The Earth Disciples: Life Cycle and Bitter End Part 1
From: Getaway Train [Solid State, 1969]
So how do you follow up a post like Kevin’s Anatomy Of A Sample pt 2? Well, the simple answer is I can’t really. So instead I’ve opted for a change of pace and a journey once more into the raer…….
The Earth Disciples are a group veiled in the mystery of time, allowing their music to speak for them. Which is to say that, despite my best googling efforts, I can find absolutely squat about the band behind this release.
What I can tell you is that the album is one of the rarest records on Solid State but still seems to turn up reasonably often on Ebay. You could describe the music as Soul-Jazz, Jazz-Fusion,Rock-Fusion or a number of other relatively meaningless terms but at the end of the day all that really matters is the music and I love this album to pieces.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I had a momentary face melt the first time I heard Life Cycle. Starting with a funky rock riff the track seems to be settling into a groove before it breaks down into the first of many sublime tempo changes. Building on a piano led theme the band develop the mood with layer upon layer, reverb taking the listener off on a journey before the groove brings them back down to earth. This track is absolutely fantastic by any measure.
Bitter End Pt 1 is a more straightforward jazzy number featuring some nice breakdowns and excellent playing from the band once again.
As I mentioned, despite it’s rarity, I’ve seen this LP pop up a number of times on ebay so if you like what you hear it’s worth keeping an eye out for it. I’m off to celebrate my birthday now but should be back next week with some more breakface related gems. Have a good week.
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"Spirit of the Bells" is my shit! It's funny how many people want to still keep this record a secret
This album is dope!
Hi, I was so blown away by this album that I've spent ages researching it, with a view to publishing an article on it. The results so far are scant, but I have got a personnel listing (I posted a longer comment at the 4BB blog):
Doug Payne (who's Solid State discog is worth casting your eye over – http://www.dougpayne.com/lrc.htm) informed me that the personnel on this recording was:
Jimmy Holloway – Guitar (& poss keys too)
Reggie Austin – Bass
Reggie Harris – Drums
Rudy Reid – Piano
Recorded in NYC in '69, produced by Dave Pell
This really is a chunk of sonic heaven! All praise to the Earth Disciples, and save me a place on the Getaway Train!
Hello again,
further to my last comment here:
as a regular reader of your groovy blog, I'd like to share more info re the Earth Disciples with you and any of your lovely readers that might be interested:
As noted in the post I'm commenting on, the <b>Earth Disciples</b> were a very obscure band – unsdeservedly so, as I'm sure you'll agree, if you know them. The music on <i>Getaway Train</i> is a fantastic blend of instrumental funk, soul, jazz and rock, with a dreamily psychedelic edge, it's a real lost gem.
I first learned of them via the four brothers beats blog, which is now invite only. That lead to me buying both their album and the accompanying 45. I've also written an article on the album, recently published in the UK. Some more info that didn't get into the article can be found here:
http://soundsfromthefunkygoat.blogspot.com/2009/01/earth-disciples-update.html
I'm now corresponding with the drummer and bassist, and we're hoping to get the Earth Disciples back on the tracks some time soon, so watch out for further developments over at the funky goat blog, and if you're interested in the band get in touch via my blog comments area,
cheers, the goat
http://soundsfromthefunkygoat.blogspot.com/