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 9th 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
