{"title":"Norman Connors","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNorman Connors is an American jazz drummer, composer, arranger, producer, and artist. Born on 1 March 1947 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, he developed a passion for jazz at a young age and began playing drums. Influenced by notable musicians such as Lex Humphries and Elvin Jones, Connors pursued his musical education at Temple University and Juilliard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eConnors' career took off when he recorded with Archie Shepp and Pharoah Sanders before signing to Buddah Records sublabel Cobblestone. He released his first album as a bandleader titled \"Dance of Magic\" in 1972. As the A\u0026amp;R manager for Buddah Records, he shifted his focus towards R'n'B material in the mid-1970s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThroughout his career, Norman Connors collaborated with renowned artists including Carlos Garnett, Gary Bartz, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Herbie Hancock. His work encompassed both jazz fusion and soul genres with guest singers like Michael Henderson, Jean Carn,\nPhyllis Hyman,\nAl Johnson,\nand The Jones Girls contributing to his albums. Notable tracks from this period include \"You Are My Starship\" (1974) and \"Captain Connors\" (1977).\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"dance-of-magic-2","title":"Dance Of Magic","description":"\u003cp\u003e180g audiophile vinyl reissue of drummer\/composer \u003cstrong\u003eNorman Connors\u003c\/strong\u003e's 1972 LP \u003cem\u003e'Dance of Magic'\u003c\/em\u003e, featuring an all-star group that includes \u003cstrong\u003eHerbie Hancock\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eGary Bartz\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eStanley Clarke\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eAirto Moreira\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eAlphonse Mouzon\u003c\/strong\u003e, with re-mastering by Cicely Baston at Alchemy\/Air Mastering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRecorded with a who's who of fusion titans, \u003cem\u003e'Dance of Magic'\u003c\/em\u003e channels the lessons drummer \u003cstrong\u003eNorman Connors\u003c\/strong\u003e learned in the employ of Pharoah Sanders, Sam Rivers, and Sun Ra, marshalling Latin rhythms, electronic textures, and cosmic mysticism to create nondenominational yet deeply spiritual funk-jazz.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe sprawling 21-minute title cut spans the entirety of the record's first half, capturing a monumental jam session that explores the outer edges of free improvisation but never steps past the point of no return. The remaining three tracks are smaller in scale but no less epic in scope, culminating with the blistering \u003cem\u003e'Give the Drummer Some'\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePress: \"A majestic classic...As with all reissues from the PP People, exquisite re-mastering, sleeve printing and 180g pressing gives the album all the credit and respect it deserves and for this writer, the best copy he's ever owned. For us and for Norman, this was to be the start of something very special and should be welcomed into households near and far.\" - ***** UK Vibe\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Dance of Magic'\u003c\/em\u003e's 20-minute title track, with its click-clack balaphone, whirl of polyrhythms and cracking solos, from \u003cstrong\u003eHerbie Hancock\u003c\/strong\u003e, among others, really sets the tone, while \u003cem\u003e'Morning Change'\u003c\/em\u003e is a svelte mid-tempo samba glowing up with Rhodes chords, and lyrical work from \u003cstrong\u003eEddie Henderson\u003c\/strong\u003e. The set winds up with the drums-percussion blast off \u003cem\u003e'Give The Drummer Some'\u003c\/em\u003e, which is a raucous exchange between \u003cstrong\u003eConnors\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eAirto\u003c\/strong\u003e, but the whole album is a hard-edged triumph of ensemble playing.\" - **** Jazzwise\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNorman Connors\u003c\/strong\u003e: drums\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGary Bartz\u003c\/strong\u003e: alto saxophone, soprano saxophone\u003cbr\u003e\nArt Webb: flute\u003cbr\u003e\nCarlos Garnett: tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEddie Henderson\u003c\/strong\u003e: trumpet\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHerbie Hancock\u003c\/strong\u003e: piano, electric piano\u003cbr\u003e\nCecil McBee, \u003cstrong\u003eStanley Clarke\u003c\/strong\u003e: bass\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAirto Moreira\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eAlphonse Mouzon\u003c\/strong\u003e, Billy Hart: percussion\u003cbr\u003e\nAnthony Wiles: percussion, balafon\u003cbr\u003e\nNat Bettis: percussion, congas\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pure Pleasure","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50383588819275,"sku":"2027740","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/unnamed_ba0dc938_thumbnail_4096.png?v=1726273576"},{"product_id":"shes-gone-mrc-rsd-2024","title":"She's Gone \/ Mr.C - RSD 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n                            This product is a Record Store Day exclusive title and is not available to pre-order.