The Black Jazz records label issued 20 albums between 1971-1976 which featured Jazz music of the highest calibre. ‘The Best Of Black Jazz’ features 13 of the best tracks recorded for the label, encompassing Spiritual Jazz with elements of Soul and Funk.
The Awakening ‘Mode For D D.’ ,Slinky’ And ‘March On’ are all great spiritual Jazz tracks from the only band on the label. Organist Doug Carn ‘Higher Ground’ states the motivation and is a superb track featuring the vocals of Joyce Greene. Guitarist Calvin Keys ‘Aunt Lovey’ really grooves along , Roland Haynes ‘Eglise’ is really funky Jazz. Veteran Pianist Walter Bishop Jr contributes his original versions of Coral Keys’ and ‘Soul Turnaround’ which he would more famously re-record for the Muse label five years later.
Rudolph Johnson plays sax and flute on ‘Diswa’ and ‘The Highest Pleasure’. Bassist Henry Franklin ‘The Skipper’ plays a deep groove on ‘Blue Lights’. Tower of Power
organist Chester Thompson really hits the groove with ‘Powerhouse’ showing what an important instrument the organ was to Jazz in the 60s and early 70s .Kellee Patterson shows her Jazz roots on her lovely version of Herbie’s ‘Maiden Voyage’. Overall a great comp showcasing a great underground label from Oakland CA.
