A tremendous record from one of the hippest soul singers ever – and an album that has
Gil Scott-
Heron really pushing forward after his initial classics for the Flying Dutchman label! There's less spoken material here and more sung passages – as
Gil's really discovering his confidence as a singer, moving effortlessly between jazz and soul – and getting superb accompaniment from
Brian Jackson, who plays both acoustic and electric piano next to
Gil's electric. Backings are spare – just bass and drums – and it's no surprise that the album was released on the legendary Strata East label, as it rivals the rest on that imprint for righteous spiritual power! Titles include
Gil's classic "The Bottle" – which went on to become a huge hit in many versions – plus the beautiful "Your Daddy Loves You", heard here in the original version – and the tunes "Peace Go With You Brother", "Back Home", "Rivers Of My Fathers", and "A Very Precious Time". Plus, this US reissue has 4 bonus cuts, including live versions of "Winter In America", "Your Daddy Loves You", and "The Bottle/
Guan Guanco" – and an alternate take of "Song For Bobby Smith".