Released on Los Angeles' independent
Black Jazz Records
, 1972's
Spring Rain
found tenor saxophonist
Rudolph Johnson
leading his quartet and playing a vibrantly gritty, funky brand of modal jazz. An Ohio native,
Johnson
honed his skills as a member of organist
Jimmy McGriff
's hard-swinging group of the early '60s before establishing himself on the West Coast. Blessed with a big, warm tone and an ear for advanced harmonies,
was highly regarded among his peers.
showcases his forward-leaning aesthetic, dipping into R&B grooves one minute and far-reaching atonal lines the next. It's a style that evokes the influence of titans like
John Coltrane
and
Eddie Harris
, but one which never fails to sound like anyone but
. Helping him bring his earthy sound to life was his rhythm section, led by pianist
John Barnes
;
Barnes
would go on to work with a string of R&B superstars including
Supremes
,
Marvin Gaye
, and
Michael Jackson
(he's the keyboardist on
Bad
). Joining him was bassist
Reggie Johnson
, who would later play with
Archie Shepp
Kenny Burrell
Mingus Dynasty
. Rounding out the group was drummer
Ray Pounds
, yet another future studio luminary who would play on
Stevie Wonder
's
Songs in the Key of Life
, and record with
Phyllis Hyman
Hubert Laws
Jeffery Osborne
. Produced by keyboardist and label founder
Gene Russell
captured their head-turning energy, steeped in driving grooves and ferocious improvisations that seemed to speak to the social and political activism of the Black community during the Vietnam era. Still, there's an immediacy to
that transcends its cult reputation as a time capsule of '70s jazz.
followed the album with a second
Black Jazz
release in 1974, but spent the majority of his career as a member of
Ray Charles
' big band before passing away in 2007. Decades after its initial release,
remains a deeply engaging album that sparks with
's soulful creativity. ~ Matt Collar