Ramon Morris - Sweet Sister Funk (Mr Bongo Reissue)

Philadelphia saxophonist Ramon Morris only cut one album as leader, but what a statement it was. Recorded in 1973 for Sonny Lester's Groove Merchant, this set channels the full heat of 70s jazz-funk with a line-up including Cecil Bridgewater on trumpet, Albert Dailey on electric piano and Mickey Roker on drums. Opener 'First Come, First Serve' lays down a heavy, sample-friendly groove, while the title track 'Sweet Sister Funk' and 'Sweat' push hard with slick horn interplay. 'Wijinia' nods to Strata East-style indie jazz, and 'Don't Ask Me' swings with the riff Big Pun later flipped on 'You Came Up'. Closing cover 'People Make the World Go Round' adds a soulful touch, later immortalised by DJ Shadow. A killer, once-lost classic restored.