HERBIE MANN - Muscle Shoals Nitty Gritty (1969-2013) RM / Jazz Best Collection 1000 - 9 / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although it followed a formula similar to the hugely successful Memphis Underground, Muscle Shoals Nitty Gritty stands on its own as a superb example of the fusion of jazz with '60s soul music, a genre that Herbie Mann stood atop at the time of its release. In addition to Mann band members Roy Ayers, Miroslav Vitous and Bruno Carr, the recording employs the Muscle Shoals rhythm section that had played together on numerous soul hits of the '60s, including those of Aretha Franklin. Standout cuts include the title track, with the its horn-driven groove; Sharrock's "Blind Willy," featuring a jew's-harp hook; and a smoldering version of Lennon & McCartney's "Come Together." Throughout the album, Mann's solos wail through the upper register of the flute, while Ayers finds interestingly funky passages on the vibes. by Jim Newsom
Tracklist :
1     Muscle Shoals Nitty Gritty 6:54
Herbie Mann
2     Claudia Pie 4:41
Herbie Mann
3     Can You Dig It 5:17
Edwin Birdsong
4     Blind Willy 4:50
Sonny Sharrock
5     Come Together 10:10
John Lennon / Paul McCartney
6     Pana Red's Panama Hat 5:11
Herbie Mann
Credits :
Bass – David Hood
Drums, Jew's Harp – Roger Hawkins
Flute – Herbie Mann
Guitar – Eddie Hinton
Piano – Barry Beckett
Saxophone – Andrew Love, Ed Logan, James Mitchell
Trumpet – Wayne Jackson
Vibraphone – Roy Ayers