2nd Wave (reissue) CD

Despite the title, 2nd Wave is not a doom-jazz commentary on recent Coronavirus developments, but rather a sought-after 1975 set from obscure keyboardist Roland Haynes. Here it gets a deserved reissue, with a new re-master turning the original set's quadrophonic sound into sparkling (and more straightforward) stereo. Offering a mixture of melodious soul-jazz and high-octane jazz-funk, the album not only deftly showcases Haynes' impressive musicianship (as you'd expect, most tracks feature mesmeric and mazy electric piano solos from the man himself), but also that of his assembled studio band. It's a sparkling, all-action set all told, and one that's well worth a place in your collection.