Dwain

• Ronnie Laws' Friends and Strangers is a masterful blend of jazz, funk, and soul that solidifies his place as a standout artist in the late 1970s fusion movement. As his third studio album, it showcases a refined balance between technical virtuosity and accessibility, making it a favorite among both jazz enthusiasts and casual listeners.

• The album's standout feature is Laws' emotive and lyrical saxophone playing, which effortlessly navigates through groovy, uptempo tracks and smooth, contemplative ballads. From the infectious funk of the opener, "Goodtime Ride," to the iconic title track "Friends and Strangers," the album captures a spectrum of moods and musical styles. Laws is supported by a tight ensemble of musicians whose chemistry is palpable, enhancing each track with rich textures and precise rhythms.

• Production-wise, the album strikes a perfect balance between warmth and clarity. The arrangements are intricate but never overdone, leaving plenty of space for Laws' saxophone to shine while allowing the rhythm section and keyboards to create an engaging, dynamic backdrop. Tracks like "Nuthin' 'Bout Nuthin'" and "Life in Paradise" demonstrate the album's ability to shift seamlessly between energetic funk and serene smooth jazz, keeping the listening experience fresh and varied.

• Overall, Friends and Strangers is a timeless jazz-funk classic that showcases Ronnie Laws' exceptional musicianship and ability to craft music that is both sophisticated and soulful. It's an essential listen for fans of jazz fusion and a testament to the enduring appeal of Laws' artistry.

Overall score: 8.7/10

Max

• Friends and Strangers is one of those albums that can affect your mood real quick; likely, for the better. Ronnie Laws’ third album as a leader delivers great grooves, catchy vocal hooks, dynamite sax and keyboard solos, and sultry lead vocals. In addition to lead sax and vocals, we get a multi-dimensional sonic layering equipped with synths, strings, rhythm section, and percussion throughout much of the record. Each instrumentalist and vocalist contributes nicely to this endeavor, creating a cohesive, interesting, and enjoyable album.

• Tunes like “Nuthin’ ‘Bout Nuthin,” “Saturday Evening,” “Same Old Story,” and “Goodtime Ride” feature great arranging and compositional techniques, equipped with strong grooves, Ronnie Laws shines on these sax solos as well. It’s good to hear the soprano sax in addition to Laws’ tenor on tunes like “Life in Paradise.” Speaking of that track, its use of the whispering tag line seems a bit on the nose, despite the tune’s catchy vocal hook rideout. Laws’ vocals on “Saturday Evening” make for a great surprise due to its sultriness and how it fits in the pocket on that one. The drive and energy of “Same Old Story” is unmatched and makes me want to hop in the car and go somewhere. The rhythm section comes out on that track, featuring a great lead-in line on keys, thumping bassline, and driving drum beat. Another key aspect to this album is the use of percussion, as the  tambourine is a defining determinate of the groove on “Same Old Story,” as well as “Nuthin’ ‘Bout Nuthin.’” The title track has a more laissez-faire approach while including a catchy melody. I do wish more was made of the soprano solo on that one. “Love Story” closes the set, equipped with a simpler cast and an almost-gospel ballad feel. It demonstrates the complexities of Ronnie Laws’ sound and all the different directions he can take a listener.

• If there is one takeaway from this record, it is the lesson that the groove is essential. The variety of funky feels is impressive, as are the compositional techniques expressed. It was somewhat common to combine vocal hooks with strong grooves and instrumental solos in this fashion at this time, but this album stands out as a prime example of that approach. Ronnie Laws masterfully illustrates his influence on music and the beginnings of what may be deemed as ‘smooth jazz,’ as demonstrated by his  soprano sound and sonic touch on a few of these. Although this is the case, there is more than enough heavy groove here to satisfy my straight-ahead roots. Intense saxophonic stretching on a couple of these tracks goes a long way too. The vocal hooks are extremely catchy too. Also, don’t sleep on that tambourine. I implore you to check this one out. Caution: the groove may lift you out of your seat.

Overall score: 8.7/10