Description
As the saying goes, 'There's nothing more powerful than an idea whose time
has come'
50 years since Michael Orr and Carey Harris self-released Spread Love, this iconic
underground cult masterpiece is finally getting the attention it deserved all along. A
timeless release, with a sound, production and level of songwriting that could go toeto-toe with the best, it was passed over by a number of labels back in '75, leading to Michael and Carey putting it out themselves. Spread Love radiates with a message that is as pertinent as ever - heartfelt lyrics and soaring melodies covering a spectrum of genres including modern and classic soul, gospel, early disco, and jazz-funk.
Their DIY drive paved the way for the now-iconic cover, with Michael's sister-in-law
painting the genie and rainbow and his brother drawing the sun / star logo for what
became their record label. Spread Love's time though hadn't come. No matter how
many Michael could sell to shops out of the boot of his car, the message couldn't
reach far enough to break it out to the wider world - ultimately putting him in a 50-year
hiatus.
Spread Love is most known for its sublime anthemic title track. A celestial, soulrousing cut with a message which feels more apt than ever. The album though is stacked start to finish with gems. There's a balance between beauty and sadness in the modern- soul dancer 'Here I Go (Through These Changes Again)', a song that Johnnie Taylor would later cover. It features a superb vocal performance by Michael
reminiscent of Gil Scott- Heron. Elsewhere, Bernardine Mitchell takes the place of
Gladys Knight for 'Feelings' with her vocals resonating deep down inside.
Other highlights include the opening song, 'Ecstasy, Fantasy & Dreamland' - it is sheer
brilliance with an awesome flute solo by Michael Neal. Then there's 'A Piece Of Mine'
an early disco/jazz-funk instrumental with vibraphone by Bernard James, whilst 'You
Opened My Eyes To The World' has a Strata East jazz meets soul quality that is
spacey, uplifting, and spiritual. It's been a joy working with Michael and his son Jamal,
who restored and remastered the original tapes, to reissue this forgotten gem and
spread that love all over the world
Tracklisting
1. Ecstasy, Fantasy & Dreamland
2. Let Me Be With You Awhile
3. Here I Go (Through These Changes Again)
4. Feelings
5. A Piece Of Mine
6. Spread Love
7. Keep My Fire Burning
8. You Opened My Eyes To The World
9. Afterwhile
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