• 1. Ode to Ethiopia
• 2. Earth Blossom
• 3. Open Pastures
• 4. Song for an untitled Lady
• 5. Ra
• 6. Darling Doria
• 7. Get up and go

• Status Message

• Status Message

Earth Blossom is one of the more legendary LP’s ever released on the Strata-East label, and Heavenly Sweetness has done us all a big favor and rescued this record from obscurity with this reissue. This 1974 outing was John Betsch’s only record as a band leader and he propels forward this far reaching album with his energetic style, while managing to hold together what could be unwieldy improv into coherent exploration. The John Betsch Society melded together the free jazz of Coltrane and Sun Ra with the psychedelic-hippy jam of the Dead. The sound is sunnier brighter version of John Betsch’s post-bop contemporaries (think Wayne Shorter with a smile). Betsch has a light touch on the drums that keep things bouncing along and it offsets well with the pianists Tyner-like modal piano work. These jazzier sounds play counterpoint to the more rock inspired playing of the bass and guitar player whose playing styles keep a more easy melodic feel. Right up front and soaring over the top is the masterful saxophone and flute playing of Billy Puett. He pushes the album into a spiritual bent with his “Love Supreme” ecstatic improvisational outbursts. The album also features stellar compositions by Bob Holmes. Mingus style jagged horn lines and bouncy rhythmic accents are the hallmark are many of the tunes-the highlight of which is “Ra.” This album is a must have for anyone who enjoys a powerful jazz group playing together at it’s full potential.

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