Carey Harris & Michael Orr – Spread Love (50th Anniversary Edition)

Carey Harris & Michael Orr's Spread Love returns in a 50th Anniversary Edition that finally gives this long-overlooked soul-jazz private press album some deserved attention. Originally self-released in 1975 after labels passed on the material, it was recorded in Cleveland and built from pure DIY commitment, with Orr and Harris pressing ahead on their own terms. That backstory matters because you can hear it in the music: a warmly human blend of modern soul, gospel, early disco, jazz-funk and spiritual jazz, all held together by a message of uplift rather than polish-for-polish's-sake.

Michael Orr's songwriting and rich baritone sit at the centre, while Carey Harris helps anchor the album's fluid groove. The title track remains the key statement, but the record goes deeper than one cult favourite. Bernardine Mitchell's performance on Feelings gives the song real emotional weight, and Here I Go (Through These Changes Again) became notable enough to be covered later by Johnnie Taylor. Elsewhere, flute and vibraphone details, plus touches of spacey soul and spiritual jazz, give the album a distinctive character that separates it from more straightforward mid-70s R&B.

What makes Spread Love especially satisfying is how fully realised it sounds despite its original obscurity. This isn't just a curiosity rescued from the crates: it's a thoughtful, musically ambitious record with roots in church, community and independent Black music-making of the era. For anyone drawn to rediscoveries that connect soulful songwriting with jazz-minded arrangements, this is an easy one to recommend.

Features

• Black Vinyl, 50th Anniversary Edition
• Remastered from the restored original tapes
• Tip-on sleeve
• Gatefold LP jacket