Lonnie Smith – Afro-Desia

Reissued in 2024 by Mr Bongo, Afro‑Desia stands as a cornerstone of jazz-funk and soul-jazz, originally recorded by Lonnie Smith in 1975 for Groove Merchant.

This new vinyl pressing features high-quality remastering and comes in a deluxe gatefold sleeve with tip-on finish. The album opens with “Afrodesia”, a cosmic, Hammond-driven groove, followed by the 15-minute “Spirits Free”, an expansive and spiritually charged improvisation. Side B introduces Latin rhythms on “Straight to the Point” and closes with the moody, deep grooves of “Favors” and “The Awakening”. The stellar line-up includes Joe Lovano on saxophones, Ron Carter on electric bass, Greg Hopkins on trumpet, and a mysterious guitarist credited as “Compliments Of A Friend” – widely believed to be George Benson. An essential release for jazz-funk fans and collectors who value sonic and visual craftsmanship.