Archie Shepp

• DELUXE GATEFOLD DIGIPACK EDITION

• 4 STARS ALL MUSIC GUIDE

Florida-born saxophonist, composer, poet, actor and playwright, Archie Shepp was one of the exponents of politicized black culture in the late '60s, a time of enormous upheaval and radical thought. Relocating to Paris he made a number albums, such as Blase, that broached the essential themes of freedom and racial equality, and tapped into the bedrock of African-American music.

Gospel and blues were a major part of the work, which also had a strong avant-garde sensibility. Trailbraizing artists who combined jazz, poetry and radical politics makes a definitive musical statement with a band featuring vocalist Jeanne Lee and members of Art Ensemble Of Chicago. This remastered version of a seminal album still has great musical and emotional power.

PERSONNEL:

• Archie Shepp - (tenor sax)
• Chicago Beau, Julio Finn - (harmonica)
• Dave Burrell - (piano)
• Malachi Favors - (bass)
• Philly Joe Jones - (drums)
• Jeanne Lee - (vocals)

Recorded at "Studio Davout", August 16, 1969, Paris.

TRACKS:

• 01. My Angel
• 02. Blasé
• 03. There Is A Balm In Gilead
• 04. Sophisticated Lady
• 05. Touareg