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STEVE GERACI With ARTHUR RHAMES/JOHN STUBBLEFIELD/JOHN ESPOSITO/RASHIED ALI et al - Aliqae Song (Sunjump CD 06; USA) Previously unreleased, 1980 NYC; Reconstructed from cassette masters. Featuring: Steve Geraci, Guitar; Arthur Rhames, Alto Saxophone; John Stubblefield, Flute, Soprano and Tenor Saxophones; John Esposito, Piano; Charlie Knicely, Bass; Jeff Siegel, Drums; Rashied Ali, Drums; Frederick Berryhill, Percussion and Kit Potter, Vocals. John Esposito's Sunjump label has a talent for unearthing long lost sessions that shouldn't be forgotten about. I hadn't heard of guitarist Steve Geraci before this disc, although with names like Arthur Rhames, Rashied Ali and John Stubberfield, this certainly is an historic date.
The opening track, "Aliqae Song" was named after the birth of Steve's daughter, Aliqae. The melody is sunny and reminds me of the "There is a Mountain" riff &by Donavon) that Allman Bros. borrowed for their "Mountain Jam". Mr. Esposito plays a lovely piano interlude with some inspired sax solos from John Stubberfield and the legendary & under-recorded Arthur Rhames who died way before his time. I dig the infectious hard swinging groove on "Main St. Stroll" which features some fine solos from Rhames, Geraci, Stubberfield and Esposito. Bassist Charlie Knicely is another new name for me and he plays superbly throughout on his (fretless?) electric bass, slipping & sliding and providing perfect support always. The late Arthur Rhames can only be found on a few discs that are in print presently. All of his solos on this disc are wonderful and filled with that great slow burning Trane-like power that he was the master of. The one question that remains is this, what has become of the leader here, Steve Geraci, who also plays inventively on each piece of this fine disc? One again the great Sunjump label has released a long lost treasure that you shouldn't be without. - Bruce Lee Gallanter of Downtown Music Gallery
CD $14