Windows [Low-priced Reissue]

O'Donel Levy's Windows (Groove Merchant, 1976, GM-3313) is a late-period gem from the Baltimore-born guitarist who could make his axe sound like it was dipped in butter and then rolled through a funk factory. This was Levy's sixth (and final) album for Groove Merchant before the label faded, and it's a prime slice of mid-'70s jazz-funk that sits comfortably between George Benson's smoother fusion moves and the grittier, street-level grooves of folks like Grant Green or early Grover Washington Jr. The lineup features Levy's clean, melodic guitar front and center, backed by a tight crew including his brother Stafford Levy on drums (family business!), Gary Grainger on bass, and production/engineering that gives it that warm, analog punch (Tony Bongiovi at the boards—yes, that Bongiovi). Clocking in around 35 minutes across six tracks, it's concise and doesn't overstay its welcome. Track rundown: It's classic '70s jazz-funk: bold string arrangements add a cinematic, almost blaxploitation flair at points, the bass is fat and forward, and Levy's tone is warm and singing without ever dipping into fusion excess. Comparisons to Benson are inevitable (they toured together), but Levy has a bluesier, earthier edge—less polished yacht, more street-corner soul. In an era when every guitarist seemed contractually obligated to unleash a 12-minute solo odyssey about inner space, Levy keeps his solos concise and melodic. It's like he showed up to the fusion party, had one drink, played some gorgeous lines, and left before anyone started arguing about modes. Respect. Underrated even among Groove Merchant devotees, it's a great entry point to Levy's catalog if you dig that sweet spot where jazz meets funk without losing either soul. Spin it on a sunny afternoon with the windows open... appropriately enough.