A funky, spacy, spiritual shade of Bey
10/04/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Andy Bey is one of the most criminally underrated jazz singers and musicians, who has excelled in each and every style he has attempted over his 40-plus-year career. From his work with the Bey Sisters to memorable collaborations with Horace Silver, Gary Bartz, Duke Pearson and many others, that spellbinding voice has actually improved with time. Fans of Bey's two fabulous "comeback" albums "Ballads Blues & Bey" and "Shades Of Bey" shouldn't approach this expecting anything similar. This is 1974, pure 1974, with a spacy jazz-funk orientation with period "Search your mind, know your spirit, universal love, get to the essence of life"-type lyrics. This record has long been prized by many in the DJ/rare groove community and is a notorious source of samples. Although some will find it dated, its quirky charms and righteous intentions will definitely catch the ears of many more. And his singing is as great as ever, proving steely enough to cut right through the electric arrangements replete with loads of Fender Rhodes and early synths. Fans of Gil Scott-Heron and Roy Ayers, step right this way!"
Ahead of it's time...
B. Polis | Seattle, WA | 05/31/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is one of a kind. Andy Bey is more than just musically inclined, it's evident that he's a very spiritual person. His insights to life are deep yet simple. To make it complete, the funky grooves perfectly coincide with Bey's message of universal love and peace. A must for anyone who enjoys music that sooths the soul..."
LIFE MUSIC
Abemelek | Toronto | 11/06/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Yo, loving this dude, been feeling the Celestial Blues track for some time now although the version on this album is different from the Gary Bartz one. I'm all about this style of music, with emphasis on the life lyrics, this is what we all need in excessive amounts to maintain. ..."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1