Ted Coleman Band – Taking Care Of Business

Ted Coleman Band "Taking Care Of Business"Here is a great reissue – an album recorded in 1979 by vibraphonist, pianist, and singer Ted Coleman. The whole sound here is a brilliant mix where Roy Ayers meets Lonnie Liston Smith. And there is a heavy dose of Cal Tjader, too, with a lot of Latin influences throughout.

The opening cut “Can You Feel It” is a perfect soul/jazz/fusion melange and features Ted on quirky, but effective and infectious vocals. “Due Consideration” shows his Bill Withers-style vocal approach and also his soulful, breezy vibes playing. The whole production is also worth a mention. Crisp and clear, with a touch of cool. The Roy Ayers touch can be felt on “If We Took The Time”. Think Roy Ayers meets Bill Withers and you have your inevitably groovy sound.

The ultra-rare LP, which was amazingly expensive throughout the years (original copies of the album were at 650$), was issued on JSR Records in 1980 with artwork designed by Ted Coleman himself. It also includes an interlude of “Due Consideration”, an instrumental version of the piece. I can’t get enough of “Sweet Bird” which opens side 2 of the album, an elegant instrumental where more of those Cal Tjader-like vibes playing can be heard as well as a funky guitar solo and hilarious synth backing.

The tender and dreamy voice is back for “What A Lovely Way To Spend A Life” which also includes caressing strings and pure, raw vibes work. Another masterpiece. Latin percussion and soothing strings back up the final cut on this long overdue reissue: “Samba De” is a dance/disco number which underscores the fusion-y character of this well-rounded album. Accompanying him are George Naha on lead guitar, Ethan Rips on rhythm guitar, Tim Tindall on bass, Al Woods, Jr. and David Nuding on drums, and Albert Reyes and David Stone on percussion. 36 years later, the Ted Coleman band is still playing and Ted is now based in New Jersey.

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