GIL SCOTT-HERON/BRIAN JACKSON -REAL EYES
Gil Scott Heron is justifiably recognised as one of the most unique black music artists of all time. His music transgresses all musical barriers in the same way that Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley and Marvin Gaye did.

In 1980 Gil re-signed with Arista records as a solo artist, following on from the successful partnership with Brian Jackson with whom he had co-written, performed and recorded since 1969. 
 ‘Real Eyes’ was the first of three albums which he would record under the new deal, ‘Reflections’ and ‘Moving Target’ would follow in 1981 and 1982.

‘Real Eyes’ featured a new band the Amnesia Express who would be Gil’s band both in the studio and on the road for many years... This young band brought new energy to Gil’s music each member displaying great musicianship. featuring the incredible bass player Robert Gordon  I was privileged to witness Gil perform with this band in London many times during the 80’s , most notably at the Victoria Apollo 1981 and they were one of tightest that I have seen.

The album was co-produced by Gil with Malcolm Cecil who had been involved in the recording and mixing of the three previous albums ‘Bridges’, ‘Secrets’ and ‘1980’ which were also recorded in Malcolm’s T.O.N.T.O studio in California. Malcolm is the pioneering British Jazz Bassist, who was a founding member of The Jazz Couriers, and collaborator and co-producer of Stevie Wonder’s Grammy award winner albums of the early to mid 70’s.

Gil’s unique song writing style and delivery is evident throughout and Real Eyes has a much jazzier and more open feel than the previous album. The up tempo ‘Train From Washington’, ‘Waiting For The Axe To Fall contrast with the mellower ‘You Could be my Brother’ and  ‘Legend In His Own Mind’ every track telling a powerful story.    ‘The Klan’ unusually not written by Gil - a cover of a song recorded by Richie Havens in 1968 is especially poignant.

We are proud to release ‘Real Eyes’ on CD for the first time outside of Japan in our classic albums series. The music has been re-mastered from the Original master tapes and sounds incredibly fresh.

Laurence Prangell
September 2010.

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