Jeff Majors

A very unusual shift for spiritual jazz in the 80s – a set that combines the acoustic energy of the 70s with some newer electric touches – all in a way that takes off with some soulful elements in the mix! Jeff Majors handles a harp – ala Dorothy Ashby – but the music mixes in bass, drums, and percussion – plus work from Majors on a moog bass and "spirit box" – the last of which feels like a spare drum machine, and is used in nicely gentle ways. There's also a bit of violin, flute, and voices on the record – occasional lyrical touches that almost hit a Minnie Riperton mode, which is very nice. The whole thing makes for a nice blend of spiritual jazz and down to earth soul.

PERSONNEL:

• Jeff Majors - harp, Mbira, Spirit Box
• James King - bass except B5
• Mike Bowie - bass on B5
• Ysea Barnwell - violin
• Naser Abadey - drums
• Sais Kamalidin - flute
• Mamadi Nyasuma - percussion

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. Yasmeen
• A2. Chant
• A3. Let It Be
• A4. (If I Can) Help Somebody

• SIDE B
• B1. Summertime
• B2. Nomad
• B3. Room 400
• B4. Baby Daughter
• B5. For Us All (Yoka Boka)