
This 1975 gem from saxophonist and vocalist Gary Bartz delivers a euphoric and supremely funky sonic voyage. Produced by the pioneering sibling duo of Larry and Alphonso "Fonce" Mizell—whose frequently-sampled work shaped the sound of ‘70s jazz and R&B—The Shadow Do! finds Bartz at his finest, as he delivers a joyful collection of songs, including the expansive opening track, “Winding Roads,” the electrifying “Mother Nature,” the blissful “Love Tones,” and the supremely smooth “Gentle Smiles (Saxy),” which ‘90s hip-hop fans may recognize from A Tribe Called Quest’s “Butter.” In addition to many outstanding sax performances by Bartz (plus synths and multi-layered backing vocals by the Mizel brothers), the album features an all-star cast of musicians, including keyboardist Hubert Eaves, drummer Howard King, Reggie Lucas (guitar), Mtume (percussion), and former Miles Davis sidemen Michael Henderson (bass).
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