LP - Lonnie Smith - Funk Reaction

1LP - Import

Continuing Mr Bongo's series exploring the wealth of material released through the record labels of Sonny Lester, 1977's "Funk Reaction" finds Hammond B3 organ virtuoso Lonnie Smith at his most dancefloor-friendly.

Dripping with groove and swagger, the album skates between jazz-funk, cosmic disco radiance, beat-laden slow-jams, and conscious psychedelic soul. Originally released on Lester's Groove Merchant Records successor, Lester Radio Corporation, the album feels more like a collaborative band-orientated project as opposed to a solo artist outing.

Featuring some elite session players of the time, including Steve Gadd on drums, guitarist Lance Quinn, and bassist Bob Babbitt, the album is tied together expertly by songwriter, arranger and conductor Brad Baker. As a whole, the album is a superb example of Smith's ability to merge jazz with elements of funk, soul, disco, and beyond, experimenting with ideas whilst broadening the scope of both his audience and appeal.