Blue Dashiki

OK, here's one I unfortunately have not been able to turn anything up on: "Blue Dashiki" by Bob Bateman Association. The only possible connection I can make is that perhaps this is the same Robert Bateman that worked with Lou Courtney on a few of his releases (as mentioned over at the great Funky16Corners blog), but that search has not panned out either. At this point, I am wondering if this even got full release (anyone have a stock copy?).

"Blue Dashiki" is a flute-led groover that could probably best be described as on the funkier side of soul jazz. There's plenty of percussion, making the groove nice and chunky (this is also thanks to the unselfish playing of the guitarist). After the opening section, layers of horns come in, some supporting the flute, some moving beneath, like the saxophone and some of the trumpets. The tune doesn't stray too far from the original pattern, just lays it down and stays with it. Very nice.