ARCHIE SHEPP — Kwanza (review)

ARCHIE SHEPP — Kwanza album cover Album · 1974 · Progressive Big Band Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
Sean Trane
This Kwanza is a delayed release of 68 and 69-recorded material that saw the light of day some five years later, most likely when Shepp’s recording activities were not so numerous. So we’re facing here a very un-cohesive compilation of five tracks from four different sessions and equally so many (sometimes-vastly) different line-ups. The supposed purpose of the present release was justified by an explanation of African celebration, but it seems mainly invented in order to give this compilation a “travelling impression” (IMHO), but it doesn’t infer with the content or its enjoyment.

The opening Back Back could easily be an RnB piece from the mid-60’s and have an undeniable rock-pop feel, but what to say of Spoo-Pee-Doo with Leon Tomas’ impressive but ultimately-cheesy vocals. Of course much of the interest of this release comes from the New Africa and Bakai tracks (which this very version also found its way on the CD reissue of The Way Ahead), both absolutely awesome and intense tracks, which will most likely remain in your mind a few hours after listening to them. Indeed both tracks are based on an ethnic groove (African and Manouche respectively), and are both slightly hypnotizing, especially the former’s dramatic soloing and Shepp’s improvised tribal incantations. Although not last, but not least either, Slow drag is another impressive track where there remains traces of Shepp’s free-form jazz improvs, but it’s ll very accessible to most.

Despite being a disjointed “album”, this compilation is rather worthwhile (unless you possess the TWA CD reissue), but while worth the detour, I wouldn’t call it essential, especially with Afrika and Bakai available elsewhere, although missing out on Slow Drag would be one. Difficult choice between the present or TWA, though, so I’ll leave it up to you.

Share this review
more

Review Comments

Post a public comment below | Send private message to the reviewer
Please login to post a shout
No shouts posted yet. Be the first member to do so above!

Review Index

Member Zone

Username:
Password:
Stay signed in

Jazz Subgenres

Artists Alpha-index

JMA TOP 5 Jazz ALBUMS

Rating by members, ranked by custom algorithm
Albums with 30 ratings and more
A Love Supreme Post Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners
Kind of Blue Cool Jazz
MILES DAVIS
Buy this album from our partners
The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady Progressive Big Band
CHARLES MINGUS
Buy this album from our partners
Blue Train Hard Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners
My Favorite Things Hard Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners

New Jazz Artists

New Jazz Releases

6 Eclectic Fusion
KROKOFANT
Buy this album from MMA partners
Spring In Stockholm Live At Konserthuset, 1959 Cool Jazz
GERRY MULLIGAN
Buy this album from MMA partners
Mikolaj Trzaska, Ingebrigt Haker Flaten, Paal Nilssen-Love : The Last Temple vol.3 Avant-Garde Jazz
MIKOŁAJ TRZASKA
Buy this album from MMA partners
Mikolaj Trzaska, Ingebrigt Haker Flaten, Paal Nilssen-Love : The Last Temple, Vol.1 Avant-Garde Jazz
MIKOŁAJ TRZASKA
Buy this album from MMA partners
Mikołaj Trzaska / Ingebrigt Håker Flaten / Paal Nilssen-Love : The Last Temple Vol.2 Avant-Garde Jazz
MIKOŁAJ TRZASKA
Buy this album from MMA partners
More new releases

New Jazz Online Videos

FASCINATING RHYTHM - The Amazing Keystone Big Band feat. Neima Naouri
THE AMAZING KEYSTONE BIG BAND
snobb· 1 day ago
Alicante
RENAUD GARCIA-FONS
js· 1 day ago
She's Forty with Me
WILTON CRAWLEY
js· 1 day ago
Tall Tillie's Too Tight
WILTON CRAWLEY
js· 1 day ago
Rhoda Scott Ladies and Gentlemen - special guest : David Linx
RHODA SCOTT
snobb· 1 day ago
More videos

New JMA Jazz Forum Topics

More in the forums

New Site interactions

More...

Latest Jazz News

members-submitted

More in the forums

Social Media

Follow us
Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook fan RSS Feed