RALPH MACDONALD THE PATH LPCategory / Style / Moods: Jazz Jazz-Funk, Post-Bop, Crossover Jazz / 1277 S1978 MARLIN LPTITLE: THE PATHARTIST: RALPH MACDONALDCONDITIONVINYL: VG+COVER: VG OR BETTERClick here for info on grading and abbreviationsOUT OF PRINT ORIGINAL PRESS GATEFOLD SLEEVEClick the pix for a better view TRACKS: Disc: 11.The PathSalter 2.Smoke Rings and WineSalter 3.I Cross My HeartSalter 4.It Feels So GoodSalter 5.If I'm Still Around TomorrowSalter Review by Jason Ankeny With an all-star cast that rivals if not surpasses his Sound of a Drum solo debut, Ralph MacDonald's sophomore effort, The Path, remains his most ambitious and successful solo record. The 18-minute title cut is a mind-boggling journey charting the progression of African-American music from its roots in tribal drumming through evolutions from blues to jazz to funk -- aided by drummers Idris Muhammad, Steve Gadd, and Rick Marotta as well as soloists including Michael Brecker, David Sanborn, and Bob James, MacDonald creates a virtual primer in percussion, navigating the twists and turns of his musical narrative with stunning precision. The record's second half can't help but suffer by comparison, although even the slightest material retains MacDonald's flair for deeply funky rhythms.This exquisite piece of retro music history is a vinyl sound recording (not a CD). Please visit the A Sound Deal store for similar items and information on grading and shipping. Add me to your favorites for red hot sales bulletins and sneak previews of upcoming products. Combine Items to Save $$$! Click here to check the store for more!©A Sound Deal
