Ahmed Abdul-Malik – East Meets West

But what is this pressing exactly? What is rainbo records?

Great album! Etc etc etc amazing playing and genre fusion

In theory everything is possible. In theory the idea of transferring from tape to digital with minimal interface seems to suggest an exact replica of the original could be achieved, but that is not what this is. The wording is key to any and all corporate dealings. "This is a true re-issue of the classic RCA LP series of the fifties amd sixties. Remastered from the original analog tapes without any electronic enhancement."

A very decent follow up to one of the best jazz fusion albums of all times, Jazz Sahara. Thank goodness he still retained the services of saxophonist Johnny Griffin, who as with the previous album is one of the linchpins of this album's success. Much shorter tracks means that there isn't as much room to improvise and grow as with the Jazz Sahara, but jumping from mood to mood has its rewards as well. Overall, an absolute quality album.

I just found this in $1 bin looking really bad. VG- to G. It even has a dent in it that I thought would ruin the last songs on both sides. It plays VG+ all the way through. It says on the back this record contains miracle surface 317X. I would usually just shrug that off but Wow, I'm a full believer in 317X! Bring it back RCA! Killer Jams. I love Eastern influenced stuff like this done really well like Alice Coltrane, G. Szabo Jazz Raga or Dreams, or Mulatu Astatke -the full Ethiopian sound.

There are few artists that mixed as many sounds as Ahmed did, especially on this release. You will find #bennygolson #leemorgan #johnnygriffin #curtisfuller #alharewood among others on this lp from 1959. All 8 tracks are originals and they vary in style some but there is a sting stylistic thread that runs through it still. It took me a while to find a decent copy of this and it has a permanent spot on my shelves.
You probably have heard him on an Art Blakey, Randy Weston, Monk or Coleman Hawkins recording.

There's a 2013 180g reissue version too.