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Originally privately released in 1978, All That I Am is the sole album by Kit Ream and one of the more unusual artefacts of the American outsider-music underground. Existing somewhere between psychedelic folk, lounge jazz, spoken-word improvisation and new-age spiritual philosophy, the record follows its own eccentric path far outside conventional late-1970s rock.
Ream’s voice and lyrics form the centre of the album, shifting between singing, recitation and spontaneous-sounding philosophical reflections. Around him, guitars, piano, flute, saxophone, clarinet, violin, bass, congas and drums create loose arrangements that frequently feel closer to an informal late-night jazz session than a conventional studio production.
“Introuniversal Jam” immediately introduces the album’s peculiar atmosphere, with Ream delivering cosmic observations over a sparse, free-flowing musical backdrop. “Don’t Be So Holy Poly Over My Souly” continues in similarly idiosyncratic fashion, mixing beatnik jazz phrasing with psychedelic humour and an unmistakably personal vocal performance.
Elsewhere, “Beautiful” and “Memories” reveal a softer and more reflective side, while “Wines” moves through an intimate, almost lounge-like setting. The second side ranges from the drifting “Cool Water” to the more rhythmically driven “Funk,” followed by the atmospheric “Golden Drops.” “The End” closes the album with the same mixture of introspection, eccentricity and unfiltered personality that runs throughout the record.
Long treasured by collectors of private-press psychedelia and outsider music, All That I Am has developed a cult reputation precisely because it fits so awkwardly into any established category. This Cosmic Rock vinyl edition makes Kit Ream’s singular 1978 album available again in its complete original nine-track configuration.
Track listing:
Side A
A1. Introuniversal Jam
A2. Don’t Be So Holy Poly Over My Souly
A3. Beautiful
A4. Memories
A5. Wines
Side B
B1. Cool Water
B2. Funk
B3. Golden Drops
B4. The End
