Layers

by Les McCann

Layers cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 1 January 1973
  • Label: Atlantic
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 43:48
  • Community rating: 4.01/5 from 4 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Recorded at Atlantic Studios, this project highlights McCann's pioneering use of the ARP 2600 synthesizer within a jazz-funk framework. The compositions utilize multi-layered keyboard textures to explore a more experimental and orchestrally-informed soundscape compared to his earlier soul-jazz work. It is noted for its high-fidelity sound design and its successful synthesis of electronic innovation and traditional rhythmic grooves.

Genres

Descriptors: Instrumental, Synthesizer-heavy, Soulful, Fusion, soulful, funky, synthesizers, groove-laden, fusion

Tracklist

  1. Sometimes I Cry (5:24)
  2. Let's Gather (1:08)
  3. Anticipation (0:48)
  4. The Dunbar High School Marching Band (6:06)
  5. Soaring (At Dawn) Part I (5:53)
  6. The Harlem Buck Strut Dance (5:55)
  7. Interlude (0:33)
  8. Before I Rest (4:44)
  9. Let's Play ('Til Mom Calls) (3:20)
  10. It Never Stopped In My Home Town (1:54)
  11. Soaring (At Sunset) Part II (8:03)

Credits

  • Jimmy Rowser - bells, percussion, double bass [bass violin], electric bass
  • Ralph MacDonald - congas, bells, percussion
  • Buck Clarke - congas, bongos, wood block, bells, percussion
  • Donald Dean - drums, bells, percussion
  • Marty Cohen - other [special thanks]
  • Tom Oberheim - other [special thanks]

More from Les McCann: full discography