Dave Burrell - La Vie De Bohême (1969) [re-rip]

La Vie de Bohême. Opéra de Giacomo Puccini, arrangements de Dave Burrell

A great free improvisation reinterpretation of Puccini's opera arranged and played by Dave Burrell. This musician played with some of the great artists of the '60s free jazz scene including Pharoah Saunders, Sonny Sharrock and Elvin Jones and the album was released on the legendary French jazz label BYG Records. If you have some interest in Free Jazz, it is worth the trip.

This album is Dave Burrell's free jazz take on Puccini's opera "La Bohème". Regardless of its French title it is not French. However, the LP was recorded in France and half the musicians are indeed French. For this album Burrell plays piano and occasionally harp, Rick Colbeck doubles on trumpet and piano harp, Jackie McLean-alum Grachan Moncur III blows his bittersweet trombone and rattles the chimes, Kenneth Terroade plays tenor sax and flute, Beb Guérin is on bass, Claude Delcloo tears it up on drums, and Burrell's mother Eleanor provides some rather abstract vocals. It's a suite in four acts; the ungainly ensemble takes up the occasional classical theme, enriching it now and then with jazzy themes and then launches into improvisation shifting into other avant-garde styled music with Burrell performing some insane lightning runs up and down the keyboard. The overall affect is quite dramatic, with quirky and melancholic overtones that create an atmosphere full of uplifting joy and harmony. The album maintains a common focus on collective improvisation with some soloing. Overall it is a well constructed and conceived arrangement of enthralling music which can be enjoyed with repetitive appraisals.

BYG/ACTUEL Records, 529.330, 1970

Recorded 21^st December, 1969 at Studio Saravah, Paris

Musicians:

Dave Burrell - Piano, Harp

Kenneth Terroade - Tenor Saxophone, Flute

Grachan Moncur III - Trombone, Chimes

Ric Colbeck - Trumpet, Piano Harp

Beb Guérin - Bass

Claude Delcloo - Drums

Eleanor Burrell - Voice

Tracks:

A1. First Act (20:03)

A2. Second Act [1st Part] (6:16)

B1. Second Act [2nd Part] (10:56)

B2. Third Act (4:51)

B3. Fourth Act (7:16)

Rip Info:

The music was taken from a well-loved old pressing. Some muffled surface noise is still apparent, especially in quieter sections. Tracks A2 and B1 have been carefully joined into Second Act, hence new Tracklist:

1. First Act (20:03)

2. Second Act (16:59)

3. Third Act (4:51)

4. Fourth Act (7:16)

Credits:

Producer - Jean Georgakarakos, Jean-Luc Young

Arranger - Dave Burrell

Liner Notes - Dave Burrell & Jean-Max Michel

Archie Shepp - A Sea Of Faces (1975)

Although this performance from 1975 was known and appreciated by the then fans, some jazz critics, lamenting at the evolution of Shepp's music (thought to deviate from the royal road of politico-musical correctness), have failed to notice its remarkable qualities. While I agree with those connoisseurs that some details in this recording are less inspiring (Burrell's piano solo on "Hipnosis", Shepp's own piano playing on "I Know 'Bout The Life", etc.), such criticisms virtually fade into nothing when you allow yourself to be carried away by the 25 minute "Hipnosis" (Grachan Moncur's obsessive theme). It offers one of the darkest, most exciting and sweeping tenor sax explorations to be found on Shepp's recordings (along with "Yasmina A Black Woman" and the now untraceable "Coral Rock" from the late sixties), intense and devoid of clichés. This Millésime [Great Vintage] of Shepp may have become somewhat less acid, less fatty in the mouth and (whether you like it or not) more reconciled with tradition than the Impulse years' venturer. But the man is at the height of his powers here, not the captive of any one idiom but at home in many, including 'free'. Most of the time the music swings heavily and irresistibly. Shepp doesn't reduce his fellow musicians to the status of bystanders here. Bunny Foy is an excellent vocalist (on "Song For Mozambique" and "I Know 'Bout The Life"), Charles Greenlee takes an exciting trombone solo on "Hipnosis", Cameron Brown on bass is outstanding throughout. ~ by Paul Cortois, Amazon.com. 

