Jay Berliner - Bananas Are Not Created Equal (1972) [2017 Mainstream Records Master Collection] CD-Rip

A silly title, but a funky little record – one of the only ones we've ever seen from guitarist Jay Berliner, and one of the best cookers from the early 70s Mainstream Records years! The sound here is almost soundtrack funk at points – lots of up-front lines from Berliner on guitar – riffing away over backings that include organ and keyboards from Paul Griffin, congas from Ray Barretto, drums from Jimmy Johnson, and additional rhythm guitar from Cornell Dupree. Wade Marcus arranged, and the sound is tight without being slick – a great sort of Kudu Records-styled groove – and an especially nice setting for Jay's guitar.

Tracks:

01. Getting The Message 04:04
02. I Just Want To Be There 03:55
03. Papa Was A Rolling Stone 05:30
04. Hey Western Union Man 03:10
05. Stormy 04:21
06. Use Me 03:07
07. We've Come Too Far To End It Now 04:40
08. Stickball 03:58
09. I'm Still In Love With You 04:18

Personnel:

Guitar Jay Berliner
Bass Gordon Edwards
Drums Jimmy Johnson
Piano Paul Griffin
Congas Ray Barretto
Guitar Cornell Dupree
Vibes, Tambourine Joe Venuto
Arrangements, Conductor Wade Marcus