”Earth Blossom” by The John Betsch Society on Strata-East SES-19748

A rare bird and gem in the Strata-East catalogue. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize This one has been one of my most wanted Strata-East titles. Been after it for quite a while. Hard to find album. Have seen it though in a couple of record store drops online and also at a local store but I’ve been too late on every occasion. This time I was first in line and couldn’t be happier.This is a spiritual jazz excursion led by drummer John Betsch. Haven’t explored his stuff so need to dive in after listening to this one. He recorded with Steve Lacy, Dollar Brand and Mal Waldron for example. Earth Blossom, his only title as a leader I believe, was recorded in 1974 in Nashville, Tennessee. The cast of players are all unfamiliar to me which is interesting. The overall vibe of this album is warm. It touches the avant-garde at times but most of it is accessible and…