DESCRIPTION
Proudly launching a new Mr Bongo reissue series exploring the extraordinary legacy of Sonny Lester’s iconic Groove Merchant label, we begin with the spellbinding, funk-fuelled soul-jazz album Simba by guitar maestro O'Donel Levy.
Born in Baltimore, Levy was already gaining recognition as one of the most exciting young jazz guitarists of his time. Having toured with George Benson and Jimmy McGriff, and featured on McGriff’s Black Pearl (Blue Note), Levy signed with Groove Merchant, where he recorded Simba over two inspired days in 1973. Produced by Sonny Lester himself, the album boasts a top-tier lineup of 1970s session greats: Steve Gadd (drums), Cecil Bridgewater (flugelhorn), Tony Levin (bass), and arrangements by Manny Albam.
Simba is a masterclass in soul-jazz composition and performance — tight, stylish, and brimming with infectious groove.
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Opener ‘Bad, Bad, Simba’ channels pure 1970s cinematic energy, reminiscent of a Lalo Schifrin car-chase score
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‘Playhouse’ brings high-octane wah-wah guitars and horn/flute interplay, built on Gadd’s impeccable rhythms
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‘Sierra Lonely’ and ‘Sad, Sad, Simba’ lower the tempo for lush, contemplative balladry, with standout contributions from Bridgewater and Collins
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Closing cut ‘Nigerian Knights’ is a hypnotic, slow-burn highlight, showing off Levy’s understated brilliance on guitar
Expertly balanced and immaculately produced, Simba echoes the elegant textures of CTI Records from the same era — with a prescient hip-hop aesthetic that would inspire generations of producers and diggers alike. Every track is a winner, brimming with soul, depth, and effortless cool.
TRACKLIST
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Bad, Bad, Simba
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Kilimanjaro Cookout
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Playhouse
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Sierra Lonely
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Sad, Sad, Simba
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Joni
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Nigerian Knights