Soul Manifesto
At first glance, this album, led by nimble postbop guitarist Rodney Jones, seems like a groove-grinding throwback, concentrating its efforts on chestnuts like "Soul Makossa," "Ain't No Sunshine," and Mal Waldron's beautiful "Soul Eyes." But as the tunes unfurl via a sharp cast--drummer Idris Muhammad, organist Dr. Lonnie Smith, and alto saxophonists Maceo Parker and Arthur Blythe, along with Jones--it becomes clear that the soul-jazz arrangements are simply a guise for some very hot, involved soloing. Muhammad is inspired throughout, bucking and dropping bombs, and Smith rages with suave sass as he massages the grooves with his warm glow. Democratic to the core, "Soul Makossa" finds Jones almost sounding like a sideman, so brief and selfless is his playing. He is practically outdone by Blythe on "One Turnip Green" and "Mobius 3." Even though Jones does not wail with the grit of his compatriots,Soul Manifestobumps hard and often enough to light fires for barbecues and ballrooms alike.--Ken Micallef