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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

COP DIS JAM

mystic voyage

Right from the start, the track “Mystic Voyage” from the album of the same name is slick. Captivated… by what must be a synth string arrangement(no string credits in personnel info) we are musically given an example of this master vibists’ technique. Mellow understated jazz-funk.

Roy’s string arrangements are nothing short of remarkable in terms of authenticity in clarity and timbre.

Add to this vibes, vibes, vibes! His facility on the vibraphone is at least as good as any of the giants of the genre, and better than quite a few.
Not to mention the electric piano, arp, and clavinet.

This track was the first of his I heard back in ‘75, and I knew I had to see him live.

His studio albums have always been tight, from this album forward. He seemed to have a knack for assembling just the right cats to interpret his sound. Take particular notice of native Detroiter Ricky Lawson’s timing on the drums.

This album put him on the map, and as a result, flaws in his early live performances(i.e. sound quality, engineering etc.) would eventually disappear, and subsequent shows with new material/albums became top notch.

This is a must have for any jazz-funk novice or devotee.

COP DIS JAM

Track Listing

1. Brother Green (The Disco King)
2. Mystic Voyage
3. Wee Bit
4. Take All The Time You Need
5. Evolution
6. Life Is Just A Moment
7. Life Is Just A Moment
8. Funky Motion
9. Spirit Of Doo Do
10. Black Five

All songs written or co-written by Roy Ayers except “A Wee Bit” (Calvin Brown), “Take All The Time You Need” (Nick Ashford/Valerie Simpson), “Funky Motion” (Ronnie Foster) and “Spirit Of Doo Do” (Edwin Birdsong/Michelle Birdsong).

Roy Ayers Ubiquity: Roy Ayers (vibraphone, vocals, Arp synthesizer, electric piano, Clavinet, percussion); Chicas (vocals); Joe Brazil (soprano saxophone); Calvin Brown (guitar, vocals); Byron Miller (bass, background vocals); Ricky Lawson (drums); Willie Michael (percussion); Chano O’Ferral (congas, bongos); P. Craig Turner (programming).

Additional personnel: Edwin Birdsong (vocals).