SPIRITUAL JAZZ MASTERPIECE MOTHERLAND REISSUED

A deep-catalog spiritual jazz gem rises from the vaults. We’re excited to announce the vinyl return of Motherland by the brothers Earl and Carl Grubbs, better known as The Visitors. Out of print since its initial run on Muse Records, Motherland showcases the genius of saxophonist Grubbs brothers, who were mentored by John Coltrane and Eric Dolphy, leading their free jazz quintet (pianist Joe Bonner, bassist John Lee, drummer Victor Lewis) through heady originals and beloved standards.

This Top Shelf reissue of the album was cut from the original tapes (AAA) by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Fidelity Record Pressing, and comes packaged in a tip-on jacket. Arriving May 29th and available for pre-order today, Motherland will also make its long-awaited debut on streaming platforms in standard and HD audio. Bundles pairing the album with groovy merchandise are available exclusively on our store.

Formed in Philadelphia in the early ’70s, The Visitors were a short-lived but highly respected spiritual and free jazz quintet, led by saxophonists and brothers Carl Grubbs (alto) and Earl Grubbs (tenor and soprano). The brothers often drew comparisons to John Coltrane—and for good reason, as their cousin Naima was the iconic saxophonist’s first wife. In their youth, the Grubbs were fortunate enough to learn from the best, with Coltrane and fellow jazz legend Eric Dolphy both serving as mentors.

Between 1972 and 1976, the quintet released their entire output—four albums in total—including Neptune, In My Youth (both featuring future fusion pioneer Stanley Clarke on bass), Rebirth, and, finally, Motherland. Recorded in 1975 and released the following year via Muse Records, Motherland finds the brothers concluding their run together on a high note. Joining the Grubbs are the great modal pianist Joe Bonner, celebrated bassist John Lee, and veteran drummer Victor Lewis. Presiding over the sessions is a young Michael Cuscuna, who would go on to found Mosaic Records and become one of the most celebrated reissue producers in jazz history.

Drawing from their roots, the Grubbs brothers channel Coltrane on the horns, offering up a heady dose of modal jazz with a spiritual twist. The tracklist leans heavily on original compositions, while two standards—Billy Eckstine’s “I Want to Talk About You” and Johnny Green’s classic “Body & Soul”—pay homage to their mentor, who recorded both in his early days as a leader. The latter tune, in particular, demonstrates how in synch the brothers were with each other, as they seamlessly trade melodic lines on their horns.

Among the original highlights is the album opener “Kimball,” described in J. C. Thomas’ 1976 jacket notes as sounding like “a modal march based on a Scottish reel.” Thomas writes that the brothers’ opening saxophone lines “are the musical equivalent of Chivas Regal-careful distillation, smooth blending, liquid satisfaction.” That same synchronicity can be heard on “Fables of Africa,” where the two duet before trading passionately lyrical solos. The tender title track, meanwhile, finds Carl delivering a graceful performance on the piano (his first instrument), while his brother performs a poignant soprano sax solo.

Rooted in the spiritual nature of their music, the brothers’ own words on the album’s back jacket speak volumes. Carl reflects, “Music to me is a form of meditation. When I’m involved, I become a part of the music myself. It’s like the music and the musician are both part of one great unity, the sum totality of the world at that one time.” Earl, meanwhile, calls the record “A peaceful, musical offering for anyone who wants to listen.”

Click here to pre-order/pre-save Motherland.

Tracklist:

Side A

1. Kimball
2. Body & Soul
3. Levels

Side B

1. Motherland
2. Fables Of Africa
3. I Want To Talk About You
4. A Touch Of Warm