Charles Earland

What do y'all think of 'The Mighty Burner'. I think he's my secondfave Jazz/Fusion artist and so far I have the following albums: Black Power, Soul Crib, Black Talk!, Living Black!, Odyssey, The Great Pyramid & Smokin'. This guy had a prestigious output I think he released 40-45 albums during his career.

Earland is frigging brilliant. He had a helluva knack for re-harmonizing pop tunes into completely new compositions. He had the grease required for the groove oriented stuff, a fine touch on the blues and could also lay down the crazy bebop chops when the occasion required. Black Talk is essential, everyone should own that record.

He did a ton of work as a sideman as well, check out Rusty Bryant's Fire Eater for some of Charles' best playing.

Ha! Nice recommendation, Fire Eater was on my Christmas Wish List this year *crosses fingers*

I've been spinning Leaving This Planet quite a bit and it kicks ass! Even my wife who is not a Jazz aficionada likes it! Great album and if you don't own it, get it!

I've been jamming his rendition of "More Today Than Yesterday" a lot the past two days, it's got an intangible coolness to it that I can't pinpoint.

Akeldama wrote:

I've been jamming his rendition of "More Today Than Yesterday" a lot the past two days, it's got an intangible coolness to it that I can't pinpoint.

Well, that is considered a classic rendition of that song, so alot of other people share your love for it. The chart is fantastic for a small group session, the muted trumpet is an especially nice touch (not many trumpet players in organ groups). This song also fall into that "kinda goofy, but played so well it becomes incredibly hip" category that good soul jazz records achieve.

I also have some other good renditions of this song on other albums, though none of quite the same quality.

Grant Green - Live At Club Mozambique
Shirley Scott - Shirley Scott & The Soul Saxes
Howard Roberts - Spinning Wheel

If you really love this groove, I highly recommend picking up this album...one of my favorites from the early 70's....

Hmmm...after that insightful commentary I'm gonna listen to it again and delve deeper. That is the only Jazz version I've ever heard so I need to check out the other ones. I'll check out if the Jazz Heritage Society has the dics you recommended Detuned, thx.