Andy Narell

"Happy Just To Be Like I Am" was out of print for some time, and it often falls between the cracks when Taj Mahal's early recordings are assessed, but this 1971 album is a prime example of the unique stylistic fusion Taj was going for on his early-'70s releases. It's a joyful collision of old-time jug-band music ("Stealin'"), folk ("Oh Susanna"), blues, and steel-drum-driven Caribbean sounds ("West Indian Revelation"). Holding the whole thing together, as always, is Taj's rich, soulful vocal style, not to mention his visceral acoustic fingerpicking approach. "Happy Just To Be Like I Am" stands as an unjustly overlooked entry in Taj Mahal's catalog, worthy of a reassessment.

The third CD for this band has a change in personnel, with Paquito D'Rivera and Andy Narell gone but Dave Valentin (flute) and Steve Khan (guitars) joining. It has changed the entire dynamic structure of the band, for the better. Valentin's otherworldly sound and Khan's acoustic and electric abilities open fresh vistas for Samuels' pan-Caribbean notions on vibes and marimba. They have worked together before; see Valentin's Sunshower (GRP) or Samuels' excellent Tjaderized (Verve) for further examples. The threesome are complemented by Eddie Palmieri band members John Benitez (bass) and Richie Flores (congas/bongos), with timbalist/percussionist Robert Vilera and background singer Caridad Canelon. The combination has great potential, fully realized on several of the ten selections.

Considering the fraught circumstances in which this album was recorded, it's a miracle it sounds as serene as it does. Originally, this was planned as a collaborative project between Krause and his musical partner, Paul Beaver, for Columbia, but that deal collapsed when CBS executive Clive Davis was fired. Then Beaver died of a brain hemorrhage in January 1975, leaving Krause to record it for Takoma as a solo artist, albeit with the help of numerous side players (including a young Mark Isham, who plays flügelhorn on "Heights of Machu Picchu") and arrangers. Then the record wasn't released for another four years.

This has various artist from modern jazz to heart fill voice tones that are incredible if you like harmony like manhattan transfer, Eric Bibb, I laugh when i here the airhead song by junior brown good variety & great if you are entering the sacd world good choice.

An active force in Latin jazz since the '60s, Pete Escovedo is well-known in the San Francisco Bay area; not only as a seasoned percussionist and bandleader, but as the musical and spiritual head of the Familia Escovedo. His brother is fellow musician Coke Escovedo, and his children and relatives include percussionist/vocalist Sheila E., producer/bandleader/percussionist Peter Michael Escovedo, and Texas-based singer/songwriter Alejandro Escovedo. Flying South, a 1996 release, continues Escovedo's exploration of the musical region where Latin jazz, salsa, and pop meet.

This is the album to get immediatly if you are into Vital Information or fusion in general. Absolutly the best album from the band, totally mindblowing. Exceptional release. Perfect musicianship from all the guys in the band, Coster and Gambale above all the rest. Incredible jazz-fusion performances! Every track here is a marvel.