Natural Life "Natural Life"

Sorry for the long delay between posts. July has been a super busy work month for me and has incidentally left me with a very small window for blogging. Well, regardless of my time constraints I thought I would throw a little something up before the weekend comes to a close.

Here’s some more private press jazz with its roots in the Minneapolis scene of the late 70’s. This self-titled album by Natural Life is made up of two studio sessions cut directly to disc. By the late 70’s overdubbing and studio tricks had become so prolific in jazz recordings that a few subversive jazz artists began to buck the trend and record direct to disc. Direct to disc meant no mistakes could be made, this could really only be pulled off by a group of players with great chops. Natural Life definitely had the chops to pull it off.

The album is made up of three extended cuts, which gives each player a chance to really showcase their skills. Each track is like a mini opus where musical styles and instrumentation change with frequency. Although the sound here sometimes borderlines on fusion, the groove is solid enough to keep things firmly grounded. In my opinion, the cast turns out something that’s worthy or preservation and shouldn’t be lost to total obscurity.

The Players:

Captain Mike Elliot – guitar
Sargent Bob Rockwell – tenor and soprano sax, flute
Bobby (Bobbette) Peterson – piano and electric piano
Corporal Billy Peterson – electric and string bass
Steve (Rainbows) Kimmel – congas, tables, and auxiliary percussion
Bill (Ice) Berg - drums

boomp3.com

Do you prefer good clean living? Then perhaps it's the natural life for you my friend. Leave some food for thought in the comments section.

Peace...................Dr. Fever