Johnny Hammond-Star Borne(1974)

Exposing a jazz purist to most recordings involving Fonce and Larry Mizell is much like shoving a vampire into daylight. Gambler's Life, the first of two Johnny "Hammond" Smith albums featuring the brothers' ambitious handiwork, isn't an exception. Watch a purist seek shelter in his dank cave whenever this album is within earshot. Smith switches to Fender Rhodes for most of the material, and the Mizells bring their ARPs, spirited if unpolished group vocal arrangements, wah-wah guitars, and soaring instrumental arrangements made to shine on the dancefloor. Strong throughout, the album runs as efficiently and as sweetly as any other groove-heavy album of its time. "Rhodesian Thoroughfare" is the most unique cut, trading off frenzied suspense-building sequences and breathless gallops. "Back to the Projects" is a brisk gust of cool air on a hot August afternoon, possibly the most densely structured composition connected to Larry Mizell. Only "Call On Me" brings the mood down to a state of blissed relaxedness; otherwise, you're body will be moving. Despite all the complex Mizellian layering at play, Smith shoots through it all, ringing loud and gloriously clear. Originally released by Salvation -- a CTI offshoot set up by Creed Taylor for releases not involving him or Rudy Van Gelder -- the album has been issued on CD by Expansion in the U.K. ~ Andy Kellman

First ever CD release for 1974 album by the soul-jazz organist aka Johnny 'Hammond' Smith. The title track was sampled by Erykah Badu on her 2000 album, 'Mama's Gun'. Includes four bonus tracks, 'Rock Steady', 'Who Is Sylvia', 'Higher Ground' & 'Breakout'. 2001 release. Standard jewelcase.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• 70s
• Fusion
• Funk
• Jazz Fusion
• Jazz Funk
• Johnny Hammond_Star Borne

[LionRock08]

Mizell Bros simply fantastic everytime

[garnoldmusic]

The early 70's on gave me the drive into highly developing an eruption of real inner soul rhythms. This was one of the main boosters. If you do love music, then you are tuned in. Bro Heavy

[ibeeneverywhereman]

tuned in. funked out. now weez cookin. liquid gold.

[65emkay]

this tune is in my system (body,heart &soul) since the mid 80s had us copy, lost it found again, my appreciation and respect for your evident good taste, happy 12!

[port2344chester]

TIME MACHINE MATERIAL.. ohh how i miss the 70's

@musicminor25....keep on rockin the tube!

[1121fatboy]

This was sampled by sunshine anderson's song "heard it all b4"

[doc2skate]

Another Hammond project I missed out on. I must've been high to overlook so many great albums by this artist. The good news is listening to his 70's stuff for the first time. Gotta keep looking for more. Great post.

[kinstube]

THANK YOU !!

[giacchina63]

trop cool Johnny Hammond!!!!!!!!!!! J'aime