Push Push (album)


Push Push is a 1971 instrumental album by jazz flutist Herbie Mann, on his Embryo Records label with Atlantic, which features rock guitarist Duane Allman. The record explored a range of popular genres, such as R&B, rock and funk music to create what Allmusic calls a "generally appealing, melodic and danceable" album with an "impressive crew of musicians."

Background and recording

In 1969, Mann received permission from Atlantic, the label to which he was then signed, to form his own label, which he called Embryo. Push Push was among his first albums to be released on his label.

Chart performance

On the Billboard Top LP's chart dated October 30, 1971, Push Push debuted at number 178. It was deemed a "Star Performer" by the magazine, meaning it had one of the greatest increases in sales over the preceding week. On the chart dated December 4, it attained its peak of 119. It also charted on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, where it peaked at number 21 on the same date.

Track listing

  1. "Push Push"
  2. "What's Going On"
  3. "Spirit in the Dark"
  4. "Man's Hope"
  5. "If"
  6. "Never Can Say Goodbye"
  7. "What'd I Say"
  8. "Funky Nassau"

    Jacket design and notes

The original cover, by Joel Brodsky, features an apparently nude Mann from the waist up, holding a flute resting on his shoulder. The album had the second "PUSH" die cut out, with the gatefold featuring a textured duotone orange and black print of two torsos engaged in missionary style intercourse. The die cut reveals a small, unrecognizable portion of the print. The album's images generated controversy at the time. Later printings excluded the gatefold print, or eliminated the gatefold format entirely. Liner notes by Mann include: "P.S., Marvin Gaye's album What's Going On is the best album of the year!"

Credits

Adapted from Allmusic.
Guitar solos were by Duane Allman, except on "Man's Hope", which was performed by David Spinozza. The engineer was Jimmy Douglass and the producer was Arif Mardin.

Charts