James Mason - Rhythm of Life

This is a lost classic.  On the sleeve notes James Mason writes:

"For making the music that has inspired and shaped my musical values over the years, SPECIAL THANKS to The Crusaders, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Joseph Zawinul, Stevie Wonder, The Pointer Sisters and Stanley Clarke. And for the learning experience working as a member of his band afforded me, THANK YOU to Roy Ayers."  

That might say it all.  Guitarist/keyboardist James Mason was a member of Roy Ayers' camp, making his most prominent appearance on the 1977 LP Lifeline  - "Running Away" is his showcase cut. That same year, he recorded this gem, his debut solo album, Rhythm of Life, for the tiny New York independent label Chiaroscuro. It sounds like it could have been made in the 90's. 

Personnel: Backing Vocals - Mbewe Ninoska Escobar; Bass - Gene Torres; Congas - Mustafa Ahmed; Drums - Narada Michael Walden (tracks: A1 to B1, B3, B5); Engineer - Bruce Gerstein , Fred Miller (2); Guitar, Piano, Keyboards [Fender Rhodes, ARP Odyssesy, Poly-Moog, ARP String Ensemble; Producer, Arranged By - James Mason;  Saxophone - Justo Almario;  Acoustic Piano on Mbewe and Solo on Hey Hey - Philip Woo; Vocals - Clarice Taylor

Free.  The opening drum break keeps this flow smooth. Simple and nice. 

Free