A set that's gotta be one
of the most righteous school band records ever – way more than just a bunch
of students doing big band numbers, and instead a killer batch
of spiritual jazz numbers, directed by the legendary Alvin Batiste! The record's one
of a rare few 70s sets
of this nature – one that shows a group
of younger musicians really reaching out for bold new sounds – every bit as complex and soulful as work on labels like Strata
East or Black Jazz, with a fiery power that signals a new generation
of the jazz
underground! And while Batiste is at the head
of the group, there's plenty
of other great younger players too – including Henry Butler on piano, Henry Scott on flute, Kirk Ford on tenor, Reginald Houston on baritone, Raymond Deggs on trumpet, Julius Farmer on bass, and Herman Jackson on drums! Side one features burning ensemble numbers that include "Music Came", "Tunjii", "Straight Life", and "North American Idiosyncrasy" – and side two features early material by the Henry Butler Trio, on titles that include "So What", "In My Solitude", and "Milestones".
(Includes booklet.)