Kirk Lightsey and Rudolph Johnson - Habiba (1974)

Hello there. Another quick post for today. I haven't delved too deeply into either artists' catalog, but Kirk Lightsey and Rudolph Johnson recorded a fantastic album together in 1974 titled, Habiba. Joining Lightsey on keys and Johnson on tenor and flute, we have Johnny Boshoff on bass, Charles Mallory on guitar, Delbert Hill on clarinet, Danny Cortez on trumpet, Al Hall on trombone and Curtis Kirk on drums. 

The opening, title track is just over 21 minutes long and only seems to feature Lightsey, Johnson, Boshoff and Kirk. A touch more accessible than spiritual jazz, it certainly feels free at times with all 4 players combining for a beautiful sound. I'm not 100% sure when/why I stumbled on to this album, but I re-visit it all the time. Johnson appears on another album I really enjoy: LaMont Johnson - Nine... A Mystical, Musical Allegory - so I'm guessing that's the connection. 

The next track, "Here It Is" has a different sound entirely. It has more of a Fat Albert Rotunda vibe if you're familiar with that album. At this point the other horn players join in with Hall, Cortez and Johnson all playing terrifically. 

The final track is much shorter than the first two but doesn't lack otherwise. We return to the spiritual vibe and Johnson's playing on tenor makes the track. Every few days when I listen to this album I tell myself to make a post and finally I did. Hopefully you enjoy it.