Smooth jazz driven by sophisticated rhythms
This is a solo album released by percussionist Ralph MacDonald in 1978. Blending elements of African, jazz funk, and disco, the album is a resonant work of rich percussive expression and melodic development.
The core of this album is the suite "The Path (Part I / II / III)," which takes up the entirety of Side A. The rhythmic ups and downs and layered tones create a sense of structural beauty that makes you feel like you're on a journey. The rhythm section is firmly supported by the drums and bass, and percussion adds a three-dimensional dimension to them. On Side B, tracks like "Smoke Rings & Wine" and "It Feels So Good" appear, blending soft melodies with smooth grooves. The texture, which blends Afro rhythms with jazz-funk, skillfully displays Ralph MacDonald's versatility, resulting in a work with a warmth and depth that envelops the listener.
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A:
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1)
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Part One
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2)
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Part Two
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3)
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Part Three
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B:
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1)
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Smoke Rings And Wine
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2)
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I Cross My Heart
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3)
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It Feels So Good
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4)
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If I'm Still Around Tomorrow
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Guitar - Eric Gale
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Congas, Percussion - Ralph MacDonald
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Producer - Ralph MacDonald
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Written-By - Ralph MacDonald
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Strings - Kermit Moore
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Guitar - Hugh McCracken (B4)
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Strings - Matthew Raimondi
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Bass - Will Lee (B4)
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Strings - Harold Kohon
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Drums - Charles Collins (B4)
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Bass - Chuck Rainey
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Piano - Richard Tee
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Drums - Rick Marotta (A1b, B2)
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Drums - Steve Gadd (A1c, B1)
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Strings - Gene Orloff
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Strings - Selwart Clarke
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Strings - Al Brown
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Engineer - Richard Anderson
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Strings - Paul Gershman
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Strings - Joe Malin
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Strings - Julien Barber
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Arranged By, Conductor - William Eaton (A1a to B3)
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Producer - William Eaton
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Written-By - William Eaton (A1a to A1c)
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Strings - Guy Lumia
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Strings - Jesse Levy
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Arranged By, Conductor - Arthur Jenkins, Jr.
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Clavinet - Arthur Jenkins, Jr.
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Piano - Arthur Jenkins, Jr.
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Strings - Sanford Allen
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Bass - William Salter (B3)
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Producer - William Salter
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Written-By - William Salter
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Strings - Mitsue Takayama
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Engineer [Assistant] - Eddie Heath, Jr.
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Photography By [Back Cover] - Martin Cohen
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Coordinator [Album] - Diane Johnson
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Design - Richard Roth
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Typography [Calligraphy] - Melanie Marder
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Illustration - David A. Leffel
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Management [Personal] - Sandy Ross (3)
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Coordinator [Album] [Assistant] - Linda Kyser
