2017 reissue - Hailing from Britain, with origins in Guyana, Jamaica, and St. Vincent, critics and historians agree that the world simply wasn't ready for Cymande. Formed in 1971, the band would become renowned for their progressive, and complex brand of funk music, which fused elements of calypso, jazz, R&B, African music, and British glam rock. Despite touring with Al Green, performing at venues like The Apollo and Soul Train, and having a Billboard R&B hit, Cymande languished in obscurity before disbanding in 1974, only to develop a widespread cult following over the years, and become a treasure trove for crate diggers and beatsmiths.
Cymande's legacy began with the release of their self-titled album in 1972. In equal measure, the band's debut emnated with funky grooves, spiritual euphoria, stirring world arrangements, and tightly executed rhythms. Cymande would render dancefloor hits of tracks like "Bra" and "The Message", which reached #20 on the Billboard R&B charts, and help the album develop a new legacy of innovation, decades after its release. Tracks from the album have appeared in tracks by De La Soul, MF Doom, and The Fugees, as well as in soundtracks in TV and film, from Spike Lee's Crooklyn, to modern programs liks Fargo and Mr. Robot.
A1 | Zion I | 3:29 |
A2 | One More | 3:06 |
A3 | Getting It Back | 4:16 |
A4 | Listen | 4:37 |
A5 | Rickshaw | 5:50 |
B1 | Dove | 10:50 |
B2 | Bra | 5:00 |
B3 | The Message | 4:19 |
B4 | Ras Tafarian Folk Song | 3:08 |