In 1974, Strata Records Inc. was well known in Detroit for their art gallery, live music venue and record label, turning out records by artists like Kenny Cox and Lyman Woodard. After working on an online museum based on lost youth culture in Detroit, vinyl excavator and DJ, Amir Abdulah, was inspired to reintroduce the label to the world. Although The Lyman Woodard Organization's Saturday Night Special is perhaps the jewel of the label, it was the never before released Clap Clap! The Joyful Noise from Kenny Cox that Amir decided to release. This visionary piece of Latin infused jazz was inspired by both the innocence and zeal of Cox's 3-year-old son, Philip, and also the culture of Latin America and Caribbean lands Cox admits in the album's original liner notes that, "oddly enough…I've never seen." There are traces of samba and bossa nova throughout the albums 5 tracks, all underpinned by a mellow groove. The two closing tracks may be what draw most listeners in. "Lost My Love" takes "Feel Like Making Love" and wraps it in Rhodes drenched chords and strings. While "Beyond The Dream" is a 13 minute long poly rhythmic journey.

• black double vinyl pressing
• 2021 BBE Music pressing
• housed in heavy stock gatefold sleeve
• music label: Strata / 180 Proof / BBE Music 2021

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 02/2013