Description

1LP Vinyl – RGM-1082

Of all the artists who recorded for the Black Jazz label, keyboardist and composer Doug Carn was the most prolific, releasing four albums for the imprint. 1972's Spirit of the New Land was his second Black Jazz release, but the first one (of two) to co-feature his wife, vocalist Jean Carn, in the album title.

We've chosen to lead with this record from Carn's catalogue not only because it's the most collectible of the bunch, but also because it showcases his innovative approach of adding lyrics to jazz standards. Thus, both Miles Davis' "Blue in Green" and Lee Morgan's "Search for the New Land" are blessed with spellbinding vocals from Jean Carn set to her husband's words, while Doug Carn originals like "Arise and Shine" and "My Spirit" soar with spiritual fervour on the wings of his wife's five-octave range.