Name: Power of Soul
Brand: Idris Muhammad

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

KUDU17

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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

2022-04-22

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Scorpio

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

MOVLP738

[r11425030]

2022-07-22

Little Amber Fish

8719262005068

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Artist

Idris Muhammad

Genre GB

Jazz

Label GB

Idris Muhammad was an American drummer known for his contributions to the world of music. Born on November 13, 1939 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, he made a significant impact on the industry before his passing on July 29, 2014. With his exceptional talent and skill, Idris Muhammad left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.
Throughout his career, Idris Muhammad showcased his mastery of the drums through various genres including jazz, funk, and soul. His rhythmic precision and unique style set him apart from other drummers of his time. He collaborated with numerous renowned artists such as Lou Donaldson and Pharoah Sanders, leaving an indelible mark on their recordings.
Idris Muhammad's musical journey spanned several decades during which he released numerous albums as both a solo artist and a session musician. His discography showcases his versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles while maintaining his distinctive sound. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential drummers in the history of music.

Back In Stock

This album is one of the reasons that Idris Muhammad is regarded as the drumming king of groove. Featuring the arrangements and keyboards of Bob James, the saxophone punch of Grover Washington, Jr., guitarist Joe Beck, trumpeter Randy Brecker, percussionist Ralph MacDonald, and the knife-edge slick production of Creed Taylor, this 1974 issue is a burning piece of deep, jazzy soul and grooved-out bliss. 

The funk flies fast and heavy, particularly on the title track (Jimi Hendrix's tune), with soaring solos by Grover and James, who fall down in the groove to Muhammad's powerful pace, setting from the heart of the pocket. Beck's own solo is special in that he moves against the tempo just a bit, but that only increases the listener's dependence on the groove of Muhammad. Clocking in at only 34 minutes it's a perfect slice of the raw-onion emotion Muhammad was pulling down at the time. 

While there isn't a weak track in the four, it's Washington's Loran's Dance that takes the cake, even over Hendrix. While the former is dark and heavy, and the immediately preceding tracks by James and Beck, respectively, are light, fancy, free nods to Creed Taylor's hoping for a jazz radio single, it's Loran's Dance that showcases not only Washington as an aspiring writer in his own right (this is only a year before Feels So Good and Mr. Magic appeared), but also as a talented interpreter of the edges where jazz and soul come together. James' arrangements are tight, and everybody gets to solo with a little more freedom and grace.

Muhammad keeps the pocket wide and Brecker and Washington dance all around in it as James plays the accents furtively. This is some easy-moving, yet musically complex jazz. There is great power in these four tracks to make you move or reflect or just tap your foot while nodding "yeah" at your speakers imperceptibly.

Power of Soul

Music GB

Buy Idris Muhammad - Power of Soul (Vinyl, CD) now from Rough Trade - independent purveyors of great music, since 1976.