Mid-career album from prolific jazz saxophonist and flutist, Yusef Lateef. Psychicemotus was originally released in 1965 on John Coltrane's Impulse! label. The record never really go its due when it was initially released, so it's great to see in back in print. Lateef has a long history of incorporating African and Asian instruments and musical concepts into his music which is highly evident on this eclectic release. He offers up a devout and graceful reading of Erik Satie's "First Gymnopedie." On the other hand, "Bamboo Flute Blues" takes its influence from traditional New Orleans jazz and gospel. When he returns to the saxophone on pieces like "I'll Always Be In Love With You," he handles them with a certain gruffness that you might mistake for Sonny Rollins. The support provided by bassist Reggie Workman, the obscure pianist George Arvanitas, and the amazingly underrated drummer James Black, adds much to the recordings. 180 gram reissue cut at Third Man Pressing in Detroit from a newly remastered transfer. Recommended.

• 180g black vinyl pressing
• Verve By Request edition pressed at Third Man Pressing in Detroit
• newly remastered
• housed in gatefold sleeve w/ liner notes
• featuring Yusef Lateef (t. sax, flute, oboe), Georges Arvanitas (p), Reggie Workman (b), James Black (d)
• original release year: 1965
• music label: Impulse! 2023

reviewed by Cool Hand 02/2016