Pressed on 180-gram white marbled vinyl, this premium edition revives a historic 1969 Paris session from the iconic BYG/Actuel catalog-an essential statement from a visionary musician and activist, now reissued in it's best quality ever. Restored & remastered from the original tapes by Nick Robbins, it features a new and insightful essay by author & music journalist Kevin Le Gendre. The LP edition presents the original gatefold sleeve and artwork meticulously recreated with a sleek matte laminate finish, along with a double-sided insert. Awarded Audiophile Album of the Month by Jazzwise, March 2023, and hailed as "A must for Shepp fans as well as free-jazz aficionados" by Kevin Whitlock - Jazzwise. Among the many African-American jazz musicians who arrived in Paris in the late '60s, saxophonist Archie Shepp was arguably the most influential. Still residing in the French capital today, he became a key figure in the European jazz scene, forging strong collaborations with artists like German pianist Joachim Kuhn. Archie Shepp recorded several landmark albums for BYG, with Yasmina, A Black Woman standing out as one of the most compelling-both musically and intellectually. The title track is a powerful tribute to a "soul sister" with an Afro-Arabic name, signaling a deliberate shift away from Eurocentric narratives. Shepp's impassioned performance is matched by an extraordinary lineup that bridges hard bop and the avant-garde. Saxophonist Hank Mobley and drummer Philly Joe Jones-two hard bop legends-share the stage with boundary-pushing soloists like pianist Dave Burrell, trumpeter Lester Bowie, and saxophonist Roscoe Mitchell, both of whom were members of the Art Ensemble of Chicago. The result? A true jazz supergroup. This remarkable ensemble delivers a dynamic repertoire that reflects Shepp's deep engagement with the entire spectrum of Black American music, from blues and swing to free improvisation, while embracing African rhythms and post-colonial themes. The album radiates defiant energy yet also reveals moments of profound romanticism and tenderness-a testament to Shepp's artistry and vision.
Pressed on 180-gram white vinyl, this premium edition revives a historic 1969 Paris session from the iconic BYG/Actuel catalog-an essential statement from a visionary musician and activist, now reissued in it's best quality ever. Restored & remastered from the original tapes by Nick Robbins, it features a new and insightful essay by author & music journalist Kevin Le Gendre. The LP edition presents the original gatefold sleeve and artwork meticulously recreated with a sleek matte laminate finish, along with a double-sided insert. Awarded Audiophile Album of the Month by Jazzwise, March 2023, and hailed as "A must for Shepp fans as well as free-jazz aficionados" by Kevin Whitlock - Jazzwise. Florida-born saxophonist, composer, poet, actor, and playwright Archie Shepp was one of the most powerful voices of politicized Black culture in the late '60s-a time of radical thought and social upheaval. After relocating to Paris, Shepp recorded a series of groundbreaking albums, including Blase, which explored themes of freedom, racial equality, and the deep roots of African-American music. Blending gospel, blues, and avant-garde jazz, the album featured the mesmerizing vocals of Jeanne Lee and members of the Art Ensemble of Chicago, creating a powerful fusion of jazz, poetry, and radical politics. Blase defies categorization, moving fluidly across eras and influences-what Shepp called "pre-jazz" as much as "free jazz." From a graceful reprise of Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Lady to the propulsive rhythms of Touareg, inspired by his transformative experience at the 1969 Pan-African Festival in Algiers, Shepp's vision was always expansive. Black music has a dynamic relationship with it's past-what was once old becomes new again, resonating across generations. If Blase teaches us anything, it's that younger artists will always feel the spirit of their predecessors, both in life and beyond. As Duke Ellington put it: "All God's chillun got rhythm."
