Safety Zone

Editors’ Notes A former session man himself, Bobby Womack had superlative taste when it came to choosing musicians. Coming off his string of early-'70s successes, Womack had full creative control on 1975’s Safety Zone, and he took advantage of it. Ever in search of new textures and combinations, he hired jazz pianist Herbie Hancock to lead the band and also brought aboard two of the era’s deepest rhythm players: bassist Willie Weeks (from Donny Hathaway’s band) and drummer James Gadson (from Bill Withers’ band). “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way,” “Love Ain’t Something You Can Get for Free," and the blaxploitation-worthy “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” are densely orchestrated but tightly woven. Clearly Womack was reveling in the fine machinery of his backing band, and Safety Zone is in many ways fixated on groove. At the same time, “Daylight” and “Trust Me” reprise the sweet side of Womack’s songwriting. His penchant for cunning grooves and winsome melodies culminates in “Something You Got,” a reggae-tinged rhythm that's as catchy as it is emotional.