#92 of 100
· Cratewise Editorial
“This self-titled debut lands here because it's the perfect bridge between soul tradition and what's coming next—those lush, orchestral arrangements hit different when the needle drops on "Bra," and the funk undertow never lets up. Cymande's Janus pressing gets overlooked in conversations about early-70s soul, but these Guadeloupe-born musicians brought something genuinely fresh to the game. The production is immaculate, the grooves are locked in tight, and it deserves a spot in anyone's serious collection. This is the kind of album that rewards multiple plays and makes you wonder why it isn't mentioned more often in those same conversations as Marvin and Curtis.”
Cymande was a British-Jamaican funk and soul group formed in London in 1971, comprising keyboardist/vocalist Pablo Moses, bassist/vocalist Peter Gayle, drummer Steve Scipio, and percussionist Patrick Patterson. The group was active primarily during the 1970s, releasing three studio albums on Janus Records: "Cymande" (1972), "Second Time Around" (1973), and "Promised Heights" (1974). The band disbanded in the late 1970s but experienced a significant revival in the 2000s due to sampling of their work by hip-hop artists and renewed interest from collectors. Their music blended funk, soul, reggae, and Caribbean rhythms into a distinctive worldly sound that prefigured world music and global funk fusion.
Style
Cymande pioneered a sophisticated fusion of Jamaican reggae, funk, and soul with African and Latin percussion elements, creating hypnotic, polyrhythmic grooves characterized by crisp horn arrangements, syncopated bass lines, and layered vocals.
Significance
Highly sought after by vinyl collectors and sampled extensively by hip-hop producers (including De La Soul and MF DOOM), Cymande's original 1970s pressings have become valuable collectible records that represent the intersection of Caribbean music, funk, and the emerging hip-hop genre.
Cymande's self-titled debut album was recorded in 1972 at various studios in New York, capturing the group's innovative fusion of Caribbean, soul, and funk influences. The band—comprising keyboardist/vocalist Panama Francis, guitarist Pat Hall, bassist Steve Scipio, and drummer Ondre Kirkland—had formed after immigrating to New York from Trinidad and Cyprus. Producer Steve Kipner helped shape their distinctive sound, which blended traditional percussion elements with contemporary soul-funk arrangements. The recording sessions reflected the group's goal of creating what they called 'spliff rock'—music that embraced their Caribbean roots while remaining rooted in American funk and soul traditions. The album showcased tight musicianship and innovative production choices, including the use of clavinet, strings, and layered vocal harmonies that would influence countless artists across multiple genres.
Historical Context
Released in 1973 on Janus Records, Cymande's self-titled album emerged during a pivotal moment when funk, soul, and world music were converging. The early 1970s saw growing interest in diverse cultural sounds within popular music, and Cymande arrived at an opportune moment. While the album received modest commercial attention initially, it gained cult status and later critical reappraisal, particularly through hip-hop sampling and reissues. The group's influence became more pronounced decades later as producers and musicians rediscovered their innovative approach to blending genres.
Pressing Notes
The original 1973 Janus Records pressing is the most collectible version, typically featuring a gatefold jacket with striking artwork. Original pressings can command significant prices on the secondary market. The album has been reissued multiple times, including notable reissues by Honest Jon's Records in the 2000s and other labels recognizing the album's cult status. Collectors should note that Janus Records pressings from this era vary in quality; early pressings are generally preferred. The album's rediscovery through hip-hop sampling has made original vinyl copies highly sought after. Reissue quality varies, so researching specific editions is recommended for serious collectors.
Also Appears On
Debut Albums
“Caribbean immigrants in '70s London fusing funk, reggae, and calypso on their first try. 'Dove' and 'Bra' have been sampled hundreds of times. The originals remain untouchable. Under $25.”
Essential Soul & Funk on Vinyl
“★ DEXX DEEP CUT — Caribbean immigrants in '70s London fusing funk, reggae, and calypso. 'Dove' and 'Bra' have been sampled hundreds of times. The originals are untouchable. Under $25. The secret handshake of crate diggers.”
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