Search - Archie Shepp :: Magic of Ju-Ju

Just the vynil form

massimo pulleghini | curtatone(eremo), mantova Italy | 02/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i really would be glad to write a review about this cd, but i'm still waiting for it to arrive to my home. fortunately i bought the vynil about 30 years ago, so i can tell you that it's one of the best shepp's impulse album. it features a rare performance by michael zwerin on trombone, among the others. if you're sure to receive it, buy this cd. i'm not so sure anymore."

Magical!

Josh Z. Bonder | Toronto | 08/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I recently ordered this cd from Amazon, and received the Japanese import version with no problems at all. So for those interested, this album is readily available (for now anyhow), despite the past comments of other reviewers. That said, snap it up while you can, you'll be very glad that you did.



As for the music itself, it's uniformly strong and stunning. That's not to say the pieces are similar though, as it's evident that this album was arranged with the LP format in mind. That is, it begins with one long tune which features some very freely improvised horns atop a rich percussive (and very African-sounding) backdrop. This would have taken up the first side of the LP, and sustains a high level of relentless energy and interest for that duration of time. What would have comprised the second side, are a set of three much more compact and economically arranged and composed songs. They provide a perfect contrast to the first side, and feature some of Shepp's most exquisitely soulful and tuneful playing. The performances are exacting and to the point, so much so that my favourite composition,"You're What This Day is all About", is a whistful and totally romantic tune which clocks in at just under 2 minutes. It is this economy of means which tantalizes the listener, and keeps one wanting more. It is also a perfect balance with the somewhat more free-form and sprawling playing on the first side.



To my ears, it is this contrast between loose and tight compositions, between different emotions, and different approaches to playing each song that make this a five star album. It is one of my favourite Impulse Shepp albums, and a wonderful showcase of the multi-faceted talent of Archie Shepp."

Below Shepp's abilities

William R. Nicholas | Mahwah, NJ USA | 04/16/2009

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I love Archie Shepp--look at my reviews-but this, along with Three for a quater and one for a dime-just does not do it for me



The first track is simply Shepp blowing with bass and drums, with a little Aftican percussion. The other three tracks are more staight jazz tunes that evolve into the same idea.



Free Jazz can be amazing when well planned, but here, there is no backdrop or counterpoint draw you in. There is a reason Coltrane always had Tyner comping behind him; free playing has to work against other instruments for it to be interesting. Otherwise, `you are boxing with air (which, by the way, i did in my drinking days, and this is not too productive, either)



This is not the worst album in the world, but listen to Fire Music and then tell me this is up to Shepp's brillance. I don't beleive that.



Amazing cover, though. If you are going to buy this, try and get the 1967 ABC Vinyl."