Herbie Mann - Memphis Underground

Tonight's album is an interesting fusion of jazz and R&B from 1969. It's actually 4 jazz soloists and a backing band. The backing band was the house band at American where it was recorded and Herbie Mann brought along two guitarists and a vibraphone player and called it (not surprisingly) Memphis Underground. He played other instruments too, but he's generally regarded as one of the first specialized jazz flautists.

If you don't consider yourself a jazz aficionado, don't worry. This album sounds like a funk/soul record with soloists rather than singers. You definitely know the Isaac Hayes classic Hold On, I'm Comin', and Herbie, Roy, Larry, and Sonny do a pretty ripping take on it.

If the strangeness of the ensemble doesn't reel you in, perhaps a real proper distorted noise solo will. If you thought Free Form Guitar from Chicago Transit Authority was too tame, or that Pharoah Sanders was too restrained, you're in for a real treat. The second half of said Hold On is absolute armageddon. No i'm not exaggerating, it sounds like Hendrix or The Who or anyone just destroying their gear for the hell of it. Magnificent. There's more of it on side 2, and a hot plate! (I mean octave pedal, you remember that obscure George Plimpton gag from The Simpson's, of course you do) if that only made you hungry for more.

It's on youtube, give it a try and i think you'll be pleasantly surprised just how nutritious and delicious it really is.

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