SHUGGIE OTIS — Inspiration Information (review)

SHUGGIE OTIS — Inspiration Information album cover Album · 1974 · RnB Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
js
This review of “Inspiration Information” is written using the 2001 CD reissue on Luka Bop which includes four tracks from Shuggie Otis’ previous CD, “Freedom Flight”. More than likely if you are thinking about buying this recording it will be on CD, if you do find the original LP, it will probably cost a small fortune.

Shuggie Otis is the son of RnB band leader Johnny Otis. In the early to mid 70s, at a very young age, Shuggie released several albums that showed a precocious writing talent. Otis’ music is an earthy mix of art pop and funky RnB somewhat along the lines of Stevie Wonder, latter day Beatles or Curtis Mayfield. Most of his music was recorded by playing all the instruments himself, which gives his music that intimate feel along the likes of Sly’s “There’s a Riot Goin On”, McCartney’s early solo albums or Prince’s first two albums. At the peak of his early success, Shuggie turned down offers to tour with The Rolling Stones and record with Quincey Jones, which led to his label letting him go. Soon after this, Shuggie quit recording altogether which gave his early records a certain underground mystique. Opinions run high for “Inspiration Information” and many consider it a cult favorite.

The song writing and colorful instrumentation on here is very imaginative. If I may drop one more name in comparison, the youthful personal nature of this record may remind some of the work of a young Brian Wilson. About two thirds of this album consists of the artsy funky pop songs, with the other third given to dreamy spaced out jazz tracks that feature the woodwind work of Jackie Kelso. These forward looking neo-lounge tracks became a favorite with acid jazz DJs in the mid-90s, which added further to Shuggie’s cult appeal. The 13 minute “Freedom Flight” is particular may remind some of a slightly more amateur version of “In a Silent Way”. “Not Available” is also nice with its odd changeups and Mancini type orchestrations.
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js wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Yeah, that one is nice.
Rokukai wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Great review

Not Available one of my all time all timers

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