A bunch of UK musicians exploring the backwaters suggested by Sun Ra (him again!), Alice Coltrane, electronica, dance etc. I really like this. Must play it loud on the main system :-)
Something strange is going on here. I've been listening to an album with another Sun Ra connection:
"In 1993, shortly after the death of Herman Blount (Sun Ra), Phil Cohran and his band, Legacy, composed an inspired and inspiring tribute to his close friend and former mentor. As you may be aware, Cohran records are few and far between. Aside from the more recent reissue of his Zulu 45s collection, 'African Skies' is his first new record to be released since his 1969 Malcolm X memorial. This fact only serves to cement its lofty status as "a nuanced portrait of one of the most visionary musicians of our time...". Channelling the spirit of his cosmic brother, Cohran brings us closer to enlightenment through eight sublime songs glowing with reverent spirit and positive, utopian energies. Utterly amazing stuff, for your soul."
Kelan Phil Cohran and Legacy - African Skies (Captcha Records)
Listened to African Skies a little yesterday, but too much else going on for careful listen. Enjoyed what I caught, so going back to it at a quieter time. Thanks. At the mo: Nick Cave, Push the Sky Away......ah, nice.
I thought I knew this album, but I don't. It's fantastic!
Do you know it, Ben?
No Dave. Though their name rings a bell. I'll give it a listen later. Thanks.
As much as Gil Scott-Heron is one of my all-time music idols, and has been called 'the father of rap', I think The Last Poets are really the godfathers. On this album, their usual sparse and somewhat rough backing is replaced by a more conventional band with Bernard Purdie on drums. The music actually adds to the Poets, rather than diluting what they do IMHO.
I thought I knew this album, but I don't. It's fantastic!
Do you know it, Ben?
No Dave. Though their name rings a bell. I'll give it a listen later. Thanks.
As much as Gil Scott-Heron is one of my all-time music idols, and has been called 'the father of rap', I think The Last Poets are really the godfathers. On this album, their usual sparse and somewhat rough backing is replaced by a more conventional band with Bernard Purdie on drums. The music actually adds to the Poets, rather than diluting what they do IMHO.
Wasn't surprised to see Gil mentioned in your post. He came to mind when I listened to this. I don't know about the histoical sequence though, and will bow to your greater knowledge in terms of where The Poets and Gil fall in the overall story. Reading your other comments confirms that my ears are less hard-working than yours. I found the album interesting as a one off listen, but simply too musically challenging for me in terms of how free form it sounded overall. I'm very aware that your tastes are very much in line with that though, and I took vicarious pleasure from imagining your enjoying it more wholeheartedly! :-)
I thought I knew this album, but I don't. It's fantastic!
Do you know it, Ben?
No Dave. Though their name rings a bell. I'll give it a listen later. Thanks.
As much as Gil Scott-Heron is one of my all-time music idols, and has been called 'the father of rap', I think The Last Poets are really the godfathers. On this album, their usual sparse and somewhat rough backing is replaced by a more conventional band with Bernard Purdie on drums. The music actually adds to the Poets, rather than diluting what they do IMHO.
Wasn't surprised to see Gil mentioned in your post. He came to mind when I listened to this. I don't know about the histoical sequence though, and will bow to your greater knowledge in terms of where The Poets and Gil fall in the overall story. Reading your other comments confirms that my ears are less hard-working than yours. I found the album interesting as a one off listen, but simply too musically challenging for me in terms of how free form it sounded overall. I'm very aware that your tastes are very much in line with that though, and I took vicarious pleasure from imagining your enjoying it more wholeheartedly! :-)
Gil and The Poets both came up at the same time in the late 60s, but Gil went on longer and made far more albums.
Have another listen, and I'm sure you'll hear the sheer funkiness in the backing. Bernard Purdie isn't a free drummer of any form. Listen to the drum set and you should be there.
A track I'd almost forgotten about because it doesn't appear on any of Mark Lanegan's albums (it was a single B-side and released as a game track). Below is the A-side followed by said B-side @ 3.53.
I chose this version as it's the one I have and is better than the others on YT.
I thought I knew this album, but I don't. It's fantastic!
Do you know it, Ben?
No Dave. Though their name rings a bell. I'll give it a listen later. Thanks.
As much as Gil Scott-Heron is one of my all-time music idols, and has been called 'the father of rap', I think The Last Poets are really the godfathers. On this album, their usual sparse and somewhat rough backing is replaced by a more conventional band with Bernard Purdie on drums. The music actually adds to the Poets, rather than diluting what they do IMHO.
Wasn't surprised to see Gil mentioned in your post. He came to mind when I listened to this. I don't know about the histoical sequence though, and will bow to your greater knowledge in terms of where The Poets and Gil fall in the overall story. Reading your other comments confirms that my ears are less hard-working than yours. I found the album interesting as a one off listen, but simply too musically challenging for me in terms of how free form it sounded overall. I'm very aware that your tastes are very much in line with that though, and I took vicarious pleasure from imagining your enjoying it more wholeheartedly! :-)
Gil and The Poets both came up at the same time in the late 60s, but Gil went on longer and made far more albums.
Have another listen, and I'm sure you'll hear the sheer funkiness in the backing. Bernard Purdie isn't a free drummer of any form. Listen to the drum set and you should be there.
Comments
BOC "Imaginos"
Hmmmm, their debut album next methinks...
Kelan Phil Cohran and Legacy - African Skies (Captcha Records)
At the mo: Nick Cave, Push the Sky Away......ah, nice.
I had to nip home (normally 30 mins each way) for a forgotton something and the radio was playing a few Dick Dale tracks on the trot.
When rolled back in at work I was greeted with WTH!? Did you not go in the end?
I had returned in under 45 mins!!!! Baaaaaaaaaad boy
:ar!
I'll give it a listen later. Thanks.
Reading your other comments confirms that my ears are less hard-working than yours. I found the album interesting as a one off listen, but simply too musically challenging for me in terms of how free form it sounded overall. I'm very aware that your tastes are very much in line with that though, and I took vicarious pleasure from imagining your enjoying it more wholeheartedly! :-)
I chose this version as it's the one I have and is better than the others on YT.
The album Blues Funeral playing on...