Marion Brown - Geechee Recollections (1973)

Geechee Recollections was the first in a trilogy of recordings by saxophonist Marion Brown that both honored the work of poet Jean Toomer and revisited his upbringing in Georgia. Together, they form arguably the most beautiful and satisfying output of Brown's lengthy career. The music, while remaining experimental, is grounded in Southern folk themes and blues, epitomized on tracks like the funky "Buttermilk Bottom" here. A Toomer poem, Karintha is given a striking reading by Bill Hasson and, throughout the recording, Brown receives excellent support by a strong ensemble including trumpeter Leo Smith and the great drummer Steve McCall. Brown, with his marvelously limpid tone on alto, is a joy to hear and seems more at home and relaxed here than on some of his more strident early records. Recommended. ~ Brian Olewnick, AMG.

Impulse! Records, AS-9252, 1973

ABC/Impulse! Records, MVCZ-120, 1997

Recorded 4^th & 5^th June, 1973 At Intermedia Sound, Boston, Massachusetts

Musicians:

Marion Brown - Alto & Soprano Saxophones, Clarinet, Percussion

Leo Smith - Brasses, Strings, Percussion

Bill Hassan - Narration (#2), Percussion

James Jefferson - Bass, Cello (#2), Percussion

Steve McCall - Drums, Miscellaneous Percussion

A. Kobena Adzenyah - Drums [Southeastern Ghana]: Soge, Kidi, Kaganu, Axatse,

Gankogui, Toke; Drums [Akan people, Ghana]: Apentemba,

Apenten, Dawure, Nnawunta, Donne, Gyilla, Balaphone [Lobi people, Northern Ghana]

William Malone - Thumb Piano, Autoharp, Axatse

Jumma Santos - Conga Drums, Miscellaneous Instruments

Tracks:

1. Once Upon A Time {Marion Brown} (6:27)

2. Karintha {Marion Brown, Jean Toomer} (9:25)

3. Buttermilk Bottom {Marion Brown} (6:42)

4. Introduction {Marion Brown} (1:18)

5. Tokalokaloka, Part One {Marion Brown} (6:59)

6. Tokalokaloka, Part Two {Marion Brown} (8:39)

7. Tokalokaloka, Part Three {Marion Brown} (1:45)

8. Ending {Leo Smith} (1:20)

Credits:

Producer - Ed Michel

Recording Engineer - Berred Ouelette

Assistant Engineer - Dominic Lumetta, Gilmar Fortis, Kathryn King, Nat Seligman

Mixing Engineer - Rick Heenan (The Village Recorder)

Photography - Donald M. Shaw

Liner Notes - J.B. Figi

Liner Notes [Poem] - Eric D. Jackson

Total Time: 40:35

David Liebman - Light'n Up, Please! (1976) [vinyl>flac]

Allied with Pee Wee King of James Brown fame, Dave Liebman plunges headlong into funk in the wake of Herbie Hancock's Headhunters, but his heart doesn't seem to be in it. At times, he sounds bored playing R&B riffs that he seemed to have outgrown at the time, lapsing into free-jazz flurries in an effort to stay interested, and the rhythm section is leaden. The whole thing is recorded with a dry, airless ambience, possibly emulating Headhunters and its sought-after riches -- but no, it didn't translate into anything close to a gold record. Leon Thomas makes some fairly ridiculous vocal appearances on the energetic but mindless funk of "Children of the Ghetto" and the pale imitation of a JB groove, "Got to Work." Yet there are a few moments, particularly on "Tranquility of the Protective Aura," where Liebman's lovely soprano is permitted to soar unimpeded. The title of the album refers either to photography or cigarettes, depending upon which side of the cover you're looking at. ~ Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide.

Horizon Records, SP-721, 1977

Recorded May 1976 at the Record Plant, Sausalito, California;
and September 1976 at Electric Lady Studio, New York City

Personnel:

David Liebman - Tenor & Soprano Saxes, Alto & C Flutes, Electric Piano,
Talking Drum, Vocals, Handclaps

Pee Wee Ellis - Tenor & Soprano Saxes, Electric Piano, Vocals, Handclaps

Harold "Ivory" Williams - Synthesizer [Mini Moog], Electric Piano, Vocals

Link Chamberland - Electric Guitars

Chris Hayes - Electric Guitar

Jeff Berlin - Bass

Tony Saunders - Bass

Al Foster - Drums

Jimmy Strassburg - Percussion

Jumma Santos - Congas, Handclaps

Sonny Brown - Percussion

Richard Beirach - Piano [Acoustic]

Leon Thomas – Vocals

[See included Info.txt file for specific details]

Track Listing:

A1. Light'n Up, Please! {David Liebman} (6:39)

A2. Children Of The Ghetto {Liebman, Thomas, Steinberg, Ellis} (3:44)

A3. Tranquility Of The Protective Aura {Harold Williams} (5:54)

A4. The Fonz's Strut {David Liebman, Pee Wee Ellis} (5:55)

B1. Got To Work {Liebman, Ellis, Leon Thomas} (3:17)

B2. Chicken Soup {David Liebman, Pee Wee Ellis} (3:52)

B3. Exquisite Torture {David Liebman} (5:05)

B4. Win Your Love {David Liebman} (1:31)

B5. Slow Dance On The Killing Ground {David Liebman} (4:24)

Like many appraisals they can be quite subjective to a reviewer’s preferences and prejudices. Although not the usual side you would expect from David Liebman, it is however a major attempt to fashion a pleasurable jazz funk album. He is helped by a myriad of sophisticated players and performers. If the listener overlooks some of the dated riffs and concentrates on some of the artists solos they will soon realise a high standard of music. It is also an opportunity to hear the elusive Link Chamberland in action. Overall Liebman demonstrates some wonderful virtuosity across a broad range of instruments, in particular when he swaps to soprano. Pee-Wee Ellis’ contribution as musician, writer and producer is also impressive. Apart from a couple of rambling moments, this LP sets up some very funky grooves. Ripped from a well loved vinyl the resulting music makes for an enjoyable listen.