This is an exciting glimpse into the world of black American funk, jazz and soul from the early 70s. The music has a political agenda, even when it isn’t overtly preaching a message.
Recorded after the 60s dream had ended, during the era of Watergate, the oil crisis and financial crash, there is a schizophrenic edge to the music here. There are tracks about trying to get things right, but also about partying as a way to forget.
Street funk from Oliver Sain, Dave Hamilton, Billie Sha Rae is showcased alongside the jazzier sounds of Oliver Nelson, “Groove” Holmes and Harold Alexander. There is also the first flowering of disco with the Fatback-related ‘Mucho Macho’ (featuring the previously unissued extended version) and Chet Ivey tracks.
The compilation features many sides to be released on CD for the first time,
including two Detroit funk gems from the vaults of Dave Hamilton. Another first
release is ‘Chains’ from
Gil Scott Heron’s college group Black And Blues.