The reissues keep flowing out of the offices of Wounded Bird Records, and one of the latest if the funky fusion classic from stellar bassist Miroslav Vitous. After leaving Weather Report in the mid-70's, Vitous went on to record a bunch of solo albums, and this 1976 offering is considered one of his best. At times coming across like a spacey, funky mix of Mahavishnu Orchestra, Frank Zappa, Weather Report, and Herbie Hancock's Headhunters, Magical Shepherd is an essential listen for anyone who loves classic 70's fusion.
Some of the musicians who joined Vitous on this album are Herbie Hancock on Fender Rhodes electric piano, Clavinet, and synthesizers, Jack DeJohnette and James Gadson on drums, and Airto Moreira on percussion. Brief ethereal vocals on a few cuts are handled by Cheryl Grainger and Oniki, but for the most part this is an instrumental album. Miroslav adds in bass, guitar and synthesizers, including the mighty Mini Moog. The title track is a complex fusion piece that you would swear is a leftover from one of Frank Zappa's early 70's albums, with it's intricate arrangement and vocal lines, and also features a frenzied, McLaughlin-ish guitar solo from Vitous. "Basic Laws" is an 11-minute gem that has plenty of funky grooves and hot keyboards from Hancock,, as well as fiery bass work from Vitous. The progressive tinged "New York City" is classic fusion, while "Synthesizers Dance" is loaded with inventive synth battles between Vitous' Mini Moog and Hancock's ARP Odyssey.
A "magical" album indeed, and sure to please any lover of 70's fusion with progressive touches and lots of funk.
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