By Myself Abdul Wadud   This was not an easy record to find until a recent reissue and it may not be everyone’s “cup of tea.” It is a combination of free jazz with classical elements on a solo cello, played by a master. Abdul Wadud had appeared on a number of other albums, both as a featured artist and as a sideman. I first got wind of his work as part of the Black Unity Trio – Al-Fatihah (1971) Salaam, an album that also deserves mention. An original pressing is expensive. Gotta Groove did the recent reissue in cooperation with Wadud, who died before the record was released.... Read More

Lady Blackbird- Black Acid Soul  Lady Blackbird’s Black Acid Soul does not fit neatly into any one genre. Yes, the artist (real name: Marley Munroe out of Los Angeles) chose a famous Nina Simone song as her professional moniker, title of a  single and the opening track of her album, Black Acid Soul. Munroe is not posing as a modern-day incarnation of the great songstress and civil rights activist; instead, her influences are wider and deeper and even more far ranging—she even covers a James Gang tune from Yer Album! (Man, I loved the early James Gang stuff for the pure funk of it,... Read More

Roots- (Barney Rachabane)   Roots self-titled album, featuring Barney Rachabane, is somewhat obscure here in the States despite the international recognition accorded Mr. Rachabane for his work with Paul Simon and his legendary status in South Africa as a horn player of the first order.  Roots was a group formed by Rachabane and treated as a one and done, although the group did issue one other album under the Roots moniker. Rachabane is probably best known for his touring in support of the Graceland album for two decades. Yet his musical roots extend far deeper, as one of the living... Read More