Roland Haynes Jr and his group Phenix released just a single 45 on their eponymous label: the sophisticated modern soul cut ‘Mind Games’, with a dapper jazz ballad, ‘The Essence of Jai’ as the flipside (coming soon on the studio LP). Until now, that 1983 single has been the sole material trace of both band and artist. But like many dedicated musicians who follow their own path outside of the music industry, Haynes understood his musical worth, and the quality of his band. He had documented his work at key moments, laying down carefully worked out studio sessions and recording packed-out live gigs. The recordings that we present here are drawn from Haynes’ personal archive.
This first collection presents a selection of the many live recordings made by Phenix at Quarter Moon club in Orangeburg, South Carolina. This allows us to listen in as Haynes’abundantly talented band stretches out on a tight selection of originals and covers. Together, these sets allow Roland HaynesJrtofinallystakehisclaim to a place alongside the most forward-thinking jazz and soul artists of his era.
Covers of Marvin Gaye, Santana, Hubert Laws & The Jeff Lorber Fusion as well as originals.
500 Copies Only Double Vinyl.