Liberated Brother

Newly remastered audio and Japanese OBI-strip. Liberated Brother was the debut album from Weldon Irvine, and remains a landmark jazz release from the multi-talented explorer of sound. Originally released in 1972, over the course of eight tracks Irvine weaves through a collage of genre and instrumentation, fusing elements that would come to define his pioneering jazz-funk sound. The album features Irvine’s early instrumental jazz before his decidedly conversational approach on the follow-up album Time Capsule. The title and opening track 'Liberated Brother,' with its playful Latin arrangements introduces the first half in spritely fashion, and mellows as Irvine's piano sets the mood for “Here’s Where I Came In” - a track where sombre tones feel luxurious, and conscious instrumentation tests the waters, spreading weight evenly across the soundscape. Guitarist Tommy Smith emerges as a singular figure at the start of side B with 'Gloria' - a timeless guitar composition so wholesome with its delicate simplicity, it attests the level of musicianship that keeps Irvine company across these tracks.