Strokin’ / Natural Ingredients

 2 on 1 featuring the first two albums by Richard Tee: Strokin’, recorded in 1979 and the 1980 album Natural Ingredients. Both of these albums were originally released on Bob James’ Tappan Zee label, and these two albums were also produced by Bob James.

Richard Tee worked with so many superstars in the jazz field including George Benson, Grover Washington Jr and Hank Crawford, but could also turn this hand to pop, and played keyboards for Paul Simon, and featured in the band that backed Simon & Garfunkel for their epic 1981 Central Park Concert. Richard was also the founding member of the band Stuff. Sadly Richard passed away in July 1993.

These albums featured many fine jazz musicians including guitarist Eric Gale, Drummer Steve Gadd, percussionist Ralph McDonald and horn players the Brecker Brothers and Tom Scott to name just a few.

Stand out tracks on these albums are ‘Every Day’ which Richard co-wrote with Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder’s ‘Jesus Children Of America’ and Willie Dixon’s ‘Back Door Man”.

Sleeve notes by MOJO's Lois Wilson.