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After delivering a handful of fine but commercially under-achieving albums for Blue Note in the late 60s and early 70s, ex-boxer and B-3 organist Reuben Wilson left the renowned jazz label seeking a broader, funkier and (hopefully) more lucrative musical direction. Following a short stint with the Groove Merchant label Wilson moved over to Chicago's Cadet Records, where he set about putting together both a group and a set of songs capable of significant crossover appeal.The Cost Of Living was in reality a large and loose aggregation of some of America's most talented musical figures, including photographer-turned-producer Esmond Edwards (John Coltrane, Roland Kirk), guitarist Elliot Randall (Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers), drummer Bernard Purdie (James Brown, King Curtis), and noted R&B singer Sammy Turner. Not surprisingly, the music created by this all-star band was simply exhilarating. Album opener 'What The People Gon' Say' is a steaming slice of blaxploitation-era funk, laced with urgent wah-wah guitar and wailing brass. The illicit-love tale 'In The Booth, In The Back, In The Corner, In The Dark' is pure Philly Soul that rivals The O'Jays' best, while the prowling bass lines and sensual moans of 'Back Rub' would be the perfect soundtrack for a designer chocolate commercial.Soul/funk rave-up 'Tight Money' is a guaranteed party starter, as is the slick proto-disco groove of 'Stoned Out Of My Mind'. The title track itself is a six-minute masterpiece of mid-70s fusion, awash with darting flute and organ melodies, phasing horns and shout-along choruses. Unfortunately for Wilson, 1975 was also the year Cadet's parent label Chess Records finally dissolved under the weigh of its prolonged financial problems. With little cash for promotion or distribution the album never stood a chance, sinking quickly from view. This belated CD reissue should finally help put this lost classic into the hearts and stereos of crate diggers and funk fans everywhere.