Idris Muhammad
Idris Muhammad, born Leo Morris on November 13, 1939, was an influential American jazz and funk drummer known for his distinctive playing style and significant contributions to the music industry. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, specifically in the 13th Ward, where he began playing the drums at the young age of eight. His musical journey was shaped by a musical family; he was the youngest of four brothers, all of whom played drums, and his father was a traditional jazz banjo player, which provided a rich musical environment for his development.
Muhammad’s professional career began at the age of 12 when he started performing with various groups in New Orleans. By the time he was 16, he was already on stage with prominent jazz figures, including Fats Domino. His talents led him to move to New York City, where he played with several well-known artists, including jazz luminaries such as Lou Donaldson, Grant Green, and Dr. John. During the mid-1960s, he transitioned into the world of funk and soul music, working with bands and artists like The Crusaders and the popular soul singer Johnny Nash.
In the 1970s, Idris Muhammad gained recognition for his unique blend of jazz, funk, and spiritual music, particularly through his work with famous jazz and funk ensembles. His albums, such as "Brotherman" and "Sparkle," showcase his innovative approaches to rhythm and percussion. He changed his name to Idris Muhammad in the 1960s following his conversion to Islam, which influenced both his personal and professional life, contributing to the spiritual themes in some of his music.
Idris Muhammad continued to record and perform until his later years, leaving behind a legacy characterized by his contributions to multiple genres and his influence on future generations of drummers. He passed away on July 29, 2014, at the age of 74, leaving a lasting impact on the jazz and funk music scenes.
Turn This Mutha Out
Baritone Saxophone – Ronnie Cuber
Bass – Wilbur Bascomb
Guitar – Charlie Brown
Guitar [Solo] – Hiram Bullock
Harp – Margaret Ross
Percussion – Rubens Bassini, Sue Evans
Solo Vocal – Frank Floyd
Soprano Saxophone – David Tofani
Synthesizer [Solo] – Cliff Carter
Tenor Saxophone [Solo] – Mike Brecker
Trumpet – Jon Faddis, Randy Brecker
Vocals – Ray Simpson, Bill Eaton, Zachary Sanders
8:37
A2 Camby Bolongo
Bass – Wilbur Bascomb
Flute [Solo] – Jeremy Steig
Guitar – Charlie Brown , Hugh McCracken
Percussion – Sue Evans
Trumpet [Solo] – Randy Brecker
3:50
A3 Turn This Mutha Out
Bass – Wilbur Bascomb
Guitar [Solo] – Hiram Bullock
Keyboards – Cliff Carter
Percussion – Sue Evans
Vocals – Frank Floyd, Ken Williams, Zachary Sanders
6:50
B1 Tasty Cakes
Bass – Wilbur Bascomb
Guitar [Solo] – Hiram Bullock
Keyboards – Cliff Carter
Percussion – Sue Evans
Vocals – Frank Floyd, Ken Williams, Zachary Sanders
4:23
B2 Crab Apple
Baritone Saxophone – Ronnie Cuber
Bass – Wilbur Bascomb
Guitar – Charlie Brown
Guitar [Solo] – Hiram Bullock
Percussion – Sue Evans
Soprano Saxophone – David Tofani
Synthesizer [Solo] – Cliff Carter
Tenor Saxophone [Solo] – Mike Brecker
5:07
B3 Moon Hymn
Baritone Saxophone – Ronnie Cuber
Bass – Wilbur Bascomb
Guitar – Charlie Brown
Percussion – Sue Evans
Soprano Saxophone – David Tofani
Synthesizer – Cliff Carter
4:22
B4 Say What
Bass – Wilbur Bascomb
Flute [Solo] – Jeremy Steig
Guitar – Charlie Brown , Hugh McCracken
Guitar [Solo] – Eric Gale
4:05
Label: Kudu – KU-34
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Jazz-Funk, Disco
Turn This Mutha Out is a landmark 1977 album by pioneering New Orleans drummer Idris Muhammad, released on the Kudu label. Produced and arranged by David Matthews, it marks a significant shift from Muhammad's jazz roots toward a commercial, groove-heavy blend of jazz-funk, disco, and R&B.
ften described as a "disco jazz funk" classic, the album prioritizes infectious rhythms and sleek production over traditional jazz improvisation.
Features a "who's who" of legendary 1970s session musicians, including Michael Brecker (tenor sax), Randy Brecker (trumpet), Hiram Bullock and Eric Gale (guitar), Wilbur Bascomb (bass), and Jeremy Steig (flute).
It was one of the few Kudu albums not produced by Creed Taylor. David Matthews brought a hard-hitting, cinematic sound influenced by his work with James Brown.
Track Highlights:-
"Could Heaven Ever Be Like This": An enduring dancefloor anthem and undisputed classic of the jazz-funk genre. It has been sampled at least 17 times, most notably by Jamiroquai (for "Love Foolosophy") and Drake.
"Turn This Mutha Out": The title track is a hard-hitting disco-funk floor-filler featuring clanking cowbell percussion and energetic vocal choruses.
"Camby Bolongo": A percussion-heavy, African-inspired instrumental that showcases the album's creative rhythmic depth.
"Crab Apple": A laid-back, bubbling funk groove frequently favored by hip-hop samplers for its prominent bass line.
"Moon Hymn": A dreamy, atmospheric soprano sax ballad that leans toward smooth jazz territory.
While initially criticized by jazz purists for its pop leanings, the album successfully broadened Muhammad's audience. It remains a staple for deep-funk collectors and has seen numerous high-quality reissues, including recent remasters on CD and vinyl through labels like Soul Brother Records. A notable Japanese CD reissue was released as recently as March 21, 2025.