WEBSTER LEWIS – El Bobo

For the first time on 7” the reissue of rare groove masterpiece “El Bobo”.

Jazz-funk, Disco, Fusion and Soul sounds from lesser-known American producer, arranger and key player Webster Lewis.

His career started working alongside Stanton Davis, Tony Williams and George Russell – very much driven by super creative jazz piano playing. But, like many of his generation, he ended up in Europe as record deals in the US were getting harder to come by in the straight jazz world. So he ended in Oslo, where he made music for TV and one super cult album recorded live at Club 7.

Webster had broken through at a time when The Headhunters and the rise of disco were fusing... and as such, he became the go-to guy for arrangements, production and that magic coat of boogie jazz glitter!

Several albums were signed to Epic, and some classic work with Gwen McCrae, Merry Clayton, Lamont Dozier, and Alton McClain.


THE SPIRIT OF ATLANTA – Freddie’s Alive and Well

A cut from the album “The Burning of Atlanta” by The Spirit of Atlanta, a studio project produced by Tommy Stewart and Clarence Carter.

“Freddie’s Alive and Well” is the answer song to Curtis Mayfield's “Freddie’s Dead” and is a huge funk classic.

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DELUXE HARD-CARDBOARD SLEEVE COVER + 180g VINYL + OBI + DOWNLOAD CARD

Mad About Records officially reissues super rare private press Quintessence’s 1981 LP. With every famous jazz recording, many others remained on the shelf of oblivion without ever receiving the recognition they deserved, and this is the case of Quintessence.

Led by Ron Ancrum, with George Sovak, David Gaedeke, Winston Johnson and Steve Muse recorded an exceptional and fundamental album of 80's jazz.

If you are into Fender Rhodes, this is an LP to be collected. More

DELUXE HARD-CARDBOARD SLEEVE COVER + 180g VINYL + OBI

Private pressings have always been objects of demand and research by record collectors. In most cases, print runs were no more than 300 copies, and despite the total lack of recognition, this movement can be seen as a countercurrent act to the mass music industry. Private presses are non-commercial print runs distributed as a promotion or sold at concerts.

This was the case of Belair that, in 1980, recorded and sold the album “Relax, You're Soaking In It” at their own risk and distributed it in the San Francisco area. At the time, 1000 copies were pressed, which have become rare and highly desirable for collectors.

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DOWNLOAD CARD INCLUDED

Both from Porto, keyboard wizard and Azar Azar mastermind – Sérgio Alves – and veteran and pioneer DJ – Pedro Tenreiro join forces on The Bam Jam Band.

Designed for the dancefloor without any worries about the bpm ruling the world, The Bam Jam Band celebrates Disco, Jazz, and Funk fusion in a post-house way.

“Theme / Don’t go away” is the first single of this imaginary band, featuring local heroes Pedro Ferreira (bass) and Kiko (vocals).

"I absolutely love it"
Darryn Jones (Dirty Truth Records / Chicago)

"Killer upcoming 45"
Waxist (SOL Discos / France)

"Jazzy Disco bomb"
Mike Shawe (Hot Buttered Soul / UK) More

DELUXE HARD-CARDBOARD SLEEVE COVER + 180g VINYL + OBI

Majoie Hajary is an atypical musician. Born in Paramaribo (Suriname) to Indian parents and raised in Amsterdam. In 1970, in France, accompanied by the best Jazz musicians and with arrangements by Roger Guerin, she recorded “La Passion Selon Judas”.

The result was an incredible fusion of Psych, Funk, Indian and Jazz elements – deep religious Jazz in the vein of Jef Gilson. More

DELUXE HARD-CARDBOARD SLEEVE COVER + 180g VINYL + OBI

A rare album, “Fisher” was originally released on the Nentu label in 1976.

Think Grant Green meets Eddie Hazel.



This LP has it all: gorgeous Soul Jazz, wahed-out fuzz Rock, dirty, head-nodding Funk Rhythms.

It's a monster psychedelic soul-funk instrumental album. This is less jazzy than the “Third Cup” and “The Next One Hundred Years”, released by Chicago’s Cadet label and more cosmic psych funk across both sides and gets super exploratory and trippy.

