Genre: rock
Rating: **** (4 stars)
Title: Magical Shepherd
Company: Warner Brothers
Catalog: BS-2925
Year: 1976
Country/State: Prague, Czechoslovakia
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: minor ring wear
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID: 4698
Price: $25.00
Cost: $66.00
While he's been a jazz mainstay and bassist extraordinaire since he emigrated to the US from Czechoslovakia in the mid-1960s, if you recognize Miroslav Vitous' name, then it's probably a result of his work with Weather Report.
I'll readily admit that I recognized Vitous' name when I saw this album, but I bought it for two reasons. First, I actually remember reading a Rolling Stone review of this album back in high school, but never being able to track down a copy. Secondly, how could you pass up something sporting such a hysterical cover photo. What in the world was he thinking when he bought that coat ???
Released in the wake of Vitous' departure from The Weather Report, 1976's "Magical Shepherd" is not what I would have expected from a guy with his background. Co-produced by Vitous and David Rubinson, material such as ''Basic Laws' and 'New York City' featured a collection of that was perhaps best described as jazz-rock-funk fusion. That description will probably have many of you running for the delete button, but I've got to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the results. Backed by former boss Herbie Hancock and an impressive list of jazz heavy weights, including Jack DeJohnette, James Gadson and Airto Mareria all six tracks are entertaining. Sure, there's a distinctive mid-1970s feel to much of the material (particularly the Clavinet and Arp synthesizers), but it's quite catchy and entertaining. Geez, it isn't hard to imagine Stevie Wonder pounding the keyboards on something like 'Basic Laws'. Special kudos to vocalists Cheryl Granger and Onike.
"Magical Shepherd" track listing:
(side 1)
1.) Basic Laws (Miroslav Vitous) -
2.) New York City (Miroslav Vitous) -
(side
2)
1.) Syntheziers Dance (instrumental) (Miroslav Vitous) -
2.) Magical Shepherd (Miroslav Vitous) -
3.) From Far Away (Miroslav Vitous) -
4.) Aim Your Eye (Miroslav Vitous) -