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Marking half a century since its original release, the iconic album “Earth Blossom” by drummer John Betsch and his ensemble has been reissued by French label Heavenly Sweetness. Originally launched under the legendary Strata-East label, the album has become a highly sought-after treasure in the world of spiritual jazz, with original copies fetching exorbitant prices. This anniversary edition is a celebration of the timeless magic that John Betsch and his society infused into their music, capturing the era’s innovative spirit and the soulful rhythms that have since become a defining feature of the genre.
Born into a prominent African-American family in Jacksonville, Florida, John Betsch was surrounded by music and cultural richness from an early age. His family’s heritage includes notable figures such as Abraham Lincoln Lewis, one of the first African-American millionaires, and Anna Kingsley, an African princess turned landowner in early American history. Betsch’s musical journey began in his childhood, where he first picked up the drums as part of his school orchestra. His passion for music deepened as he attended Fisk University and later, the prestigious Berklee College of Music and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, where he studied under jazz legends Max Roach and Archie Shepp.
“Earth Blossom,” originally released in 1975, represents Betsch’s debut as a bandleader and showcases his extraordinary ability to weave together diverse musical elements. The album opens with the jubilant “Ode to Ethiopia,” a track that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the record with its vibrant percussion and brassy undertones. The title track, “Earth Blossom,” is a standout with its delicate and spangled beauty, offering listeners a journey through a soundscape that is both reflective and uplifting. The deep grooves of tracks like “Ra” and “Darling Dora” further demonstrate the ensemble’s prowess, blending electric piano, guitars, wind instruments, and brass into a cohesive and dynamic whole.
After the release of “Earth Blossom,” Betsch’s career flourished as he moved to New York City and collaborated with a range of influential jazz musicians, including Marion Brown, Max Roach, and Archie Shepp. His move to Europe in the mid-1980s expanded his musical horizons even further, leading to collaborations with artists like Jim Pepper, Mal Waldron, and Steve Lacy. Throughout his career, Betsch has remained a versatile and innovative drummer, contributing to numerous recordings and performances that continue to influence the jazz world today. The reissue of “Earth Blossom” serves as a reminder of Betsch’s enduring impact on the genre and his ability to create music that transcends time.