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The 70s Funky Northern Soul masterpiece by New York-born soul singer Judy Freeman is reissued for the first time on 7"



Ted Taylor was chronically unappreciated throughout his career. "Somebody's Always Trying" by Ted Taylor is a magnificent uptempo dance floor filler with a pounding rhythm, powerful drums, rocking horns and a great frantic, exasperated vocal. This stuff makes you immediately say, “Who is this?”


Licensed by Sony Music Portugal More

One of the greatest musicians in the history of Brazilian music. Conductor, composer, arranger, band leader and, without a doubt, one of Brazil's most brilliant sax and flute players.

In 68, Paulo Moura brought together a notable group from the country's jazz and instrumental music to record the album "Mensagem". He walked between African rhythm and American and European avant-garde, transforming the Brazilian soul.



Licensed by Halina Grynberg More

“Tighten Up” was a summer 1968 number-one R&B and pop hit single by Archie Bell & the Drells. Sonny Bravo cover is a Blast.

The son of a Cuban bassist with Conjunto Caney, Sonny Bravo had toured as a member of Tito Puente’s Latin Jazz Ensemble, among other gigs. Like others, Bravo made boogaloo records in the late 60s.

"We Got Latin Soul" by Mongo Santamaria is a cover of Dyke & the Blazers' "We Got More Soul".

Mongo Santamaria introduced Afro-Cuban street music to the World. He later fused the music of his native Cuba with R&B and jazz to create a distinct sound that would be popular with audiences worldwide.

Licensed by Sony Music Portugal More

LP DELUXE EDITION

180g. VINYL + HARD CARDBOARD COVER + OBI

Killer French Boogie, Jazz-Funk album by the prolific arranger/composer Christian Gaubert, feat. Some of the key musicians of the French jazz scene of the 70s.

French Soul masterpiece with the Rare Groove classic “Sweet Maryline” and “Sweet and Fool Like a Child” beautifully reissued here and remastered from the original master tapes.
_____________________________________________________
released October 9, 2023

Piano [Fender Rhodes], Piano, Synthesizer – Christian Gaubert
Arranged By – Christian Gaubert
Baritone Saxophone – Jean-Louis Chautemps, Romain Mayoral
Bass Guitar – Jannick Top
Drums – Dino Latore
Drums, Percussion – Jean Schultheis
Electric Guitar – Claude Engel, Raymond Gimenes
Percussion – Marc Chantereau
Tenor Saxophone – Alain Hatot, Jean Pierre De Barba, Patrick Bourgoin
Trombone – Christian Guizien, Hamid Belhocine, Jacques Bolognesi
Trumpet – André Lidli, Freddy Houseplan, Kako Bessot, Tony Brenes
Vocals – Last Exit

Licensed by GM Musipro More

LP DELUXE EDITION 180g. VINYL + HARD CARDBOARD COVER + OBI + REPLICA OF THE ORIGINAL INSERT + DOWNLOAD CARD

Fernando Oly is a musician who was part of Lô Borges' band and took part in the recording of the album "Via Láctea" in 1979. He placed one of his compositions among the album's tracks: "Chuva na Montanha", whose original version was also included on “Tempo Prá Tudo”


Licensed by Fernando Oly More

80g. VINYL + HARD CARDBOARD COVER + OBI + DOWNLOAD CARD

“300 MPH” debut album by Namaz was originally released in 1981 by German group led by guitarist Werner Goos. Jazz Fusion at its best with a Latin-Brazilian touch.

Licensed by Werner Goos More

LP DELUXE EDITION
180g. VINYL + HARD CARDBOARD COVER + OBI + DOWNLOAD CARD

An essential album for lovers of Brazilian boogie

During the 1970s, Marcos Valle moved to the US, tired of living under the repressive military dictatorship in Brazil. He collaborated with musicians like Leon Ware and Chicago in Los Angeles.

Upon returning to Brazil in the 1980s, he recorded “Vontade de Rever Você" where he explored all the musical influences he had received in the US, particularly Boogie, Soul, and Funk. For this recording, he collaborated with musicians such as Sivuca, Peter Cetera from Chicago, Robson Jorge, and Jose´ Roberto Bertrami from Azymuth.



