Weldon Irvine

One such pioneer was keyboardist Weldon Irvine, a Jazz-Funk luminary who released some of the most revered recordings of the era. Irvine’s 1975 album Spirit Man is a true masterpiece, full of infectious grooves and otherworldly electronic elements. Entirely composed, arranged, conducted, and produced by Irvine himself, the album remains a potent artistic statement, both deeply spiritual and intensely funky. Crate diggers may recognize the opening track “We Gettin’ Down”, which was sampled by A Tribe Called Quest for their classic single “Award Tour”.

PERSONNEL:

• Weldon Irvine - conductor, piano, clavinet, synthesizer
• Cleveland Freeman - electric bass
• Wesley 'Gator' Watson- drums
• Henry Grate, Jr. - guitar
• Napoleon Revels - percussion
• Bud Johnson, Jr. - congas, bongo
• Everett 'Blood' Hollins - trumpet
• Charles Sullivan - trumpet
• Sonny Fortune - alto sax

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. We Gettin' Down
• A2. Softly
• A3. Pogo Stick
• A4. Blast Off

• SIDE B
• B1. Jungle Juice
• B2. Yasmin
• B3. The Power And The Glory
• B4. Softly