Herbert Solomon: Secret Agent!

Listen/Download – Herbie Mann – Scratch

Greetings all.

The tune I bring you today is a very groovy bit of swinging soul jazz from one of my faves, Mr Herbie Mann.

I know that there are folks out there that don’t sweat Herbie the way I do, but you know I dig me some flute, as well as soul jazz of all kinds, which brings us back around to Herbie.

I would go so far as to say, with his early 70s, bare chested attempts at mainstreaming (which have their charm as well) Herbie was not only a very capable instrumentalist, but was also forward thinking, staying well ahead of the curve as it relates to the introduction of world music sounds as well as working a solid groove into his music.

He got his start in a Latin jazz bag, but by the early 60s was weaving in R&B as well and making some great records.

Now, I have a grip of Herbie’s albums, but the one that eluded me for the longest time was the one that contained today’s selection.

‘Our Mann Flute’ is – as far as I’ve seen – the most expensive of Mann’s 60s Atlantic output, mainly because it has such a groovy ‘spy craze’ cover, which means that along with soul jazz folks like me, the album is being chased by exotica fans and Beatle-booted modernists as well, thereby driving up its price and in some cases taking it out of the bargain bin (where you can find most of Herbie’s albums) and up onto the wall in a snappy, acid-free, plastic sleeve.

That said, though the version of the theme from ‘Our Man Flint’ is more Iron Leg material, the tune I bring you today is groovy indeed.

If the author credit on ‘Scratch’ rings any bells it’s probably because Wayne Henderson was part of the Jazz Crusaders, with whom this tune originated.

Mann’s version of ‘Scratch’ sees a front line of trumpet and flute (backed by pulsing saxophones) stating the main theme, before Herbie gets to step out in front for a solo.

The cut has a real dance floor push to it with some swinging flautistry by Mann and tight backing from his band.

It is a groovy cut indeed, and I hope you dig it as much as I do.

See you on Friday.

 

Peace

Larry

 

 

 

Also, make sure that you check out the POAC link below (click on the logo). It’s a fantastic organization that provides services to our local autism community, with education and recreational events, and any contribution you could make would be greatly appreciated.

 

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2 Responses to “Herbie Mann – Scratch”

1. Paul Mercieca says:

   December 2, 2011 at 6:32 pm

   Great bit of Herbie, Larry – another guy who had his thatch swooped by birds for nesting material.

   All the best to your and your family. I’ve been following your life-affirming blog from the beginning and will be keeping my fingers firmly crossed for your lady wife.

   Cheers Paul Mercieca (a northern soul down under), Perth, Western Australia

2. Larry says:

   December 2, 2011 at 6:49 pm

   Thanks Paul!