Licensed by Som Livre

Tracklist:
Side A: A1. A Paraíba Não É Chicago – A2. Bicho no cio – A3. Velhos Surfistas querendo voar – A4. Campina Grande
Side B: B1. Sei lá – B2. Pecados de Amor – B3. Garimpando – B4. Não pode ser qualquer mulher More

GATEFOLD LP DELUXE EDITION
180g. VINYL + HARD CARDBOARD COVER + OBI

Leila Pinheiro is a legendary Brazilian singer, songwriter, and pianist. Over her 41-year career, she has released over 20 albums, showcasing her musical versatility and creativity. Her debut album, "Leila Pinheiro,” included the boogie anthem “Tudo em cima”, which featured the participation of renowned musicians such as Tom Jobim, Ivan Lins, Francis Hime, João Donato, and Lincoln Olivetti.


In 1970, Leila began her piano studies under the guidance of the legendary Guilherme Coutinho.

As part of celebrating the 40th anniversary of this important milestone in Brazilian music, Mad About Records presents a worldwide vinyl reissue for the first time.

Under exclusive License by Leila Pinheiro

Acoustic Guitar – Tunai, Toninho Horta, Alberto Arantes
Electric Guitar – Hélio Capucci
Electric Piano – Lincoln Olivetti
Guitar – Luiz Claudio, Hélio Capucci
Bass – Luiz Alves
Drums – João Cortez
Piano – Luís Avelar, Gilson Peranzzetta, Reinaldo Arias, Francis Hime, Antonio Carlos , Jobim Ivan Lins, João Donato
Bass – Jamil Joanes
Percussion – Ariovaldo
Bagpipes – Mauricio Einhorn
Producer [Direção de Produção] – Raymundo Bittencourt
Arranged By – Luís Avelar, Dori Caymmi
Technician [Técnicos de Gravação] – Eduardo Ramalho
Mixed By – Célio Martins, Max Pierre
Liner Notes – Billy Blanco
Gravado nos Estúdios da Sigla - RJ
More

Grupo Medusa was one of the best instrumental bands in Brazil during the 70s and 80s, blending Jazz, African Influences, and traditional Brazilian Rhythms.

Formed By Chico Medori, Claudio Bertrami, Amilson Godoy and Heraldo do Monte.

Original release in 1981, reissued for the first time Worldwide.

Tracklist:
A1. Baiana – A2. Zeby – A3. Caminhos – A4. Medusa
B1. Pé No Ch?ão – B2. Asa Delta – B3. Uma Viagem – B4. Ponto de Fusão More

LP DELUXE EDITION
180g. VINYL + HARD CARDBOARD COVER + OBI + DOWNLOAD CARD

Jazz Funk Masterpiece reissued for the first time Worldwide.

For every celebrated record in jazz, soul, and related music, there are probably thousands more with all the genius for which widespread recognition never came or was delayed.

In 1976, Dana Kaproff released one of the most wanted jazz-funk albums recorded in Los Angeles.
A jazz fusion record for the discerning connoisseur. Tight drums and well-programmed synths. Excellent production and recording. Fans of 70s Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Weather Report, funky library records... heads up.

Tracklist:
A1. Brownstones – A2. Piranha – A3. China White – A4. Snowdrift
B1. Strawberry Canyon – B2. Sandcastle – B3. Mariposa – B4. Aviary More

180g. VINYL + HARD CARDBOARD COVER + OBI

Tracklist:
A1. Sweet Stuff – A2. Woodcutters’ Lullaby – A3. Night Clouds – A4. Oui de Song – A5. Brothers Jacques
B1. Saturday Night Flavour – B2. Don’t Be Shy – B3. Jacqueline’s Mood – B4. Astral Dance

French drummer and Jazz musician/composer Daniel Bechet dedicated 1979 “Song to My Father” to his father, the famous Sax/Clarinet player Sydney Bechet

Sydney Bechet’s son-only LP is a hidden treasure we are proud to reissue.
The base is a solid Fusion and Jazz Funk sound. Still, the mellow and soulful moment is wonderfully groovy with arrangements reminding George Duke’s albums, or Cortex plenty of funky Fender Rhodes.

