Maulawi (Maulawi Nururdin) a reputed Jazz artist from the Chicago scene of the 60s/70s released this madly beautiful self titled LP, originally recorded in 1973 and released in 1974 on the Strata Records label. Influenced by Chicago musicians like bluesman Muddy Waters and avant-garde Jazz practitioners like Art Ensemble of Chicago and Anthony Braxton, this record straddles the sound of traditional straight jazz and the avant-garde but also incorporates Latin beats and Funk, a combination that was very uncommon but way ahead of its time in both its uniqueness, instrumentation and delivery.

Maulawi, who grew up in Chicago, was an accomplished musician who was not only excellent with his preferred instrument, the saxophone, but also proficient in the oboe, piano and drums and played often with various Jazz bands in that era.

The compositions in this record are originals except for a terrific reworking of John Coltrane's Naima. The funk and latin sounds expertly interspersed with the avant-garde make this a truly one of a kind album (the first track Street Rap sets the tone of the record immediately). This soulful, joyous and spiritual album features saxes, percussion, bass, piano, trombones, and some out of this world vocals by Joyce Major and Diane Cunningham.

The original LP on Strata Records is now sought after by Jazz collectors and commands hundreds of dollars. The folks behind 180 Records tracked down the widow of the owner of Strata Records who still had the master tapes and have recently reissued this masterpiece in its entirety with an alternate cover and added a previously unheard instrumental version of Street Rap.

Members

Alto Vocals – Joyce Major

Bass – Al Erick,

Rufus Reed

Congas – Adam Rudolph, Silas King

Drums – Andy Potter, Michael Fuller

Piano – Jim Cailen

Soprano Vocals – Diane Cunningham

Trombone – Edwin Williams

Tracklist

A1 - Street Rap (6:15)

A2 - Root In 7/4 Plus (5:41)

A3 - Eltition (8:20)

B1 - Naima (John Coltrane) (7:02)

B2 - Sphinx Rabbit (12:26)

B3 - Street Rap Alt. Version (3:59)

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Juzer Kopti

Juzer Kopti originally from Bombay and now based in the suburbs of Washington DC, is a music enthusiast who enjoys crate digging for rare records. His taste in music tends towards 60s-70s psychedelia, folk, rock, jazz, fusion and progressive. He also enjoys collecting fountain pens, vintage cameras, while also pursuing other expensive hobbies.