LONNIE LISTON SMITH & THE COSMIC ECHOES Vinilo y CD

Review: Legendary keyboardist Lonnie Liston Smith worked with jazz greats like Dakota Staton, Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, and Roland Kirk, formed a notable partnership with Pharoah Sanders and Leon Thomas, toured Europe with Gato Barbieri and played Fender Rhodes with Miles Davis, all before putting out his own solo album. Smith's debut, Astral Traveling, released on Bob Thiele's Flying Dutchman label features his Cosmic Echoes and includes life-affirming cosmic jazz tracks like 'Let Us Go Into The House Of The Lord' and 'In Search Of Truth.' This reissue includes a gatefold sleeve and liner notes by jazz critic Nat Hentoff.

Review: Lonnie Liston Smith's collaboration with The Cosmic Echoes is undoubtedly his crowning achievement. The six-album streak from 1973 to 1976 is impeccable, with 'Renaissance' standing out but Cosmic Echoes maybe marking a pinnacle. Opening with the celestial 'Cosmic Funk this album remains as vibrant today as it was back when it first arrived. It now gets a deserving repress in various different forms with this one being a limited clear vinyl. This gem of jazz-funk has real brilliance and timeless allure so should not be slept on.

Review: Lonnie Liston Smith's legacy in the world of spiritual jazz, soul and funk is huge, but he remains an often overlooked figure only discovered by those with a dedication to the music. As such, his albums are always worthy of reissue to hopefully reach more ears in need of the gifts they possess, and while Expansions is rightly considered his landmark offering, this swift follow up with The Cosmic Echoes is just as essential. Just melt into the bubbling, fast-slow reverie of 'Beautiful Woman' and let Smith's exquisite talents carry you away. If you already know the music, then take a chance to cop a freshly remastered edition, and if you're not familiar with Smith's work then take this golden opportunity to expand your horizons.