Ju Ju Man (1976) showcases altoist Gary Bartz at his finest, delivering a mostly straight-ahead jazz session amidst a period of seeking commercial success in the late 70s. Teaming up with pianist Charles Mims, bassist Curtis Robertson, and drummer Howard King, Bartz crafts here a stimulating set that includes the standout Coltrane-inspired "Ju Ju Man". The album also features swinging tracks like "Straight Street" and "Pisces Daddy Blue," and rare solos on soprano and clarinet in "Chelsea Bridge". Remastered and reissued for 2024, this album solidified Bartz's reputation as a distinctive reedman, despite the rarity of original Catalyst label LPs.
