Lonnie Smith - Mama Wailer (1971)

Organist Lonnie Smith got his start in the music business in 1965, playing in George Benson's first group. In '67, he joined Lou Donaldson's band, where he had a hand in the recording of numerous acid-jazz classics (such as "Alligator Boogaloo" and "Peepin"). Donaldson got him hooked up with Blue Note, and he recorded 4 albums of soulful funk with the label in the late 60's. When Smith left Blue Note, Creed Taylor brought him into the studio to record "Mama Wailer." Smith added the term "Doctor" to his name later as he considered himself the "doctor of groove," and it has been said that this album was his doctoral thesis. The record is a funk classic. It features an all star lineup, including Billy Cobham, Ron Carter and Grover Washington, Jr., and four extended cuts (two originals and two covers). Highlights include the title track, a cover of Carol King's "I Feel The Earth Move" (King's "Tapestry" album was being covered by EVERYONE in '71), and a full-side version of Sly Stone's "Stand." Smith all but disappeared as a leader after this album, but experienced a revival of interest in his work in the early 90's when the acid jazz movement broke.

Album info. on Discogs:

Mama Wailer

Available on Japanese Import CD from Amazon:

(amazon.com) Mama Wailer

(amazon.ca) Mama Wailer

(amazon.co.uk) Mama Wailer

Joe Beck - Beck (1975)

In 1975, after 2 years working as a session musician on several CTI albums by the likes of Joe Farrell and Idris Muhammad, Creed Taylor invited Beck to record his first solo album, and at the same time offered him his artistic redemption. Prior to hooking up with CTI, Beck had been in semi-retirement for 3 years, working as a dairy farmer after losing confidence in himself recording with Miles Davis in 1967 on the "Circle In The Round" sessions (that album wasn't released until 1979). Artwork for the original "Beck" release of the album was done by Abdul Mati Klarwein, who also created the covers for Miles Davis' "Bitches Brew" and "Live Evil" albums. The album was re-released in 1979 with a new title - "Beck & Sanborn" - and cover, with changes designed to capitalize on David Sanborn's growing fame.

Album Info:

Beck

Both album versions available on Amazon:

(amazon.com) Beck

(amazon.com) Beck & Sanborn

(amazon.ca) Beck

(amazon.ca) Beck & Sanborn

Esther Phillips - For All We Know (1976)

Another Esther Phillips post... "For All We Know " might just as easily have been called "What A Diff'rence A Day Makes, Volume 2." Both albums feature Joe Beck, playing guitar and taking care of string arrangements, along with most of the backing musicians from the earlier project. "What A Diff'rence..." was a massive hit (the album was Esther's best seller, and the single was hugely popular in the clubs), and "For All We Know" was conceived and recorded in a hurry to capitalize on Esther's resulting popularity. The album was well received by club and radio DJ's, but unfortunately didn't spawn any hit singles. Nonetheless, it's a fine effort, and worth adding to any collection. It's available as a Japanese import only.

Album info:

For All We Know

Japanese Import CD available on Amazon:

(amazon.com) For All We Know

(amazon.ca) For All We Know

Esther Phillips - From A Whisper To A Scream (1971)

Esther Phillips (who went by "Little Esther" early in her career) recorded seven albums for Kudu/CTI. This was the first, and it's outstanding! The album was nominated for a Grammy, but Esther lost out to Aretha Franklin. Aretha presented the award to Esther telling her she should have won instead. The standout track, "Home Is Where The Hatred Is," gave an account of drug use and addiction. Penned by Gil Scott-Heron, the song was especially personal to Esther as she herself had battled with drug addiction years earlier. This one is a "must-buy," if you can find a copy.

Album info:

From A Whisper To A Scream

Japan Import available on Amazon:

(amazon.com) From Whisper To A Scream

(amazon.ca) From Whisper To A Scream