Rufus Harley - Re Creation Of The Gods

felixjordan66

Review by Felix Jordan

Re-Creation of the Gods: Rufus Harley’s Bold Jazz Odyssey Rufus Harley’s Re-Creation of the Gods isn’t just an album—it’s a wild ride through jazz, soul, and funk that feels like it was brewed in some cosmic laboratory. Released in 1967, this record is a genre-bending masterpiece blending hard bop, free jazz, modal explorations, and even a touch of contemporary jazz-funk. It’s got everything from bagpipes (yes, bagpipes!) to electric bass grooves, all led by Harley’s unmistakable vision. Backed by labels like Ankh Records and Transparency, the project brims with creativity, spiritual depth, and raw energy. The album’s credits read like a who’s who of talent, but make no mistake—this is Rufus Harley’s show. He plays saxophone, soprano sax, and those iconic bagpipes while wearing multiple hats as composer, arranger, and director. You can tell he poured his soul into every note. Larry Randolph lays down killer basslines on tracks like “A3” and “B2,” while Bill Mason’s organ adds layers of texture. The production team, including engineer Robin Gulcher and producer Donald C. McMeans, ensures the sound stays crisp yet raw—a perfect balance for this ambitious project. Two tracks stand out to me, and they’re polar opposites in vibe but equally unforgettable. First up is “Nobody Knows The Trouble Us People Done Seen.” This one hits hard. It’s haunting, almost meditative, with Harley’s bagpipes weaving through the mix like a ghostly lament. There’s something deeply human about the way the melody unfolds—it’s not flashy, but it sticks to your ribs. Listening to it feels like sitting alone at twilight, reflecting on life’s struggles and triumphs. The track’s repetition might throw you off at first, but give it time; it grows on you like a slow burn. On the flip side, there’s “Re-Creation of the Gods.” If “Nobody Knows” is introspective, this one is explosive. From the opening notes, you’re hit with a wave of percussion and soaring sax lines that feel otherworldly. The groove here is infectious, thanks to Larry Langston’s tight rhythms and Randolph’s bass work. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to move—even if it’s just tapping your foot under the table. What really gets me is how Harley manages to blend chaos and control. At times, it feels like the music could spiral out of orbit, but he keeps it grounded, creating tension without ever losing cohesion. What’s fascinating about Re-Creation of the Gods is how it refuses to be boxed in. Is it jazz? Sure. Is it funk or soul? Absolutely. But it’s also so much more. Tracks like “Gods And Goddesses” and “Malika” explore themes of divinity and mythology, adding a layer of mysticism that feels ahead of its time. Even the liner notes, penned by folks like Hazrat Inayat Khan and Elaine Josey, invite listeners to dig deeper into the album’s philosophical undertones. If I had to nitpick, I’d say the sequencing can feel a bit scattered. Some tracks flow seamlessly, while others jar you out of the moment. But honestly? That unpredictability is part of what makes this album special. It’s messy, daring, and unapologetically itself. Here’s the thing: listening to Re-Creation of the Gods feels like stepping into another dimension. It’s not background music—it demands your attention. By the end, you’re left wondering whether Rufus Harley was a genius, a madman, or maybe both. Either way, this album proves that great art doesn’t have to play by the rules. So go ahead, spin it. Just don’t expect to walk away unchanged.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: rufus-harley-re-creation-of-the-gods.zip
  • MP3 size: 64.6 mb
  • FLAC size: 561 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Re-Creation of the Gods1:43
Crack9:56
Intro0:23
Gods and Goddesses05:45
Hypothesis4:49
Malika5:45
Nobody Knows the Trouble We've Seen7:44
Etymology6:52
The Re-Creation of the Gods01:44
This Little Light Of Mine
Re-Creation Of The Gods
Nobody Knows The Trouble We've Seen
Nobody Knows The Trouble Us People Done Seen
This Little Light of Mine6:23
Nobody Knows the Trouble Us People Done Seen07:44
The Crack09:56
Gods And Goddesses

Video

Malika Rufus Harley
RUFUS HARLEY Nobody Knows The Trouble Us People Is Done Seen.wmv
Gods and Goddesses - Rufus Harley

Images

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Catalog Numbers

  • #0001
  • 0235

Labels

  • Ankh Records, Inc.
  • Transparency

Listen online

  • kuunnella verkossa
  • escuchar en línea
  • ascolta in linea
  • lytte på nettet
  • online luisteren
  • écouter en ligne
  • online anhören
  • ouvir online
  • lyssna på nätet

Formats

  • Vinyl
  • LP
  • Album
  • Reissue
  • CD

Companies

RoleCompany
Phonographic Copyright (p)Ankh Record Company, Inc.
Published ByAnkh Record Company, Inc.

