Funk fusion at its best…
Roger Glenn – Reachin’ – Craft Recordings/Fantasy # CR0070 – 180 gm audiophile vinyl – 1976 – 38:04 – ****
(Roger Glenn – flute, alto & bass flute, vibes; Mark Soskin – Fender Rhodes electric piano, acoustic piano, clavinet, Mini-Moog, ARP String Ensemble; Larry Mizell – Fender Rhodes electric piano, ARP String Ensemble; Ray Obiedo – electric and acoustic guitar; Paul Jackson – electric bass; Gaylord Birch – drums; Bill Summers – congas, bata, percussion; Babu Duru – bata; Moodi Peters – bata; Eric Young – shekere; Butch Haynes – shekere; Pete Escovedo – lead vocals on “Rezo Chango”)
Funk fusion fans have reason for excitement. Craft Recordings, thru their Top Shelf Series of Jazz Dispensary, are re-issuing the debut album, Reachin’, from 1976, of jazz flutist, Roger Glenn. Using lacquers cut from the original master tapes from 1976, on 180 gm vinyl, with remastering by Kevin Gray (at Cohearant Audio) and pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing, the musical stew is on the front burner.
Roger Glenn was virtually a one-man band, as he played flute, sax, clarinet, and vibes. He is the son of the iconic, Tyree Glenn, who played trombone and vibes with Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong. Roger only made two albums as a leader, (this album from 1976, and the more current, My Latin Heart), but is known for working with numerous bands, including sideman gigs with Donald Byrd.
What makes this LP special is the involvement of Larry and Fonce Mizell, as producers. The Mizell Brothers are famous for creating a fusion groove for both Motown, and later Blue Note Records. They were part of “The Corporation” production team that helped put out numerous hits, including The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back.” They were also integral in incorporating percussion instruments like the batu, and shekere, as well as bringing the Moog synthesizer into vogue.
On Reachin’, their influence is strong as the eight tracks bristle with a heady mix of electronics, and percussion backing Roger Glenn’s soaring flutes, and shimmering vibes.
The title cut sets the stage with Glenn’s flute, blending with the synthesizer. “Don’t Leave,” is beyond sensual, and could be used as a soundtrack for an “adult” movie. Sideman, bassist, Paul Jackson, is featured on “E.B.F.S.” while drummer, Gaylord Birch, and guitarist, Ray Obiedo, kick “Overtime” into high gear. Pianist, Mark Soskin, helps make the dreamy ballad, “Gloria,” stand out in a different straight ahead way, minus fusion effects. The closer, “Rezo Chango,” with Spanish lyrics, and lead vocals from Pete Escovedo, is a nice change of pace.
All eight tracks give appreciation for the multi-instrumental talents of Roger Glenn, who is still active in the San Francisco Bay Area, at age 80. Reachin’ is a great place to hear Mr. Glenn, back in the day, in full funk fusion remastered glory.
—Review by Jeff Krow
Roger Glenn – Reachin
Tracklist:
Side One: Reachin’, Rio, Don’t Leave, E.B.F.S,
Side Two: Overtime, Kick, Gloria, Rezo Chango
