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From the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Winter In America

Gil Scott-Heron

1974

Winter In America
Album Summary

Winter in America is a studio album by American vocalist Gil Scott-Heron and keyboardist Brian Jackson. It was recorded in September to October 1973 at D&B Sound Studio in Silver Spring, Maryland and released in May 1974 by Strata-East Records. Scott-Heron and Jackson produced the album in a stripped-down fashion, relying on traditional African and R&B sounds, while Jackson's piano-based arrangements were rooted in jazz and the blues. The subject matter on Winter in America deals with the African-American community and inner city in the 1970s. The album serves as Scott-Heron and Jackson's debut release for Strata-East, following a dispute with their former label and departure. It proved to be their sole release for the independent jazz label. Upon its release, Winter in America featured limited distribution in the United States and quickly became rare in print. However, with promotional help from its only single "The Bottle", it obtained considerably larger commercial success than Scott-Heron's and Jackson's previous work. The album debuted at number six on Billboard's Top Jazz Albums chart and ultimately sold over 300,000 copies in the United States. While it was critically overlooked upon its release, Winter in America earned retrospective acclaim from several writers and music critics as Scott-Heron's and Jackson's greatest work together. Along with its critical recognition, it has been noted by several critics for its influence on derivative music forms such as neo soul and hip hop music, as many artists of the genres have been influenced by Scott-Heron's and Jackson's lyrical and musical approach on the album. On March 10, 1998, Winter in America was reissued on compact disc for the first time in the United States through Scott-Heron's Rumal-Gia Records.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.24

Votes

11889

Genres

  • Jazz
  • Soul
  • Blues

Reviews

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Dec 14 2021
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5

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)

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Dec 14 2021
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4

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.

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Feb 14 2022
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5

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.

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Mar 19 2022
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5

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.

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Jan 23 2022
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3

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

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Feb 06 2022
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5

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.

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May 02 2022
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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

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Feb 12 2024
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3

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

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Sep 24 2024
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3

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

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Feb 11 2022
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5

absolutamente inacreditável que nunca tinha nem ouvido falar disso aqui

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Sep 24 2024
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4

“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….

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Feb 10 2022
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2

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.

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Apr 14 2022
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2

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

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Aug 04 2022
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2

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.

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Sep 13 2022
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2

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.

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Jan 10 2022
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5

SO GOOD. My standout track was The Bottle, and honestly all of side 2 especially . I wish this was on Spotify. For my own note keeping, a blurb I copied from Wikipedia below: Winter in America juxtaposes themes of nostalgic hope to the social problems of the early 1970s, particularly in the African-American community and inner cities.[29][30] Also a prominent theme in Scott-Heron's lyrics is people's faith in their culture in a bleak, impoverished environment.

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Jan 19 2022
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5

I love Gil Scott-Heron but haven't listened to this one. It's fantastic though. The piano playing is incredibly beautiful and really complements his voice. Another for the vinyl list!

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Jan 27 2022
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5

Extremely soulful stuff. Had a blast with this listen, and I'm certain I'll need to check out more of this stuff. Favorites: "Peace Go With You, Brother", "Rivers of My Fathers", "The Bottle", "Song for Bobby Smith"

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Jan 27 2022
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5

Blown away by this, really incredible.

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Jun 24 2022
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5

Damn I love Gil Scott-Heron. Wish Pieces of a Man was on the list as well. He is socially conscious, calming, uplifting, hilarious, groovy, heartbreaking, smooth, and a hundred other things all in one album and I always find myself wanting more. 10/10

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Jul 22 2022
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5

This album is really enjoyable. Interesting to note Kendrick Lamar samples the first song (at 0:50) in Poe Man’s Dream

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Aug 01 2022
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5

Good album. Really liked "The Bottle". Listening from a modern perspective, offers a great window into the 70s.

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Oct 27 2022
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5

Every time I hear Gil Scott-Heron I learn a little bit about something.

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Oct 27 2022
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5

This was such a wonderful synthesis of blues, R&B, and just that classic 70s Black sound. I loved every one of these tracks, but my jaw dropped during H20Gate Blues. That shit could have been written YESTERDAY it's so sadly relevant. I was on the fence about 4 or 5 here, but I've talked myself into a 5 because I realize I want to listen to this a lot more, and also to the rest of Gil's records.

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Nov 07 2022
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5

Ok how is Winter in America not on Spotify? It’s fantastic!! I can see how Gil Scott is considered a precursor to hip hop and rap, there’s wonderful poetry here as well as just… good music. Loved The Bottle and H2Ogate Blues, but overall the experience was inspiring. After listening I went straight to Pieces of a Man, which opens with a wonderful poem based on the slogan “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”. The rest of the album doesn’t get that political but it’s still a fantastic sou l record. 5/5 for both albums, will revisit a lot.

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Nov 10 2022
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5

Soul filled hammond and a reverence that speaks to the lyrics is how it opens and it is captivating. This piano on Rivers Of My Fathers is wild. Dude what a wholesome and uplifting album. OH THE WATERGATE BLUES IS THE BEST! wow what a great musical expression.

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Nov 16 2022
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5

It is criminal that this album is not on any streaming services. This is an awesome album. I'd love to have it on vinyl. I was jamming the entire time. I went into this album expecting to give it a 4 because of its genres, but came out eager to give it a 5. My favourite songs were Rivers of My Fathers, A Very Precious Time, and The Bottle.

