Jade – In Pursuit | Flea Market Funk

More heat from the Tidal Waves Music camp, as the next record up for grabs with a release on August 30th is Jade and their In Pursuit record from 1975, a definite grail in the private press funk and soul record world. This Norfolk, VA band has been a bit of a mystery, releasing a couple of forty fives and a full length on Pesante somewhere in the mid 1970’s. Consisting of heavyweight Carol Kaye (Wrecking Crew) on bass, her husband Spider Webb aka Kenneth Roland Rice on percussion, Paul Stallworth (Bobby Womack/ George Harrison), Greg Thomas, plus Steve Madaio on trumpet (Stevie Wonder). It can only be speculated that the only reason this record could not gain traction or a wider audience was because it was only released regionally. Too bad, because these top notch players know how to make music, and they’re spitting hot fire on all eight tracks. Both tracks you get to sample below, a cover of Santana’s “Evil Ways”, and “Heaven or Hell, You Got To Choose” are tight and out of sight all around. Listen to “Music Slave” as well below, it is a modern soul stomper that just does not quit. There is a reason that this original record goes for huge stacks. Not to mention the line: “Gotta smoke this joint and make this feeling last”. We wish the feeling could last, really. This record is a monster, and if you’re just hearing this for the first time, it’s ok if your mind is blown. This is the first official reissue and Tidal Waves Music is raising the bar higher and higher with a release like this. It’ll be available on a 180g deluxe vinyl edition as well as exclusive color ways from Light In The Attic (100 clear), HHV Germany (100 red), and Fat Beats (100 green). Don’t sleep on this record, it’ one that needs to be on your shelves.