1984 (180g) [Limited Edition] [LP]

One of his best albums from the mid-sixties, Yusef Lateef's 1984 is a truly experimental work. Featuring bassist Reggie Workman, pianist Mike Nock and drummer James Black, it ranges from the eight-minute title track that opens the album to the two-minute edgy modal ballad "Try Love." Reviewer Thom Jurek gave the album four out of five stars in AllMusic, noting that "1984 seems to be shaping up to be a really strange album.

The title track is an experimental, noodling improvisation with Lateef moaning as if he's in mourning. But with 'Soul Sister', where Lateef's deep, bluesy tenor weaves around a beautiful lyrical figure, and Mike Nock's breathtakingly beautiful solo on 'Love Waltz', the whole album moves in a different direction, even if it's not particularly focused. All in all, a complex but emotionally and musically rewarding work from a master."

Flute, oboe, tenor saxophone: Yusef Lateef

Piano: Mike Nock

Double bass: Reggie Workman

Drums, percussion, Indian bells: James Black