{"product_id":"2036439","title":"Smith Lonnie - Afro-desia [VINYL]","description":"Brand New From Reputable UK Company With 30 Years Experience In Retail, Please Note Not All Our New Items Are Shrink Wrapped.\u003cbr\u003eAll items shipped within 3 working days of payment.\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that all our DVDs are Region 2.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe second in our Mr Bongo series opening the vault on classic recordings from the \u003cstrong\u003efabled Groove Merchant Records catalogue\u003c\/strong\u003e. This time the spotlight turns to the Hammond B3 organ maestro Lonnie Smith, as we proudly present a reissue of his cosmic jazz-funk journey, 'Afro-Desia'.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOriginally released in 1975, this much-loved album was produced by Groove Merchant label owner \u003cstrong\u003eSonny Lester\u003c\/strong\u003e and features the mysterious 'Compliments Of A Friend' on guitar. Considering Smith was part of \u003cstrong\u003eGeorge Benson\u003c\/strong\u003e's quartet in the '60s, that not so discreet veil appears to have been lifted on who this 'friend' might be. However, presumably due to contractual reasons, Benson had to remain covert for this recording. The lineup doesn't stop there though, with the likes of legendary bassist \u003cstrong\u003eRon Carter\u003c\/strong\u003e and Grammy award winning saxophonist \u003cstrong\u003eJoe Lavano\u003c\/strong\u003e joining the outfit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn album of two parts, the first side sees Lonnie Smith in a spaced-out, cosmic jazz funk setting. The opener 'Afrodesia' is a funk flexing, steamy groover. Greg Hopkins and Lavano trading off on trumpet and sax respectively, as that bassline walks its way over fluttering jazz percussion and off-kilter electronics. 'Spirits Free' is an epic 15-minute free-wheeling jazz-funk workout. A mind melting trip that rises and falls, in parts spacey and serene, with Smith's organ playing complimented by stretched out horns. Before long it opens out into unconstrained fluid sections that do its title proud. \u003cstrong\u003ePure '70s jazz-funk at its most stellar\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSide B takes a more classic soul-jazz flavour, with touches of Latin spice. 'Straight To The Point' kicks off with a carnival zing, full-frontal horn and organ lines providing a fiery party punch. It's a swinging jazz cut that used to receive spins by DJs at \u003cstrong\u003eRuss Dewbury's Jazz Room\u003c\/strong\u003e's sessions in Brighton in the '90s.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFinally, 'Favors' and 'The Awakening' close out the release. Two sure shot, \u003cstrong\u003equintessential Lonnie Smith\u003c\/strong\u003e firing Hammond grooves. Each conjuring up images of packed out, smokey jazz bar jams, every player letting loose with masterful improv sections to whip the crowd up into a frenzy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA truly wonderful album, and an archetypal release showcasing the height of jazz musician excellence from this era.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chalkys.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56025157566849,"sku":"2036439","price":45.48,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0056\/8043\/1219\/files\/7119691294018.jpg?v=1785669539","url":"https:\/\/chalkys.com\/products\/2036439","provider":"Chalkys.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}