A jazz funk masterpiece, and THE record by the legendary Don Blackman -- the only one issued under his own name for many many years, and a famous little set that's been sampled endlessly over the years, and for good reason... more »! The vibe here is one that's barely been matched again -- a blend of 70s fusion, bassy funk, and even tighter riffing -- all put together with a greater depth and sense of soul than most other records of its type. Blackman's a GRP contemporary of Bernard Wright, Tom Browne, and Weldon Irvine -- and there's bits of all their sound in the work here, but somehow Don does it even better -- hitting these grooves, notes, and lines that seem to fall from the heavens -- and which still stand as some of the hippest music of his generation. A record to file proudly next to your copies of Ramp and James Mason -- and like those gems, the kind of record that only happens once in an artists career! Titles include "You Ain't Hip", "Yabba Dabba Do", "Heart's Desire", "Deaf Hook Up Connection", "Never Miss A Thing", and "Holding You Loving You", and "Since You Been Away So Long".« less
A jazz funk masterpiece, and THE record by the legendary Don Blackman -- the only one issued under his own name for many many years, and a famous little set that's been sampled endlessly over the years, and for good reason! The vibe here is one that's barely been matched again -- a blend of 70s fusion, bassy funk, and even tighter riffing -- all put together with a greater depth and sense of soul than most other records of its type. Blackman's a GRP contemporary of Bernard Wright, Tom Browne, and Weldon Irvine -- and there's bits of all their sound in the work here, but somehow Don does it even better -- hitting these grooves, notes, and lines that seem to fall from the heavens -- and which still stand as some of the hippest music of his generation. A record to file proudly next to your copies of Ramp and James Mason -- and like those gems, the kind of record that only happens once in an artists career! Titles include "You Ain't Hip", "Yabba Dabba Do", "Heart's Desire", "Deaf Hook Up Connection", "Never Miss A Thing", and "Holding You Loving You", and "Since You Been Away So Long".
CD Reviews
Tight Jams
mistermaxxx@yahoo.com | usa | 06/17/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"if you are a fan of Jamaica Queens that also spawned the Likes of Bernard Wright and Tom Browne along with Weldon Irvine and others who truly made a name for themselves. BlackMon's album has strong Melodys and grooves.strong Synth Bass Grooves,strong Jazz Funk going on as well. you feel a strong Nod toward P-Funk,but you also sense that Don BlackMon has his own bag as well. this is a tight collection and this Album Sampled and Looped quite a bit over the years."
"YOU AIN'T HIP" IF YOU AIN'T FEELIN THIS!
Patrick Frierson | 03/01/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Don Blackman's album is another strong set of jazzy synthesized funk from Jamiaca Queens. This album is one of the many examples why the whole Jamiaca Queens R&B scene needs to be rediscovered. This generally forgotten era was highly original in their own right. They often borrowed elements of P funk and boogie funk music gave it much jazzier feel than Parliament or Slave.
The Parliament/ Funkadelic influences are evident on this album with the rubbery synthesized basslines that punctuates most of the uptempo tracks. The quiet storm tracks are where is jazzier elements come into play. It also help that the songwriting is excellent throughout the album (a rare occurance for funk albums).
This album is highly reccomended for any groovaholic (such as myself). The only flaw I find with this album is the sameness I notice in uptempo tracks. They're stellar tracks, but if you listen closely to them, you'll feel a sense of deja vu since all of the funk tracks has the deep rubbery basslines with the off beat handclaps substaining the groove. You'll turn off the CD feelin' like you just heard variations of the same grooves (from a beat making standpoint).
That's not a reason to turn way from this gem since the uptempo grooves will have up on your feet a few seconds into the song. While the grooves may be structured the same, Don and his family tradition has the songs and the charisma to pull off the sonic trickery.
Buy this album and you'll be hooked - rest assured."
A Funk Classic
Derek Johnson | United Kingdom | 02/26/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Back in the day, this album was highly sought after, and, being so rare, was exchanging hands for large sums of money. Why? For lovers of Funk, this is a complete album, which covers most of the bases. It's got its quiet storm moments( Holding You, Loving You, big song on the Rare Groove scene in the 90's), Since you've, been away so long ( One of my highlights of the exquisite album) Funk, ( Yabba Dabba Doo, and You ain't Hip, Deaf Hook-Up Connection), and socially aware ( You ain't hip, deals with drug addiction). Lastly, this CD isn't too long, doesn't have interludes, like most releases nowadays. But my mere words don't do it justice. Listen and enjoy."
Don Blackman- The One/ A rare gem indeed
EG Clifton | Southern Cali | 04/17/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Don Blackman's debut- a masterful amalgamation of r&b & funk with strong jazz undercurrents, released during an inspirational era in r&b, predating "Smooth jazz" and so many modern day musical sub-genres. Upon an initial listening to "Heart's Desire" or "Holding You, Loving You", there is a magical, ethereal quality to Don's music which is both distinct and unmatched. Immediately evident are the vocal arrangements and resonating jazz harmonies in the keyboards doubled by acoustic grand- and although synthesizers play a notable and fundamental role throughout, the focus is consistently centered around the warmth of Don's keys and the complexity and artistic subtleties of the drums (Denny Chambers) and funk-bass. And what really elevates this record lies in the depth of creativity- surpassing in caliber the work of similar artists during the late 70's/early 80's- A highly recommended rare groover and an essential piece to any funk collection..."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1