I went into Roots Revisited knowing very little about Maceo Parker or his music. I knew his name was associated with James Brown and funk, but I wasn’t particularly familiar with his work. I also don’t know enough about jazz to break down the technical side of what he’s doing here. What I do know is that I absolutely love this album. The horns, the grooves, the interplay between the musicians — everything clicks. A few songs in, I already wanted to start it over again.

Parker is a terrific saxophonist, but what makes this album so enjoyable is the way he brings together jazz, blues, soul, and funk. There’s a tremendous sense of rhythm and personality throughout, with arrangements that are welcoming, energetic, and full of life.

“Them That Got,” a Ray Charles composition, gets things off to a wonderful start. It has an easygoing bounce and a warm, familiar soul sound that makes me picture a Christmas movie set in New York City. There’s something universally appealing about it, with the horns and rhythm creating an atmosphere that feels both lively and inviting.

“Children’s World” is an early highlight and one of my favorite tracks on the album. It’s a slower, bluesier piece with an incredible groove. Don Pullen’s organ is fantastic, while Parker and Pee Wee Ellis weave their saxophones in and out of the arrangement. The horns don’t have to be constantly playing to make an impression. They drift through the music, finding these wonderful spaces between the notes. Bill Stewart’s drumming keeps everything moving.

“Better Get Hit in Yo’ Soul,” originally written by Charles Mingus, brings the energy right back up. There’s a wonderful 60s soul feel to it, bringing to mind the organ-driven sound of Booker T. & the M.G.’s and the Stax Records era. It’s faster-paced, full of movement, and has an infectious groove that keeps pulling you along.

Parker gives Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready” a terrific instrumental treatment. The song has a familiar melody, but the arrangement brings out its soulful qualities, with the guitar taking a prominent role right from the opening. It’s relaxed but funky, and Parker’s saxophone becomes the voice of a song that’s already deeply rooted in the soul and R&B tradition.

“Up and Down East Street” is a real bop, with terrific interplay between the saxophones and organ. The drums give it a wonderful bounce, helping the whole thing dance along. All the musicians get room to shine, creating a lively, almost dance-hall or nightclub atmosphere.

One of the album’s most memorable moments comes with Parker’s version of “Over the Rainbow.” It’s absolutely gorgeous, with a wonderful late-night New York City atmosphere. I picture someone sitting halfway out an open apartment window on a hot summer night, serenading the neighborhood. Parker’s saxophone gives the melody a soulful, almost wistful quality, while the touches of organ add warmth and atmosphere. It’s one of those performances that makes a familiar song feel completely fresh.

“Jumpin’ the Blues” keeps things lively, with a familiar, bluesy groove and plenty of energy. There’s a wonderful swinging quality to it, and the musicians bring a lot of personality to the performance. The rhythm section keeps everything bouncing along, while the organ and guitar add to that loose, lively atmosphere.

“In Time,” a Sly Stone composition, brings the funk back in a big way. There’s a distinctly 70s feel to it, with a loose, jazzy edge and a wonderfully elastic bass line that seems to bounce and stretch like a rubber band. Bootsy Collins is behind that bass, which makes perfect sense. It’s a great way to close the original album, bringing Parker back to the funk roots that run through so much of his musical history.

The anniversary edition adds a couple of bonus tracks, including an alternative master of “Them That Got” and “Funky Christmas.” The latter is a particularly fun surprise, opening with a playful band introduction before moving through familiar Christmas sounds with a funky groove and an almost New Orleans-style finish. It’s a great little extra.

Roots Revisited moves effortlessly between different musical styles without ever losing its sense of fun. Parker has a terrific sound on saxophone, but he’s surrounded by musicians who bring just as much personality to the performances. The organ, guitar, bass, drums, and horns all have their moments, and the way they interact is a huge part of what makes the album so enjoyable.

Every song sounds great, the grooves are irresistible, and the musicianship is something special. This is one of those albums that makes you want to keep listening, discovering little details, and then immediately play it all over again.

Verdict: Masterpiece

Explore more from Maceo Parker

Official Site | Spotify | Bandcamp