Name: Funk Reaction
Brand: Lonnie Smith

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

MRBLP298

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2024-05-24

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Proper

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

7119691295312

Total Cap

Black LP

MRBCD298

7119691295428

Artist

Lonnie Smith

Genre GB

Funk / Soul

Label GB

Mr Bongo

Mr Bongo is a British label that was founded in 1989. Originally located in a small record shop of the same name, it later moved to various locations in Soho and Shibuya, Japan. In 1999, the label's office was relocated to Brighton and its London & Shibuya shops were closed in 2003. However, a new shop was opened in Brighton in 2016. Since 2004, Mr Bongo has expanded into the world of cinema and also has a publishing division that produces and licenses music for third parties.
The label's rich history and diverse range of music make it an influential player in the industry. With its extensive catalog and commitment to quality, Mr Bongo continues to be at the forefront of discovering new talent and delivering exceptional music experiences.
Label Code: LC 12527

Continuing Mr Bongo's series exploring the wealth of material released through the record labels of Sonny Lester, 1977's Funk Reaction fnds Hammond B3 organ virtuoso Lonnie Smith at his most dancefoor- friendly.

 Dripping with groove and swagger, this album skates between jazz-funk, cosmic disco radiance, beat-laden slow-jams and conscious psychedelic soul. 

Having played with the likes of George Benson and Lou Donaldson in the '60s, alongside releasing a string of albums on Columbia and Blue Note, Funk Reaction sees Smith move into late '70s disco-funk-tinged territory.

Originally released on Sonny Lester's Groove Merchant Records successor, Lester Radio Corporation, the album feels more like a collaborative band- orientated project as opposed to a solo artist outing. Featuring some elite session players of the time, including Steve Gadd on drums, guitarist Lance Quinn and bassist Bob Babbitt , the album is tied together expertly by songwriter, arranger and conductor Brad Baker. 

It's worth the price tag alone for the superb disco-funk nugget 'Funk Reaction'. Other highlights include the only Lonnie Smith penned track on the album 'All In My Mind', that shines with a beautiful Stevie Wonder-esque quality and the slick guitar- led foater 'When The Night Is Right', written by and featuring guitarist Richie Hohenburger. Elsewhere, 'For The Love Of It' and the Brad Babbitt written 'Babbitt's Other Song' serve up classic jazz funk favours, both featuring stellar tenor saxophone from Eddie Daniels. 

As a whole, the album is a superb example of Lonnie Smith's ability to merge jazz with elements of funk, soul, disco and beyond, experimenting with ideas whilst broadening the scope of both his audience and appeal. Fans of The Blackbyrds, the CTI / Kudu stable and '70s George Benson will dig this!

Funk Reaction

Music GB

Discover Funk Reaction by Lonnie Smith on Mr Bongo. Dive into this dancefloor-friendly album blending jazz-funk, disco, and soul. Available in vinyl format.