100% analog reissue of flautist Bobbi Humphrey's Mizell Bros-produced masterpiece to celebrate 80 years of Blue Note! One of the best Blue Note soul fusion albums. A hot box of soul jazz samples. Most notable is "Jasper County Man," sampled by Digable Planets on their highly underrated second album. "Blacks and Blues" with its smoother than smooth intro, handed the blueprint for a classic jazz loop track to KMD on "Plumskinzz" (as well as Eric B and Digable again). "Harlem River Drive," which takes a little more soul appreciation, has also produced samples for Common and others. Bobbi Humphrey's flute gives the tracks enough of a soul edge to off-balance Larry Mizell's fusion vision. During work hours here we've been getting into the whole mid 70s Blue Note sound, flipping Street Lady, Spaces and Places, and this LP. Once you get the fusion edge off, you'll be chilling. Just beware the arp. Recommended.

• 180g black vinyl pressing
• all-analog remaster from the original tapes
• Blue Note 80th anniversary edition
• music label: Blue Note 2019

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2005