For this week’s Old ‘n’ Gold we’re turning all nostalgic to celebrate the triumph that was Idris Muhammad’s 'Could Heaven Ever Be Like This' turning 40 years old. Recorded and released on US Label Kudu Records back in February 1977, the two-minute drum roll from the hands of the laid-back, understated and masterly Jazz drummer may leave the undiscerning listener feeling glazed and a bit puzzled… yet this a slow burning gem that could captivate any dancefloor in the right hands. It’s a treat of a burning jazz funk tinged disco journey that continually evolves, drops, and builds again. Composition aside, when the break enters, it’s a tune that everyone will recognise – sampled 23 times by the likes of Jamiroquai, Drake, J.Cole and most memorably, the driving force behind Jamie XX’s 'Loud Places'.
Muhammad’s playful production is not only particularly enjoyable to sit back and bask in, but its 40- year anniversary is especially timely for the concurrence with what’s been deemed ‘the current UK Jazz music revolution.’ The Guardian mooted last year that the scene was entering a new golden age; venues such as Camden’s Jazz Café can now run all week long events, seemingly sold-out at every turn. A genre associated with age and maturity is now being driven by a band of young producers. When previously you could only turn to Gilles Peterson and his Worldwide Festival series, now this is being emphasised by the summer smaller/medium electronic festival circuit’s championing of eclecticism and with the likes of Gottwood and Houghton ensuring the perfect sunny afternoon cocktail through the booking of Yussef Kamaal, Ishmael Ensemble and BADBADNOTGOOD to name but a few. Moreover the parallels can be drawn between the prolific Muhammad – the eternal jazz drummer and London’s very own young Moses Boyd; the MOBO award winner spearheading the revolutionary wave of UK jazz and headlining a stage at SXSW this year.
There’s a burgeoning appetite for this music and 'Could Heaven Ever Be Like This' is a record continually flying the flag for all to recognise. There’s also a special something about jazz – when the needle drops - it just sounds better on wax. Which is great news because you can still pick up a 7” of this classic for £7.50 over on Discogs.
Words by Marcus P