Edward Thomas Fisher’s jazz guitar album »Fisher« is a fusion of soul-jazz, raw fuzz rock and infectious funk beats. First released in 1976 on his own label Nentu, the LP has now been reissued by Mad About Records. The album covers a wide range of genres and isn’t afraid to venture into psychedelic territory. Compared to his previous albums »The Third Cup« and »The Next One Hundred Years«, released on Chicago’s Cadet Records, it is less jazzy and much more experimental.
The opening track, »Cosmic Blues«, is a funk explosion that impresses with both its experimental character and its powerful groove. Here Fisher shows that he can effortlessly find a harmonious balance between familiar soul-funk elements and innovative psych-funk. »I’ll Be Good« is another highlight; a track that represents the soothing and romantic side of the album, with gentle soul melodies and soulful guitar lines. This tranquil atmosphere provides an excellent contrast to the harder, funkier tracks, highlighting the album’s versatility.
It is an album that impresses with its stylistic diversity and uncompromising willingness to experiment. An absolute must for fans of soul-funk. The enormous range of musical influences and the courage to cross conventional boundaries make this LP an outstanding work of the 1970s. For his musical brilliance, Edward Thomas Fisher was inducted into the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame in 2004, recognising his legacy as an innovative jazz and funk musician.
Fisher
