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It’s not that we’ve just got a big soft spot for the Parisian underground (metro), such as, MOD X, Soulution and Chez Le Coiffeur, we’ve got le grande amour for the classics.

‘The Creator Has A Master Plan’ by Pharoah Saunders with vocals by Leon Thomas is so branded into our earways of love since its original release on Karma in 1969, it comes as a surprise to hear this stripped down version. The vocal delivery of Rev. Joe Craddock and Byard ‘Thunderbird’ Lancaster and the interplay better them is pure joy though, each giving the other room to explore the vibe of the musicians. Love those congas, piano and vibe combination. Even at 10 minutes long, you don’t want it to end. A true cleansing of the spirit and a stunning service. Peace and happiness to all.

I also took a good few listens to come to terms with the b-side versions of jazz dance classics ‘Mother Of The Future’ and ‘Maiden Voyage’. You have probably heard Anne Wirz before ‘Down By The River’ on A Tribute To Jef Gilson or on Osunlade’s Presents Ibara: River Crossing

While Pharoah will always be associated with John Coltrane, Carlos Garnett is another giant of the saxophone who played with Miles Davis before becoming one of the guiding spirits of 70s label Muse Records. No jazz dance session is complete without ‘Mother Of The Future’ being played. As much known for its furious paced piano and drum break as the yodelling.

Mark Murphy’s interpretation of Herbie Hancock’s ‘Maiden Voyage’ is modal and has been covered by everyone from Ramsey Lewis to Karin Krog (as featured on Talkin’ Jazz: Themes From The Black Forest Vol. 2). Wirz and the band handle it well and it is a cool version with the trio backing.

Producer Antoine Rajon deserves a special mention for his belief in the dream. And no Hectic gripe about the cover that simple but still a good one. Further releases are planned on this label starting in June with Wirz’s own composition ‘Guerrière’ together with a Four Tet remix.

Hectic Mix nomination: ‘The Creator Has A Master Plan’

Reviewed: Thunderbird Service / Anne Wirz - Spirit Jazz (Heavenly Sweetness) Cat. No. HS 01 12” Release date: May 2006

Tracklisting:
A. Thunderbird Service - The Creator Has A Master Plan (9:50)
Vocals - Byard ‘Thunderbird’ Lancaster & Rev. Joe Craddock
Congas - Keno Speller
Congas, Shekere - Bret Andrews
Piano - Alfie Pollitt
Vibraphone - Khan Jamal
B1. Anne Wirz - Mother Of The Future (5:51)
B2. Anne Wirz - Maiden Voyage (5:17)
Piano, Maracas - Georges Edouard Nouel
Bass - Patrice Soler
Drums - John Betsch

Links:
Heavenly Sweetness www.myspace.com/heavenly_sweetness
The Record Room www.therecordroom.co.uk £7.00
Carlos Garnett Biog
Four Tet www.fourtet.net
Pharoah Sanders - Anthology - You’ve Got To Have Freedom (Universal) [2005]
Gilles Peterson :: Tracklisting 03/10/04 : Spektrum In Session/ Tony Nwachuku in the Studio
(1) Pharoah Sanders Quartet -‘The Creator Has A Master Plan (Venus)
(5) Azymuth -‘Roda Piao’ (Far Out Records)
(6) Lekan Babalola -‘Aso-Kere’ (IG Culture Mix) (51 Lex)
(9) Ammoncontact -‘Wu Wu Woomp’ (Ninja Tune)
Le Grand Amour: 1969-France