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Nov 18 2022
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5

like nothing i've heard before, loved

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Dec 29 2022
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5

Apt, considering the snow outside right now. A cozy record that harkens to home around a fireplace we can barely afford to light. I like it.

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Dec 29 2022
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5

The ideal intersection of jazzy, spacey, and soulful for my rainy afternoon drive home. This was so powerful that I am upset I'd never heard of it before.

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Dec 31 2022
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5

One of the strongest voices in history

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Jan 31 2023
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5

This is exactly type of record I had hoped to encounter when I started this list. Winter in America is completely unique and engaging to my ears. It’s funky and captivating with conscientious, poetic lyrics that paint a vivid picture of American Life that, frankly, isn’t wildly different from the America we live in today, nearly 50 years later. It’s the kind of record that I don’t think anyone else could make or even attempt to recreate. Gil Scott Heron’s talent, his way with words, is incomparable. This record was a breath of fresh air. I loved it. It’s a shame it isn’t easily available for digital purchase or streaming outside of YouTube. I ordered a copy on vinyl after my first listen, thats how mischievous I loved it.

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Feb 04 2023
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5

J'adore le style, très belle voix et tres groové, c'est platte que ca ne soit pas sur spotify. 5

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Feb 14 2023
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5

As much as Pieces of a Man gets possibly the most recognition from Gil Scott-Heron's catalogue, Winter in America is, to me, his absolute best.

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Mar 01 2023
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5

Another insane album that is sadly not on spotify. Jazz, soul, R&B and the blues mixed together to create some great tunes. The bottle is the highlight of the album for me. 9/10

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Mar 03 2023
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5

This is a fantastic album and artist worthy of being on this list and a 5/5 rating, just for the skill level, poetry, and historic/political importance. I love the jazzy flute solos and GSH's voice is so pained. Brian Jackson's piano playing is amazing. I find it to be a challenging listen, not easy or light at all, but a bit grueling and heavy. It's not one I will reach for when I need a pick-me-up. But of course, that's not the point at all. Like so many really important albums, it is not an easy piece of music, but worth the effort. 5/5

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Mar 20 2023
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5

Absolutely gorgeous. I was a little wary with the first song, but the album pulled me in extremely quickly and rarely let go. It is an utter travesty that this is unavailable on any steaming services, because I want to listen to this constantly.

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Mar 22 2023
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5

A great disc that everyone should hear. Like Patti Smith, Gil Scott-Heron is a poet first and a musician second. The music is soulful and intimate. While Jackson's piano work is almost improvisational, Gil Scott-Heron's lyrics are direct and almost prophetic. The Bottle is a standout.

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Apr 13 2023
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5

such a gosh darn beautiful voice. silky smooth. and that bass omg 😫my one gripe is how out of place H2O gate blues was, great message but i didn’t love the song. every other song blew me away tho 💯

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Apr 13 2023
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5

I've never heard of Gil Scott-Heron before, but I really enjoyed this album. Musically, it was really fun to listen to; the flute usage throughout, and the piano arrangements really meshed to create a sound that was rooted in soul and blues, but still its own. For an album about such heavy subject matter, it really had some fun grooves, and I caught myself bobbing my head along throughout most of the album. As great as the music was here, the lyrics are the real standout to me. I really enjoyed when spoken word was used in some of the songs, and it felt very apt, since a lot of civil rights leaders used spoken word and poetry when they would orate. "The Bottle" and "H20 Gate Blues" were my two favorite tracks, and their lyrics are still incredibly relevant in today's political discourse (I had never heard of Frank Rizzo before, but wow, that guy sounds like a real piece of shit). Overall, I think this album set out to deliver a message about America in the seventies, and with its great music, it achieves that goal.

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May 18 2023
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5

Before there was hip hop there was Gil Scott Heron This album is such a wonderful blend of poetry, jazz and soul

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Jun 07 2023
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5

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

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Jun 14 2023
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5

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.

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Jul 16 2023
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5

Brilliant, genius, lyrically and musically flawless.

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Aug 24 2023
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5

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.

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Sep 20 2023
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5

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.

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Oct 27 2023
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5

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

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Dec 07 2023
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5

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

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Dec 19 2023
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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.

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Jan 05 2024
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5

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

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Jan 19 2024
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5

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

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Jan 24 2024
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5

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.

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Jan 26 2024
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5

Really really liked it. Beautiful singing and lyrics and piano

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Feb 26 2024
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5

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

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Mar 08 2024
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5

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.

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Apr 03 2024
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5

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.

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Apr 12 2024
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5

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 ...

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Apr 19 2024
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5

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!

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May 07 2024
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5

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!

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May 17 2024
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5

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

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Jun 02 2024
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5

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.

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Jun 02 2024
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5

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.

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Jun 07 2024
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5

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

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Jun 12 2024
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5

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.

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Jun 17 2024
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5

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

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Jun 20 2024
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5

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.

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Jul 10 2024
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5

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

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Jul 16 2024
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5

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.

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Jul 16 2024
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5

Timely and enjoyable. A great listen.

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Jul 16 2024
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5

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?

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Jul 18 2024
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5

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.

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Aug 11 2024
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5

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.

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Aug 27 2024
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5

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.

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Sep 16 2024
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5

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.

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Sep 23 2024
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5

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

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Sep 24 2024
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5

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.

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Sep 26 2024
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5

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

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Oct 07 2024
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5

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

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Oct 25 2024
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5

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.

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