O’Donel Levy - Simba LP [Mr Bongo]

Tracklist:
1. Bad, Bad, Simba (0:00)
2. Kilimanjaro Cookout (7:13)
3. Playhouse (12:08)
4. Sierra Lonely (16:45)
5. Sad, Sad, Simba (22:25)
6. Joni (28:41)
7. Nigerian Knights (33:57)

We proudly present a new Mr Bongo reissue series, exploring the incredible catalogue of Sonny Lester’s iconic Groove Merchant label. First up is Simba, a hypnotic, funk-drenched soul jazz album from guitar master O’Donel Levy. A Baltimore native, Levy was already recognised as one of the most promising jazz guitarists at the time of Simba's release. Having toured with George Benson and Jimmy McGriff, and featured on McGriff's Black Pearl album on Blue Note, Levy signed to Groove Merchant under the direction of Sonny Lester. Produced by Lester himself and recorded in just two intense sessions in 1973, Simba brings together a stellar line-up of 70s session musicians. Legendary studio drummer Steve Gadd, Cecil Bridgewater on flugelhorn, Tony Levin on bass, and Manny Albam's arrangements are just some of the names contributing to this masterpiece. A perfect example of tight yet overflowing funk grooves, Simba captures these musicians at their peak. The opening track, Bad, Bad, Simba, could easily have been part of the soundtrack to a 70s car chase film directed by Lalo Schifrin. Levy's guitar shines with vibrant and elegant energy, perfectly complemented by Gadd's masterful drumming. Playhouse offers another jolt of intensity, with wah-wah guitars, brass, and flutes in a fast-paced sonic duel. The album's cinematic character is maintained throughout, though with some moments of pause and lyricism. Sierra Lonely and Sad, Sad, Simba immerse us in a landscape of exquisite ballads, with Albam's enveloping arrangements and the sublime playing of Bridgewater and Collins on flugelhorn. In these tracks, Levy demonstrates his virtuosity without seeking the spotlight, allowing the chemistry between the musicians to flow naturally. Nigerian Knights closes the album masterfully, once again highlighting Levy's restrained but magnetic guitar style. Each track on Simba is a gem. Like the CTI recordings of the same era, Sonny Lester's production anticipates an aesthetic that would later be rediscovered and reinterpreted by hip-hop producers. With impeccable balance, precise arrangements, and masterful execution, this album flows with inexhaustible freshness, radiating groove in every note.