WEBSTER LEWIS レコード& CD

Review: Composer, arranger, producer and pianist Webster Lewis is widely celebrated for his work with Epic Records from the seventies and on through the eighties. His sound is a luxuriant one that is hugely polished, dense and accomplished in its fusion of jazz, funk and soul. He recorded four albums during those years and this collection pulls the best bits including his well-known classic 'Barbara Ann' as well as the likes of 'Give Me Some Emotion' and 'El Bobo' as well as more newly uncovered gems from the vaults like 'Reach Out' and 'Japanese Umbrella.'

Review: As the Mad About label hurtles towards release number 100 it looks to the talents of Webster Lewis and The Spirit of Atlanta for two more fiery gems on a very useful 7". There are hints of Library music in the noodling melodies of the A-side jam 'El Bobo'. It has jazz-funk keys and organic drum rhythms gently tumbling below the Rhodes magic up top. The Spirit Of Atlanta's 'Freddie's Alive & Well' then picks up the pace with a more high-speed and 60s-influenced jazz-funk sound featuring some buttery smooth vocals up top. Two effective jams for sure.