(Jazz-Funk, Fusion, Modal Music) The Al Williams Quintet Plus One - Sandance - 1976, MP3, 320 kbps

A gem of a record from the Cali scene of the 70s – a set that brings together all the best soulful elements of the LA indie scene of the time – but with an edge that's a lot more forceful than any bigger label jazz of the time! There's a solid punch to the record right from the start – wicked drums from leader Al Williams, and massive bass from Leroy Vinnegar – who's at his funky best, and really gets the session going right from the start! Dwight Dickerson brings in some spiritual undercurrents on piano, as does Charles Owens on tenor – playing here in some of his most open, spiritual styles ever. Trumpeter Nolan Smith adds a nice bite to the set – and the album's filled with some original numbers that have kept us digging this one for years! Titles include "Eternal Question", "Desert Song", "Sandance", "This Masquerade", "Erik's Tune", and a version of "Impressions".