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“Thought Seeds, a long hidden modal/spiritual jazz gem is finally available again from Jazzaggression Records! Strung out over 7 tracks, Paris Smith's chunky 4-mallet playing style on the vibes takes you on a joyride of lyrical moods with twists and turns. Not a dull moment on this album! Vocals by Carol Sawall, Vibes – Paris Smith, Saxophone – Jimmy Ellis, Bass – Tyler Mitchell, Drums – Usama Pitts.”

Spanning over three decades, Chicago vibist Paris Smith released privately three albums through his own imprint Oracle records. In the seventies The Quartets album with Kenneth Hill, In the early 80s Thought Seeds with vocalist Carol Sawall and in the mid-90s 53 Street Ghost with full ensemble. All material is self written, the mood, style and feel of three albums are uniquely different. Ranging from full-blown post-bop to soul-jazz slap.

Thought Seeds, the second album, originally released on Oracle records back in 1983. The Quintet is led by Paris Smith and features Carol Sawall on the vocals for the first time. Jimmy Ellis on saxes. Usama Pitts again on drums and Tyler Mitchell on bass. The albums favors a more mystified modal approach, there is one beautiful solo piece ‘Pentatonia’ and a duo vocal track ‘Lillith Came’ and let’s not forget the title track that is running wild with Carol’s vocals over a fantastic vibes ostinato.

The original release has long been scarce, and copies have been demanding three figure sums on the online collectors market.

With this reissue by Jazzaggression Record, this album has been carefully remastered, comes with new pictures original liners and new liner notes by Paris Smith. Cover illustrations drawn by Carol Sawall. Each album is limited to 500 copies. - Jazzaggression Records

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