Under exclusive license by Daniel Bechet
__________________________________________________________
credits
released April 28, 2023

Composed By, Arranged By – Daniel Bechet
Executive-Producer – André Clergeat
Recorded at Studio Sidney Bechet - March 1979 More

"The Seventh Son" was originally release in 1980 on RA Records and became a true Jazz Holy Grail.
For anyone collecting Spiritual Jazz this reissue is simply not to be missed.

Malachi Thompson moved to Chicago as a child and credited his interest in the trumpet when he was 11 years old. Malachi worked in the rhythm and blues scene on Chicago’s South Side as a teen. In 1968, he joined the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), spending some time in the AACM big band.
Thompson worked with saxophonists Joe Henderson, Jackie McLean, Frank Foster, and Archie Shepp among other musicians while living in New York City. He formed his Freebop band in 1978, and eventually relocated to Washington, D.C. Thompson also worked with Lester Bowie's Hot Trumpets Repertory Company and formed Africa Brass, a group inspired by traditional New Orleans brass bands.
With a goal of preserving the Sutherland Theater on Chicago's South Side, Thompson founded the Sutherland Community Arts Initiative, a non-profit corporation, in 1991. He also wrote incidental music for a play about the theater.
Informed in 1989 that he suffered from T-cell lymphoma and had one year to live, Thompson claimed he was healed by radiation and reading about jazz. He died in Chicago, Illinois from a relapse of his cancer in 2006.

Under exclusive license : Morris D. Green, Michael McClinton
Special thanks to Sutherland Community Arts Initiative, Inc.
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Composed By, Mixed By, Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Liner Notes – Malachi Thompson
Bass – Curtis Robinson, Jr.
Drums – Billy Salter
Piano, Electric Piano – Kirk Brown
Tenor Saxophone – Jesse Taylor More

With J Jazz volume 4, the BBE J Jazz Bullet Train continues its journey traversing the expansive landscape of modern Japanese jazz. Volume 4 is the latest in the universally praised compilation series exploring the best, rarest and most innovative jazz to emerge from the Far East. Please take your seats for a first-class ticket to J Jazz central.

This latest station stop off is with the famed Nippon Columbia label, one of the biggest labels in Japan, whose jazz output embraces every possible style imaginable. Focussing on the key years 1968-1981, J Jazz volume 4 sees compilers Tony Higgins and Mike Peden dig even deeper into their record collections and pull-out tracks that span styles ranging from solo to big band, jazz classical interpretations and heavy jazz rock, to febrile post-bop, white hot samba fusion, and modal psychedelic wig-outs.

J Jazz volume 4 features icons such as drum master Takeo Moriyama, keyboard magi Hiromasa Suzuki, Fumio Itabashi, and Masahiko Satoh, and guitar wizards Kazumi Watanabe and Kiyoshi Sugimoto, alongside big band maestros and innovators Nobuo Hara and his Sharps and Flats, and Toshiyuki Miyama’s New Herd. Thunderous basslines nestle alongside glistening runs of electric piano, bubbling synths and air-tight drumming as the heavy psychedelic modal blues of Jiro Inagaki flows with the infectious samba grooves of Takashi Mizuhashi featuring Herbie Hancock; Shigeharu Mukai’s fusion funk epics take the music to another level and Mikio Masuda’s driving keyboard rhythms brings the heat to an incendiary dancefloor zone.

With 7,000 words of extensive sleeve notes, J Jazz vol 4 comes in a triple 180g vinyl set inside a deluxe gatefold sleeve with obi strip plus a 4 page insert. The double CD features two bonus tracks not on the vinyl edition. Mastered at the Grammy-nominated Carvery Studio by Frank Merritt, this latest collection is a worthy successor to the preceding three volumes that have set the bar so high.

J Jazz is curated for BBE Music by Tony Higgins and Mike Peden.

