Search - Les McCann :: Layers

Layers Of Brilliance!

Andre' S Grindle | Bangor,ME. | 10/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You know I wouldn't be at all surprised if Stevie Wonder was
listening to Les McCann's "Layers" album HEAVILY when he recorded his mid 70's triumphs because the electric piano
sounds and textured melodies on this album bare the stamp of no one else-the overall record ranking in artistic influence right up there with Wonder's,Gaye's and Isaac Haye's recent work.But for historical note Les McCan did it first and very uniquely.First of all McCann literally "layered" moogs,clavinet's,the electric piano and varrious synthesizers to create this
unique mastersrtoke of electronic funk-paving the way not only for the synthesizer onslaught to come but to every artist to come.Nevertheless there is a very abscract feel to the suite even if it's very accessible-the melodies drip and drip like
a leaky faucet until they sink into the memory.Listing any
particular highlites are pointless-every track is excellent o it's on and are trancendant as a whole;remarkable!"

I Love It!

Olukayode Balogun | Leeds, England | 05/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is brilliant. McCann is a monster on the keys - piano, electric piano, ARP synth, clavinet, drums and tympani. He's joined by Buck Clarke on conga drums, bongo drums, blocks, bells and percussion, by Ralph MacDonald on conga drums, bells and percussion, by Donald Dean on drums, bells and percussion and by Jimmy Rowser on bass violin ("Sometimes I Cry" & "Soaring Part 1"), electric bass ("Let's Gather", "Dunbar High School Marching Band" & "Harlem Buck Street Dance"), strut bells and percussion. The music seems to seep out of the speakers like molten lava, like an auditory warm massage even. It's as smooth as silk but it isn't smooth jazz. It brings to mind some of my favourite moments from the likes of Herbie Hancock, Ronnie Foster and Stevie Wonder - all at the same time. Even though my copy arrived damaged and have been unable to play tracks 6-9, I still can't get it off my CD player. I love it!



(The seller has kindly offered without quibble, to send me a replacement, by the way)"

A Groundbreaking Album

J. Merritt | 08/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This record has a reputation that precedes it but, frankly, it should have more of one. That it is not thought of as one of the great jazz/funk records of the early 70's by everyone on earth is an injustice. McCann effectively merged genres, stepping out of his pure jazz work of the 60's into a fusion that incorporated improvisation and more of a soul/funk sound. He deserves more credit for bridging these rivers of music. He deserves more credit in general. He deserves to be listened to. Listen, please. I promise, you'll wanna buy."