Marchin' On!

オリジナルのアナログ・テープから最高解像度でリマスターして遂に初CD化!

ヒース3兄弟にスタンリー・カウエルをフィーチャーしたグループ、ヒース・ブラザーズが1976年にニューヨークの激レア・コレクター・レーベル、Strata-Eastに残した傑作「マーチン・オン」がオリジナルのアナログ・テープから最高解像度でリマスターして遂に初CD化!

サックス奏者のジミー・ヒースの鮮やかなリリカルな表現、ベースのパーシー・ヒースの確かな存在感、そしてドラム奏者のアルバート・"トゥーティ"・ヒースのダイナミックなリズム、そしてピアニストでありレーベル共同設立者のスタンリー・カウエルが参加したこのアルバムは、1950年代のハード・バップのルーツと、1970年代のスピリチュアルで社会意識の高い音楽を繋ぐ橋渡し的な作品となっています。

Bass - Percy Heath
Drums - Albert Heath
Flute - Albert Heath (tracks: A1, A2, A4)
Piano, Kalimba - Stanley Cowell
Reeds [Maimoun] - Albert Heath (tracks: B3)
Saxophone, Flute - Jimmy Heath

The debut recording by the Heath Brothers, 1976s Marchin On is a low-key, somewhat obscure gem that showcases the groups sophisticated and heady sound. Featured in the band were tenor, soprano, and flutist Jimmy Heath, bassist Percy Heath, drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath, and pianist Stanley Cowell. Recorded for Cowell and Charles Tollivers tragically doomed Strata-East label, the album introduced the groups blend of post-bop, modal funk, African traditions, and classical-influenced composition. Its an eclectic but still unified vibe they evoke on the opening "Warm Valley," blending classical flute harmonies, bass clarinet, and the African mbira or "thumb piano" in a manner that sounds more like a moody film score than a jazz album. More in keeping with Jimmy and Stanleys initial idea of blending jazz harmonies with accessible grooves is "Maimoun," a slow modal number built around Percys circular bass line that is the epitome of stylish, after-hours-ready 70s soul-jazz. We also get the earthy (and at the time very topical) Percy feature "Watergate Blues" before they round out the album with the ambitious four-movement "Smilin Billy Suite," which finds the brothers deftly weaving together all of their varied stylistic passions from airy orchestral sounds to raw funk. Somewhat forgotten due to the quick demise of Strata-East, Marchin On is the genesis of the Heath Brothers vibrant legacy and more than worth revisiting. ~ Matt Collar