This year marks the 50th anniversary of Cymande’s ‘Promised Heights,’ a record that closed out a historic three-album run of seminal early 70’s Afro-soul that also included their 1972 self-titled debut and 1973’s ‘Second Time Around.’ ‘Promised Heights’ solidified Cymande’s place in music history, and contains some of their most-beloved and often-sampled tracks such as “Brothers On The Slide”. As children of the Windrush Generation, Cymande were part of the first wave of innovators and originators of the fledgling Black British music scene. Taking influences from their Guyanese and Jamaican roots, the band fused reggae bass lines, Afro-tinged Nyabinghi percussion, psychedelic rock touches, and American style funk instrumentation into a unique sound they dubbed as “Nyah-rock.” ‘Promised Heights’ was recorded following the band’s US tour with Al Green which had firmly planted Cymande in the ears of an adoring American audience. Cymande were also the first British band to ever play the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem.
On 17 May, ‘Promised Heights’ will be reissued on pink vinyl via Partisan Records.
Includes unlimited streaming of Promised Heights
via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
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supported by 8 fans who also own “Equatorial Forest”
Like so many others, this came like a bolt out of the blue and, even though it's well before payday, I had to have this astonishing album on vinyl to prove it exists. The feel of the tunes makes me feel like the Impressions do, Curtis Mayfield, the big spaces and instinctive horns and stuff drifting in and out. Great grooves and I can see lots of ghosts nodding along to this with big smiles on their faces. At last! Anthony Cottrell
French band flesh out the straightforward thrills of house music with rich tones and dynamic arrangements flecked with jazz, funk, and soul. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 18, 2024
supported by 7 fans who also own “Equatorial Forest”
Moodymann creates innovative soul funky music with deep 70s inspiration. The vocals are simply outstanding. A step back in time, 50 years ago! Superb. jef37