Winter In America

Really enjoyable. Reminds you how little has changed in politics since the 70s. (Could not find on Spotify, YouTube link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnkDjMDD3JQ)

I love the electric piano, the bluesy jazzy fusion feel, the political lyrics and his pained voice. GSH sings like he has lived every word (the opposite of Paul Simon). My gripe is that 1001 shouldn’t have picked this album over his 1971 release “Pieces of a Man”. While I may grumble a bit about their choice of Allman Brothers or Alice Cooper or Steely Dan albums, not including “Pieces of a Man” is a serious oversight. It’s a historic release, with the epic “The Revolution Will Not be Televised” who many say was the first hip-hop song and there’s at least a half-dozen other epic tracks. I’ll never get tired of “Lady and John Coltrane” or “Home is where the Hatred Is”. It’s a highly listenable LP, back-to-front. I was going to post a complaint on reddit/1001 but I didn’t want to interrupt a heated discussion about the merits of Napalm Death.

I also do not know if this should be in the miscellaneous, jazz, or on which shelf. I know it should be on my shelf.

Its emotional and political. Gil and Brian used their art and their talents as an extension of the community, to reflect the mood, the sensitivity, the circumstance of the community and America at that time. The wo derful "The Bottle" did unfortunately become a self fullfilling prophesy for Gil Scott Heron and I also believe H20gate Blues is as much about the politics of America today as it was nearly 50 years ago. Now on to listen to another two of his tremendous albums Pieces of a Man and Free Will. Gil Scott Heron is forever in my heart.

Not for me

Did nothing for me. Music is good, voice is good, but it just doesn't gel to something great. 2.5/5

This was really good, has a way with words. I liked his explanation of The Blues and the jazz song about Watergate. Reminds me of antiwar icier men like Michael Franti and Billy Bragg

A powerful, beautiful blend of musical styles. Despite what the lyrics are talking about, which is important and serious stuff, the instrumentals were soothing and just a joy to listen to. The piano work in this is amazing. And damn, 'H2OGate Blues' is such a good, poignant, powerful song.

I really like the contrast between the chill vibes of the music and some of the heavier lyrics. And always good to know that the problems we have today have been persistent for decades. Not depressing at all Felt the mixing could have been better. Vocals seemed to really overpower the music, though that could easily be a problem of the YouTube version I listened to.

Mostly aimless jazz noodling, not great apart from The Bottle and some Watergate ranting later on. On Amazon Music if you're looking for it

Unique album, albeit it is dated. The music and lyrics seem to be going in their own directions at times, but work well together.

absolutamente inacreditável que nunca tinha nem ouvido falar disso aqui

Very Soulful. Powerful lyrics as well, society sucks man. Love the hard panning in the Rhodes Piano at the beginning, very Spacey, but not Kevin Spacey.

Whoa this one was cool. Politically charged with similar themes we can relate to today. It blurs the line between jazz, blues, and soul. I would have never found this album on my own. Good listen.

“The Bottle” runs away with this LP - that bumble-bee bassline alone unmoored my eyeballs - but this is a sweet record. The quietness of “Song for Bobby Smith” stuck close to me. Heron’s voice doesn’t bang it out with his contemporaries in the song forms he’s playing with here, but I like its matter-of-factness, his talking the melodies - he plays to his strengths even here. The record’s atypical for Gil Scott Heron, more tuneful, jazzier, less rap, less fierce, and deserved more than today’a inattentive playthrough and the later, urgent skip across for better grasp. “Winter in America” is a terrific title. Brian Jackson’s work is sometimes luminous, bell-like in its resonance; cheerfully Broadway elsewhere. But are the songs strong enough to make this a great? One listen was not enough to convince. Skipping through again, I hear much that is exquisite, I don’t think I can bear rating this a three a day after giving Def Leopard a four, and “Rivers of My Fathers” might pay back its duration, so to conclude….

This was so slow an excruciating. "The Bottle" was decent, almost the only saving grace, until "H20Gate." If the whole album had been intense, passionate, and intelligent spoken word poetry with a jazzy/bluesy backing, "Winter in America" would have been so much more interesting. Then again, anything is more interesting than most of this album.

