Damisi

Description

Wewantsounds is pleased to reissue for the first time Harold Land's album Damisi, recorded in 1972 in Los Angeles for Bob Shad's label, Mainstream Records. Featuring Buster Williams, Leon "Ndugu" Chancler, Bill Henderson, and Oscar Breashear, the album was recorded at a crucial moment in Harold Land's career, as he was moving towards a more spiritual sound. This session is a superb example of the skillful blend of funk and modal jazz and includes the groovy "In The Back, In The Corner, In The Dark" as well as the meditative track "Pakistan." Damisi consists of five long pieces and starts with the post-bop title "Step Right Up to the Bottom" before transitioning to the superb funk of "In The Back In The Corner, In the Dark," showcasing Buster Williams' electric bass and Ndugu's funky rhythm. Side A concludes with "Pakistan," a beautifully meditative homage full of Eastern influences, featuring Harold Land on oboe playing in an introspective manner typical of his music from the late 60s. Side B opens with "Chocolate Mess," written by Ndugu Chancler, a muscular funk groove that accompanies the solos of Harold, Oscar Brashear, and Bill Henderson on Fender Rhodes. The next track, "Damisi," intricately alternates slow sequences with funkier passages, perfectly closing the album. The album Damisi showcases Harold Land at his creative peak, accompanied by first-class musicians at the top of their game. A rare album that has never been reissued, Wewantsounds is now happy to bring it back into circulation after more than fifty years. The album is reissued in its original gatefold sleeve with previously unseen photos, remastered audio, and a 2-page insert featuring new notes by Kevin Le Gendre.