Artiste: Tarika Blue
Spotlight Track: Dreamflower
Album: Tarika Blue
Label: Chiaroscuro Records
Produced By – Hank O’Neal and Tarika Blue
Piano, keyboards – Phil Clendeninn
Bass – Barry Coleman
Drums – Kevin Atkins
Guitar – Ryo Kawasaki
In 1976, a young band called Tarika Blue unleashed pure musical genius to the world. The first self-titled album is a cult classic (with a sick cover design as well) released on the small Chiaroscuro Records and I thank God that Crispian introduced me to Tarika Blue everytime I pop in the CD. For me this was the turning point, it changed my perception forever. Jazz fusion at its finest.
The leader was a fine pianist/keyboard artist named Phil Clendeninn. He not only led the band, wrote most of the songs, and played any instrument that had a keyboard. My standout track is Dreamflower, number 1 on the LP. From the start, you get sucked into the groove and you’ll feel light and easy, soon you be flying. It’s timelessness is evident because 30 years later, the following and appreciation for their music is amazing. (Dreamflower was sampled for Erykah Badu’s Didn’t Cha Know, and it ended up with a Grammy award for “R&B Song Of The Year” in 2001).
Tarika Blue only released 2 albums ever, Tarika Blue and The Blue Path, both produced by Hank O’Neal. I strongly urge you to buy the re-issue CD on Amazon, because both albums are released in the same CD, and every song is a confirmed hit! If my review wasn’t convincing enough do check out the sample, and if that’s not enough, plenty of samples available at the Amazon link. Or you can be like me, I have both albums on LP, and also the re-issue CD, and also the re-issue LPs, I’m thinking of customizing the neon lights on the cover too for my home…
Tangkap This!!!
-Kenny
