Tripping Through the Past

SHUGGIE OTIS
Inspiration Information
(Luaka Bop)
Shuggie Otis was only 22 years old when he released Inspiration Information in 1974, but he'd already had many years in the music bidness. The son of R&B bandleader Johnny Otis ("Willie and the Hand Jive"), Shuggie was best known as a young blues guitar prodigy, but by the time of his third album he'd evolved considerably. At first listen this is a typical early 70s, slightly psychedelic soul record, with wah-wah guitars, shimmering Rhodes piano and languid grooves, but further listens reveal that it's a bit more distinct than that. Using a surprisingly organic drum machine, he spices the funk rhythms with Caribbean and Bossa Nova flavors, giving the songs a lighter-than-air quality that presages the ethnic grooves of Earth, Wind & Fire. He also emphasizes the melodies over the rhythm, which is unusual for R&B of any era. In addition, his intensely personal vision gives the record a spiritual feel, not unlike what Marvin Gaye was doing about the same time. Listening to appealing beauties like "Aht Uh Mi Head" and the title track is like feeling someone's deepest feelings being beamed directly into your skull. As a bonus, the fine folks at Luaka Bop include four tracks from his 1971 album Freedom Flight, including the wonderful "Strawberry Letter 23" (later a hit for the Brothers Johnson) and the psychedelic soul jam title cut. What's most amazing about this music is how utterly contemporary it sounds. Without the electronic embellishments and 50-gazillion track production inflicted on music of any genre these days, the music sounds like it was written and recorded yesterday. Lush and beguiling, Inspiration Information fully deserves its second chance. Michael Toland

For fans of: Earth Wind & Fire, Curtis Mayfield, Terence Trent D'arby