LARRY YOUNG — Heaven on Earth (review)

LARRY YOUNG — Heaven on Earth album cover Album · 1968 · Soul Jazz Buy this album from MMA partners
2/5 ·
Abraxas
One of Larry Young's last full-fledged jazz albums, Heaven on Earth from 1968, shows Khalid going back in time to his early soul jazz albums. It can be very disappointing to hear someone who is exploring new grounds with each new album and then suddenly returns five slots back.

Yes, Heaven on Earth is a disappointing Young album. With the huge progress from Into Somethin' to Unity and then to the avant-garde of Of Love & Peace and then even to a more accomplished album, Contrasts, you get this.

Undoubtedly, Larry's playing on this soul jazz release is by far more exquisite and unique than most of his B3 pals, but that doesn't save the album. The compositions are mostly forgettable, with the exception of 'The Herafter' which retains the more adventurous style of previous releases, with guitarist George Benson doing some non-standard jazz stuff, as well as with the more free-ish saxophonist, Herbert Morgan, showing at least a glimpse of the great Larry Young.

This is you average organ-led soul jazz album of the 60s, which the only thing worthwhile is Larry's unique playing on some of the tunes, plus the addition of the underappreciated guitarist, George Benson.

Only Larry Young and Soul Jazz collectors should get this.
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Abraxas wrote:
more than 2 years ago
I'm not really fond of it, to be honest. : )
Matt wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Agree, what about the last track with the vocal ? "My Funny Valentine" Ouch

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