Search - J.J. Johnson :: Willie Dynamite

One of the great things about Seventies blaxploitation films is that, even if they were, um, perhaps a guilty cinematic pleasure, they frequently had a kickin' soundtrack. Willie Dynamite, originally released in 1974, is no exception.


The musical score and the record production were both overseen by the late J. J. Johnson, who is widely thought to be the finest jazz trombonist ever, having recorded with Count Basie, Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. This time out, he's gone to the street for inspiration, crafting a soundtrack that stands with the likes of Shaft and Across 110th Street, even if the movie itself might not have.



While most of the album is instrumental score, three tunes feature Martha Reeves (of Vandellas fame) on vocals, billed as Martha Reeves & The Sweet Things. The movie's director, Gilbert Moses III, also was listed as co-composer on several of the tracks.



If you wanted to buy this album before this release, you could expect to pay in the three-figure range (other rare record sites and eBay auctions can confirm this). We proudly make it available for your pimpin' pleasure at a far more reasonable price.



Remastered from the original tapes in 2004 by Grammy-winning engineer Gavin Lurssen, this compact disc version includes a mini poster of the original front and back covers of the album release (which makes it easier to sing along with "Keep On Movin On" and "Willie D").