Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Recorded in Los Angeles with an impressive lineup including Bobby Hutcherson, Reggie Johnson, Ndugu, Woody Theus, Bill Henderson, and Harold Land Jr., Chroma captures the essence of the Harold Land-Bobby Hutcherson quintet's signature blend of funky and modal jazz. The album's original gatefold artwork is faithfully reproduced, accompanied by newly remastered audio and insightful liner notes by Kevin Le Gendre. Choma (Burn) features four tracks with the quintet's innovative instrumentation accompanied by the unique addition of two drummers, Ndugu and Woody "Sonship" Theus, playing simultaneously alongside Reggie Johnson's robust double bass and Bill Henderson and Harold Land Jr.'s piano and Fender Rhodes. Harold Land's legacy as a pioneer of the hard bop style shines through in this album, reflecting his influential contributions to the West Coast jazz scene since the 1950s. His collaboration with Bobby Hutcherson in the late 60s and early 70s produced a series of highly acclaimed albums, with Choma (Burn) standing out to the quintet's creative peak.

Review: Jazz doesn't come much more wildy expressive, idiosyncratic, off the cuff, challenging and dense that this album from 1977. The Human Arts Ensemble came together in 1970 in St. Louis adn was a loose collective that associated themselves with the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and the Black Artists' Group (BAG) collective. They had no rues and no restrictions on who could play and it shows as different instrments shoulder their way to the front and vie for attention, from the drums to the keys, the sax to the double bass. This reissue features the original artwork as well as all new remastered audio and fresh liner notes by Howard Mandel that provide great context.