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The track “Heart’s Desire” by Don Blackman 1982 Arista Records from the self titled album was one of those sleeper jams no one knew about at the time.

This jazzy funk track didn’t get a lot of airplay domestically, though evidently was a minor hit in Europe.

From the start the irresistable bass line groove by Barry Sonjohn grabs your attention. What’s also somewhat sophisticated for this type of tune is the scat sang chorus. Vocals are by whom is called “The Family Tradition”, along with Blackman singing lead and keyboards. Further examination of the personnel reveals a young Dennis Chambers on drums.

Blackman’s credentials include having played with the likes of Parliament/Funkadelic,Earth,Wind & Fire, Roy Ayers, and Lenny White etc. His keyboard facility is also well showcased on this jam.

Track listing:(lp)

A1 Yabba Dabba Doo 5:16
A2 Heart’s Desire 4:30
A3 Holding You, Loving You 4:10
A4 Deaf Hook-Up Connection 4:03
B1 You Ain’t Hip 3:01
B2 Let Your Conscience Be Your Guide 3:38
B3 Since You Been Away So Long 5:11
B4 Never Miss A Thing 3:50

Personnel: The Family Tradition

Don Blackman-piano,keyboards
Desire “Deezie” White-vocals
Sheri “Ayo” Snyder-vocals
Barry “Sonjohn” Johnson-bass
Steve “City” Horton-guitar
Eddie “EPM” Martinez-guitar
Dennis “Washington” Chambers-drums

live in south africa

Jonathan Butler is an artist I’ve been familiar with since the latter part of the ’80s. Because of the fact that he seemed somewhat of a folk/pop type of singer, I’d never really taken the time to follow his music.

The first time I heard “Dance with Me” from “Live in South Africa” 2007/08 Rendezvous Records, the beginning sounded reminiscent of Milton Nascimento, whose voice I’ve always liked.

Further listening revealed a love song with a simple premise to the woman he loves. Dance with me.

What’s enjoyable for me is Butler’s vocal fluidity, and the songs understated syncopation. It also has a “pocket”, which lends a soft funk not often heard in ballads.

Another definite jam!

COP DIS JAM

palmystery

I love listening to some of today’s artists’ interpretation of fusion.
I’ve just recently got into “Sifu” by Victor Wooten, while listening to internet radio.
A friend hipped me to Bela Fleck, for whom Wooten played bass, so I knew of him.
Based on songs brief opening commentary and the fact that he is a martial artist, we’re led to the Chinese meaning of “Sifu” as teacher, and this tune is an ode in some way.

Nevertheless, this tune from the 2008 album “Palmystery” is a jam.
From the haunting background vocals, wailing guitar and sax. To Wooten’s dynamic, staccato bass plucking, you’re taken on an avante-garde fusion journey.
This alone may imply him having been passed the bass player baton from Stanley and Jaco. Enjoy!

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COP DIS JAM

Hear more cats like this

Personnel:

Victor Wooten (vocals, bass instrument, bass guitar, fretless bass, hand claps, drum programming);

Amir Ali (vocals, lute, violin, darabukka);

Joseph Wooten (vocals, piano, organ, keyboards);

Richard Bona (vocals, percussion);

Chuck Rainey,

Sifu Brian Edwards, Dorothy Wooten, Doug Woodard, The Woodard Family, Daniel Hunt, Derrick Lee, Alvin Chea, Saundra Williams, Adam Wooten, Holly Wooten, Kaila Wooten, Keith Lee (vocals);

Regi Wooten (guitar, bass guitar);

Alvin Lee ,

Mike Stern (guitar);

Keb’ Mo’ (slide guitar);

Roosevelt “The Doctor” Collier (pedal steel guitar);

Eric Silver (mandolin, violin);

Howard Levy (harmonica);

Rudy Wooten,
Shawn “Thunder” Wallace (alto saxophone);

Jeff Coffin (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone);

Karl Denson (tenor saxophone);

Rod McGaha (trumpet);

Barry Green (trombone);

Neal Evans (organ);

Dane Bryant (keyboards);

Anthony Wellington, Alvin “Lil’ Al” Cordy, Anthony “Flex” Wellington, John Billings (bass guitar);
Steve Bailey (fretless bass);
JD Blair, Earl “Big E” Walker, Dennis Chambers, Raymond Massey, Will Kennedy, Derico Watson (drums);
James Jackson (congas);
Roy Wooten (cajon drums, shaker, hand claps);
Darrell Tibbs (percussion).

1. 2 Timers
2. Cambo
3. I Saw God
4. Lesson, The
5. Left, Right & Center
6. Sifu
7. Miss U - (with The Lee Boys)
8. Flex
9. Gospel, The
10. Song For My Father
11. Happy Song
12. Us 2