BOBBY HUTCHERSON ft. HAROLD LAND — San Francisco (1970-2014) RM | SHM-CD Blue Note, The Masterworks Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Bobby Hutcherson's late-'60s partnership with tenor saxophonist Harold Land always produced soulful results, but not until San Francisco did that translate into a literal flirtation with funk and rock. After watching several advanced post-bop sessions gather dust in the vaults, Hutcherson decided to experiment with his sound a bit, but San Francisco still doesn't wind up the commercial jazz-funk extravaganza that purists might fear. Instead, Hutcherson and Land stake out a warm and engaging middle ground between muscular funk and Coltrane-style modality; in other words, they have their cake and eat it too. Joined by pianist/keyboardist Joe Sample (also of the Jazz Crusaders), acoustic/electric bassist John Williams, and drummer Mickey Roker, Hutcherson and Land cook up a series of spacious, breezy grooves that sound unlike any other record in the vibist's discography (even his more commercial fusion sessions). The selections -- all group-member originals -- often skirt the edges of fusion, but rarely play it as expected; they might float some spare tradeoffs over a loping, heavy bass groove, throw in an oboe solo by Land, or -- as on the slowest piece -- keep time only with intermittently spaced piano chords. It's all done with enough imagination and harmonic sophistication to achieve the rare feat of holding appeal for traditional jazz and rare-groove fans alike. It's a shame Hutcherson didn't explore this direction more, because San Francisco is not only one of his best albums, but also one of his most appealing and accessible. Steve Huey
Tracklist :
1.    Goin' Down South  7:08
Written-By – Joe Sample
2.    Prints Tie  7:30
Written-By – Bobby Hutcherson
3.    Jazz  5:26
Written-By – Joe Sample
4.    Ummh  7:49
Written-By – Bobby Hutcherson
5.    Procession  5:47
Written-By – Bobby Hutcherson
6.    A Night In Barcelona  7:24
Written-By – Harold Land
Credits :
Bass, Electric Bass [Fender Bass] – John Williams 
Drums – Mickey Roker
Piano, Electric Piano – Joe Sample
Producer – Duke Pearson
Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Oboe – Harold Land
Vibraphone [Vibes], Marimba, Percussion – Bobby Hutcherson