Norman Connors is an American jazz drummer, composer, and producer who gained recognition for his work in the jazz and R&B genres. One of his notable works is the album "Dance of Magic," released in 1972. This album showcases Connors' musical talents and his ability to seamlessly blend different genres and styles. "Dance of Magic" is a fusion of jazz, R&B, and soul music that features a variety of talented musicians. The album includes tracks like "Dance of Magic," "Valentine Love," and "Mother of the Future," which highlight Connors' rhythmic drumming and skillful arrangements. The opening track, "Dance of Magic," sets the tone for the album with its infectious groove and captivating instrumentation.
Personnel: Gary Bartz - Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone; Stanley Clarke - Bass; Norman Connors - Drums; Art Webb - Flute; Anthony Wiles - Percussion [African], Balafon [Baliphone] – Nat Bettis - Percussion [African], Congas; Herbie Hancock - Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes]; Carlos Garnett - Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone; Eddie Henderson – Trumpet; Cecil McBee – bass; Airto Moreira – percussion; Alphonse Mouzon – percussion; Billy Hart - percussion; Engineer: Harry Yarmark
Recorded with a who s who of fusion titans including trumpeter Eddie Henderson, bassist Stanley Clarke, and keyboardist Herbie Hancock, Dance of Magic channels the lessons drummer Norman Connors learned in the employ of Pharoah Sanders, Sam Rivers, and Sun Ra, marshalling Latin rhythms, electronic textures, and cosmic mysticism to create non-denominational yet deeply spiritual funk-jazz. Side A features the sprawling title track Dance of Magic, an extended piece of music which spans 21 minutes and and sees plenty of stretched out solos from Garnett, Henderson, Bartz and Hancock in that order.
The opening track, "Dance of Magic," sets the tone for the album with its infectious groove and captivating instrumentation. Connors' drumming provides a solid foundation for the track, while the saxophone and trumpet solos add depth and intensity. This upbeat and dynamic song immediately grabs the listener's attention and invites them to join in the dance.
Dance of Magic
Recorded with a who's who of fusion titans including trumpeter Eddie Henderson, bassist Stanley Clarke, and keyboardist Herbie Hancock, Dance of Magic channels the lessons drummer Norman Connors learned in the employ of Pharoah Sanders, Sam Rivers, and Sun Ra, marshalling Latin rhythms, electronic textures, and cosmic mysticism to create non-denominational yet deeply spiritual funk-jazz. The sprawling 21-minute title cut spans the entirety of the record's first half, capturing a monumental jam session that explores the outer edges of free improvisation but never steps past the point of no return. Connors' furious drumming is like a trail of bread crumbs that leads his collaborators back home. The remaining three tracks are smaller in scale but no less epic in scope, culminating with the blistering "Give the Drummer Some." by Jason Ankeny
Personnel: Gary Bartz - Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone; Stanley Clarke - Bass; Norman Connors - Drums; Art Webb - Flute; Anthony Wiles - Percussion [African], Balafon [Baliphone] – Nat Bettis - Percussion [African], Congas; Herbie Hancock - Piano, Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes]; Carlos Garnett - Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone; Eddie Henderson – Trumpet; Cecil McBee – bass; Airto Moreira – percussion; Alphonse Mouzon – percussion; Billy Hart - percussion; Engineer: Harry Yarmark
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Vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater appears on most of the above albums, but not this one - unless she's one of the mysterious U.B.F Singers on the first track?
Another standout track on the album is "Valentine Love," which features vocals by Jean Carn. This soulful and romantic ballad showcases Connors' ability to create a beautiful and melodic composition. Carn's powerful yet smooth vocals complement the lush instrumentation, resulting in a timeless love song that captures the essence of the album. "Mother of the Future" is a funk-infused track that highlights Connors' versatility as a musician. The song's energetic tempo, catchy bassline, and catchy hook make it a standout on the album. Connors' mastery of the drums is evident as he effortlessly guides the song's rhythm, creating a groovy and memorable tune. Overall, "Dance of Magic" is a captivating album that showcases Norman Connors' musical prowess and his ability to blend different genres. The album's seamless fusion of jazz, R&B, and soul creates a unique and timeless sound that continues to captivate listeners decades after its release. Norman Connors' "Dance of Magic" is a must-listen for any fan of jazz and R&B music..
Reviews for "Harness the Spiritual Energy of Norman Connors' Dance of Magick"
1. Sarah - 2 stars: I was really disappointed with "Norman Connors Dance of Magix". The entire album lacked cohesion and felt like a jumbled mess of different musical styles. The transitions between songs were choppy, and it was hard to feel connected to any particular track. Additionally, the vocals on some of the songs were borderline unbearable. Overall, the album felt like a chaotic and disorganized attempt at experimentation that fell flat for me.
2. John - 1 star: I cannot express how much I disliked "Norman Connors Dance of Magix". The album seemed like a desperate attempt to be innovative and unique, but it resulted in a collection of songs that were just plain weird. The melodies were erratic, and it was almost impossible to find any sort of hook or memorable tune. The production felt sloppy, and the overall sound quality was subpar. I definitely would not recommend this album to anyone looking for enjoyable and cohesive music.
3. Lisa - 2 stars: I had high hopes for "Norman Connors Dance of Magix", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The album lacked direction and purpose, leaving me feeling confused and disconnected from the music. The artist seemed to be experimenting with different genres and sounds, but it came across as a messy and disjointed mishmash of styles. The lackluster vocals and unimpressive lyrics didn't help either. Overall, this album failed to capture my attention or leave a lasting impression.