A fantastic soul jazz set from the 60s – one of the few ever cut by pianist
Harold Johnson, and a record that brims over with youthful power and new ideas! The
Harold Johnson Sextet were an incredible little LA soul jazz combo during the late 60s.
Johnson was a very soulful pianist, and he had a heavy soul style that was similar to Ramsey Lewis' Cadet work – but which was also tinged with the lyricism of Horace Silver, and the emerging modal sound of Stanley Cowell. This first session by the group was originally issued on a small label, became a local hit, and was picked up by the Revue label for national distribution. It's got an incredible sound, and is very very catchy. The band features
Johnson's piano in a very strong lead – plus flute, alto, and tenor. Billy Jackson plays a hard rolling conga behind the whole thing – and tracks include "House On Elm Street", "Watts '67", "Something Mellow", and "Yeah Uh Huh".
(Survival Research reissue pressing. Cover has a few small corner bumps, but looks great overall.)