Herbie Mann - Stone Flute (1970) [Jazz][mp3 192][h33t][schon55]

Herbie Mann - Stone Flute

Date: 1970

Label: Wounded Bird

Bitrate: 192 kbps



The 1970 record buyer who came across Stone Flute expecting a typical Herbie Mann album in the Memphis Underground vein was in for a big surprise. Instead of funk, there was moodiness. Instead of a groove, there were violins, viola and cello. The feeling was one of floating in space, with the flute sailing freely over the William Fischer arrangements, like a Miles Davis trumpet solo of this, the Bitches Brew era. This is a totally atypical Herbie Mann recording, but one which rewards repeated listening. ~ Jim Newsom



A startlingly original departure from the trademark soul-jazz sound of Herbie Mann, this spacious and atmospheric 1970 recording flows within the vein of Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew-era explorations. Throughout the record, Mann’s flute floats in and out over sparse string arrangements, a light and airy gust of psychedelic bliss. The album opens with the exotic Eastern sounds of “In Tangier,” arranged with unmistakable references to the original version recorded by 60s pop-icon Donovan on Hurdy Gurdy Man. Violins, viola and cello are all used to create a feeling of sailing through the celestial ether in a stoned state of mind.



The second track is a rare cover of “Flying,” the spaced-out Beatles instrumental from The Magical Mystery Tour, which Mann manages to recreate with an even more hallucinatory vibe. “Miss Free Spirit” is a strongly avant-garde affair, held together by Miroslav Vitous ( soon to join Weather Report ), who keeps things grooving along with just the right amount of restraint. Vibraphonist Roy Ayers showcases his bold imagination and technical prowess as a forward-thinking jazz player, a talent that would soon be suppressed as his commercial funk persona took over in the 70s. A major highlight is guitarist Sonny Sharrock’s solo on “Miss Free Spirit,” which makes a strong case for why Miles Davis recruited him to play ( albeit uncredited ) later that year on the epic Jack Johnson soundtrack.



This is a totally unique Herbie Mann record, a must for fans of late 60s and early 70s fusion experiments of the highest caliber. ~ John Ballon



Personnel:

Herbie Mann - Flute

Sonny Sharrock - Guitar

Roy Ayers - Vibes

Ron Carter - Bass

Miroslav Vitous - Bass

Bruno Carr - Drums

Mickey Rocca - Drums

Gene Orloff - Violin

Manny Green - Violin

Peter Dimitriades - Violin

Selwart Clarke - Viola

Al Brown - Viola

Kermit Moore - Cello

George Ricci - Cello



Herbie Mann - Stone Flute Tracks:

01 In Tangier / Paradise Beach (10:36)

02 Flying (4:59)

03 Don’t You Know The Way (How I Feel About You) (5:22)

04 Miss Free Spirit (12:41)

05 Pendulum (2:36)