Lonnie Smith Vinyl, CD & Tape 9 Items

LP | 1975 | UK | Reissue (Mr Bongo)

Afro-Desia

26,99 €*

Release: 1975 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The second in our Mr Bongo series opening the vault on classic recordings from the fabled Groove Merchant Records catalogue. This time the spotlight turns to the Hammond B3 organ maestro Lonnie Smith, as we proudly present a reissue of his cosmic jazz-funk journey, ‘Afro-Desia’.

Originally released in 1975, this much-loved album was produced by Groove Merchant label owner Sonny Lester and features the mysterious 'Compliments Of A Friend' on guitar. Considering Smith was part of George Benson’s quartet in the ‘60s, that not so discreet veil appears to have been lifted on who this ‘friend’ might be. However, presumably due to contractual reasons, Benson had to remain covert for this recording. The lineup doesn’t stop there though, with the likes of legendary bassist Ron Carter and Grammy award winning saxophonist Joe Lavano joining the outfit.

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. Greg Hopkins and Lavano trading off on trumpet and sax respectively, as that bassline walks its way over fluttering jazz percussion and off-kilter electronics. '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.

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LP | 1977 | Reissue (Mr Bongo)

Funk Reaction

23,99 €*

Release: 1977 / Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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LP | 1969 | US | Reissue (Blue Note)

Move Your Hand

19,99 €*

Release: 1969 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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2LP | 2019 | EU | Original (Blue Note)

Live At Club Mozambique

28,99 €*

Release: 2019 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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CD | 1975 | UK | Reissue (Mr Bongo)

Afro-Desia

16,99 €*

Release: 1975 / UK – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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CD | 2024 | UK | Original (Mr Bongo)

Funk Reaction

15,99 €*

Release: 2024 / UK – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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Continuing Mr Bongo’s series exploring the wealth of material released through the record labels of Sonny Lester, 1977’s Funk Reaction finds Hammond B3 organ virtuoso Lonnie Smith at his most dancefloor-friendly. Dripping with groove and swagger, this album skates between jazz-funk, cosmic disco radiance, beat-laden slow-jams and conscious psychedelic soul.

Having played with the likes of George Benson and Lou Donaldson in the ‘60s, alongside releasing a string of albums on Columbia and Blue Note, Funk Reaction sees Smith move into late ‘70s disco-funk-tinged territory.

Originally released on Sonny Lester's Groove Merchant Records successor, Lester Radio Corporation, the album feels more like a collaborative band-orientated project as opposed to a solo artist outing. Featuring some elite session players of the time, including Steve Gadd on drums, guitarist Lance Quinn and bassist Bob Babbitt, the album is tied together expertly by songwriter, arranger and conductor Brad Baker.

It’s worth the price tag alone for the superb disco-funk nugget 'Funk Reaction’. Other highlights include the only Lonnie Smith penned track on the album 'All In My Mind', that shines with a beautiful Stevie Wonder-esque quality and the slick guitar-led floater 'When The Night Is Right’, written by and featuring guitarist Richie Hohenburger. Elsewhere, ‘For The Love Of It’ and the Brad Babbitt written ‘Babbitt's Other Song’ serve up classic jazz funk flavours, both featuring stellar tenor saxophone from Eddie Daniels.

As a whole, the album is a superb example of Lonnie Smith’s ability to merge jazz with elements of funk, soul, disco and beyond, experimenting with ideas whilst broadening the scope of both his audience and appeal. Fans of The Blackbyrds, the CTI / Kudu stable and ‘70s George Benson will dig this!

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LP | 1968 | US | Reissue (Blue Note)

Think

37,99 €*

Release: 1968 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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This Blue Note 80 Vinyl Edition is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

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I Didn't Know What Time It Was

LP | 2018 | EU | Original (Jazzorchestra CTGBW)

29,99 €*

Release: 2018 / EU – Original

Genre: Organic Grooves

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The Jazz Orchestra of the Concert-gebouw, the JOC, is used to working with famous soloists originating from different directions in the industry. These soloists bring their own repertoire, that is arranged, prepped and performed in no time. In 2010, on a Thursday night in February, a unique concert took place in the Amsterdamse Bimhuis. Together with a living legend, Dr. Lonnie Smith, the group played a stunning concert. For the Sultan of the Hammond organ, a long-cherished desire to play with a big band was fulfilled. Most noticeable on Smith at this performance was his auditory memory and the lucid, varied sounds he managed to wrest his impressive B3. JOC knows how to expertly blend with Smith's timbre and his shouts. The orchestra can glow with sovereign intensity, sparkle and fire, but manages to also add to the expression that can be produced by the Hammond organ. This is an true tribute to soul jazz.

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LP | 1969 | US | Reissue (Blue Note)

Turning Point

19,99 €*

Release: 1969 / US – Reissue

Genre: Organic Grooves

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