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Deluxe Korean mini LP (papersleeve) CD
Haze is the 1974 debut album by the Twin Cities soul-funk group formed by musicians from St. Paul and Minneapolis. Its mixture of deep soul vocals, tightly arranged funk rhythms, organ, guitar and hand percussion places it among the important recordings that preceded the international emergence of the Minneapolis sound.
The group grew from a teenage band originally known as The Fabulous Fascinators and later Purple Haze. By the time of this album, the line-up included vocalists Robert Thomas and Willy Thomas, Peter Johnson on organ and vocals, Paul Johnson on bass and vocals, Solomon Hughes on guitar, Steve Powers on drums, Janelle Green on timbales and vocals, and Michael Lopez on congas.
“House on a Country Road” opens the record with an easy-moving rhythm, warm group vocals and prominent keyboards. “When We Were Kids” develops a more reflective atmosphere, enhanced by guest saxophone, while “Waiting for the Moment” combines clipped organ figures, handclaps and an immediately memorable vocal arrangement.
The extended “Higher Groove” is one of the album's strongest funk performances, driven by Latin-influenced percussion, active bass playing and a sharp guitar lead. The instrumental “Toe Jam” gives the musicians room to exchange short solos over a compact, danceable groove.
“I Do Love My Lady” became the group's best-known recording and a regional soul favourite. Its slow, romantic arrangement combines expressive lead singing with layered backing vocals and simulated strings. “Are You Free” returns to a leaner funk sound, while “Foxy World” balances a relaxed vocal melody with an insistent rhythm section.
The closing “Fill My Mind With Music” provides a fitting summary of Haze's style, bringing together soulful singing, keyboards, guitar and percussion in a polished ensemble arrangement. Producer and engineer Dan R. Holmes gives the album a warm, direct sound, with string arrangements contributed by Darrell Rodman.
Although poor distribution prevented the original LP from reaching a wide audience, the album gradually became sought after by collectors of obscure American funk and soul. This Big Pink Music edition restores the complete nine-track programme on CD in a miniature LP-style papersleeve.
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