1980 private press Clarence Peters Quartet “The Magnetic Atmospher”

One of the greatest things about this iconic soul psych space funk weirdness slab of wax is that on top of the waves of space funk weirdness is the fact that the mighty Steve Potts blows alto and soprano and there are not enough recordings of Steve Potts in the world, although his “Musique Pour Le Film D’Un Ami” is one of the best Euro jazz sides of the 70’s, which is even more interesting given that he’s from Columbus, Ohio. Another great thing is the either deliberate or naive mis-spelling of Atmosphere, since the Pher ending is clearly superior in every way. In any case, a whole lotta Strata/Spiritual action happening with the Swank & Mighty Patrick Gauthier on piano and Jean-Jacques Avenel (like Potts played with Straight Horn Lacy) on bass. It’s amazing, really, that Gilson didn’t somehow get his thumb in this, although it is so clearly off the cuff and wholly improvised track to track it would had probably driven Jef insane. I love this record for many reasons, but perhaps the main one is how little it cares if you love it back.