Rare groove fave Tarika Blue’s slightly-less-sweated debut LP! Much has already been said about the band’s highly-danceable self titled jazz-funk masterpiece from 1977, but their debut LP released the year before is just as rare and also a killer. For a taste, check out “Blue Neptune,” a mellow spiritual roller reminiscent of Pharoah / Lonnie Liston Smith joints from the era, or the more uptempo “Revelation” with its funky bassline, dextrous guitar and horn parts bridged with short drum interludes and free jazz motifs. A lot of these rare groove sample records don't live up to the hype, but this one's a satisfying listen from start to finish.

• 180g black vinyl pressing
• limited edition
• original release year: 1976
• music label: Chiaroscuro Records 2026

reviewed by nick nightingale 10/2019