Johnny Coles - Katumbo (Dance)

I must admit that I am not a big fan of the Mainstream "sound".  It more or less comes across like many CTI albums, and it's not for me.  But to paint the whole thing black would be foolish, as this album has proven.

I actually found this and two other Mainstream sides at a thrift, still sealed and only $1 each!!  My main idea was to simply trade them at the local record shop, but two ended up staying with me.

This album varies wildly in terms of style - and for the good I think.  Bop, fusion and avante garde can all be heard at one point or another.  The thing which really holds this session together, at least for my tastes, is Coles' clear and bold statement of a theme.  Tunes like 728 and Petit Machins really stand out as they open up with something groovy for the listener to take into the song.  This album won't be for everyone but I would suggest givin it a whirl if you enjoy Coles' playing at all.

Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC... enjoy!!

Mainstream MRL 346
1971

Gregory Herbert (ts), Johnny Coles (t, fh), Astley Fennell (tb), Howard Johnson (tu), Cedar Walton (p, ep), Reggie Workman (b, eb), Bruce Ditmas (d)

1. Never Can Say Goodbye  (Clifton Davis) 
2.  September Of My Years  (Jimmy Van Heusen, Sammy Cahn) 
3.  728  (Johnny Coles) 
4.  Eleven [aka Petits Machins]  (Miles Davis, Gil Evans) 
5.  Betty's Bossa  (Cecil Bridgewater) 
6.  Funk Dumplin'  (Johnny Coles