This limited edition release of the original 1972 BYG Records album is pressed on 180-gram white vinyl and housed in a deluxe gatefold sleeve with a matte laminate varnish. Restored and mastered to vinyl by Nick Robbins from the original tapes, with lacquers cut by Cicely Balston at Air Studios, it also includes an insert featuring liner notes by author and Jazz specialist Kevin Le Gendre FOUNDING FATHER OF SPACE AGE JAZZ AND AFROCENTRIC SOUND TRAVELS EMBARKS ON YET ANOTHER OFFGRID ADVENTURE. Occupying a unique place in the history of black music, Sun Ra took the big band aesthetic of his role model Duke Ellington into thrilling new territory. A pianist and keyboard player with an ear for uncommon timbres, a profound interest in a wide range of non-Western cultures as well as the scope of electronics and homemade instruments, Sun Ra led his Solar-Myth Arkestra featuring fine players such as saxophonists John Gilmore, Danny Davis and Marshall Allen, as well as the charismatic singer June Tyson. Together they created a timeless body of work: The Solar Myth Approach Vol. 1. This album is a grab-bag of tracks from various undocumented US sessions in the 60s, while some possibly date to the late 50s. It puts a typically subversive slant on composition and arrangement in which texture and atmosphere, often conjuring up ancient ceremony and ritual, are as important as any model of theme and improvisation. Sun Ra's use of a Moog synthesizer just made his palette all the more enticingly polychromatic. This remastered version, meticulously restored from the original tapes, provides the opportunity to enjoy the finer points of Sun Ra's music and reveals more layers with every listen. More than half a century after it's creation, The Solar Myth Approach Vol. 1' has become a never-ending story.
Pressed on 180-gram green marbled vinyl and restored & remastered from the original tapes. Housed in a faithfully reproduced gatefold sleeve with a classy matte laminate varnish, it also includes an insert featuring a new and insightful essay by renowned author & music journalist John Masouri. The first of The Art Ensemble of Chicago's renowned trio of albums for BYG's Actuel series now returns in a deluxe, audiophile edition This album is the Art Ensemble's most celebrated release, capturing the American avant-garde jazz collective at their most sensational, provocative, and startlingly original in a historic June 1969 session at Studio Saravah in Paris. Recorded in the aftermath of widespread anti-government protests and student riots, this album showcases what happens when four highly intuitive and accomplished musicians-driven by Black Nationalism and dreams of liberation, and armed with an array of diverse instruments-let their inspiration run free. The tracks on A Jackson in Your House challenge us to view music in a different light-not just as a source of entertainment, but as enlightenment, wonderment born of togetherness, courage, beauty, and surprise, all mixed with terrifying honesty.
1969 original BYG Records album now available in a Deluxe Edition, featuring a definitive remastered edition restored and mastered from the original master tapes. Housed in a deluxe gatefold digi-sleeve with a matte laminate finish and printed wallet, it also includes a 16-page booklet with sleeve notes by John Masouri. The first of The Art Ensemble of Chicago's renowned trio of albums for BYG's Actuel series now returns in a deluxe, audiophile edition This album is the Art Ensemble's most celebrated release, capturing the American avant-garde jazz collective at their most sensational, provocative, and startlingly original in a historic June 1969 session at Studio Saravah in Paris. Recorded in the aftermath of widespread anti-government protests and student riots, this album showcases what happens when four highly intuitive and accomplished musicians-driven by Black Nationalism and dreams of liberation, and armed with an array of diverse instruments-let their inspiration run free.
This limited edition release of the original 1972 BYG Records album is pressed on 180-gram black vinyl and housed in a deluxe gatefold sleeve with a matte laminate varnish. Restored and mastered to vinyl by Nick Robbins from the original tapes, with lacquers cut by Cicely Balston at Air Studios, it also includes an insert featuring liner notes by author and Jazz specialist Kevin Le Gendre Deeper into the cosmos-Sun Ra's landmark sessions return in a premium edition, celebrating the visionary genius of the founding father of Space Age Jazz In a characteristic surge of creative energy, Sun Ra and his ensemble, The Solar-Myth Arkestra, generated enough material for two albums. These volumes present a fascinating collection of tracks from various undocumented U.S. sessions in the 1960s, with some possibly dating back to the late 1950s. A true sonic odyssey, the music twists and turns unpredictably-just as one would expect from such an avant-garde collective. This second installment picks up where Vol. 1 left off while introducing intriguing new focal points. Echoes of Ellington resonate throughout, yet the sessions also feature captivating explorations of Afro-centric polyrhythms, highlighting drummers and percussionists Clifford Jarvis, Lex Humphries, and Nimrod Hunt. But the standout moment belongs to vocalist June Tyson-one of Ra's most underappreciated collaborators-who takes center stage on the mesmerizing 'Strange Worlds'. Meticulously restored and remastered to reveal the full depth and the finest details of it's orchestrations, this new edition of The Solar Myth Approach Vol. 2 is a highlight in Sun Ra's vast discography and an essential counterpart to The Solar Myth Approach Vol. 1.
