340 of 1001 Albums: Shuggie Otis' Inspiration Information

Shuggie Otis is jazz, funk, and soul, and he sounds really cool. There is a lot of rhythm, and culture in the music, and even when the vocals chime in it just adds more to the songs. He is pivotal to any 70s jazz or funk you would want to check out. There are several editions of this album, so if you're wanting more of Shuggie be sure to check out his later releases, including a reissue of this one coming out this year. So it's just the right time to be listening to it! The album pictured to the right is the cover of the original release though.

Shuggie Otis gets the album started with the title song "Inspiration Information". It's a long song, but one that really shows his skill as a musician. It dives into different instruments all while showing his talent as a guitarist. It's a little jazzy, and a little bluesy. More impressive, Shuggie Otis oversaw the album as producer, and the lead of it. This was his first debut on his own, and he pulled it off pushing it into a classic.


"Aht Uh Mi Hed" is surprisingly one of the best on the album, though you will have to listen to the album to get the pronunciation of that down. It sounds really good though, and has a nice jive to it while listening. It falls more into the funk aspect of music than the other songs. You also have "Sparkle City" which is one of the shorter ones, but still a good listen.

The album would best be enjoyed by people in this particular music though. While the guitars, and brass can be appreciated it's a little long at times. It always has some rhythm to it, and he proves he with the classics like Miles Davis in progressing that scene. You're going to have more favorites than others though if you love the whole jazz or funk scene especially the one that grew huge in the 70s.

Shuggie Otis is worth checking out at least once even though you may not listen to it again. There is a lot of talent that you don't often hear, and the music is lively. There is also something about it that just speaks volumes even when the vocals are silent. It's a mixture of music all within all one genre that was shocking to find.

Rating 6 of 10.
Recommended Listen: Aht Uh Mi Hed