Memphis Underground – HERBIE MANN****

Memphis Underground/New Orleans/Hold On I’m Comin’/Chain Of Fools/Battle Hymn Of The Republic

Jazz flautist Herbie Mann consistently dented the lower reaches of the US album chart between 1962-1979 but without much impact on the top twenty. The only exception was Memphis Underground. (US:20)

"I can see why this went over so well with the public. Fun, lightweight soul/R & B covers (and one original in a similar vein) are done in an upbeat, funky style. The Memphis rhythm section is more than competent, laying down rock-solid soul grooves for the four main soloists; Herbie Mann, Roy Ayers, Larry Coryell and Sonny Sharrock. The main thing preventing this from a better rating are some of the tunes, which are somewhat on the bland side."

"A rather floating, relaxed and funky session with a steady groove and some great guitar. Quite enjoyable, Memphis Underground was the album that shook acoustic jazz, because it was the first 'closing of ranks' with rock, since (heavily distorted) electric instruments - formerly only used in rock - appeared for the first time in jazz."

"This album is priceless. It can be enjoyed by any true music fan, specifically since it bridges the gap between jazz and pop, or as here, jazz and soul. Imagine Booker T & The MGs with a flute player, and you're getting close to the sound of this amazing album. It's the kind of album that you can listen intently to every note, or put it on as background music, and it's all good. The songs have that driving soul feel to them."

"One of Herbie Mann's best albums. The title track Memphis Underground is a real soul-jazz high point. A seven minute solid driving tune, where the lead instruments never impose over the rhythm section. Rest of the album's pretty good too."

"This is a well-made late '60s jazz-pop album played by solid musicians and the title track is infectious and bears repeated listening. I think that Mann is not an all-time great flute player, but he is a very good one and he's at his best when he gets to work in an easy, lazy groove, like the title cut or Chain Of Fools. He has a nice languid style that brings out the essence of the tunes."

"Lots of R & B feel and some wondrous jazz riffs. The guitar and vibe sound great with Mann's flute, and the rhythm section is rock solid."