The monumental sessions from the Saturn legend with The Solar-Myth Approach Vol. 1 & Vol. 2, now brought together in one deluxe 2-CD set. Restored & remastered from the original tapes by Nick Robbins, this edition comes in a 6-panel deluxe digi-sleeve that echoes the vibe of both original LPs. It includes two printed inner CD wallets replicating the original LPs' front and back cover artwork, along with a 16-page booklet featuring archival musician photos and a new, insightful essay by author and jazz specialist Kevin Le Gendre A Cosmic Journey Through Sun Ra's Creative Universe This double-CD edition celebrates the unparalleled creative energy of Sun Ra-the visionary who forged his own genre. Elevating his renowned band, The Arkestra, to the status of The Solar Myth Arkestra, the pioneering bandleader, composer, and keyboardist produced a vast body of work that could fill a universe. These sessions, spread across both discs, rank among his finest releases of the 1970s. Featuring legendary Arkestra members-including saxophonists John Gilmore, Danny Davis, and Marshall Allen; drummers Clifford Jarvis, Lex Humphries, and Nimrod Hunt; and the charismatic vocalist June Tyson-The Solar Myth Approach Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 compile an eclectic mix of tracks from various undocumented sessions in New York and Philadelphia during the 1960s. Some pieces may even date back to the late 1950s, when Ra and his Arkestra were based in Chicago. These invigorating albums showcase Sun Ra expanding Duke Ellington's big band aesthetic into uncharted territory. They reflect his deep fascination with non-Western cultures, cutting-edge electronics, and homemade instruments. Often evoking ancient ceremonies and rituals, the music reinvents the traditional theme-and-improvisation model while underscoring Sun Ra's enduring Afro-centric vision. "This remastered version provides the finer points of Sun Ra's music that reveals more layers with every listen. 'The Solar Myth Approach Vol.1 & 2' are an epic journey into sound." Kevin Le Gendre
Pressed on 180-gram black vinyl, this edition revives the historic 1969 Paris session by the legendary American saxophonist-vocalist-intellectual, capturing his deep anguish at the loss of a civil rights icon. Restored & remastered from the original tapes by Nick Robbins, it features the original gatefold sleeve & artwork faithfully reproduced, along with an insert containing an insightful essay by author & music journalist Kevin Le Gendre In a long and distinguished career Archie Shepp has made a number of important political statements, speaking out boldly on racial inequality and oppression in America, and Poem For Malcolm has pride of place in his discography. Recorded at the tailend of the 60s after the saxophonist had relocated to Paris, the album features an all-star cast of contributors that includes U.S hard bop hero Hank Mobley as well as Art Ensemble Of Chicago bassist Malachi Favors, pianist Burton Greene, and French drummer Claude Delcloo. While embracing the dynamic, turbulent energy of the avant-garde or 'New Thing' the players did not entirely break from 'tradition' and a reprise of 'Oleo', one of the enduring post-bop themes of 'saxophone colossus' Sonny Rollins, is a highlight of the album. But first and foremost Shepp's towering personality dominates proceedings. The title track is a searing recital of a text he wrote to mark the passing of his role model Malcolm X that fully conveys the grief over the death of a visionary who sought to bring both dignity and autonomy to people of colour the world over. This remastered version of the album offers the opportunity to experience Shepp's powerful poetry and the artistry of a transatlantic band at the cutting edge of post-war improvised music, all in the finest audio quality. The words and sounds have lost none of their appeal.
