Ronnie Laws – Fever

Awwww yeah, I knew this was going to be a good one when I saw the cover. This is funky, funky jazz from Ronnie Laws, who plays tenor sax, soprano sax and flute on this 1976 Blue Note release. Laws was a one-time member of Earth, Wind & Fire and played on their Last Days and Time album, one of their jazziest, and this album ranges from funky in Let’s Keep it Together and Fever, soulful in Strugglin’ and smooth jazz with vocals on the persuasively titled Stay Still (And Let Me Love You).

Ronnie Laws was very prolific, releasing eight albums in 10 years from 1975-1984, but his best recordings were in the 70’s and I am happy I was able to find Fever. The cover promises really steamy horns, and that’s exactly what you get, along with excellent musicianship from the supporting cast. Marlon McClain puts in some very funky guitar work and Bobby Lyle shines on the electric piano/clavinet on Night Breeze.

Value