2013 compilation from influential new wave / experimental jazz figure repressed. Similar to Arthur Russell, jazz clarinetist Roland P. Young relocated from San Francisco to New York City in the late ‘70s to engage in the downtown avant-garde scene and began introducing electronic and dance elements into his production. Hearsay I-Land is a result of that era, compiling the 1984 Land 12" in its entirety with a majority of the 1987 Hearsay Evidence LP, both of which were primarily recorded in his bedroom in the Kips Bay neighborhood of Manhattan. Feature track “Balla-Ballo” is a downtempo dance classic with hard-hitting 808s and his wife Risa providing vocals. Roland sings on the rest of the album--his lyricism is both honest and humorous. While not exactly a traditional vocalist, there’s a certain charm to his proto-bedroom-pop ethos and his eagerness to push his musical boundaries. 9 tracks on black vinyl with a tip-on jacket and insert.

• black vinyl pressing
  
• housed in old school tip-on sleeve
• includes printed insert w/ liner notes
  
• first time on vinyl since 2013
• music label: Grand Royal 2021

reviewed by SHH! 08/2021