Andy Bey - vocals (all tracks), piano (A2-3, B2-3) Bill Fischer - keyboards, percussion George Davis - guitar Wilbur Bascomb - bass Selwart Clarke - violin, viola (A1, A4-B1, B4-6) Ira "Buddy" Williams - drums (A1, A4-B1, B4-6) Richard Resnicoff - guitar (A2-3, B2-3) Jimmy Young - drums (A2-3, B2-3) Written by Andy Bey (A1-3, A5, B1, B3), Pat Evans (A4, A6, B4, B6), Bill Fischer (A4, A6, B4-6), Howard Greenfield (B2), Neil Sedaka (B2) 1 LP, standard sleeve Original analog Master tape : YES Heavy Press : 180g Record color : black Speed : 33 RPM Size : 12'’ Stereo Studio Record Press : Pallas Label : Speakers Corner Original Label : Atlantic Recorded July 26 and September 19, 1973 at Regent Sound Studios, New York City by Bob Liftin Engineered by Jimmy Douglass Produced by William S. Fischer Originally released in 1974 To be reissued in 2022 Tracks: Side A Celestial Blues Experience Judgement I Know This Love Can’t Be Wrong Hibiscus You Should’ve Seen the Way Side B Tune Up Rosemary Blue Being Uptight A Place Where Love Is Trust Us to Find the Way The Power of My Mind Reviews: “The psychedelic soul continues on Side B with the halting tempos and aspirational consciousness of “Tune Up”. His natural flowing vocal style meshes well with the understated jagged guitar. The structure is repetitive, but fits the artistic vision. For those with an appreciation for relaxed soul, “Rosemary Blue” is authentic. Bey’s deliberate lower-register delivery is reminiscent of 70’s singer’s. The music is pure r & b. Picking up the pace, “Being Uptight” is updated blues with jazzy syncopation. This might be Bey’s most nimble vocals as he matches the instrumental stylishness. Downshifting the momentum, “A Place Where Love Is” feels laid back, with gospel-laden aesthetics that radiate warmth. There are always subtle jazz nuances that make these songs fresh. “Trust Us To Find The Way” has a breezy countenance to translate Bey’s positive vibe. In a suitable finale, “The Power Of My Mind” exudes a silky resonance that defines “sweet, sweet soul”. Bey is adept at distilling the core elements of spirituality reflected through the prism of hook-driven riffs and deep, moving vocals. Kudos to Speakers Corner Records for shining a light on an under-appreciated musical artist. This re-mastered vinyl has a vibrant overall mix with great stereo separation. This vinyl pressing is excellent with no hisses or pops.” Robbie Gerson, Audiophile Audition, February 2022 “Criminally overlooked by academics, critics and purists who refuse to listening to anything outside of conventional jazz vernacular, Andy Bey's delivery on Experience and Judgment goes beyond anything he previously committed to tape, revealing a spiritual side that's punched up and supported by a jazz-funk ensemble. The album's opener "Celestial Blues" finds Bey delivering lines that wouldn't be out of place on Bill Withers records from this era, and the remainder of the album sounds similar to the works of such contemporaries as Roy Ayers and Gil Scott-Heron. It's soul soothing music that's been played with great reverence by the rare soul and funk community for years and rightly so, as Bey captures the essence of the soul world brilliantly, and fuses it into something that is uniquely his own.” AllMusic Review by Rob Theakston Ratings : AllMusic : 4 / 5 ; Discogs : 4.54 / 5 ; Audiophile Audition : 4 / 5
