We continue our look back at the music of 50 years ago…..
1970’s jazz was a fertile field. The genre was making the move into a fusion of straight jazz, funk, R&B and rock. One of the artists that I discovered in the stacks at 90fm in Stevens Point was flautist Bobbi Humphrey. She released the LP “Dig This” in 1972.
The album is a nice mixture of originals including two from outstanding drummer Alphonse Mouzon who also arranged most of the cuts. “El Mundo de Maravillas” is a standout track.
She also does some nice covers from Bill Withers (Lonely Town, Lonely Street), Stevie Wonder (I Love Every Little Thing About You) and Undisputed Truth (Smiling Faces Sometimes). All are very strong and filled with Humprey’s dancing flute, Paul Griffin on electric piano and clavinet, Ron Carter on bass, David Spinozza on guitar and Mouzon’s magical drumming.
She also gives us a nice reading of Kenny Barron’s “Nubian Lady” and Dave Grusin’s ‘Love Theme from the movie “Fuzz” You remember that film? It was a crime comedy starring Burt Reynolds, Raquel Welch, Yul Brynner and host of classic character actors. Trust me…the song is much better than the movie
Humphrey would go on to record a number of really good records through the 70’s and also play on some classic albums including Wonder’s “Songs In The Key Of Life”.
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