Tracklist LP:

1. Exchange – Takeo Moriyama
2. The Ground For Peace – Jiro Inagaki & His Soul Media
3. Chakkiri Bushi – Nobuo Hara and his Sharps & Flats, Hozan Yamamoto
4. Trial Road – Tomoki Takahashi
5. A Muddy Muffin – Masahiko Sato
6. Samba de Negrito – Takashi Mizuhashi & Herbie Hancock
7. Scramble – Hiromasa Suzuki
9. Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Faun – Nobuo Hara and His Sharps & Flats
10. Jones Street – Kiyoshi Sugimoto
11. By The Red Stream – Hiromasa Suzuki, Jiro Inagaki & Big Soul Media
12. Kaleidoscope (Edit) – Mickie Yoshino & Kazumi Watanabe
13. Ougi Denju-shiki – Toshiyuki Miyama and His New Herd
14. Toppu – Shigeharu Mukai
15. Mickey’s Samba – Mikio Masuda

More

Tracklist:
A1. Gift of Love
A2. Slightly Anxious
A3. Day After Yesterday
A4. Un-Stable
B1. Free Fall
B2. Mickey’s Tune
B3. Fantasy



MAD ABOUT RECORDS is honored to present the official reissue of the legendary LP by Sam Sanders & Visions for the first time worldwide “The Gift of Love.”

Highly recommended 80s Detroit Spiritual Jazz Masterpiece.

Classic Detroit Jazz in the Tribe Records, Strata East jazz vein.


Official Reissue under exclusive license by Viola Vaughn


Although most of the sessions with Sanders from the 60s or 70s are either nowhere to be found or still unreleased, 'The Gift of Love' - perhaps the only release of Sanders as a leader during his lifetime and privately pressed by what I presume to be his own label That African Lady - offers a document of this Detroit great's music with his band Visions. Fellow Strata musician Kenny Cox, even sits in on keys on a few tracks.

Sam Sanders, a unique saxophonist whose approach to music made him a legend in Detroit Jazz.

While sometimes likened to John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, or Joe Henderson, Sanders had an unmistakably unique style. His group, Sam Sanders and Visions - for many years with bassist Ed Pickens and drummer Jimmy Allen, was known for extremely aggressive post-bebop jazz bordering on the Avant-Garde.

Sanders was also active as an educator and concert producer. He was an instructor at the Detroit Metro Arts complex and at Oakland University. He was instrumental in creating the Detroit Jazz Center - an open jazz school and concert venue presenting artists such as Jackie MacLean, Donald Byrd, and Woody Shaw, with local artists Kenn Cox, Marcus Belgrave, Roy Brooks, Charles Boles, and Danny Spencer, among many others.

Sanders began playing while attending Northeastern High School in the 50s with fellow classmates Alice Coltrane, Kenn Cox, and Bennie Maupin. He later attended the Teal music school and studied privately with Detroit Jazz Legend: Yusef Lateef. During his career, Sanders performed with various artists, including: Milt Jackson, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, James Blood Ulmer, Sonny Stitt, Pharoah Sanders. Before forming Visions, Sanders and trumpeter Marcus Belgrave fronted a band with pianist Harold McKinney called the Creative Profile. Belgrave and Sanders would continue to perform together, often with Sander's big band, the Pioneer Orchestra.

During the last decades of his life, Sanders traveled often to Senegal and eventually settled there with his wife, Viola Vaughn. More

GATEFOLD LP DELUXE EDITION
180g. VINYL + HARD CARDBOARD COVER + OBI

Leila Pinheiro is a legendary Brazilian singer, songwriter, and pianist. Over her 41-year career, she has released over 20 albums, showcasing her musical versatility and creativity. Her debut album, "Leila Pinheiro,” included the boogie anthem “Tudo em cima”, which featured the participation of renowned musicians such as Tom Jobim, Ivan Lins, Francis Hime, João Donato, and Lincoln Olivetti.


In 1970, Leila began her piano studies under the guidance of the legendary Guilherme Coutinho.

As part of celebrating the 40th anniversary of this important milestone in Brazilian music, Mad About Records presents a worldwide vinyl reissue for the first time.