Credits

RoleCredit
Composed ByRufus Harley
Arranged ByRufus Harley
Directed ByRufus Harley
BagpipesRufus Harley
Soprano SaxophoneRufus Harley
DesignRufus Harley
Liner NotesRufus Harley
Electric BassLarry Randolph (tracks: A3, B2, B3)
EngineerRobin Gulcher
Mixed ByRobin Gulcher
OrganBill Mason
PercussionLarry Langston
Photography ByClarence Marshall
ProducerDonald C. McMeans
Sleeve NotesHazrat Inayat Khan
SaxophoneRufus Harley
BassLarry Randolph (tracks: A3, B2, B3)
IllustrationRamsess
Mastered ByBrian Albers
PerformerRufus Harley Quintet (tracks: 2)

Notes

  • a reissue, probably late 90s, no year available, no barcode - seems identical to orignal pressing (same dark blue colour as well)
  • Originally released in 1972 by Ankh Record Company as 0001.
  • Tracks 1 & 2 are previously unreleased.
  • Track 1 is a concert annoucement.
  • Track 2 is a live performance by the Rufus Harley Quintet.
  • ME (moi) + U.S. = WE (oui) (Y'ALL)

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout: ANKH-A 101489 MUS-I-COL TC
  • Matrix / Runout: ANKH B 101490 MUS-I-COL TC
  • Matrix / Runout: side 1: 3972-ANKH-1(a) S-48211 RE-1 // Side 2: 3972-ANKH-1(b) S-48212

About Rufus Harley

Born: 20th May 1936 near Raleigh, North Carolina, USA Died: 1st August 2006 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA The world's first jazz bagpiper, and an activist as well. Born North Carolina but lived in Philadelphia most of his life. Originally a saxophonist, he switched to the bagpipes after hearing the Black Watch pipes at the funeral of John F Kennedy. He also campaigned for the tightening of US gun laws. Died of prostate cancer (aged 70).

Real Name

    • Rufus Harvey Jr.

Name Vars

  • Harley
  • R. Harley
  • The Brilliant Rufus Harley

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s a cool fact: Rufus Harley, the mastermind behind *Re Creation Of The Gods*, was one of the first jazz musicians to seriously incorporate bagpipes into his music. Yeah, you read that right—bagpipes in jazz! Released in 1967, this album blends genres like funk, soul, and free jazz, with tracks like "Nobody Knows The Trouble Us People Done Seen" showing off his bold creativity. Harley didn’t just stick to one instrument either—he played saxophone, soprano sax, and even electric bass on some tracks. And get this: he also handled the arranging, directing, and composing for most of the album. Talk about a musical powerhouse!

Comments

iqbalbrothers99
iqbalbrothers99
2025-03-16
WOOOOOOOW, MUCH THANKS FOR POSTING THIS, NO DIS!
erdhem439
erdhem439
2025-03-15
Love Rufus, thanks.
jogikek
jogikek
2025-03-15
Lol makes me so happy!!
xandruvg
xandruvg
2025-03-14
Love him with full heart ? the Wonderful late great Rufus Harley! My man!
rimshasheikhblog
rimshasheikhblog
2025-03-14
Cerys Matthews brought me here!
michelenext2019
michelenext2019
2025-03-14
Well....good on him. He taught himself...
But pipers of his era didn’t accept money for teaching, typically if a student practiced his lesson and showed improvement... and promised to pass on the knowledge one day.
He could have had a cleaner technique and aesthetic sound in his note separating through the proper grace notes...
As a rule... pipe band don’t charge for lessons even today...
So if any person reading this wants to learn....GO TO A LOCAL BAND And ASK‼️
You might be very good...never know till you try.

I truly wish Harley had take advantage of a free lesson or two?? but he was still great at Jazz sound
boyplay8201
boyplay8201
2025-03-13
"AWN" = Pensy talk!
imaniragg
imaniragg
2025-03-12
RRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHTTTTTTTT
OOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNN.


Oops, I just woke up my neigbours playing this.
Sure they're gonna hate me now.

Nah, who gives a rats ass, it's worth it.
ecclesiagnostica
ecclesiagnostica
2025-03-12
Right ON!
smaggiemillard
smaggiemillard
2025-03-12
Thanx man, this will keep me going until my record player is fixed
joycapri
joycapri
2025-03-11
love this track - gospel bagpipe funk
florenceinspiringpage
florenceinspiringpage
2025-03-10
FUN!!!!!
kousuke4020070
kousuke4020070
2025-03-10
Your Welcome, I was having a real bad day until I saw your site.
heydareimahmood12
heydareimahmood12
2025-03-09
This is superfrickinfragdeliciousespialdocius, I have never seen Jazz on the Bag Pipes, And from someone whose a mixed bag of everything, I know have to tell my kids that they gota second line this at my passing. Thanks for sharing, OUTRAGEOUS,
alviraqhumairah
alviraqhumairah
2025-03-09
It really is something special,Cheers Mate!!
emorrisnyp
emorrisnyp
2025-03-09
OMG I love this!!!!
21floren
21floren
2025-03-09
4crazedkids,I'm just glad it brought a Smile to your face!!..Cheers!
pattytraylor
pattytraylor
2025-03-08
Sounds like one of a Beastie Boys samples
gjustg
gjustg
2025-03-07
One of a kind.. Rufus Harley funky style bagpipes .. thank you so much for the upload
clairbau
clairbau
2025-03-07
Just perfect...