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n                            To buy in-store: 8am, 20\/04\/2024 (Record Store Day).\u003cbr\u003e\n                            To buy online: 8pm, 22\/04\/2024. (Subject to availability).\u003cbr\u003e\n                            Don’t forget: Click 'Notify Me' to be the first to know about its availability online. It also helps us to place accurate orders so that we can please as many of you as possible on the day.\u003cbr\u003e\n                            \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNorman Connors' \"She's Gone\" is a timeless blend of Soul and R\u0026amp;B from his 1981 album, \"Mr C\". 43 years since its initial release, “She’s Gone” still endures as a masterpiece, showcasing Connors' musical prowess and ability to create unforgettable compositions. Lush arrangements, masterful instrumentation, and heartfelt vocals define the track with Norman Connors seamlessly fusing horns, strings, and rhythm instruments for a rich sonic experience. This 7” heavyweight vinyl single, presented here exclusively for RSD is the first time this single has been available since 1981 and gives fans old and new the chance to own a slice of this classic, in demand Norman Connors production. remastered, but with slick early 80's aesthetics as was.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Arista","offers":[{"title":"Black 7\" - 2181370","offer_id":50408973500747,"sku":"2181370","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Norman_Connors_-_Shes_Gone-Mr.C_7a111c9d_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726609154"},{"product_id":"valentine-love-the-buddah-arista-anthology","title":"Valentine Love: The Buddah \/ Arista Anthology","description":"\u003cp\u003eSoulMusic Records with \u003ci\u003eValentine Love – The Buddah\/Arista Anthology\u003c\/i\u003e, a 2-CD set by renowned musician and producer, the multi-talented Norman Connors. Covering almost a decade (1972-1981), the 34 tracks include all of Norman’s ten US charted singles; a rare 12” mix of the 1977 cut, ‘Captain Connors’; two tracks from the album, “Norman Connors Presents Aquarian Dream” (including one, ‘Once Again,’ featuring Gloria Jones); key album cuts, ‘Dindi’ and ‘Maiden Voyage’ and a musical feast of tracks featuring a number of artists who first gained prominence through their recordings with Norman such as Jean Carn, Michael Henderson, Phyllis Hyman, Prince Phillip Mitchell, Eleanore Mills, Al Johnson, Adaritha, Glenn Jones and Beau Williams. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBefore he became known as a premier music man with ‘golden ears’ (for his discovery of so many great vocalists), the Philadelphia drummer served his musical apprenticeship with John Coltrane and Pharaoh Sanders before embarking on his own recording career in 1972. By 1975, Connors had achieved his first chart breakthrough thanks to the soulful pairing of Carn and Henderson on the now-classic ‘Valentine Love.’ During the ensuing years, Connors gave a then-unknown Phyllis Hyman her first taste of international success with her recording of ‘Betcha By Golly Wow’ as well as giving R\u0026amp;B vocalist Glenn Jones his initial hit in 1980 with ‘Melancholy Fire.’ Other standouts on this superb 2-CD set include Connors’ favourites such as ‘You Are My Starship’ (Michael Henderson’s first solo hit), ‘Once I’ve Been There,’ ‘This Is Your Life,’ ‘Wouldn’t You Like To See’ and ‘I Don’t Need Nobody Else.’ Extensive liner notes by renowned UK writer Charles Waring including numerous quotes from Norman himself, long-time band members Jacques Burvick and Kenneth Nash and others; and excellent mastering by Donald Cleveland.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Soul Music","offers":[{"title":"CD | x2","offer_id":50417367220555,"sku":"1131039","price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/bf8528d9-f2c2-41fd-9c75-b5b0e5081efb_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726727618"},{"product_id":"slewfoot-45s-collection","title":"Slewfoot 45s Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003eNorman Connors Limited edition 7\" VINYL COLLECTION\nLabel \u0026amp; cat no DYNAMTIE CUTS - DYNAM7015 \u0026amp; DYNAM7016\nOne of the outstanding Jazz fusion album from the late 70s includes timeless classic and Jazz dance anthem. Dynamite Cuts releases a quality limited edition double pack release which gives you 4 of those masterpieces, all are first time on 7\"\nDYNAM7015\nTrack A1 – Slew foot – B-Boy funky dancer. Great horns and bass groove. perfect 7\" cuts.\nTrack B2 – Back on the street – Great up tempo funky dancer, on the Kool and gang vibe, party starter.\nDYNAM7016\nTrack A1 – Chuka, bass groove funk bomb. Another b-boy classic\nTrack B2 – Mother of the future, this all-time Jazz dance anthem, written by Carlos Garnet. But Norman gives it the full treatment, wick vocals and percussion movement. 