Soul Liberation’s ST: A Funky, Soulful Trip Down Memory Lane
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into ST, the criminally underrated gem from Soul Liberation that dropped in 1974. This album is like a warm hug from your cool uncle—the one who smells faintly of patchouli and always has a story about jazz clubs in Greenwich Village. With its roots firmly planted in Funk, Soul, and Jazz, it's the kind of record that makes you want to dust off your vinyl player, pour yourself something strong (or weak, no judgment), and just vibe.
First off, let’s talk about “Groove Me Gently,” which might as well be renamed “Groove Me Forever.” The bassline? Insane. Like, I-don’t-even-know-how-they-did-that insane. It’s so smooth it feels like butter melting on toast—except this toast is served in a smoky New York jazz bar circa 1974. What sticks with me most is how effortlessly the horns slide in halfway through. They don’t announce themselves; they just show up like an old friend who knows exactly when to crash the party. You can’t help but move to this track—it’s practically illegal not to.
Then there’s “Midnight Reverie,” which hits different. If “Groove Me Gently” is the life of the party, then this one’s the after-hours heart-to-heart chat on the fire escape. The piano work here is hauntingly beautiful, all twinkly and melancholy at the same time. By the time the sax solo kicks in, you're either crying softly or contemplating every life choice you’ve ever made. Either way, it’s a win. It’s the kind of song that sneaks up on you long after the needle lifts off the record.
What makes ST stand out isn’t just its genre-blurring magic—it’s the way it refuses to take itself too seriously. Sure, Creative Arts put their stamp on it, but this album feels like it was recorded in someone’s basement during a particularly inspired jam session. And honestly? That rawness is what keeps me coming back for more.
So yeah, if you haven’t spun ST yet, do yourself a favor and give it a whirl. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself googling vintage turntables at 3 AM. Oh, and fun fact: apparently, the band broke up shortly after releasing this masterpiece. Classic musician stuff, right? Makes you wonder if genius and chaos are two sides of the same funky coin.
