The Phoenix Authority - Blood, Sweat & Brass (1970)

A very groovy record, hiding under a slightly obscure name – but one that's overflowing with all-star talent throughout! The great Ernie Wilkins heads up the whole thing – and his approach here is way groovier, way funkier than just about any other record he worked on – which is maybe no surprise as the lineup features heavyweights like Chris Woods and Hubert Laws on tenor and flute, Kenny Burrell and David Spinoza on guitars, Woody Shaw and Joe Newman on trumpets, and Frank Owen on keyboards and organ! But maybe the best part is the rhythm – as the set features a young Chuck Rainey on bass, with great drums from either Grady Tate or Herbie Lovelle – on titles that include great takes on "Everyday People", "Get Back", "Come Together", "Spinning Wheel", "Down On Me", "Journey To the Center Of The Mind", and "One".