Roots cover
Released

Another great album in Mayfield’s impressive early 70s run, his first of two in 1971, features his trademark expansive orchestrated funk — there’s plenty of harps and woodwind among the rattling congas and wah wah guitar — and fuzz guitar/percussion jams. Uncompromising social commentary sits comfortably side by side with his more optimistic tracks and his love songs, all of which are characterised by Mayfield’s celestial-sounding falsetto and his unique guitar style. It’s hippie-soul, psychedelic-funk, cinematic-R’n’B: confident and bold.

Harold Heath

Recommended by

Suggestions
Sunshower cover

Sunshower

Taeko Onuki
Out on the Coast cover

Out on the Coast

The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble
Oil Painting cover

Oil Painting

Daniele Baldelli, Marco Fratty
Brand New Heavies cover

Brand New Heavies

The Brand New Heavies
Renaissance cover

Renaissance

Ray Charles