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Bobbi Humphrey: Blacks And Blues
ByStraight-ahead jazz fans hated Blacks And Blues when it first came out. It represented everything they loathed about Blue Note's direction following its sale to United Artists and the subsequent retirement of label founder Alfred Lion. Following the passing in 1971 of Francis Wolff, the sole survivor of the original regime, UA brought George Butler in to helm the label, with a brief to reach out to the pop and funk worlds and reverse a precipitous decline in sales. Some dreck besmirching Blue Note's reputation certainly followed. But there was good stuff too and, on its own terms, Blacks And Blues was a winner. The strongest tracks are the openers, "Chicago, Damn" and "Harlem River Drive," but the mellifluous groove is maintained throughout, anchored by Harvey Mason's drums and Chuck Rainey's Fender bass. When the sun is out and the living feels easy, the album hits the spot as sure as a line of Colombia's finest did back in the day.
Such was the success of Blacks And Blues that Butler teamed Humphrey up with the Mizells for the follow-ups Satin Doll (1974) and Fancy Dancer (1975). Both albums kept things on the good foot, but Blacks And Blues was the stone killer. Blue Note has chosen the right album for reissue.
Track Listing
Side One: Chicago, Damn; Harlem River Drive; Just A Love Child. Side Two: Blacks And Blues; Jasper Country Man; Baby’s Gone.
Personnel
Bobbi Humphrey
fluteBobbi Humphrey: flute, vocals; Jerry Peters: acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes; Fonce Mizell: clavinet, trumpet, vocals; Freddie Perren: synthesiser, vocals; David T. Walker: guitar; John Rowin: guitar; Chuck Rainey: electric bass; Ron Brown: electric bass; Harvey Mason: drums; King Errison: congas; Stephanie Spruill: percussion; Chuck Davis: vocals; Larry Mizell: vocals.
Album information
Title: Blacks And Blues | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Blue Note Records