With its dense layers of instrumentation, catchy vocal refrains and of course Humphrey’s fluid and emotive flute work, “Fancy Dancer” holds a special place in the hearts of music fans. It also has many famous admirers from Chaka Khan to Pat Metheny – the latter describing it as a “classic” and heralding Humphrey’s “lyrical and adventurous playing”.
Humphrey, arguably one of the greatest exponents of jazz flute, is also notable as the first female instrumentalist signed to Blue Note. She cut through a male-dominated world to deliver soulful, forward-looking and distinctive albums that stand out within the label’s storied catalogue. This would in fact be her last for Blue Note and what an astonishing entry in both her catalogue and that of the great label it is.
Recorded in 1975 at a time of rapid musical evolution that saw artists fusing jazz fundamentals with rock, funk and more – “Fancy Dancer” was produced by the Mizell Brothers, Larry and Fonce. A visionary production team, the Mizells pushed forward the sounds of jazz-funk, soul and disco, with their fine arrangements and knack for assembling the right bands to bring vibrancy and colour to the work of the leading instrumentalists that they worked with.
On “Fancy Dancer”, Larry and Fonce played various parts, with the former on piano, assorted synthesisers and vocals, while the latter lends trumpet, further synth work and vocals himself. The true genius of the Mizell brothers is however in their arrangements. Humphrey’s flowing flute lines cascade over the top of tight, funky beats and basslines, crisp guitarwork, blasts of brass, hand percussion and smooth synth textures.
Additional musicians such as vibraphonist Roger Glenn and the extraordinary harpist Dorothy Ashby add extra colour and flare to the instrumentals. Glenn’s vibraphone work set against a bed of string synths and guitar on the title track is one of many highlights, while Ashby’s harp pops out of the mix adding a unique colour to the sultry and soulful “Mestizo Eyes”.
With its ear-worm vocals, tight hooks and beautiful arrangements, the album hints towards the explosion of disco that was just around the corner – while remaining rooted in the traditions of jazz and funk.
The extraordinary band and the guiding hand of the Mizell brothers are key components of this classic record, but all of the different elements in this rich sonic stew come together to put a spotlight on one thing – the extraordinary playing of “the First Lady of Flute”. Warm and pleasing to the ear, Humphrey’s flute lines are imbued with an ever-present sense of exploration, while always remaining emotionally resonant and accessible.
With a driving ambition and a clear sense of what she wanted to achieve, Humphrey was a skilled collaborator who knew how to get the best out of the producers and musicians she worked with, creating a shared sense of purpose. Bassist Chuck Rainey described recording the album with her as the “highlight” of his career adding that “her music was innovative, and her leadership was outstanding”.
The “Fancy Dancer” sessions were one of those times where a certain musical alchemy takes over. The right people were in the room, all bringing top-notch musicianship to the table and uniting behind the vision of a true original. Humphrey created a record that sits at the cross-roads of jazz, funk and soul – while of its era, it has a timeless quality and as soon as the needle hits the record, the vibrancy and vision behind the session leaps out at the listener.
Capable of appealing to jazz aficionados and pop fans alike, Humphrey is a celebrated figure particularly among musicians, but she deserves more kudos and recognition for her musical vision and singular creative output. “Fancy Dancer” sits at the very peak of her achievements and finished her time as Blue Note’s first female instrumentalist on an all-time high.
Andrew Taylor-Dawson is an Essex based writer and marketer. His music writing has been featured in UK Jazz News, The Quietus and Songlines. Outside music, he has written for The Ecologist, Byline Times and more.
Header image: Bobbi Humphrey. Photo: Bob Cato / Courtesy of Blue Note Records.