First cosins jazz ensemble - For the Cos of jazz

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

I've just been listening to this LP, which I bought in 1977, when it came out.

It was a real disapointment at the time, and I haven't played it much. But today it's REALLY COMING THROUGH!

Stu gardner is the leader. Lots of overtly funky arrangements and a decent brass section. Only on the last track on side two does the band let it rip and get into a real jazz groove. I bought it because the tenor soloist on most tracks is Rudy Johnson - who used to be in the Hank Marr band, at the same time as Rusty Bryant; then with Jimmy McGriff; and in the early seventies did a few things for Black Jazz.

Many will find it a bit smooth. I see that Bill Cosby was Music Consultant, which will no doubt put even more off. And that's what put me off for thirty years. But, despite a backing that is an open invitation to phone it in, pretty well all the way through, Rudy Johnson is really playing some very tough shit.

If you can find this LP, it should be cheap, because who the hell has heard of this band?

MG

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

Oh, the last track on side two - "Fit it to the rhythm" is on you tube.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-fgqL_VEwWU

MG