What makes Astral Signal by Gene Harris notable?

'Astral Signal' is notable for its bold thematic content, particularly the track 'Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey,' which sparked discussions on race and identity in music. The album received critical acclaim, further establishing Harris's reputation as a prominent figure in soul jazz and funk. Released in 1975, 'Astral Signal' came during Gene Harris's transition from the influential group The Three Sounds to a solo career. This album marked his first major project after leaving the group, showcasing his unique style and musical vision while solidifying his presence in the jazz and funk scenes.

How many songs are on Astral Signal?

Astral Signal has 12 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Astral Signal

Gene Harris · 1975

40 min · 12 tracks · blues

A vibrant blend of funk, jazz, and soul that radiates warmth and groove through intricate arrangements and spirited improvisation.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey — This track stands out for its courageous confrontation of racial issues, blending sharp social commentary with infectious grooves that challenge listeners to reflect.
→
Summer (The First Time) — With its smooth melodies and heartfelt delivery, this song captures the essence of nostalgia and longing, showcasing Harris's skillful piano work.
→
My Roots — This track features rich harmonic textures paired with rhythmic complexity, offering a deep connection to Harris's musical influences and cultural heritage.
→
Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong — The playful title masks a sophisticated composition filled with vibrant rhythms and melodic interplay, highlighting Harris's innovative fusion of styles.
→
Feeling You, Feeling Me Too! — This track encapsulates the album's emotional range with its intimate lyrics and dynamic interplay between instruments, making it a standout moment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances but lacks a fully cohesive flow.

What we noticed

The album opens with a short instrumental track that sets a mellow tone before transitioning into more upbeat pieces.
Several tracks feature extended improvisational sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes and motifs in depth.
The title track incorporates complex rhythms and layered instrumentation, creating a rich sonic texture that evolves throughout its duration.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey

The powerful refrain directly confronts racial prejudice without holding back, using assertive language that demands attention.

This directness shifts the typical narrative found in jazz and funk music by placing societal critique at the forefront of the artistic expression.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Prelude 1:38
2 Summer (The First Time) 3:32
3 Rebato Summer 0:44
4 I Remember Summer 2:03
5 Don't Call Me Nigger, Whitey 3:44
6 Losalamitoslatinfunklovesong 3:06
7 My Roots 4:15
8 Green River 3:01
9 Beginnings 5:50
10 Feeling You, Feeling Me Too! 1:57
11 Higga-Boom 5:57
12 Love Talkin' 4:47

What to play next

Listen next

In a Special Way

1976

Go back to

Nexus

1975

Full Gene Harris discography Artists like Gene Harris

blues funk jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata