Marion Brown not long after
launching his first albums on ESP and Impulse; journeyed to Europe and became
associated with Günter Hampel's Free Jazz Ensemble. Here, he was approached to
write the music for the French film "Un Été Sauvage" by Marcel Camus.
It was a unique project where he utilised the majority of the players heard on
"Gesprächsfetzen", namely Gunter Hampel, Ambrose Jackson and Steve
McCall plus the emerging jazz bassist Barre Phillips (especially heard on his
penned tune "Cascatelles") and Alain Corneau on Claves. Even though
this album is essentially compiled of tracks written conceptually as a
soundtrack it covers a amazing array of genres ranging from Modal Jazz, Folk
Rock to fully blown Free Improvisation. A highlight is "Song For Serge And
Helle", where Marion's alto duets with Barre's haunting bass drawn
alongside Ambrose's trumpet and Günter's vibes. Equally "Boat Rock"
is a lively tune with Steve McCall driving the beat. All players extend
themselves further by contributing a vivid mixture of percussive sounds. Still
to be released on CD this LP gives the listener a unique example of a rich
period in Jazz's development by an artist sadly underrated in his lifetime. RIP
Marion.
Polydor Records, 658.142,
1968
Recorded 20th
September, 1968 at Studio Davout, Paris, France
Musicians:
Marion Brown - Alto
Saxophone, Bells
Günter Hampel - Vibes, Bass
Clarinet, Tree Bells
Ambrose Jackson - Trumpet,
Cow Bells, Tambour
Barre Phillips - Bass,
Castanetes, Whistle
Steve McCall - Drums,
Triangle, Tambour
Alain Corneau - Claves, Cow
Bells (#B3)
Tracks:
A1. Le Temps Fou {Marion
Brown} (5:22)
A2. Cascatelles {Barre
Phillips} (5:22)
A3. Song For Serge And Helle
{Marion Brown} (6:32)
B1. Boat Rock {Marion Brown}
(4:55)
B2. Ye Ye {Marion Brown}
(6:01)
B3. En Arrière {Marion Brown}
(11:22)
Credits:
Producer - Jean Van Parys
Photos - W. R. Stephens
