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Katmandu is the only album by the American quartet of the same name, originally released by Mainstream Records in 1971. Formed by musicians active around the Miami and Fort Lauderdale club circuit, the group combined blues-based rock with organ-driven psychedelia, blue-eyed soul and touches of early funk.
The line-up featured Norman Harris on organ and lead vocals, Bob Jabo on lead guitar, bass and vocals, Kenny Zale on drums and Bobby Caldwell on bass. Caldwell later achieved considerable success as a solo singer and songwriter, most famously with “What You Won't Do for Love,” but this early recording presents him as part of a tougher and more improvisational rock group.
After establishing themselves on the South Florida scene, Katmandu relocated to Las Vegas and came into contact with Little Richard before signing to Bob Shad's Mainstream label. Produced by Shad, the resulting album balances original material with carefully chosen interpretations of contemporary soul and rock songs.
“Keep the Faith” opens the record with an extended mixture of expressive vocals, Hammond organ and blues-rock guitar. “All These Things” moves into a smoother soul-ballad style, while the band's reading of The Kinks' “She's Got Everything” gives the song a heavier, organ-led arrangement.
The instrumental “G Minor” highlights the quartet's interplay, with Harris's organ and Jabo's guitar moving over Caldwell and Zale's compact rhythm section. On the second side, “Honkey Donkey” and “Catch the Groove” introduce a more pronounced funk influence, combining prominent bass, rhythmic keyboards and loose instrumental passages.
“Cotton Mouth” provides another energetic instrumental showcase before “Day Before Tomorrow” and “You Made Me Feel Like I Belong” bring the album towards a more melodic and soulful conclusion. The variety of styles gives the record an unusual character, positioned between late-sixties psychedelia and the increasingly groove-oriented American rock of the early 1970s.
Although Katmandu did not record a follow-up, their sole album has developed a following among collectors of obscure American blues rock, organ-heavy psychedelia and funky underground sounds. This Survival Research edition restores the complete original ten-track programme on heavyweight vinyl.
Track listing:
Side A
Side B
