Johnny Lytle – The Soulful Rebel and People & Love (Real Gone Music, 2013)

Originally released as two Milestone LPs: The Soulful Rebel (1971) and People & Love (1972).

• Personnel on The Soulful Rebel: Johnny Lytle (vib, mar); Billy Nunn (org, el-p); David Spinozza (g); Ron Carter (el b); Jozell Carter (d); Ray Barretto (cga); recorded on July 15, 1971

• Personnel on People & Love: Johnny Lytle (vib); Marvin Cabell (fl, al fl, ts); Daahoud Hadi (aka Butch Cornell) (el p, org); Bob Cranshaw (el-b); Jozell Carter (d); Arthur Jenkins, Jr. (cga, perc); Betty Glamann (harp); recorded in August & September 1972

Vibraphonist Johnny Lytle recorded extensively in the 1960s, making more than fourteen albums for Jazzland, Riverside, Tuba, Pacific Jazz, and Solid State during the decade.  In the early-70s, Lytle made these two LPs for Milestone.

I only discovered this music a few years ago, while I was doing research for this project.  Dusty Groove did everyone a service when they reissued these forgotten LPs.  Lytle's music is soulful and funky and bright.  I have no idea why it isn't more well known.  

Give it a listen!

"The New Village Caller": 

"The Soulful Rebel": 

"Tawhid": 

More Johnny Lytle
Oddly enough, Lytle made only one other record during the 1970s, Everything Must Change (Muse, 1978).  Since it's not as convincing as his two Milestone LPs, I'd would instead recommend Easy Easy (32 Jazz, 1997).  The CD compiles two later Muse LPs: Fast Hands (1980) and Happy Ground (1991).