Donald Byrd – Places and Spaces 
The Mizell brothers produced some great jazz funk albums in the early to mid 70’s and were most associated with Donald Byrd and this classic 1975 album in particular. Their joyful heavily orchestrated backing tracks framed the lead instrument to create a total sound. Trumpetter Donald had recorded many great albums for Blue Note in the previous 10 years this one was probably his most accessible.The supporting cast of musicians incl Harvey Mason, Chuck Rainey, Skip Scarborough and King Erricson play note perfect. The uptempo ‘Change’ sets the tone, the beautiful mid tempo ‘Wind Parade’ , ‘Dominoes’ and ‘Places And Spaces’ are all time classics. The upper mid tempo ‘You And Music’ , the more gentle ‘Night Whistler’ and the great cover of ‘Just my immagination’ complement them to make this one of the best jazz funk albums of all time, that still sounds fresh each time you hear it. Essential. Buy the recently reissued 180g Analogue remaster edition, courtesy of Kevin Gray of coherant audio, a great edition of a well renowned glassic.
Buy the Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series 180g Analogue Remastered LP HERE
Check out the album below
Bobbi Humphrey – Fancy Dancer 
Bobbi Humphrey’s third album produced by the Mizell brothers is arguably the strongest and most consistent of the three. Latin tinged Jazz Funk cuts like ‘Uno Esta’ and archetypal Mizell grooves like ‘The Trip’ and ‘Mestizo Eyes’ define this album. Their easy going production shines through on ‘You Make Me Feel So Good’ and ‘Please Set Me At Ease’. Ontrack often overlooked is the aptly titled ‘Sweeter Than Sugar’. With a rhythm section including Harvey Mason and Chuck Rainey combined with the production, this is Jazz Funk of the highest quality.
Buy the Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series 180g Analogue Remastered LP HERE
Check out the album below