I was just about to give up when 'H2O Gate' came on and I realized I had heard this artist before and that I liked his other spoken word pieces (namely 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised'). His spoken tracks have popped up on the radio from time to time, but I never heard them attributed to an artist's name. I'm glad to now have a name and to be able to make the connection back to LCD Soundsystem's 'Losing My Edge' track. But, back to 'H2O Gate'... I didn't really enjoy the majority of this album. While the tracks did have a nice chill vibe and the keyboardist (I'm assuming Gil) has got some great chops, the flow and tonality and lyrical content all felt off. 'H2O Gate', on the other hand, felt perfect. It cleverly and deftly pulled me into focus and then set my mind sprinting to keep up. The message was urgent, eloquent, thought provoking and enduring. The pacing was exciting, and I am sure that I only scratched the surface of understanding all that was said. I will need to revisit this album somewhere down the road and see if it lands differently with me then. For now though, outside of one brilliant track, I just couldn't connect with what was happening enough to enjoy it much.

2, wasn't liking it for most but there were moments

this just really was not my vibe at all like it was funky and groovy but just not the type of music i’d listen to ever.

Awesome

Beautiful, human. Jazz/blues/funk/soul - really smooth, exceptional musicianship. Very political and of its time but still feels relevant today. Easy five stars. Wish it wasn’t so hard to find, but glad to have been introduced.

This album is phenomenal. Absolutely singular and timeless and relevant.

What a voice, what a message! Couldn't find the full album but the Winter in America piece was fantastic. I didn't realize his voice was so nice, having read him as a college student. The message never gets old. Especially not right now. Almost comforting to know that there have been trials and tribulations in the past that were made better with community and speaking truth to power like Gil.

Had to listen on YouTube. Overall a banging sound. Transported me away from my four walls. So relaxing but soulful and filled to the brim with jazz language Will need to be relistened to many more times

wow, fantastic. wish it was streaming. 4.5

This is not my sort of music. I have never had anything better between my ears. How is this so hard to find?!

Absolutely incredible. Loved this.

Evocative poetry that feels like a time capsule and timeless at the same time. Gil is forever a legend.

Great variety of cool Songs:) thx!

Amazing, just plain simple amazing. The record is lush with jazzy production and full of actually relevant lyrics, timeless lyrics. The combination of jazz and poetic lyrics has been so refined and the two complement eachother so well. The longer insteumental pieces didn't feel like a drag and were soothing and complementary to the tone and mood of the songs. Overal this record was very balanced, an excellent intro and outro dust free songs that are timeless in terms of message and overal amazing production. The only negative thing I can say is that this record might be harder to listen at times, perhaps its not a daily listen, but definitely something to return to from time to time. Favorite song: peace go with you brother. Overall score: 9.2/10

A really great album.

My first 5 of this project. I'm so impressed with the musicianship and lyricism on display - I'm also fascinated by the legacy of this record and it's influence on early rap and hip-hop. I had the stupidest smile on my face for basically the entirety of H20Gate Blues. The only knock for me is the quality GSH's vocals can sometimes be a bit of a distraction from what he's saying. But that's outweighed by all of the above. Playlist adds (if this album were streaming) - The Bottle, A Very Precious Time, Song for Bobby Smith, H20Gate Blues

Loved this album. Perfect combination of laid back/mood jazz accompanied by Gil Scott Heron's sublime poetry. All tracks are outstanding and 5 stars from me.

This is easily one of the best albums I’ve heard for laid-back, smooth, and soulful jazz. The vocals are outstanding, and the raw, minimalistic production adds so much warmth and texture to the overall sound. It’s a perfect blend of simplicity and depth, making the album feel both intimate and timeless.

Album écouté au retour des partys de noël familiaux, sur la route enneigée et sinueuse des Sept-Chutes. Ambiance parfaite et contexte approprié pour ce disque nommé « Winter un America ». Un album qui commence très doux avec piano, sons feutrés très jazz et quelques passages de flûte. Au fil de l’écoute, s’ajoutent des accents R&B et même un peu disco. Et ça revient plus doux avec une pièce qui fait ressortir l’orgue. Puis, l’avant-dernière pièce, qui commence par un petit cours rigolo sur le blues, se transforme en critique acerbe, mais tout de même drolatique, de la société américaine sous le King Richard Nixon. Sous la forme d’un discours scandé présageant ce qui viendra avec le rap, le texte devient une charge à fond de train contre les visées guerrières et interventionnistes des Etats-Unis, contre les scandales politiques (on est l’année du Watergate) et la cupidité des grandes entreprises. On entend les collègues musiciens qui rigolent et encouragent derrière. Un vrai tour de force ce disque. Bien dommage qu’il ne soit pas accessible sur les plateformes pour le réécouter facilement.

