hathaway, D.J. Rogers, Norman Connors, Jean Carn and Bobby Womack. Adam Rudolph went on to play and record with Yusef Lateef & Pharoah Sanders. Gary Bias on sax, went on to play with Earth Wind and Fire.
STAFF COMMENTS
Patrick says: Far out! High Jazz come correct with another jazz-funk masterpiece. If you dig on galactic grooves, spaced out solos and head nodding excursions into alternate realities then this is yo latest jam.
