Dennis Coffey - Absolutely the Best of Dennis Coffey (2011)

Like Big City Funk, released by Spain’s Vampi Soul in 2006, Absolutely the Best of Dennis Coffey covers the guitarist’s output for Clarence Avant's Sussex label: Evolution (1971), Goin’ for Myself (1972), Electric Coffey (1972), and Instant Coffey (1973). This is the one to get. It boasts considerably better sound and a lengthier track list. The entirety of Evolution -- featuring the oft-sampled Top Ten R&B hit “Scorpio” and a grinding version of Led Zeppelin's “Whole Lotta Love” -- is scattered throughout the sequence, while smart selections from the other three albums -- including the number 11 R&B hit "Taurus," "Son of Scorpio," and "Theme from Enter the Dragon" -- take up the other half of the disc. Prime instrumental funk informed by acid rock, gutsy soul, and street-level jazz.