Raw Power
directions | Space Time Foam | 07/01/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"1967 was Archie Shepp's peak year and the recording of his most out there album "The Magic of Ju Ju". "Live at the Donaueschingen Festival" is excellent to see how this sound translates live. Even though it is two tracks that is because of the fact that it was originally an lp, cut into two sides. In reality, it is one piece. Archie Shepp's solos, which are frequent are extreme and give new meaning to the title of his album, "Fire Music". However, there are quieter moments with Grachan Moncur III(one of the most overlooked jazz musicians of all times), Roswell Rudd and Jimmy Garrison. Free jazz excursions gradually die down into hard bop wanderings and then start up again. The audience is emphatic at the end. Some of them are awestruck, some are obviously put off. But it comes off as a real experience, a true jazz concert cd rather than a manufactured "play the hits" recording for a record executive. Play this back to back with The Stooges' Funhouse (Iggy Pop readily admits to being influenced by free jazz) and you'll realize why years later free jazz and punk would readily intermingle and why, musically they were making similar statements."
Shepp's finest effort
Robert E. Lloyd | Deerfield Beach, FL | 03/15/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This recording begins with an astonishing, lengthy bass solo by Jimmy Garrison in tribute to his late leader John Coltrane, Jimmy's finest performance. For the bass work alone, this album is unforgettable. But listen as Beaver Harris hits the cymbals, and Roswell Rudd and Grachan Moncur both chime in to accompany Shepp's aggressive yet subtle tenor line. The music is loose but together and has no shortage of high points. If you buy no other Shepp recording, this one will stay with you."
Track Listings (2) - Disc #1