What Time Is It??? We’ve been eyeing this killer private press jazz joint on eBay ever since the office collectively fell in love with “Big Spliff” (how could you not) earlier this year, and imagine our delight to get this deluxe repress from BBE dropped in our lap just a few months later. I feel for the guy who’s had this in his wantlist for 20 years. There’s a recurrent Latin influence, but “Big Spliff” is pure uptown jazz-funk swagger of the highest order. “Venice” is a divine but terribly brief couplet of sublime Rhodes chords and Thomas’ flute playing soaked in space echo. Also check out the Latin-steeped “Muscavado,” smokey “Doloreso” and hypnotizing closer “Spellbound.” BBE stretch the album out onto four sides of vinyl and stuff it into a gatefold jacket loaded with photographs and an extensive essay by PB of Straight No Chaser, with some excellent insight into the incredible story of Ralph Thomas and his origins in Chicago, his work with Quincy Jones in Los Angeles, his relocation to Jamaica and friendship with Augustus Pablo and original Wailer  Junior Braithwaite in the 80s, and subsequent stretches in Paris, Thailand, and more. Recommended.

• double vinyl pressing
• first-ever vinyl reissue
• gatefold sleeve
• extensive liner notes
• music label: BBE 2018

reviewed by nick nightingale 10/2018