Weldon Irvine - Spirit Man (1975) [2009]

Spirit Man channels the sonic sprawl of the preceding Cosmic Vortex (Justice Divine) to forge a tighter, more focused approach. Eschewing vocals altogether, it's Weldon Irvine's most balanced and complete recording, deftly combining massive funk grooves with ingenious electronic elements. Featuring a supporting cast including bassist Cleveland Freeman, trumpeters Charles Sullivan and Everett "Blood" Hollins, and saxophonist Sonny Fortune, Spirit Man parallels Herbie Hancock's groundbreaking fusion dates in both the imagination and ferocity of Irvine's keyboards as well as the extraterrestrial reach of its electronic effects. This music is deep, funky, and deeply funky.

Tracks:

01. We Gettin' Down (5:51)
02. Softly (0:41)
03. Pogo Stick (6:47)
04. Blast Off (4:20)
05. Jungle Juice (8:12)
06. Yasmin (4:42)
07. The Power and the Glory (5:46)
08. Softly (1:28)

Personnel:

Weldon Irvine - acoustic piano, electric piano, clavinet, synthesizer
Cleveland Freeman - electric bass
Wesley "Gator" Watson - drums
Henry Grate, Jr. - guitar
Napoleon Revels - percussion
Bud Johnson, Jr. - congas, bongos
Everett "Blood" Hollins, Charles Sullivan - trumpet
Sonny Fortune - alto saxophone