Lonnie Smith - Afro-Desia (Mr Bongo)

1LP Vinyl - MRBLP297

Originally released in 1975, this much-loved album was produced by Groove Merchant label owner Sonny Lester. 

An album of two parts, the first side sees Lonnie Smith in a spaced-out, cosmic jazz funk setting. The opener 'Afrodesia' is a funk flexing, steamy groover. 'Spirits Free' is an epic 15-minute free-wheeling jazz-funk workout. A mind melting trip that rises and falls, in parts spacey and serene, with Smith’s organ playing complimented by stretched out horns. Before long it opens out into unconstrained fluid sections that do its title proud. Pure ‘70s jazz-funk at its most stellar.

Side B takes a more classic soul-jazz flavour, with touches of Latin spice. 'Straight To The Point' kicks off with a carnival zing, full-frontal horn and organ lines providing a fiery party punch. It’s a swinging jazz cut that used to receive spins by DJs at Russ Dewbury's Jazz Room's sessions in Brighton in the ‘90s.

Finally, 'Favors' and 'The Awakening' close out the release. Two sure shot, quintessential Lonnie Smith firing Hammond grooves. Each conjuring up images of packed out, smokey jazz bar jams, every player letting loose with masterful improv sections to whip the crowd up into a frenzy.

A truly wonderful album, and an archetypal release showcasing the height of jazz musician excellence from this era. Housed in a gatefold tip-on sleeve.

Condition:

Media: Mint (M)

Sleeve: Mint (M)

Track List: 

A1. Afrodesia 9:18
A2. Spirits Free 15:00
B1. Straight To The Point 6:54
B2. Favors 10:00
B3. The Awakening 8:00