This is another great Strata-East spiritual jazz record that I originally uploaded to the "wants list" at the former El Reza blog. I love this album, it's kinda "free modal" if I'm allowed to put things like that .... But i'm tired, so Dr Wiki says :
"John Betsch (b. October 9, 1945, Jacksonville, Florida) is an American free jazz drummer. Betsch began on percussion at age nine, and attended Fisk University, Berklee College of Music and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. After playing in organ trios, he released an album as a leader, Earth Blossom, in 1975. That year he moved to New York City, where he played with Marion Brown, Paul Jeffrey, Max Roach, Jeanne Lee and Henry Threadgill. Between 1977 and 1979 he joined Abdullah Ibrahim's ensemble, and from 1980 to 1982 he was with Archie Shepp's quartet. Following this he was a member of quartets led by Marty Cook."
Dusty Groove do their exclamation marks thang :
" A beautiful session of spiritual soul jazz -- and one of the rarer albums on the legendary Strata East label! The obscure combo is led by drummer/percussionist John Betsch -- and instrumentation includes guitar, piano, electric piano, and reeds -- all used with plenty of warm touches, and a few sharp edges -- all very much in the best Strata East mode of the time! The tracks have a soaring sort of sound -- similar to some of the Keno Duke material on the label, but also touched with some trippier edges too -- a great blend that really brings a lot of depth to the session, and which has made this one of our favorite Strata sides over the years."
MUSICIANS
Bass - Ed "Lump" Williams
Congas, Percussion - Phil Royster
Drums, Percussion - John Betsch
Flute, Saxophone - Billy Puett
Guitar - Jim Bridges
Piano, Electric Piano, Percussion - Bob Holmes
PRODUCTION
Producer - John Betsch
Released 1974 on Strata-East Records, N.Y.
Catalogue SES-19748
Recorded January 11, 1974 at Glaser Productions, Inc. Nashville Tenn.
TRACKLIST
01 'Ode to Ethiopia' (Holmes) - 4.32
02 'Earth Blossom' (Holmes) - 3.29
03 'Open Pastures' (Betsch, Holmes) - 4.30
04 'Song for an Untitled Lady' (Bridges) - 3.53
05 'Ra' (Puett) - 5.59
06 'Darling Doria' (Betsch) - 5.15
07 'Get up and Go' (Puett) - 6.41
Hope you enjoy this ...
