Thursday, April 19, 2012

Lightmen Plus One!!

This is my first post and I thought I'd kick it off with an album given to me by my Pops. A fellow jazz lover and collector, he bought this record in '73-ish after hearing them in Houston, Tx shortly after moving there from his native Chicago. I played it many times as a kid loving every note, and wondered why this group wasn't more well known. Flash forward 15 years and it is a grail mentioned by many, including Stones Throw Records (which reissued a little of Lightmen's work). Energy Control Center is the second release by LM and it's one of the best examples of jazz spiritual-funk-madness-soul I have come across. I mean just look at that cover! The only other band anywhere close is Black Jazz Records' The Awakening, (which I'll post both of those albums in the future), or maybe Tribe Records artists (Phil Ranelin, Wendell  Harrison, Doug Hammond). It may seem odd that this murderous jazz group led by Bubbha Thomas comes out of Houston, but we must remember that a host of badassery came from there, including brothers Hubert & Ronnie Laws,  Melvin Sparks, and The Jazz Crusaders. Enjoy this gem.






14 comments:

  1. New project Reza? Some serious music brother, many thanks.

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  2. All compliments to you Ed, I'm so used to my man Reza posting some serious stuff I kinda assumed it was his blog. Many thanks to you and, ofcourse, to Reza for the heads up.

    Forgive me, but I think track 5 may be missing from "Free As You Wanna Be", cheers.

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  3. Oh, damn! You're right... I'll have to upload it for ya. No, I'm not Reza. But I love his blog and we have the exact same taste in music. I try to post albums which I haven't seen posted elsewhere. Enjoy, and thanks for viewing!!

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  4. Alright the jazzstronaut, #5 should be on the album now:) Enjoy!!

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  5. Hello EdEddEddie!
    As far as i can see,i really like your musical taste,so keep on the good work!
    Only one think i'd suggest you:It would be better if you compress the album before upload it,so that we can downloaded at once.

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Okay, I think I learned how to compress a folder for one easy download.

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  6. Hi Ed,Just discovered your blog and very good it is to.I have a jazz show on UK Jazz Radio and will feature some of these gems,happy to give you an online shout or a link on my blog.Send me an e-mail and let me know if you want publicity or prefer to keep a low profile.
    Cheers Andy andysjazzshow@gmail.com

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  7. Isn't this one the best jazz funk albums you ever heard! Glad you love it. I sent a response to your email add. Keep up the dope work on your radio show!

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  8. Peace Ed

    just found your incredible blog. Any luck getting permission to grab this rarity?

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  9. here's the email - gflygee@gmail.com

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  10. http://www.mediafire.com/file/7ppn273dgkzmpc7/L%2B1-ECC.zip

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  11. Really good groove! I like it! Thanks a lot for the repost !

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