HAROLD LAND - DAMISI

Released: 26/05/23

Originally released in 1972, the Houston, Texas-born tenor saxophonist and composer Harold Land's classic Damisi is one of the most enduring LPs of the last 50 years, due to the innovative and seamless way it marries funk with modal jazz. Damisi (meaning ‘cheerful’ in Swahili) was recorded at a pivotal moment, when Land was shifting to a more spiritual sound, and the players he brought together to realise his vision – Buster Williams (bass), Ndugu (drums), Bill Henderson (keys) and Oscar Breashear (trumpet) – knock it out of the park. Everything on here is killer, but a special mention has to go to the slow burning funk of 'In the Back in the Corner, in the Dark' which showcases Williams' formidable bass virtuosity and Ndugu's unsurpassable funk chops; and side one-closer ‘Pakistan’, a beautifully serene tribute to the country, on which Land, in reflective mood, switches to the oboe. 

The album’s notable legacy is reflected in the care that has gone into this excellent reissue by Wewantsounds, featuring newly remastered audio; and so along with the original gatefold sleeve, it also comes with never-before-seen session photos, and a two-page insert including new liner notes by Kevin Le Gendre. Top drawer stuff.