Weldon Irvine: "Cosmic Vortex (Justice Divine)"

My first OG copy of a Weldon Irvine album.  Weldon’s stuff is so great because it bends to no-one’s rules except his own; “Cosmic Vortex” may have been produced for a major label (RCA), but it’s easily as underground-oriented as any of his independently-released projects.  It’s no secret why sample-heads love Irvine; his grooves issue forth with proto-hip-hop energy, and tons of his songs have long drum-breaks and/or otherwise-sample-worthy moments.  I dig “Love Your Brother” (both versions), the nonstop funk throw-down “Walk That Walk, Talk That Talk,” the NuYorican-sounding “Let Yourself Be Free” and the fusion-prog workout of the title track, but everything here is good.  Irvine’s keys are front and center, bringing with them that subtle, intensely rhythmic sensibility that always seemed at the core of his playing.  In addition to his own exceptional talents, there is a very impressive lineup of musicians on the session credits, including Lenny White, Jimmy Owens, Bob Cranshaw, Cornell Dupree, Gordon Edwards, etc.  This is the kind of record that served as a virtual blueprint for the genesis of the NYC jazz-funk scene, paving the way for many generations to come.