DESCRIPTION
The second release in our Mr Bongo series dedicated to unearthing treasures from the fabled Groove Merchant Records vault. This time, the spotlight turns to Hammond B3 organ maestro Lonnie Smith, as we proudly present a reissue of his cosmic jazz-funk journey, Afro-Desia.
Originally released in 1975, this revered album was produced by Groove Merchant’s own Sonny Lester and features the enigmatic “Compliments of a Friend” on guitar. Given Lonnie Smith’s past as part of George Benson’s quartet in the 1960s, that friend’s identity isn’t too hard to guess — though contractual obligations meant Benson had to remain anonymous. The star-studded lineup also includes legendary bassist Ron Carter and Grammy-winning saxophonist Joe Lovano, adding even more musical weight.
Afro-Desia is an album of two halves. Side A ventures deep into cosmic jazz-funk territory. The title track Afrodesia opens with steamy grooves and powerful interplay between Greg Hopkins on trumpet and Lovano on sax, gliding over a bassline that pulses through fluttering jazz percussion and spaced-out electronics. This is followed by Spirits Free — a 15-minute mind-melting jazz-funk epic. At times serene and celestial, it gradually opens into expansive, improvisational terrain. Smith’s swirling organ leads the way with stretched-out horns riding the waves of sonic exploration. A dazzling example of '70s jazz-funk at its most fearless.
Side B transitions to a more classic soul-jazz sound, laced with Latin flair. Straight To The Point begins with an effervescent carnival energy — bold horn stabs and organ flourishes driving this uptempo, swinging cut that once graced the turntables at Russ Dewbury’s Jazz Rooms in Brighton during the '90s.
Closing the album are Favors and The Awakening — two vintage Lonnie Smith Hammond workouts. Overflowing with smoky, after-hours jazz club energy, they showcase the sheer virtuosity and raw groove that made Smith an enduring icon.
A truly stellar reissue — Afro-Desia is a masterclass in jazz-funk artistry, and a vital document from a golden era of musical innovation.
TRACKLIST
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Afrodesia
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Spirits Free
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Straight To The Point
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Favors
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The Awakening