Black Saint, 120002-2, 1993
Recorded 4th-5th August, 1975 at Phonogram Studios, Milano, Italy 

Musicians:
Archie Shepp - Tenor (#1,4), Soprano (#2), Piano (#3), Vocals (#2)
Charles Greenlee - Trombone (#1,3,4), Tambourine (#1), Vocals (#2)
Dave Burrell - Piano (#1,2,4)
Cameron Brown - Double Bass
Beaver Harris - Drums (#1,3,4), Tambourine, Vocals (#2)
Bunny Foy - Maracas (#1), Vocals (#2,3)
Rafi Taha - Vocals (#2) 

Tracks:
1. Hipnosis {Grachan Moncour III} (26:19)
2. Song For Mozambique /
    Poem: A Sea Of Faces {Semenya McCord, Archie Shepp} (8:12)
3. I Know About The Life {Archie Shepp, Aishah Rahman} (5:28)
4. Lookin' For Someone To Love {Cal Massey} (9:38) 

Total Time: 49:38 

Credits:
Producer - Giacomo Pellicciotti
Recording Engineer - Pino Ciancioso
Cover Design - Ariel Soule
Liner Photos - Giuseppe Pino

David Murray Octet - Picasso (1993)

Picasso is an album by the David Murray Octet, released on the Japanese DIW label in 1993. It features performances by Murray, Rasul Siddik, Hugh Ragin, Craig Harris, James Spaulding, Dave Burrell, Wilber Morris and Tani Tabbal. "Picasso Suite" is a tribute to both Pablo Picasso and Coleman Hawkins's tribute to Picasso. It was written for the Northeast Ohio Jazz Society and the Cleveland Museum of Art. ~ Wiki. 

The title suite is a lively, mostly up-tempo composition where the five brass players more often play with each other than try to outshine each other with solos. While it apparently is an arranged piece of music, it sounds fresh and often spontaneous. It is worth the record alone. ~ R.Walsh, AMG. 

DIW Records, DIW-879, 1993
Recorded 1st-11th September, 1992 at Sound On Sound, New York City 

Musicians:
David Murray - Tenor Sax, Bass Clarinet, Arranger (#1,3,4)
Hugh Ragin - Trumpet
Rasul Siddik - Trumpet
Craig Harris - Trombone
James Spaulding - Alto Saxophone, Flute
Dave Burrell - Piano, Arranger (#2)
Wilber Morris - Bass
Tani Tabbal - Drums 

Tracks:
1. Picasso Suite {David Murray}:
I) Introduction (2:22)
II) Catalonian Vonz (9:32)
III) La Vie - The Jazz Life (4:37)
IV) Portrait Of A Sax And Vac (3:28)
V) Airtime For Hawkins (4:01)
VI) When Hawk Meets Pablo (11:21)
VII) Reprise: Catalonian Vonz (2:27)
2. Menehune Messages {Dave Burrell, Monika Larsson} (7:44)
3. Chazz {Wilber Morris} (7:11)
4. Shakill's Warrior {David Murray} (9:26) 

Total Time: 62:15 

Credits:
Producer - Kazunori Sugiyama & DIW
Recording & Mixing Engineer - Jim Anderson
Assistant Engineer - Peter Beckerman, John Siket
Mastering Engineer - Allan Tucker
Painting [Cover] - Pablo Picasso
Photography [Back] - Noboru Ikushima
Liner Notes - Jon W. Poses 

Airtime For Hawkins

Archie Shepp - Black Gipsy (1969)

Black Gipsy is an interesting album, not just because it's one of the very few dates where Archie Shepp plays soprano exclusively, but because the album also features a harmonica player, Leroy Jenkins on viola, and a vocalist named Chicago Beauchamp (aka Chicago Beau), who also performed with the Art Ensemble of Chicago and Jimmy Dawkins. This is in addition to Clifford Thornton, Noah Howard, Sunny Murray, and the great Dave Burrell on piano. On "Black Gipsy," after an intro by Jenkins, Murray and bassist Earl Freeman set up a powerful martial groove, pushed by Burrell's lowend piano work. The horns and harmonica use this as a launching point, while Chicago Beauchamp sporadically spouts his street poetry. "Epitaph of a Small Winner" is something of a travelogue suite, starting in Rio de Janeiro with a light, upbeat melody. Casablanca is next, where the proceedings become a bit mellower and mysterious, then it's on to a near bluesy romp for the last stop in Chicago. This music gets intense, but melody is always at its core: this is not just a free blowing session. The rhythm section keeps things well grounded, aided greatly by Burrell's marvelous comping while the horns and harmonica take the melodies and run with them. Good stuff. ~ Extract by Sean Westergaard, AMG.

