Pieces of a Man

Gil Scott-Heron was a writer who discovered that his words hit hardest when he spoke or sang them. He had a voice capable of anger, pain, humor, frustration, and determined hope, and his ability to turn commercial American phrases onto themselves made him a contemporary highlight in 1971, when Pieces of a Man and its classic “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” hit the streets (“Revolution” also appeared on his debut album, Small Talk, in pure spoken form). It continued to make him a reference point for each subsequent generation (especially in the era of Public Enemy). Politics, poetry that became rap, and a musical mix of soul, jazz, and funk can be heard on Scott-Heron’s best albums. This classic also features the essential Scott-Heron tracks “Save the Children,” “Lady Day and John Coltrane," and “Home Is Where the Hatred Is.” After recording this album, Scott-Heron went into the studio with his college group Black & Blues to record a few songs. Three tracks are added here, including the previously unreleased “Chains” and “Peace.” Victor Brown shares lead vocals.