Roger Glenn – Reachin' (Jazz Dispensary Top Shelf Series)

Roger Glenn's Reachin' arrived in 1976, a point when the Mizell Brothers' jazz-funk style was already well established, and it puts Glenn's own Latin-jazz background right at the center of that sound. Best known as a flautist on key Mizell-produced sessions, Glenn uses this lone 1970s solo album to push flute, vibraphone and percussion-led fusion into something bright, rhythmic and distinctly personal. The result is less a sideman showcase than a full-band statement, with the Mizells' sleek, groove-heavy production framing Glenn's melodic attack especially well.

What stands out is the mix of movement and colour: rolling rhythms, funky organ textures, lively percussion and a strong Latin pulse running through pieces like Rio, Don't Leave and Rezo Chango. The personnel underlines that scope, with players including Bill Summers, Ray Obiedo, Paul Jackson and Pete Escovedo helping give the record its fluid crossover feel between jazz-funk and fusion. AllMusic singles out Rio as a Latin-leaning highlight and describes the album as an essential pick for listeners drawn to the Mizell Brothers' catalogue.

This Jazz Dispensary Top Shelf edition is especially welcome because it brings Reachin' back to vinyl for the first time in fifty years. For anyone exploring the deeper corners of 1970s spiritual, Latin and groove-driven jazz, it is an easy record to understand the appeal of: concise, danceable and packed with character.

Features

• LP, 180g, Jazz Dispensary Top Shelf Series
• AAA lacquers cut from the original master tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio
• Pressed at Fidelity Record Pressing
• Gatefold tip-on jacket
• First time on vinyl in 50 years

Reviews

• This album is an essential purchase for all fans of the great Mizell brothers, Larry and Fonce. - AllMusic.com

Genre: Jazz