We are proud to present a new series of reissues from Mr Bongo exploring the incredible catalog of the iconic Groove Merchant label founded by Sonny Lester. First up is the enchanting soul jazz album "Simba" by guitar maestro O’Donel Levy. Born in Baltimore, Levy was already regarded as one of the top emerging jazz guitarists at the time of Simba's release. After touring with George Benson and Jimmy McGriff, and appearing on McGriff's Black Pearl album on Blue Note, he then signed with Sonny Lester's Groove Merchant. Produced by Lester himself and recorded over two consecutive days in 1973, Simba features a who's who of 70s session musicians. The album showcases legendary studio drummer Steve Gadd, Cecil Bridgewater on flugelhorn, Tony Levin on bass, and arrangements by Manny Albam. With tight yet effortless funk rhythms, the tracks present these musicians at their zenith. The album opener, "Bad, Bad, Simba," would not be out of place on a 70s car chase soundtrack by Lalo Schifrin. Levy's playing is brilliant, bright, and fluid, with exuberant and contagious energy that is perfectly complemented by Gadd's supreme drumming.