Roots
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.