Beautiful. This was a fantastic listen, what's really amazing is the equal collaboration effort between these two men. Brian Johnson going crazy on the flute AND the piano, shit was so gorgeous listening to it. Then you got Gil Scott-Heron with the heartfelt, meaningful, and potent poetry across the entire album. Both of them were inspirations to each other and as a result we got Winter In America. Also as a nice bonus I noticed a few songs on here that were sampled. A wonderful listen. Top 3 Favorites: Rivers Of My Fathers, Back Home, and The Bottle NO BAD SONGS 5/5

great album, have heard -you daddy love you- many times on Wclk and never knew the artist.

Class

i'm not too familiar with gil scott-heron's work outside of a few select tracks, so i had an idea what to expect, but not the full picture. i am a bit blown away by this one! very jazzy, very smooth, very soulful. some of these tracks are a little funkier and some are a bit more balladic. the poetry was quite nice and the vocals were really nice. the electric piano on here sounds so great. just a really cool, pleasant album that has great feel and soul.

Solid

General impression: beautiful, pure, human Detailed review: After a bunch of albums that were merely good or interesting, how refreshing to get one that really bowls me over with its artistry. Oddly enough the album this most reminded me of was Songs of Leonard Cohen. Because the arrangements are clean and minimal, the pace is mostly slow, and it’s a space where the words and the human soul can enjoy the spotlight. I really felt this album and many of the songs just made me sit in reflective emotion. Of course Gil Scott-Heron has one of the most striking and memorable voices, and all it needs is some keyboard behind it. Deeper thoughts (context): I want more Score: 5 Number of albums left to review: 947 Number of albums from the list I’d consider “must-listens”: 31 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 23

Undeniably great. He was a poet. He was a genius. Raw soulful singing, luscious music. Get into it!

Minimaliste, on prend son temps. La voix exsude l'émotion sans affectation aucune. Le message est clair, direct, livré sans complaisance mais avec un sens du rythme qui l'élève et lui confère encore plus de puissance.

Wow!

Winter in America is a studio album by Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson, originally released in 1974. Oh man, anyone reading this, please check out the other releases under the Strata East label (or even the Strata label). Seriously one of my favorite labels. Anyways, this album is amazing. The songwriting of Scott-Heron combined with the composing of Jackson is total perfection. This is funky but not an in-your-face funk. More of a stoned with the lights turned down at night type of groove. There's lots of jazz in here too. I mean, those opening notes of the Fender Rhodes oscillating through each speaker is just so groovy. Scott-Heron preaches some real stuff on here too, as he always does. I really wish "Pieces of a Man" was included on this list. If you dig this and haven't heard that record yet, do yourself a favor and throw that on next.

Just beautiful. Another album from a genre that I've paid little attention to. That may change now, and this album, for sure, is going into my collection. Five stars from me.

Such a cool album. I liked the paired down jazz at first, it got a little old in the second and third tracks, but then it really started picking up. We start getting incredible flute and piano play which in retrospect sounds like a quintessential sound of the 70s. Then H20-Gate blues comings out the gate with a scathing yet resonating political critique. Then the gloves are off from there. I never thought I would be so into an album like this but I absolutely loved it.

Yes.

Echt goeie

Difficult to find to stream but worth it. H20 Gate Blues is still powerful 50 years later.

Relevant then, equally relevant now. The only thing they got wrong? The revolution WILL be televised.

When I think about this list, this is the kind of albums I hope to get every day. Some far, far away artists I couldn't be able to hear about for the rest of my life. Yet this was so good. The sensual tempo, the clear lyrics, the simple joy and love in the message. Even the 8-minute rant about US politics was enjoyable. At first I thought it's a clear 4 star album, but I can't see the reason to not give it 5 stars.