America Records, 30 AM 6099, 1970

Prestige Records, PRST 10034, 1972

Recorded 9^th November, 1969 At Decca Studios, Paris, France

Personnel:

Archie Shepp - Soprano Saxophone

Clifford Thornton - Trumpet

Noah Howard - Alto Saxophone

Julio Finn - Harmonica

Dave Burrell - Piano

Leroy Jenkins - Viola

Earl Freeman - Double Bass

Sonny Murray - Drums

Chicago Beauchamp - Vocals

Tracks:

A. Black Gipsy {Augustus Arnold, Chicago Beauchamp} (25:37)

Epitaph Of A Small Winner {Chicago Beauchamp, Julio Finn} (22:34)

B1. Rio De Janeiro

B2. Casablanca

B3. Chicago

Total Time: 48:11

Credits:

Producer - Pierre Berjot

Photography - Gilbert Moreau

Liner Notes - Chicago Beauchamp, Julio Finn

Marion Brown - Three For Shepp (1966)

An unbelievable recording! As Archie Shepp made his first album for Impulse a tribute to Coltrane, Marion Brown made his a tribute to Shepp - a wonderful lineage of avant talent in the 60s, stated boldly here, given Brown's amazing talent on the record! The album's filled with hard, soulful playing that goes out, but never too far - like Shepp in his best sixties moments - and Brown's working with a great lineup of players that includes Grachan Moncur on trombone, Beaver Harris on drums, and Stanley Cowell on piano! The tunes include three Marion Brown originals on side one, plus three tracks by Shepp on side two. "Spooks" alone will leave you loving this album for years to come – and other tracks include "West India", "Delicado", "New Blue", and "Fortunato". A brilliant blend of 60s "new thing" playing and 70s underground jazz!  © Dusty Groove, Inc.

Impulse! Records, AS-9139, 1967

Universal Music, IMPD-269, 1998

Recorded 1^st December, 1966 At Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ

Musicians:

Marion Brown - Alto Saxophone

Grachan Moncur III - Trombone

Dave Burrell - Piano (#1-3)

Stanley Cowell - Piano (#4-6)

Sirone - Bass

Beaver Harris - Drums (#1-3)

Bobby Capp - Drums (#4-6)

Tracks:

1. New Blue {Marion Brown} (5:12)

2. Fortunato {Marion Brown} (8:55)

3. The Shadow Knows {Marion Brown} (3:05)

4. Spooks {Archie Shepp} (4:33)

5. West India {Archie Shepp} (6:25)

6. Delicado {Archie Shepp} (6:39)

Credits:

Producer [Original] - Bob Thiele

Reissue Producer - Michael Cuscuna

Engineer - Rudy van Gelder

Remastering - Erick Labson (MCA Studios)

Photography - Chuck Stewart

Art Direction - Hollis A. King

Graphic Design - Isabelle Wong

Liner Notes - Frank Kofsky

Total Time: 34:49

Archie Shepp - Body And Soul (1975) [vinyl>flac]

Another great LP by Archie Shepp when working in Rome, Italy in 1975.

HORO Records, HZ 10, 1978

Recorded 28^th September (#A2,B) and 16^th October (#A1), 1975 in Rome, Italy

Musicians:

Archie Shepp - Tenor Saxophone

Cicci Santucci - Trumpet (#A2)

Charles Greenlee - Trombone (#A2,B)

Irio De Paula - Guitar (#A1,A2)

Dave Burrell - Piano (#B)

David Williams - Bass (#B)

Alessio Urso - Bass (#A2)

Beaver Harris - Drums (#B)

Afonso Vieira - Drums (#A2)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tracks:

A1. Body And Soul {Johnny Green, Robert Sour, Edward Heyman, Frank Eyton} (8:19)

A2. Tropical {Irio De Paula, Alessio Urso, Afonso Viera} (8:46)

B. Dogon {Archie Shepp} (18:23)

Credits:

Producer - Aldo Sinesio

Assistant Producer - Gianni Gualberto

Recording Engineer - Raimondo Caruana (#A1-A2), Giorgio Loviscek (#B)

Cover Art - Maria Teresa Ortolan

Photography - Isio Saba

Liner Notes - Marco Cristostomi [Italian]

Note:

#A1 from Mariamar Session released on [Horo HZ 01]

#A2,B from the same session released as Jazz A Confronto [Horo HLL 101-27]

Archie Shepp - For Losers (1968+1969) [vinyl]

One of the grooviest albums from Archie Shepp's post-new thing years for Impulse - a nicely grooving session that mixes soul-based tracks with more righteous spiritual jazz moments! The approach here is a nicely varied - a laidback, collaborative spirit that's even quite different from Shepp's work in France at the time, or even from some of his other sessions for Impulse. At one moment, Archie's playing in a gently spare and soulful mode - foreshadowing his late 70s sides - but at another, he'll be opening up with intensity, egged on by a group of well-matched players who include Woody Shaw, Grachan Moncur III, James Spaulding, and Cedar Walton. Side 2 features the extended "Un Croque Monsieur" - a modally building number with some free post-Coltrane energy, and a righteous poem from Chinalin Sharpe. Sharpe returns in a completely different spirit on "I Got It Bad" - singing the lyrics in a Billie Holiday mode alongside Shepp's solo - and Leon Thomas sings on the soul-based number "Stick Em Up", again very different than usual! Titles also include a great version of Cal Massey's "What Would It Be Without You" and the funky groover "Abstract". © Dusty Groove, Inc.

