Roots cover
Released

Another great album in Mayfield’s impressive early 70s run, his first of two in 1971, features his trademark expansive orchestrated funk — there’s plenty of harps and woodwind among the rattling congas and wah wah guitar — and fuzz guitar/percussion jams. Uncompromising social commentary sits comfortably side by side with his more optimistic tracks and his love songs, all of which are characterised by Mayfield’s celestial-sounding falsetto and his unique guitar style. It’s hippie-soul, psychedelic-funk, cinematic-R’n’B: confident and bold.

Harold Heath

Recommended by

Suggestions
Exposed cover

Exposed

Valerie Simpson
Ain’t No ‘Bout-A-Doubt It cover

Ain’t No ‘Bout-A-Doubt It

Graham Central Station
Trouble Man cover

Trouble Man

Marvin Gaye
Hotter Than July cover

Hotter Than July

Stevie Wonder
Imagination cover

Imagination

Gladys Knight & the Pips
Stampede cover

Stampede

The Quantic Soul Orchestra
Patti LaBelle cover

Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle
ABCD cover

ABCD

Moodymann