DONNY HATHAWAY

DONNY HATHAWAY
EXTENSION OF A MAN (1973)
REMASTER
320 KBPS

This 1973 release stands as a testament to the creative genius that was once the rule, not the exception, in black popular music. The opening orchestral sweep of "I Love The Lord, He Heard My Cry" (Parts 1&2) may surprise some fans who only remember Donny Hathaway as Roberta Flack's duet partner. Composed by this young man and recorded around Christmas 1972, no black male singer, before or since has even come close to such an ambitious introduction to an album, it's simply a stunning piece of classical music that bears repeated listening. His most important political song, "Someday We'll All Be Free" follows and is still so powerful, you'll get goosebumps and feel a definite sense of pride and strength from it's message, and Donny's impassioned delivery. My 2 favorite tracks are next up, the jazzy, breezy, "Flying Easy" and the outstanding, relaxed and equally jazzy instrumental "Valdez in The Country". These two numbers alone warrant owning this delightful album, they simply must be heard to be fully appreciated, their beauty will simply envelop you! The ballads on "Extension Of..." are all stunning, heartfelt declarations of love and passion, and performed with such fervor they'll bring tears to your eyes. The best of these are "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know" and the easy grooving "Love, Love, Love" that floats on a bed of warm, buttery bass guitar, vibes and congas that wouldn't sound out of place on Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On". Also of special note are "Magdelena" featuring a saloon style, upright piano and an arrangement right out of the 20's, jaunty horns and all, and "The Slums" a sequel, of sorts, to the classic "The Ghetto", with the hardest, funkiest groove on the LP, nodding your head to this one is mandatory! I almost can't listen to this album some days because it only reminds me of the treasure we lost when Donny Hathaway ended his own life at the tender age of 33, cutting short one of the most promising and brilliant careers in music history. His work takes on a special poignance when listened to now, and makes one wonder what might have been. Thankfully, he left us a considerable body of work to delve into and appreciate. The music world and the world in general was better for his existence. We Still Miss You Donny. Rest In Peace.

1. I Love The Lord; He Heard My Cry (Parts I & II)
2. Someday We'll All Be Free
3. Flying Easy
4. Valdez In The Country
5. I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know
6. Come Little Children
7. Love, Love, Love
8. The Slums
9. Magdelena
10. I Know It's You
Bonus track
11. Lord Help Me