Odyssey
"Avant-gutbucket" was one label applied to guitarist James "Blood" Ulmer's nearly unclassifiable mix of harmolodic jazz, blues, and funk. OnOdyssey, the 1983 album that is perhaps his greatest, those elements make for an inspired, inspiring disc that alternates between vocals inspired by Muddy Waters ("Little Red House," Ulmer's signature "Are You Glad to Be in America?") and soaring instrumental showcases ("Love Dance"). The latter make particularly good use of the unique guitar-violin-drums lineup. The "experimental" tag might have damaged the commercial chances of this music, but it's never too late for you to catch up with this assured, endlessly appealing sound.--Rickey Wright