Ronnie Foster - Two-Headed Freap

1995 – UK reissue

Year Released: 1972

Genre: Jazz-Funk, Soul Jazz, Funk

Description:

Two-Headed Freap is the debut studio album by American jazz organist Ronnie Foster, released in 1972 on the legendary Blue Note Records label. The album is a classic and definitive work of the jazz-funk and soul-jazz genres, showcasing Foster's dynamic and groovy playing style. At a time when jazz was experimenting with fusion and rock influences, Foster's sound was a direct and soulful bridge between the classic organ-trio sound and the raw funk of the early 1970s.

The album's sound is a vibrant and energetic blend of classic organ-trio arrangements with a funky, backbeat-heavy rhythm section. Foster's playing is the centerpiece, with his masterful command of the Hammond B-3 organ, which he uses to create a wide range of sounds, from soulful melodies to percussive, funky chords. The album is also notable for the stellar lineup of session musicians who contributed to the record, including guitarist Melvin Sparks, drummer Idris Muhammad, and flutist and saxophonist George Duvivier.

Two-Headed Freap features a number of key tracks that have become staples for fans of funk and jazz. The album's opening track, "Chunky," is an infectious and driving funk instrumental that sets the tone for the entire record. The album also features a cover of the Crusaders' "L.A. Connection," which Foster reinterprets with a soulful, organ-driven groove. The album's most enduring legacy, however, is the track "Mystic Brew," a laid-back and hypnotic soul-jazz piece that was famously sampled by hip-hop producer A Tribe Called Quest for their 1993 classic "Electric Relaxation." The sample's use in one of hip-hop's most beloved tracks gave "Mystic Brew" and, by extension, the entire album, a renewed sense of life and a whole new audience. Two-Headed Freap is a timeless record that proves the power of a deep groove and a soulful performance