Listening Room – “Upon This Rock”

Upon This Rock

Joe Farrell – “Weathervane”

Joe Farrell – “Upon This Rock”

From “Upon This Rock” : 1974 : CTI 6042

This 1974 fusion extravaganza was Joe Farrell’s fifth release in a string of fantastic records for CTI.  This album again features the guitar talents of Joe Beck, who could have easily been credited as a co-leader, as his instrument is front and center throughout the entire recording.  Farrell shows off his many talents, switching between the tenor and alto saxophones as well as the flute.  The record opens with the blistering Weathervane, while the title track settles into a groove as Beck and Farrell have their way with the funky melody.  For whatever reason, this album is currently out-of-print.

Players:
Joe Farrell – Tenor & Soprano Sax, Flute
Joe Beck – Guitar
Herbie Hancock – Piano
Herb Bushler – Bass
Don Alias – Conga
Jim Madison – Drums

Listening Room – “Power of Soul”

This 1974 album was Idris Muhammad’s debut album for Creed Taylor’s Kudu imprint and is generally regarded as his finest effort as a leader.  Muhammad (who began his career as Leo Morris) is the original funky drummer and this album is funky, funky and more funky.  Joined by CTI stalwarts such as Bob James, Grover Washington Jr. and Joe Beck, the album contains one original by each of them plus a scorching version of the Hendrix penned title track.  If you have never heard this album before, you are in for one great ride.  [Note:  As of this writing, "Power of Soul" is available as an MP3 download at Amazon for only $3.99 !!]

Power of Soul
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Released 1974  :  Kudu Records  :  Catalog # 17

Players:
Idris Muhammad – Drums
Grover Washington, Jr. – Tenor & Soprano Sax
Randy Brecker – Trumpet
Joe Beck – Guitar
Bob James – Keyboards
Ralph MacDonald – Percussion

Idris Muhammad – Power of Soul from “Power of Soul”

Idris Muhammad – Loran’s Dance from “Power of Soul”