Impulse! Records, AS-9188, 1970

Recorded 9^th September, 1968 (#A1) at RCA Studios, New York City

Recorded 17^th February, 1969 (#A2) at RCA Studios, New York City

Recorded 26^th August, 1969 (#A3,A4,B) at RCA Studios, New York City

Personnel:

A1. Stick 'Em Up {Archie Shepp} (2:05)

Archie Shepp - Tenor Saxophone

Robin Kenyatta - Alto Saxophone

Grachan Moncur III - Trombone

Martin Banks - Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Andrew Bey - Piano

Mel Brown - Organ, Guitar

Bert Payne - Guitar

Albert Winston - Fender Bass

Wilton Felder - Fender Bass

Beaver Harris - Drums

Doris Troy - Vocals

Leon Thomas - Vocals

Tasha Thomas - Vocals

A2. Abstract {Archie Shepp} (4:21)

Archie Shepp - Tenor Saxophone

James Spaulding - Alto Saxophone

Charles Davis - Baritone Saxophone

Grachan Moncur III - Trombone

Jimmy Owens - Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Wally Richardson - Guitar

Dave Burrell - Organ

Bob Bushnell - Fender Bass

Bernard Purdie - Drums

A3. I Got It Bad [And That Ain't Good] {Duke Ellington, Paul Webster} (5:15)

Archie Shepp - Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone

Clarence Sharpe - Alto Saxophone

Cedar Walton - Piano

Wilbur Sharpe - Bass

Joe Chambers - Drums

Chinalin Sharpe - Vocals

A4. What Would It Be Without You {Cal Massey} (4:05)

Archie Shepp - Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone

Cecil Payne - Baritone Saxophone, Flute

Cedar Walton - Piano

Wilbur Sharpe - Bass

Joe Chambers - Drums

B. Un Croque Monsieur [Poem: For Losers] {Archie Shepp} (21:47)

Archie Shepp - Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone

Cecil Payne - Baritone Saxophone

Clarence Sharpe - Alto Saxophone

Woody Shaw - Trumpet

Matthew Gee - Trombone

Cedar Walton - Piano

Wilbur Sharpe - Bass

Joe Chambers - Drums

Chinalin Sharpe - Vocals

Credits:

Producer - Ed Michel

Supervision - Bob Thiele (#A1,A2), Ed Michel (#A4,A4,B)

Artwork Design - George Whiteman

Photography - Chuck Stewart

Liner Notes - Archie Shepp

Tracklist:

A1. Stick 'Em Up {Archie Shepp} (2:05)

A2. Abstract {Archie Shepp} (4:21)

A3. I Got It Bad [And That Ain't Good] {Duke Ellington, Paul Webster} (5:15)

A4. What Would It Be Without You {Cal Massey} (4:06)

B. Un Croque Monsieur [Poem: For Losers] {Archie Shepp} (21:47)

At the time this record was recorded, Shepp was bouncing back and forth between Paris and New York. He also bounced between the Impulse! and BYG labels. He also bounced between styles. For BYG, his music reached to grasp the bare beginnings of black music, back to Africa and the blues. His music for Impulse! tried to embrace the contemporary sounds of R&B, with very mixed results that to this day divide his fans. This record is a transitional one. For the traditionalists, there's his shattering and amusing cover of "I've Got It Bad" performed by the usual suspects one would think to find on an Archie Shepp record, including Cecil Payne and Joe Chambers. For those enraptured by albums like Attica Blues, songs like "Stick 'Em Up" will fascinate, as Shepp's raspy tenor is joined not only by a legion of avant-garde brethren (including names like Beaver Harris and Grachan Moncur), but also by the funky wood of electric bass, guitar, and organ. Some will find those later tracks a bit hard to take. Some will even find themselves snickering. But for anyone wishing to understand the music and career of this brilliant musician, this is an undervalued piece of the puzzle. ~ Rob Ferrier, AMG.