An excellent blend of spoken word and jazz that mixed thought-provoking and vivid lyrics with a wide spectrum of sound from relaxing to upbeat. What's really sad, is that the messages of this album could easily be repeated today and ring just as true. Top tracks: Peace Go With You, Brother; The Bottle; Song For Bobby Smith; H2O Gate Blues

This was not only an incredible listen, but a lucky one. It was lucky because this album is not on Spotify, which is where I look for new music, and so without this project I probably never would have found this album. I have listened to Gil Scott-Heron before, but this album what honestly *that* good I've reevaluated him and hold him in a much higher respect. This album has honestly raised the bar for me going forward. Disregard any five stars I've given in the past, this is the new standard. Under the YouTube video there is a comment that says: "Gil was a prophet sent from God to deliver a message that nobody was ready for, and all he was doing was delivering the word. He wasn't perfect, but he was God's warrior. He screamed and hollered and I don't think he ever told a lie." And man, I thought that was really something. The Vibe: Sitting in a lounge chair and drinking something brown from a shiny glass after a day that was so long and hard you need to stop and replay the whole thing in your head.

If these did not get added to the great american song book, they should have been. Plus one of the more compelling political slam poems I've heard. And what a wonderful voice.

Thanks to the reviewer who directly linked to the youtube link. After a long stream of pleasant albums, this one felt like what I came here for. mind blowing, beautiful, out of my normal wheel-house. 5 stars.

I love these guys...

Like "What's Going On", this album is as enjoyable to listen to as it is poignant, and as reliable a relisten as any GSH album. Loving this one as much as I ever did.

I have dabbled in some of Gil Scott-Heron's music before, but wow, I need more of this. What an great way to ease into a morning! How could it not be a great day now?

Timely and enjoyable. A great listen.

This album did not have a clear genre for me, but it not only great to listen to it was also compelling. Really terrific and really sad that it isn’t available on my music service - but thankfully in our digital age I found a way. Too bad that such an important album isn’t readily available. Still it really makes me glad to have embarked on this project to discover finds like this.

I had only known samples from 80s rap from him. This album was deep, sonic, and entertaining.

4.5☆/5 07.09.2024

Loved it. Great poetry, great vibe, beautiful music.

I love Bobbi Humphrey's flute playing on "Harlem River Drive" as well as the relaxed feeling of cruising the barrios of 70's Manhattan that the song conveys. Each time I listen to it on YouTube, it is followed by tracks from Gil-Scott Heron. (No brain, not Jill Scott.) The algorithm (algoRHYTHM, anyone??) got it right this time. I couldn't name a single song I heard, but I liked it. Time to dig in with a focused listen. I think Gil is a little loud in the mix; at least, I'd like to hear the backing music a bit more as there are some tasty tidbits in there too. His singing isn't amazing, but he makes do with the art he has. The jazz is smooth but not elevator music, and many of these tracks sound live, at least partially. The playing is phenomenal, especially the piano, flute, and congas. The spoken-word genius delivery of "H2Ogate Blues" reminds us that the good ol' days weren't as rosy-colored as we'd like to remember. Even then, he talks of current stolen elections, stacking the Supreme Court, inflation, war for profit, and politicians "whose ignorance is only surpassed by those that voted for [them]." Mic drop. Sadly, this struggle remains and rings true even today, a persistent winter in America. Peace go with you, brother. This is the jazz music I like with a message that remains fresh and revolutionary. Winter In America just oozes intelligent and soulful art, and the rhythm makes you move. A unique and hip take on jazz, poetry, and spoken-word mastery.

Cool poetry and instrumentation, it’s just what I needed actually. Very good album.

Na moral vai toma no cu, que álbum foda, tá maluco. Estou ouvindo pela quarta vez pra tentar escrever sobre ele, mas não consegui colocar em palavras que descrevam a altura a qualidade dele. Sensibilidade, melancolia, descontentamento, êxtase e humor. É um álbum que tem alma. E vai toma no cu o Spotify também, que é o primeiro álbum dessa lista que não tem na biblioteca e um dos melhores que ouvi até agora.

wasn't on spotify, had to go onto youtube for this one such a good album both poetically and musically, start to finish

I think I'm going to bump this up to a five simply for how concise it is. I'm not sure, I just really liked each of the tracks and the whole sermon of H2OGate Blues.

