Description
Recorded at the tail end of the 60s after the prodigy saxophonist had relocated to Paris, ‘Poem for Malcolm’ is a key recording in the distinguished Shepp’s career.The album features an all-star cast of contributors that includes US hard bop hero Hank Mobley as well as ArtEnsemble of Chicago bassist Malachi Favors, pianist Burton Greene, and French drummer Claude Delcloo. While embracing the dynamic, turbulent energy of the avant-garde or ‘New Thing’ the players did not entirely break from ‘tradition’ and a reprise of ‘Oleo’, one of the enduring post-bop themes of saxophone colossus’Sonny Rollins, is a highlight of the album. The title track isa searing recital of a text he wrote to mark the passing ofhis role model Malcolm X that fully conveys the grief overthe death of a visionary who sought to bring both dignityand autonomy to people of colour the world over.This re-mastered version of the album provides anopportunity to feel the power of Shepp’s poetry as wellas the artistry of a Transatlantic band right at the cuttingedge of post-war improvised music. The words andsounds have lost none of their appeal.
Format / LP
Released / 07/19/2024
Catalogue / CHAY-529311
Barcode / 5060767441466
Artist / Archie Shepp
Label / Charly
Genre / Jazz