Sunset Burgundy

Bobbi Humphrey: Sunset Burgundy

From Freestyle (Epic, 1978)

A sweet flute performance from Bobbi Humphrey serenading jamming bass lines from Marcus Miller set the stage for this funk-disco gem. Just as crucial to the enduring jam is Ralph MacDonald's conga work and Steve Gadd's drums.

While a great deal of concentration on her most successful work came out of the early '70s on the Blue Note label, Epic Records got a hold of her and hoped to bring her into the renaissance of contemporary jazz paraded by the likes of Herbie Mann, Patrice Rushen, George Duke and George Benson. But Humphrey surprised a good bit of her followers with the ambitious jazz-fusion found on 1978's Freestyle. "Home Made Jam" was the lead single, but the B-sided musical affair of Marcus Miller's "Sunset Burgundy" was just as rewarding. And the apt title best describes this colorful musical event.

By the way, this happens to be one of those 45's that I wore out as a young'in. As you can tell.