100% must have 7\" cut\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dynamite Cuts","offers":[{"title":"7\"","offer_id":50467480863051,"sku":"2010451","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_124c7bc8_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727338482"},{"product_id":"mr-c","title":"Mr C","description":"\u003cp\u003eNorman Connors' \u003cem\u003eMr. C\u003c\/em\u003e is a masterclass in sophisticated modern funk and boogie-infused soul that was way ahead of its time. Originally released in 1981, the album finds the renowned jazz drummer\/producer at a creative crossroads, boldly diving deep into street-level boogie-funk without losing his soulful, jazzy touch. What once might have puzzled jazz purists now delights soul\/funk aficionados; it has quietly become a cult favourite and now, nearly 45 years later, \u003cem\u003eMr. C \u003c\/em\u003esounds fresher than ever. Brimming with infectious heavy funk, lush arrangements and soul-stirring performances, it's an album that flirts with perfection, ensuring its enduring significance in the boogie\/jazz-funk-soul canon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom its opening moments, \u003cem\u003eMr. C\u003c\/em\u003e makes one thing clear: this is Norman Connors at his funkiest. The majority of the album is a straight-up party: think dancefloor-ready beats complemented by punchy horn riffs and slick early-80s boogie vibes. There’s heavy use of synths and drum-machines, demonstrating Connors' gleeful embrace of contemporary funk trends. Each track shines in uniquely thrilling fashion, showcasing Connors’ versatility and happy knack for blending genres whilst crafting unforgettable melodies. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIrresistible thumper “She’s Gone” opens the album with a dyno-Rhodes electric piano groove and a seriously thick boogie-funk rhythm. Lush string accents and horn stabs weave through the funky bassline, while the vocals (handled by a young Beau Williams) soar with gospel-tinged emotion. Over four decades later, it endures as a masterpiece. Living up to its name, the shimmering “Party Town” brings deep Electro-Funk Energy by layering bubbling synth bass and shiny lead synth lines. The groove is downright addictive, a brisk, brass-kissed jam that implores you to move. Up next, the sophisticated funk of “Keep Doin’ It” is a low-slung post-disco glider, propelled by a sleek vibe, leaning into the late-night boogie sound. Funky guitar, tight drumming (with Connors’ jazz-honed chops in the pocket) and smooth vocals urge you to “keep doin'” whatever it is that's working. “Stay with Me” works a bit of island flavour into the mix, riding a thick Caribbean groove complete with tropical percussion and an upbeat tempo that could almost be calypsoul. The fusion of Caribbean rhythm elements into an R\u0026amp;B context demonstrates Connors’ willingness to experiment with global sounds while keeping things soulful and danceable. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSide B opens with the sassy funk-deluxe workout, \"Anyway You Want\" dripping with that soulful strut. Bringing a real quiet storm swagger, “Sing a Love Song” slows the tempo ever so slightly into a sexy, swaying jazz-funk gem, featuring a young Glenn Jones on lead vocals. The arrangement is elegant, built on warm keys and an undeniable groove. The celestial “Love’s In Your Corner” is all about soulful uplift. Featuring the legendary Jean Carn's powerhouse vocals soaring over a brass-kissed driving funk, it's an R\u0026amp;B burner. The refined, jazzy instrumental “Mr. C” is a slinky, smooth, funk-filled mid-tempo groove, with sax and warm keys gliding effortlessly. Connors combines jazzy arrangements into the post-disco\/boogie framework one last time, and the result is sublime. It’s sophisticated and cool and, as a finale, “Mr. C” wraps up the album in classy style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn release, \u003cem\u003eMr. C \u003c\/em\u003eflew under the radar but time has been exceptionally kind to this record. DJs, collectors and soul connoisseurs alike have since rediscovered its magic. As ever, this crucial reissue has been lovingly remastered by Simon Francis, cut by engineer of the year Cicely Balston at Abbey Road Studios and pressed to perfection by Record Industry in Holland. Norman Connors was something truly extra. He was a visionary. And \u003cem\u003eMr. C\u003c\/em\u003e is proof.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Be With Records","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":52302795374923,"sku":"R4141-5218","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/2000x2000bb_399ac6e7-b71e-4e55-8bf8-2a5c4da37c3f.jpg?v=1750238291"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/collections\/test_5677208b_thumbnail_4096_9de6b7f5-1d93-4421-a598-d82979ba2380.jpg?v=1726273558","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/norman-connors.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}