Good God - "Good God" {USA} [1972] (jazz fusion)

"Perhaps the greatest of all "one-shot" progressive / fusion bands in the US (the Dallas-based Master Cylinder might give them a run for their money), Good God recorded a tremendous major label (Atlantic) album and then sunk without a trace. As far as I know, none of these guys (Zeno Sparkles, guitar & vocals; Cotton Kent, keys, sax & vocals; Greg Scott, saxes; John Ransome, bass; Hank Ransome, drums & vocals; plus various guests on additional horns and percussion) subsequently appeared on any later prog or fusion recordings, though Kent pops up as a session man on numerous local R&B dates. Given their instrumental virtuosity and imaginative approach to fusion and progressive rock this is hard to believe, but stranger things have happened. Stylistically, they are more a jazz-rock band (a bit like If or Zzebra, but with some Mahavishnu influence as well) rather than a Progressive rock band. The album contains 4 fine originals, and two covers: Zappa's "King Kong" and McLaughlin's "Dragon Song". One minor quibble: the rather weak vocals on 2 or 3 tracks" -- Dave Wayne, GEPR

Track list:

1. A Murder of Crows
2. Galorna Gavorna
3. King Kong
4. Dragon Song
5. Zaragoza
6. Fish Eye

I don't have much to add to Dave Wayne's review. This is a really strong and worthwhile jazz fusion effort. The link is to be found in the comments.

5 comments:

  1. hello! this is very good music,thx!
    Sithlord from Hungary

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  2. great great great recording

    thanks for sharing!

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  3. Wow! Great album! Thanks!

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  4. Just come across this, what a top rate album from a band I've never heard of. Real quality. The vocals are incidental. These guys can really jam it. A great collective effort with sensitive playing and no grandstanding. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Wow. Absolutely chuffed to bits you posted this.

    I had a copy way back in the 70 s but I lent it to a pair of rather arty twins in London and that was the last I ever saw of it.

    Great to hear it again. Thanks
    Tony Bristol UK

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