Carlos Garnett - Let This Melody Ring On (1975/2014)

Carlos Garnett’s third album for Muse ‘Let This melody Ring on’ was recorded in 1975 and has a funkier edge than the first two. ‘The Good Shepherd’ is probably the best known track on the album a funky Jazz dance instrumental groove. ‘Senor Trane’ is a lovely modal jazz workout paying homage to the maestro saxophonist. ‘Panama Roots’ is an interesting near 10 minute musical journey to Carlos homeland. Prema sings on the swinging Jazz dancer ‘Samba Seranade’ which really cooks which also features a great keyboard solo from Hubert Eaves. ‘Ghetto Jungle and ‘Let This Melody Ring on’ are funkier string laden vocal tracks that complete this excellent Funky Jazz album. soulbrother.com
Soaring soul from Carlos Garnett – one of the reedman's key 70s sides for the Muse Records label – work we'd rank right up there with the spiritual best of Gary Bartz or Norman Connors at the time! Like both of those contemporaries, Garnett's really reaching for something new in the post-Coltrane generation – mixing electric and acoustic instrumentation with compelling rhythmic changes – and often letting in a bit of vocals as well. Most of the music here is instrumental – with Garnett on tenor and baritone sax, plus the great Hubert Eaves on keyboards and Reggie Lucas on guitar – but some tracks also feature very nice vocals from Prema, a female singer who takes up the same sort of role you might find Dee Dee Bridgewater doing with Connors, or Jean Carn with husband Doug. The blend is wonderful, and the vocals really help give the musical message some weight when the come into the mix – and titles include "Panama Roots", "Senor Trane", "Samba Serenade", and "Ghetto Jungle". © 1996-2015, Dusty Groove, Inc.