Reggie Andrews & The Fellowship – Mystic Beauty
Here is a beautiful jazz LP that just passed through the shop.
Mystic Beauty was released on the tiny Los Angeles-based H.M.E. imprint, the H and the M of which stood for its owner Harry Mitchell. The label released a few latin- and soul-flavored jazz releases, including a record or two by the Harold Johnson Sextet (thanks to Office Naps for the tip).
EDIT Reggie Andrews nowadays teaches music in the Los Angeles school district – he’s instructed plenty of greats, from Patrice Rushen to The Pharcyde – and was also in the 70s/80s disco-funk outfit Dazz. Also he’s got some school band material out there that’s worth seeking out. Great to hear he’s still living in music. Here’s an interesting interview with the man himself on NPR (not related to his old records, per se).
This album is deep, latin-influenced, primarily acoustic jazz. Influences range from the cerebral to the soulful, but it defies any one-dimensional tag like “spiritual jazz” or “soul jazz” or “jazz funk”. Sure it’s from L.A. but it doesn’t sound particularly “west coast”. It’s a beautiful session all around, really something special, very much worth every dollar of it’s high price tag. Enjoy – Jonny
Download HERE
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
It is in fact the same guy who taught in the LA school district. He also produced several school/band funk type LP’s like the infamous “Locke Saints 2LP” joint and the Msingi Workshop LP with Patrice Rushen. He still teaches there actually.
April 22nd, 2009 at 4:39 pm
It’s REALLY good. Thanks for sharing!
April 25th, 2009 at 3:23 am
Thanks for posting this. I found this album just last week at a local Carson, California garage sale for a quarter. Couldn’t find any information on the record over the weekend, then suddenly you post this! Having the mp3s means I’ll only have to play the vinyl on special occasions. I’ve really been enjoying it. Thanks again.
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:14 pm
THANKS ! Probably one of my few wants ! Very nice you took the effort and all !!!!
May 3rd, 2009 at 6:45 am
Cheers for posting this. Definitely a cut above the usual soul jazz fare. Really liking “Sir Lady” at the moment.
May 4th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
lucky enough to own this one.. champagne record all the way
May 6th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Nice one, Jonny. Thanks for putting that up!
May 11th, 2009 at 2:23 am
Wow, what an incredible album. Just dowloaded and it’s already on repeat. Certainly sounds more like something out of Philadelphia jazz circles as opposed to LA. Song for J has a very swinging punch. Thanx – much appreciated.
October 11th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
wow. this is some wonderful spiritual jazz. I can only imagine how good the funky jazz Locke Saints Band album is!!!!!!
January 15th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
where does Mr. Andrew teaches now… I know he’s no longer at Locke High School…