Sharon Jones And The Dap-Kings ‎– Naturally

Ian Carr’s Belladonna (1972) is a cornerstone of British jazz fusion, blending free-flowing improvisation with electric textures and marking a pivotal moment in Carr’s career outside his band Nucleus.

Released on Vertigo Records, Belladonna arrived after Carr had already established himself as a leading figure in the UK jazz-rock scene with Nucleus. By this point, the original Nucleus lineup had largely dissolved, and Carr assembled a fresh group of musicians, including the then up-and-coming guitarist Allan Holdsworth, bassist Roy Babbington, saxophonist Brian Smith, and keyboardists Gordon Beck and Dave MacRae. The album was produced by Jon Hiseman, further connecting Carr to the progressive jazz-rock circles of the era.

Musically, Belladonna is often described as proto-fusion, drawing inspiration from the groundbreaking work of Miles Davis, Weather Report, and Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi ensemble. The record balances atmospheric passages with fiery improvisations, showcasing Carr’s lyrical trumpet playing against Holdsworth’s raw, exploratory guitar lines. Holdsworth’s contributions are particularly notable—his style was still developing, but his solos already hinted at the virtuosity that would later define his career.

The album’s sound is both cosmic and grounded, weaving together funk-inflected grooves, electric jazz harmonies, and freer, more abstract explorations. Tracks like the title piece stretch out into long-form improvisations, while others bring tighter structures that highlight Carr’s compositional skill. The dual keyboard setup adds richness and texture, giving the music a layered, expansive quality.