• HIGH QUALITY COLORED VINYL

• GATEFOLD EDITION

Hailing from Britain, with origins in Guyana, Jamaica, and St. Vincent, critics and historians agree that the world simply wasn't ready for Cymande. Formed in 1971, the band would become renowned for their progressive, and complex brand of funk music, which fused elements of calypso, jazz, R&B, African music, and British glam rock. Despite touring with Al Green, performing at venues like The Apollo and Soul Train, and having a Billboard R&B hit, Cymande languished in obscurity before disbanding in 1974, only to develop a widespread cult following over the years, and become a treasure trove for crate diggers and beatsmiths.

Though their debut album was not a monster hit for Cymande, it allowed them enough fortunes to re-locate to the US, where they further developed their distinct blend of world-influenced funk, and took in the political climate. Their stay in America led to their 2nd album, 1973's Second Time Round, which cultivated afro-inspired arrangements, as well as fusions of reggae and jazz, and a touch of social commentary thrown in. While Second Time Round didn't reach even the minor level of success of Cymande's debut, it did render a dancehall monster in the track "Fug", and numerous other underrated soulful classics. A definite must for any deep funk historian worth their salt.

PERSONNEL:

• Ray King - vocals, percussion
• Steve Scipio - bass
• Derek Gibbs - soprano & alto saxes
• Pablo Gonsales - congas
• Joey Dee - vocals, percussion
• Peter Serreo - tenor sax
• Sam Kelly - drums
• Mike Rose - alto sax, flute, bongos
• Patrick Patterson - guitar

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1 Anthracite
• A2 Willies' Headache
• A3 Genevieve
• A4 Trevorgus
• A5 To You

• SIDE B
• B1 For Baby Ooh
• B2 Fug
• B3 Crawshay
• B4 Bird
• B5 Them And Us