RARE FUNKY JAZZ INSTRUMENTAL 45 As far as filling your musical factoid file goes, we can confirm that this record was originally released in South Carolina in the sexy year of ’69 on James Reece’s very groovy, red and silver swirly designed NAJMA label. After growing up playing music alongside Hamilton Bohannon, trombonist Reese became a full-time school band director. When reflecting upon his colourful musical career, Reese says, “We played lots of club dates, mainly on weekends due to our day jobs. On one occasion, a club owner booked us as a back up band for a little known entertainer from Memphis. A year later the guy became a super – I’m referring to Al Green.” Not quite funk yet not quite jazz, this record – James Reece and the Progressions’ only 45 outing - will gain credence by lovers of both styles of music. The solar powered sound of “Let’s Go It’s Summertime” totally encompasses the pure essence of a long summer drive along the coast of an easy going climate - with an ambient combination of horns, percussion and a full rhythm section in the back seat of your convertible. When was the last time you heard a French horn as groovy as that? Whereas “Jody’s Freeze” is far from frozen. It’s a perky, jazzy, floor shuffling concoction of pungent horns, howling Hammond and a spit fire paradise of percussion. The tempo’s temperature increases till your arms, knees and legs are completely thawed out from jerking, flipping, flopping and prancing around the dance floor. Well that’s what happened to me!