Everything that is fascinating about soul jazz can be found on ‘Black Whip’: A pulsating, forward-driving rhythm section, bass runs that you can’t get out of your head (Ron Carter – who else?), organ sounds that groove like hell, catchy melodies, and incredibly funky solos.

What makes this 1973 record in the 10000 series on Prestige really special is the inventor of the psychedelic soul jazz guitar, Mr. Ivan Boogaloo Joe Jones. Along with Grant Green, Wes Montgomery and George Benson for me one of the presidents of these sounds and grooves.

I do not know any production with Mr. Jones that is not fantastic. And the same with ‚Black Whip’: I can listen to the title track of this recording produced in only one day in 1973 by an extraordinarily playful troupe over and over and over again. This track and also all the others – always makes a good mood!

Stefan Mohr