Bennie Maupin – The Jewel In The Lotus
When you think of classic digger records, Lonnie’s albums are sure to come up. Endlessly sampled (the most famous being Digable Planets’ “Pacifics”) and sought after for his warmly produced cosmic funk, Visions of a New World is a slight departure from the artist’s typical sound. Much of the record dives into a more soulfully meditative realm, with seductive, contemplative grooves that work in elements of new age. The lyrics celebrate Mother Nature while yearning for inner and world peace — timeless sentiments that are more relevant than ever.
– DM
Recommended – A1 A Chance For Peace, A3 Colors of the Rainbow, B1 Sunset
Tags: Fusion / Jazz-funk / New Age / Samples
Tracklist:
A1 A Chance For Peace
A2 Love Beams
A3 Colors Of The Rainbow
A4 Devika (Goddess)
B1 Sunset
B2 Visions Of A New World (Phase I)
B3 Visions Of A New World (Phase II)
B4 Summer Nights
Credits:
Art Direction – Acy Lehman, Dick Smith (9)
Artwork – Jack Martin (5)
Bongos, Percussion – Angel Allende (tracks: A1 to B1, B3, B4)
Congas, Percussion – Lawrence Killian (tracks: A1 to B1, B3, B4)
Drums – Art Gore (tracks: A1, A2, A4, B1, B3, B4), Wilby Fletcher (tracks: A1, A2, A4, B1, B3, B4)
Electric Bass – Greg Maker (tracks: A1, A2, A4, B1, B3, B4)
Flute – Donald Smith (tracks: A2, B1, B4)
Guitar – Reggie Lucas (tracks: A1, B3)
Horns – Dave Hubbard (tracks: A1, A2, B1, B3, B4)
Keyboards – Lonnie Liston Smith
Mixed By – Dave Wittman, Lonnie Liston Smith, Michael Carvin
Percussion – Michael Carvin (tracks: A1, A2, A4, B1, B3, B4), Ray Armando (tracks: A1, A2, A4, B1, B3, B4)
Producer – Bob Thiele, Lonnie Liston Smith
Soprano Saxophone – Dave Hubbard (tracks: A4)
Trombone – Clifford Adams (tracks: A1, A3)
Trumpet – Cecil Bridgewater (tracks: A1, B3)
Vocals – Donald Smith (tracks: A1, A3, B2)
