Joe Bonner - Angel Eyes (1976) [re-rip]

"Angel Eyes" contains a magical mix of both solo, trio and group tunes. On the title track "Angel Eyes" and "I Do" Bonner plays solo and both are very soul-searching and captivating. "Love Dance" is a blend of both solo and an added rhythm section. Yet, what makes this LP magnificent is the addition of the avant-garde violinist Leroy Jenkins and tenor saxophonist Billy Harper. Both musicians are found on "Variations On The Little Chocolate Boy" and "Celebration", which also includes the superb vocalist Linda Sharrock. The late Jenkins' violin stretches the other players to do more. In this instance Harper clearly showcases his ability to pick up the harmony and run with it. Overall Bonner's playing is incredibly evocative. The album’s highlight is Sharrock’s singing, starting out with a pervasive dark tone that later launches into a wailing mode and then returns anchored by the fusion of the groove being conveyed by the rest of the group. In a lot of ways these two tracks are very bold verging on the avant-garde. The listener cannot but desire more of the same in a follow up album. In the end Bonner concludes this work with a simple but eloquent bamboo flute solo invoking quite a rounding off and spiritual tone to the whole session.

Muse Records, MR 5114, 1976

Recorded October, 1974 and January 1976

Musicians:

Joe Bonner - Piano, Bells (#A1), Bamboo Flute (#B3)

Billy Harper - Tenor Saxophone (#B1,B2)

Leroy Jenkins - Violin (#B1,B2)

Juni Booth - Bass (#A3,B1,B2)

Jimmy Hopps - Drums (#A3,B1,B2)

Linda Sharrock - Vocal (#B2)

Tracks:

A1. Angel Eyes {Matt Dennis} (5:42) *

A2. Love Dance {Joe Bonner} (4:39)

A3. I Do {Joe Bonner} (6:05) *

B1. Variations On The Little Chocolate Boy {Joe Bonner} (5:33)

B2. Celebration {Joe Bonner} (9:26)

B3. Interlude {Joe Bonner} (3:12) #

* Solo Piano

# Solo Flute

Credits:

Producer - Joe Bonner, Michael Cuscuna

Album Design - Joe Bonner, Ron Warwell

Liner Notes - Alan Goodman

Celebration [Lyrics]

It's a sad game, it's a sad game, if you care to play.

It's a sad game, it's a sad game, if you care to play.

I want to be someplace that's good for me.

I want to be someplace that's good for me.

It's a sad game.