Afro Blues Quintet - Next Album [CD]

The Afro Blues Quintet was formed in 1963 by leader and vibes player Joseph "Little Joe" DeAguero. The six man band featured saxophonist Jack Fulks, a veteran of Chico Hamilton's band; and pianist Bill Henderson who also played bass, drums, flute and vibes. Henderson had previously played with Terry Gibbs' band. The original drummer was Jim Keltner who went on to become one of the most popular session drummers in pop history. The sound of the band is very reminiscent of the Ramsey Lewis group, with the accent on gospel tinged, R&B flavored soul jazz. "Next Album," originally released in 1968, features Perez Prado alumni Rene Bloch guesting on saxophone. Many jazz fans remember Bloch for his haunting alto sax lead on the 1945 Johnny Otis hit record of "Harlem Nocturne" that came to exemplify the "jazz noir" sound. The highly collectible album finally makes it's debut in the digital domain. All selections newly remastered.