I’m at a 4.5 that I’ll bump up to a 5. I just thought this album felt really encapsulating to me – it had some lulls early on, but I never really felt bored, I just felt like I was always waiting for the instrumentation to take another step up. They kinda broke down that expectation over time, and I think after getting a bit of energy with Back Home and The Bottle, the rest of the album was gliding for me in terms of the soundscape, the vocals, and ultimately, the comforting feel of the album. I really think the last 5 tracks (not counting the reprise of Peace go with You, Brother at the end) are just that damn good – Song for Bobby Smith and Your Daddy Loves You, in particular, gave me the same feeling as say, watching Mr. Rogers or Bob Ross. They just felt reassuring in an authentic way that isn’t often recorded in music, in part because there’s no swirling bombastic instrumental behind them, which helped a lot. H2Ogate Blues is a great critique of the politics of the era, and it’s wild how well I think it’s aged into 2024, especially with the damn Reagan diss about a decade early. I’m just kinda grumpy that this isn’t on streaming, because I’d add every song here if I could. Regardless, it’s a really nice 44 minutes, and I kinda just found a bit of bliss in it. I enjoyed the hell out of it, and I feel good with a 5. It definitely feels like it should be on this list.

Great jazz

Not on Spotify

It's Gil Scott-Heron. Always 5 stars.

Such a shame this isn't on Spotify because it's fantastic. I am going to have to track down a copy on vinyl. Only know Gil from revolution will not be televised and though I knew he had a great voice, I didn't know he had such a great soulful SINGING voice. The electric keyboard is also delicious. Also, The Bottle is a banger, and H20 Blues is an absolutely classic Gil excoriation. Just consistently brilliant. Four more years! Four more years!

Oh shit! So excited for this one. Love this artist. It’s a relief to find this beautiful recording posted on YouTube. Undeniably great. He was a poet. He was a genius. Raw soulful singing, luscious music. Get into it!

Nice.

A really great album by an artist, I must admit, I did not know. A shame that is isn't available on Spotify, but found it on Youtube. Will be dipping into his other records but since I listen either on Spotify or on my stereo I will probably not hear this record again ...

So much fun. So so much fun. I had to explore YouTube to get the full album but on top of really needing something to help me work, it was just a delight.

want on vinyl !!

The man is a legend, the album is not available to stream so I just listened to everything else in his catalogue. I heard The Bottle 42 years ago in a basement club called the honky Tonk, on a Sunday night. It took me 10 years to track it down and I thought I was onto someone special, and I still am.

That was very nice music

Album not in spotify.

Wasn't on Spotify, listened to Pieces of man instead, absolute quality

Really really liked it. Beautiful singing and lyrics and piano

A really good album. As someone else has written, it reminds you that little has changed in politics since the 70s. It's a shame that you can only hear it on YouTube.

Definitely their best

Gil Scott-Heron is severely underrated when it comes to the discussion of 70’s Soul. This album, like a lot of his work, is a masterpiece

This is a difficult album to find on streaming in 2024. That said, its worth looking for as its absolutely outstanding. This is a great "shits all fucked up and someones gotta say something" work of art. 5/5

A glittering jewel of an album, a time capsule of the turmoil of mid-70s America as only Gil Scott-Heron could examine it. Along with the considerable musical gifts of Brian Jackson, they make a formidable team.

Gil Scott-Heron is a genius and this is another great record from him. Loved it

Fantastic

5 sitars.

Deeply moving, raw, and intelligent with slick music to boot. A great album I definitely wouldn’t have found otherwise.

Loved this album straight thru!

Scott-Heron's strength is as a poet. The music on this album is a little too mild for me. On his strength as a poet, however, 10/10.

This was great. A nice snapshot of 1970s Black America. Gil Scott-Heron never held back in his life and he does not disappoint in "H2OGate Blues." Love how he touched upon so many social issues. I can definitely see why this is such an important album.

как же кайфанула

Brilliant, genius, lyrically and musically flawless.

Not on Spotify but The Bottle, the epic H20gate blues and many other great tracks from a youtube clip, make this a great solid four star album.

First time listening to Gil Scott-Heron, amazing work.