Steve Reid - Lions Of Juda

An underground soul jazz classic -- massive grooves from drummer Steve Reid, and exactly the kind of set that's gotten him so much attention in recent years! There's a mixture of freedom and tightness here that's really wonderful -- some of the looser elements of the loft jazz generation, mixed with an inherent sense of rhythm that always set Reid's records apart from the rest -- a groove that comes not just from his own pulsations on the drum kit, but also from the elliptical basslines of Richard Williams on electric and Luis Angel Falcon on acoustic, and the mixed organ and piano lines of keyboardist Les Walker. Joe Rigby brings some really sharp-edged sax work to the record, alongside the trumpet of Ahmed Abdullah, who really sounds wonderful here -- bringing a spirituality to the album that's clearly borrowed from his time with Sun Ra. The album includes the great groover "Lions of Judah" -- which has a very Ra-like quality -- plus other great cuts "Long Time Black", "Sixth House", "Nova", and "Free Spirits--Unkown(dustygroove.com)

This is an astounding record by an artist who has been criminally neglected. The list of those who could make out jazz funky is a short one. Ornette of course springs to mind as do the musicians of the Art Ensemble and their Chicago brethren. Drummer Steve Reid must now be added to that list. From the swaggering thunder of "Lions of Juda," to the gentler songs that close this album, there's nary a misstep. This music is as beautiful and dangerous as a shower of broken glass — just when you think you've got a song figured out, this clever group of largely unsung musicians heightens the tension and takes things careening off in an unexpected direction. Have no fear though, these men are always nothing if not firmly in control. This is a wonderful document of a long vanished New York scene that was long on every emotion, not just fury.(orgyinrhythm.blogspot.com)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• jazz
• groove
• jazz funky

[FinestFinger]

Man I love this track!

[highburyhills]

I walked into a record shop today in London and this was on. I thought it was some avant-jazz-reggae thing made recently and rushed to the counter to ask... astounding.

[stoinge]

sick tune

[encorejune]

Incredibles compositions, incredible universe.

We'll miss this guy a very long time...



[scaryfishdude]

This guy was an absolute idol to me, and I only hope I can bear a decent homage to him in my drumming.

[afimearts]

R.I.P We be Dancing in the Streets !!!!!

[Bird1044]

WOW! Undeniably Masters!

[wagnetron]

Rest in Peace, my man

[Stevie64B]

Nice bit of Jazz