LAST LISTENED TO yesterday
CHANCE OF WAKING TO IT fairly good probably
RATING
Grant Green was one of the most notable guitarists on Blue Note Records during the early '60s, recording over 20 albums in the first half of that decade. His easy-sounding style of playing and habit of recording with organists meant his music became very popular on the soul jazz scene. Sadly his prolific output slipped somewhat towards the end of the decade due to a drug habit, which was to ultimately help bring about his early demise in '78.
However, before that sad event he made a return to Blue Note, with a slightly altered style that was moving more towards jazz-funk. This track, a cover of the Isley Brothers hit, was an out-take from his strongest LP of the period, 1970s Alive!.
Green plays in his usual laid back style and although he takes some fine solos, his style is somewhat over-shadowed by both Ronnie Foster on organ and Claude Bartee on trumpet, both of whose solos posess more fire than Greens. To be fair, this may be because Green solos first, but it is probably more to do with contrasting styles and on this track it is not his that stands out. No doubt the reason why this wasn't put out on the original album.
A final mention must be made to the ever-great Idris Muhammad on drums, whose hard, funky rhythms really dominate the track. He is supported by some conga and, apparently, vibes, although you'd be forgiven for not noticing them as they are buried deep in the mix. I never noticed them 'til i looked at the personnel listing.
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