Archie Whitewater - Archie Whitewater (1970)(2011)

Archie Whitewater was a band that never was. Forgotten by the failing Chess / Cadet Concept label their album languished in limbo and was released to little fanfare. The band was signed during the early 70s horn rock craze, but their sound was much more complex and seductive. Their 1970 debut fused jazz, soul, rock, funk, and psychedelic shrink wrapped with a warm aura. Panned by psych collectors as a pedestrian jazz rock record, interest in the record didn’t increase until the 90s as hip hop producers discovered the album’s warm jazzy sound (perfect any SP-100). After the first listen, though, you realize there is something special to this record. It's got a dreamy laid back vibe especially on the cult classic ”Cross Country". Another strong cut is the mid-tempo head nodder "Home Again" and the short but sweet funky jazz instrumental "Hulk." For the diehards, there is unreleased material from the band floating around the interwebs that really should see a legitimate release.