Under exclusive License by Leila Pinheiro

Acoustic Guitar – Tunai, Toninho Horta, Alberto Arantes
Electric Guitar – Hélio Capucci
Electric Piano – Lincoln Olivetti
Guitar – Luiz Claudio, Hélio Capucci
Bass – Luiz Alves
Drums – João Cortez
Piano – Luís Avelar, Gilson Peranzzetta, Reinaldo Arias, Francis Hime, Antonio Carlos , Jobim Ivan Lins, João Donato
Bass – Jamil Joanes
Percussion – Ariovaldo
Bagpipes – Mauricio Einhorn
Producer [Direção de Produção] – Raymundo Bittencourt
Arranged By – Luís Avelar, Dori Caymmi
Technician [Técnicos de Gravação] – Eduardo Ramalho
Mixed By – Célio Martins, Max Pierre
Liner Notes – Billy Blanco
Gravado nos Estúdios da Sigla - RJ
More

Finally, the long-awaited reissue of this Australian Soul Jazz masterpiece!

The first album was recorded in Sydney in 1978 by Joyce Hurley, who learned piano basics in the United States and is currently a European singer, pianist, and composer. Although it has been featured in many record guides and reviews as one of the coveted DJs for a long time, it was, for a long time, a rare LP much sought after by collectors. In addition to the standard number, it is composed of instrumental songs by David Martin Group, who serves as a backing, and Afro-Cuban numbers such as "Sambole'" and "Here and now” are the highlights and killer version of Herbie Hancock's “Maiden Voyage.

Joyce Hurley's first full-length release. Joyce was a Detroit-born singer who came to Sydney to study at the NSW Conservatorium and recorded this album with the David Martin Group while she was here. The album was recorded at Earth Media Studios in late 1977 and 1978.



Tracklist:

Side A:

A1. Left Alone
A2. What Would I Do If I Could Feel
A3. How Are You Dreaming
A4. Threedom Street

Side B:

B1. Maiden Voyage
B2. Blues For Joyce
B3. Sunbath
B4. Sambolé
B5. Here And Now More

Official reissue with four hard to find Italo Disco gems (’83 – ’88) taken from the original master tapes! More

TRACKLIST
01. TEZETA
02. ENDEGENA
03. ZENGADYW DEREKOU
04. GUMEGUM
05. NEFAS NEW ZEMEDIE
06. ATMETALEGNEM WOI
07. MESTIRAWI DEBDABE
08. OU-OU-TA
09. AYA BELEW BELEW

Unknown recording outside Ethiopia which documents Mergia Hailu & The Walias legendary early period. Beautifully-rendered instrumentals of classic Ethiopian standards, "Tezeta"is the follow-up reissue of the hugely popular seminal Ethiopian instrumentals LP "Tche Belew" (ATFA012). It was a Cassette-only release in 1975 on the band's in-house label, to fund their record store. From their genesis as members of the Venus club in-house band in the early 70s, Hailu Mergia and the Walias Band were at the forefront of the musical revolution during an era where modern instruments and foreign styles superseded the traditional fare to become the staple sound of Ethiopia. No one would argue that the Walias were the trailblazing powerhouse of modern Ethiopian music. They were the first band to form independently without affiliation to a theatre house, a club or a hotel; unprecedented and risky as they had to raise all funding for expenses by themselves including buying equipment. They were the first to release full instrumental albums, considered to be commercially unviable at the time. They opened their own recording studio, with band members Melake Gebre and Mahmoud Aman doubling as technical buffs during sessions. They were also the first independent band to tour abroad. In short, they were the pioneers every band tried to emulate; some more successfully than others. Odds are, any Ethiopian over the age of 35 who had access to TV or radio by the early 90s, will instantly recognize the sound of Walias. What is not a given is, how many would actually identify the band itself. Barely a day went by without hearing the Walias either in the background on radio or as an accompaniment to various programs on TV. This Tezeta album, the band's second recording, released in 1975, is one of those that have been impossible to find for nearly three decades. Sourced by Awesome Tapes From Africa and expertly remastered by Jessica Thompson, its unique and funky renditions of standards and popular songs of the day are so quintessentially Walias, flavorful and evocative. Hailu's melodic organ, unashamedly front and center in every track, makes even the complex pieces accessible. Profoundly engaging; it's an immersive trip down memory lane for those of us getting reacquainted with it, while also an enthralling and gratifying experience for fresh ears. More

80g. VINYL + HARD CARDBOARD COVER + OBI + DOWNLOAD CARD

“300 MPH” debut album by Namaz was originally released in 1981 by German group led by guitarist Werner Goos. Jazz Fusion at its best with a Latin-Brazilian touch.

