Sunday 5 June 2011

Gil Scott-Heron - Pieces Of A Man (1971)


Gil Scott-Heron's second album, "Pieces Of A Man," was far more musical than his minimalist, poetic debut. Backed up by a bevy of talented musicians, including Ron Carter, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, Hubert Laws, and soon-to-be main collaborator Brian Jackson, the album was quite possibly his most cohesive and accessible. Of Scott-Heron's voice, Carter would later say, "He wasn't a great singer, but with that voice, if he whispered it would have been dynamic. It was a voice like you would have for Shakespeare." Dynamic and full of feeling certainly applies to this collection, with not a weak piece to be heard. My fave's include the reworked "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," the biting, honest "Home Is Where The Hatred Is," and the haunting "Pieces Of A Man." If you're a fan of Gil Scott-Heron, you probably have this already; if not, this is as good a place to start appreciating his genius!

On to Discogs for album info:

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