When you're talking about name dropping album guest artists, to misquote a film, "You had me at Brian Jackson"! Yes, Gil Scot-Heron's famous keyboardist/flautist partner is on this album and he's not even the primary flautist as Ludivine Issambourg continues to pay tribute to the Law family on 'Above The Laws'.
This album follows her 2020 release, 'Outlaws (A Tribute To Herbert Laws)' and there were not many folks above the Law (family) back in the 70/80s on the jazz funk scene (by coincidence, only yesterday, I was reading on the rear cover of NYPA's 1977 album, "Special thanks to Eloise Laws for her sex background vocals"!)
Getting back to Jackson, he's on here with a version of 'Angel Dust' on vocals and keyboards and it was noticed on his recent BBE album and live at WeOutHere Festival this year when he did some tunes made famous by both of them (notably 'The Bottle') and it was evident how much he sings like Gil; and Louie Vega got him to guest with him and his band, Elements of Life, on stage too that was a magical experience). And like 'The Bottle', the track 'Angel Dust' is a dark story that doesn't match the original Fairy Tale story book use of the title.
And when I say "jazz funk", I mean "FUNK" has an equal billing, check 'Hop Scotch" (featurng Laurent de Wilde on keys) and ACT label regular, Nils Landgren on 'bone with 'New Morning'; and when it comes to name dropping, who hasn't he worked with over that past 30 years?
So, you'll remember last night, no word of a lie, looking at me copy of Ronnie Law's 12" 'Let's Keep It Together' (from the album 'Fever' 1976, UAG 20007) and here's a Afrobeat version of 'Fever' featuing Céline Bonacina (on sax) and where Issambourg shows off how magic she is on flute.
Apparently, she's going on an extensive European tour next year to promote the album and this is going to be really big before that happens; Flute Gangs and Jazzdance DJs, there's a new heavenly sweetness in the air to dance and spin to, Ladies and Gentlemen, Ludivine Issambourg!
BANDCAMP - Listening Pary - Above The Laws
November 7, 2024 at 6:00 PM GMT
Artist: Ludivine Issambourg
Title: Above The Laws
Release Date : 8th November, 2024
Catalog Number : TBC-
Label : Heavenly Sweetness
Format: Black vinyl 180g LP / CD / Digital / Bandcamp