Back in 1972, Archie Shepp recorded the classic album Attica Blues in response to the riots and subsequent deaths that resulted from the National Guards in that incident. 40 years later, Shepp returns to the political/social music with some extra thoughts via music with a wonderfully swinging yet forward looking big band & strings that includes long time comrades Famoudou Don Moye/dr and Reggie Washington/b. Vocals by Shepp as well as Amine Claudine Myers, Marion Rampal, Cecile McLorin Salvant mix with the band and string quartet, all conducted by Jimmy Owens for a pair of jazz festivals from 2012 and ’13.
The message aside, the music itself is an exciting mix of 70s soul and funk (“Attica Blues,” “Blues for Brother G. Jackson”) poetry set to music (“Arms”) and folk music/spirituals (“Come Sunday” ). Through all of the pieces, the deep blues are never far away, and Shepp on soprano during “Goodbye Sweet Pop’s” and “Steam” as well as on tenor during “Déjà vu” is at his masterful self. The mix of strings with a big band is both alluring and exciting, with enough to satisfy the head as well as the feet as on the shuffling “Mama Too Tight.” As far as the vocals, all of the singers have a wonderful delivery and sound heartfelt. The message of social injustice is one worth talking about, and as for viewpoints, this collection leans more towards the Al Sharpton side than the Thomas Sowell perspective. Whether or not you agree with the themes about Obama and Trayvon Martin, the music will win both sides over.
Harmonia Mundi
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