Trumpeter Luis Gasca recorded his fantastic 1971 album ‘For Those Who Chant’ for the Blue Thumb label in San Francisco. He is accompanied by an amazing line up of great musicians including amongst many others Joe Henderson on sax, Carlos Santana Guitar, Stanley Clark Bass, Lenny White drums, George Cables and Mark Levine Pianos, Hadley Caliman Flute and Coke Escovedo percussion. It contains four self penned tracks providing 40 minutes of pure vibe. From the first blasts of Gasca’s horn over the funky salsa groove of ‘Street Dude’ you know this album is going to be special. Henderson then takes the lead, backed by Richard Kermode on organ, the track goes through different paces with Flute and then vibes then picks up tempo driven by the 8 man percussion section. ‘La Raza’ is a little more abstract in approach with Henderson featuring more heavily. ‘Little Mama’ has more of a groove and features Santana’s Guitar playing. The killer track though is the 15 minute epic ‘Spanish Gypsy’ where all the musicians combine to make an incredible funky latin jazz groove which is totally mesmerising. Amazing album, which along with Eddie Palmieri’s Harlem River Drive from the same year rank amongst my favourites of its sub genre.
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