Description
**THIS IS A VINYL LP**
Release Date: 2024
Label: Mr Bongo
Track List
Side A
- Afrodesia
- Spirits Free
Side B
- Straight To The Point
- Favors
- The Awakening
Notes
Originally Released in 1975 on the Iconic Groove Merchant Records
The second part of our Mr. Bongo series, in which we dig up classic recordings from the legendary Groove Merchant Records catalog. This time it’s all about Hammond B3 organ maestro Lonnie Smith, whose cosmic jazz-funk journey “Afro-Desia” we are proud to present as a reissue.
Released in 1975, the album was produced by Sonny Lester, owner of the Groove Merchant label, and features the mysterious “Compliments Of A Friend” on guitar. Considering that Smith was part of George Benson’s quartet in the 60s, the not-so-discreet veil seems to have been lifted on who this “friend” might be. Presumably for contractual reasons, however, Benson had to remain hidden for this recording. But that’s not all, because legendary bassist Ron Carter and Grammy-winning saxophonist Joe Lovano are also involved.
PERSONNEL:
Lonnie Smith – (keyboards)
Joe Lovano – (tenor & soprano sax)
Greg Hopkins – (trumpet)
Compliments Of A Friend – (guitar)
Ralphe Armstrong, Ron Carter – (electric bass)
Ben Riley _ (drums)
Jamey Huddad – (drums, percussion)
