Berlin-based label Sonorama Records has recently reissued, for the first time since it’s original 1975 release, Jamaican tenor saxophonist Fitz Gore and his adventurous group The Talismen’s highly obscure soulful spiritual jazz debut album Soundnitia.

This superb six track album was originally recorded live in West Germany and released on Gore’s independent GorBra label. Also featuring Ulrich Kurth on piano, Gérard Ebbo on acoustic bass, Philippe Zobda-Quitman on drums, and Lamont Hampton on congas, this soulful and uplifting spiritual jazz recording, which also incorporates funky Caribbean and Afro-Cuban influenced grooves, features two brilliant versions of John Coltrane’s “Dahomey Dance” and Horace Silver’s all-time classic “Song For My Father,” as well as a standout original written by Ebbo, titled “Mariella` Amor,” that will have you up and dancing where ever you are.

This well-crafted reissue also features the original artwork, including a two-page insert with original notes and Fitz’ poem “Sketches of Pain”.

Even though this group only produced two independent full-length recordings (also see Soundmagnificat) and a 45rpm (“Soundnova” w/ “Gisela (Lion Rock)”), these sessions are absolutely timeless, and it’s great to see such remarkable recordings receive a proper reissue and hopefully shine a light on this amazing group.

Fitz Gore & The Talismen — ‘Soundnitia’
(Originally released: 1975 / GorBra Records)
(Reissued: 2021 / Sonorama Records)

1. Theme – The Man With The Horn
2. Song For My Father
3. My Foolish Heart
4. Mariella` Amor
5. Dahomey Dance
6. Theme

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• Jazz
• Spiritual Jazz