Labels like Jazzman or Finders Keepers have been digging deeply and extensively into the Rare-groove-mine, which is why hardly anyone ever digs up a rough diamond that has been unheard of. The record in question is such a rarity, unknown to the whole international collector-community. It’s mostly because the recording reaches back almost 40 years, and still, it’s no re-release, but a debut instead. The label Strata Records, formerly presided by Kenny Cox, was one of the main Afro-American collectives, which, far away from the industry’s heavy weights, strove for financial and creative independence. However, the expected knock-out followed soon after the founding and was an ultimate one, so that the record label’s development ended rather abruptly. Amir Abdullah (of the renowned DJ- and beat-digger-duo Kon & Amir) has recently dug deep into his pockets and purchased the copyrights of the Strata-catalogue. Now, he seamlessly picks it up where Detroit’s Jazz-scene was left bleeding out. The first release of Label180 Proof – the label that was founded exclusively for this purpose – is this very master piece by the name of »Clap! Clap! The Joyful Music«, which was just about to be released back then. The title track begins with a kind of nonchalance, reminding the listener of Turrentine‘s »Storm« and setting the tone for the rest of the record. Sometimes you’ll find dreamy strings at walking speed, at other parts furious and uptempo Rhodes- and horn-soli. Either way: This record is approaching the last steps of a long journey and will surely find a place in countless collections.
Sahib Shihab
Summer Dawm
Rearward