--=[ Kool and The Gang ]=--

Kool & The Gang-Light of Worlds [1974]

Kool Link 2

A good five years or so before Kool & The Gang brought onboard singer James "JT" Taylor and became a non-stop hit-making machine for most of the 80's, they were still very much a jammin', funk & R&B collective who leaned more on their instrumental prowess than on their vocal abilities. What's more, they weren't afraid to go into experimental jams that could even be categorized as "art rock," thanks to their use of that good 'ol art-rock instrument, the mellotron, the keyboard that could simulate a full string orchestra at the press of a key. Kool & The Gang's 1974 album "Light Of Worlds" is definitely an R&B masterpiece. The undeniable high point of the album is the timeless, classic instrumental "Summer Madness," a mesmerizing soundscape that sees the band jamming for four glorious minutes, spearheaded by that signature synthesizer passage that goes higher and higher and higher still into the heavens. It's also been widely sampled or covered over the years (most notably by Will Smith, aka the Fresh Prince, for his hit song "Summertime"), so you know this track is an undisputed classic. But there's more to "Light Of Worlds" than just "Summer Madness." "Fruitman" is a fun song about eating right, the title song is uplifting & spiritual, and the group also get the funk out on such winners as "Street Corner Symphony" "Higher Plane," and the sparkling instrumental "Whiting H & G," which has it's own share of heavenly sounds & textures. Granted, I dig the later "Celebration" Kool & The Gang just fine. They made a lot of catchy, groovy tunes during the 80's, and the skillful, soulful voice of JT Taylor was a very welcome addition to the band. But the original Kool & The Gang made awesome, jammin' music too, and I want to hear more. "Light Of Worlds" is a brilliant album, with some of the best funk & R&B that I've ever heard, and it's a great place to start your K&G collection with. I guarantee you will be amazed by this early treasure from Kool & The Gang, "Summer Madness" and all.














Kool & The Gang-Kool Jazz [1974]

Kool Jazz Link 2
















Kool & The Gang - Spirit Of The Boogie [1975]

The Gang Link 2

"Spirit of the Boogie" reached it's peak popularity during the spring of 1975. "Winter Sadness," "Spirit of the Boogie" and "Caribbean Festival" are the stand-out tracks on this effort.
Mixing elements of hard core funk, Jazz, African Consciousness and rhythms, Spirit of The Boogie *IMHO* definitely gives Earth Wind & Fire, who would come to epitomize the Jazz Out Jungle Funk school of dance a heavy run for their money. Though some tracks are better than others, this is definitely a listen straight through album that'll make you get down - - mega bumpin' keyboard and basslines, fired up trumpet blast and lot's of percussion. Ain't nothin' but a party !!















Kool & The Gang - Open Sesame [1976]

Open Sesame Link 2



All track info is in the comment section...