Licensed by Werner Goos More

180g VINYL + HARD-CARDBOARD SLEEVE + OBI

His early career follows It follows in the wake of the infectiously funky, blues-based keyboard music exemplified by hard-bop paragons Horace Silver and Bobby Timmons in the 50s and 60s. Not surprisingly, McClerkin listened to those pianists while growing up on Chicago’s south-side; he also heard plenty of Ahmad Jamal (who then lived and worked in Chicago), and Jamal’s trademark airiness occasionally works its way into the mix as well.

Since the 1960's Corky has performed professionally throughout the Chicago area, guided by his mentor, Jazz tenor great Von Freeman, he developed his talents throughout the 1970s while also discovering his passion for writing. As a featured columnist for the Chicago Courier, he was inspired to write Undercurrents (1978), a collection of short stories about the black experience.

In 1981, Corky strengthened his talents by taking on the position of musical director and arranger for the Chicago production of Sasha, Sing Dinah! and wrote “a play, Life Cycles,” performed at the Chicago Cultural Center. In 1983 he built on his experiences by releasing his first album, Searchin' for the Soul (WinCor Records, 1983).

In 2001 The American Biographical Institute included Corky in their edition of the International Directory of Distinguished Leaders. He was also a member of the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE), the American Federation of Musicians, and the World Future Society.

Corky Mclerkin tragically died in 2015 in a car crash with his wife, Winnie Mae.

Official Reissue courtesy of Casemmie Cole-Kweli

Tracklist:
A1. Searchin’ For The Soul
A2. Love Is Your Name
A3. Jive Mama T
A4. Everything Must Change

B1. Open Wide
B2. Passion
B3. Off C
B4. Mirror, Mirror More

Killer Soul/Jazz-Funk highly collectible LP recorded in 1976 in San Francisco Bay Area

Cult LP including Rare Groove classics like “Losing you”, “Don’t you think it’s time” or “Love Nevermore”

They are named after their mentor, Bill Courtial, a highly respected session guitarist. Co-founder is reputed to be Pete Escovedo. They had both worked together as part of the Santana spin-off group Azteca, a Latin jazz fusion outfit; most notably on 1973’s ‘Pyramid of the Moon’ LP. During these sessions, they were introduced to vocalist Errol Knowles, who has a pleasant l and dynamic vocal approach. Together, the three of them form the core of Courtial. Meanwhile, the remainder of Courtial was forming in San Francisco. Originally scheduled to perform in a play that was cancelled on opening night, the assembled group were given an alternative venue at a local club, Butterfields. This was to be an important break for them as the club owner was friends with Bill Courtial, and it had come to light that Bill was looking to form a band.

Released in 1976 on Pipeline, a small label from Woodside, California.

Guitar, Co-producer, Arranged By – Bill Courtial
Vocals – Errol Knowles
Keyboards, Strings [Elka String Choir], Synthesizer – David Kempton
Percussion – Jose Najera
Bass – Edward Williams III
Drums – Geoffrey Whyte
Co-producer – Steve Whiting
Congas – Errol Knowles (tracks: A2, A3, B2), Pete Escovedo (tracks: A1, A4, B3, B4)
Design Concept, Photography By – Herbie Greene
Engineer – Ken Hopkins
Executive-Producer – Madjid Panahpour
Recorded At – Wally Heider Studios 1976

Under exclusive license from Steve Whiting , Whiting & Co. Entertainment
Special thanks to Bill Courtial and Susan Courtial More

One of the best boogie records of Nigeria repressed for the first time. Produced in 1981 by Jake Sollo and performed by himself flanked by the outstanding funky bass by Randy Taylor and the great vocal performances from the Galaxy girls. Recorded and produced in England but originally released only in Nigeria. More