The totally unknown US fusion band Jasmine, 1979

 

Smooth US fusion along the familiar lines of so much posted here like the recent Manzanita Pirate Lady, the well-known Landress - Hart Group's Dancing Moments, etc., etc...

Information here.  Obviously, a one-off, or unfortunately I should say.

From the blurb on the back:

Jasmine is the fruition of a dream of four young men who first met over two years ago as members of Mongo Santamaria's band. They decided they would like to form a band whose material reflected their various musical influences, which include jazz, latin, and pop. Although relatively young in years, they have had extensive experience with major artists.

Saxophonist (plus flute, clarinet) Roger Rosenberg has worked with big bands led by Buddy Rich, Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, George Russell and Slide Hampton.  He has also been a featured soloist in small units led by Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, and Terry Nakamura.

Bill O'Connell, who plays keyboards for Jasmine, has worked with Robin Kenyatta, Ray Barretto, Ted Curson and Lionel Hampton. 

Philly-born Lee Smith has played bass with various pop and soul groups such as Billy Paul, the Delfonics, Major Harris and Blue Magic.

Steve Berrios who plays drums and percussion on the record, has worked and recorded with a diverse group pof musical personalities who include Randy Weston, Miriam Makenba, Harry Belafonte, Ronnie Dyson, Leon Thomas, Tito Puente, and David Amram.

The music on the album is made up of original material.  The group felt it would be easier to write new tunes that reflect their musical personalities than to try to adapt existing music to their style. The combination of some very heavy musical credentials plus a good helping of genuine musical talent creates in Jasmine a very special musical experience.

NB missing on the above list, Carmen Lundy vocalist on the one non-instrumental song Angelica.

Standout track is by Rosenberg and it's called Hokus Pokus and indeed to my ears sounds like magic partly due to the gorgeous reverberated flute sound, like a flock of birds taking flight: