Gary Bartz - BARTZ - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Ju Ju Man (1976) showcases altoist Gary Bartz at his finest, delivering a mostly straight-ahead jazz session amidst a period of seeking commercial success in the late 70s. Teaming up with pianist Charles Mims, bassist Curtis Robertson, and drummer Howard King, Bartz crafts here a stimulating set that includes the standout Coltrane-inspired InchJu Ju ManInch. The album also features swinging tracks like InchStraight StreetInch and InchPisces Daddy Blue,Inch and rare solos on soprano and clarinet in InchChelsea BridgeInch. Remastered and reissued for 2024, this album solidified Bartz's reputation as a distinctive reedman, despite the rarity of original Catalyst tag LPs.

The revered rock/soul star got into some heavy collaboration with the one and only Swamp Dogg between '68 and '70, and their creations (Gary singing, Swamp Dogg producing) are what's collected here. The bonus cuts InchBad Things When You Leave Me,Inch InchThey're Dancing to My SongInch and InchU.S. StompInch join InchFunky Lies,Inch InchThe Star,Inch InchPersonal Manager,Inch InchDr. High BloodInch and more! Good Time.

A great soul and rock singer, as well as being one of the most prolific songwriters of the 1960’s and 1970’s, Gary U.S. Bonds first struck it big in 1961 with his number 1 hit “Quarter To Three” – a song that shaped the sound of rock n’ roll. He has collaborated with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, headlined shows with the Rolling Stones, has had hits in all eras since the 1960’s, and is still going strong. He has also written hits in multiple genres including “She’s All I Got,” a huge hit for country star Johnny Paycheck in 1972 which he co-wrote with Jerry Williams Jr. a.k.a. Swamp Dogg. Bonds collaborated with Swamp Dogg several times between 1968 and 1970, the fruits of which are collected here on this eye opening compilation featuring the iconic voice of Gary U.S. Bonds and the production work of the eccentric soul genius known as Swamp Dogg. All selections have been newly remastered.