- Pressed on 180-gram cherry marbled vinyl LP - Restored & remastered from the original tapes - Comes with an insert featuring new & insightful essay by author & music journalist John Masouri - LP original gatefold sleeve & artwork faithfully reproduced with classy matte laminate finish Inspired by his travels and endless quest to broaden his musical horizons, "Mu" Second Part finds Don Cherry playing lyrical passages on Indian and bamboo flutes, as well as piano, bells and his trademark pocket trumpet. He also refers to South African musician Abdullah Ibrahim, aka Dollar Brand, and jazz drummer Albert "Tootie"Heath on tracks that writer Ekkehard Jost has described as "unpredictable and endlessly fascinating..."� Don Cherry and drummer Ed Blackwell, both graduates of the revolutionary Ornette Coleman quartet, shared a highly intuitive approach to improvisation which, coupled with Cherry's keen explorations of folk music from other cultures, imbue the "Mu"recordings with undeniable beauty, spiritual depth and originality. More than fifty years later, the "Mu"albums sound as fresh and innovative as it did back then.
Pressed on 180-gram vinyl and restored & remastered from the original tapes. Housed in a faithfully reproduced gatefold sleeve with a classy matte laminate varnish, it also includes an insert featuring a new and insightful essay by renowned author & music journalist John Masouri. The first of The Art Ensemble of Chicago's renowned trio of albums for BYG's Actuel series now returns in a deluxe, audiophile edition This album is the Art Ensemble's most celebrated release, capturing the American avant-garde jazz collective at their most sensational, provocative, and startlingly original in a historic June 1969 session at Studio Saravah in Paris. Recorded in the aftermath of widespread anti-government protests and student riots, this album showcases what happens when four highly intuitive and accomplished musicians-driven by Black Nationalism and dreams of liberation, and armed with an array of diverse instruments-let their inspiration run free. The tracks on A Jackson in Your House challenge us to view music in a different light-not just as a source of entertainment, but as enlightenment, wonderment born of togetherness, courage, beauty, and surprise, all mixed with terrifying honesty.
Pressed on 180-gram orange marbled vinyl LP - Restored & remastered from the original tapes - Comes with an insert featuring new & insightful essay by author & music journalist John Masouri - LP original gatefold sleeve & artwork faithfully reproduced with classy matte laminate finish Don Cherry and Ed Blackwell, graduates of the revolutionary Ornette Coleman quartet, are in perfect accord on this seminal free jazz set, recorded in Paris in 1969. The emphasis, as on all Don Cherry releases, is on the life-giving, often magical qualities of pure sound, created on instruments ranging from Indian and bamboo flutes to his signature pocket trumpet. What's also significant is that a composition like "Mu"was built entirely on improvisation, not just the solos, but the entire piece. All the parts played by the two musicians, the order and even the duration arose from within the session itself, and without anything being preconceived. Don Cherry's first chapter of his legendary "Mu"recordings has never sounded more vital or compelling. "This album is a masterclass of improvisation delivered by two musicians of impeccable integrity who play what they felt and heard with complete freedom, and at exactly the right time."John Masouri
This deluxe edition features the historic 1969 Paris session by the renowned American saxophonist-vocalist-intellectual, capturing his deep anguish at the loss of a civil rights icon. Restored and remastered from the original tapes by Nick Robbins, the release comes in a deluxe gatefold digi-sleeve with a matte laminate finish, echoing the vibe of the original LP. Also included is a 16-page booklet with liner notes by Kevin Le Gendre and a printed inner wallet. In a long and distinguished career Archie Shepp has made a number of important political statements, speaking out boldly on racial inequality and oppression in America, and Poem For Malcolm has pride of place in his discography. Recorded at the tailend of the 60s after the saxophonist had relocated to Paris, the album features an all-star cast of contributors that includes U.S hard bop hero Hank Mobley as well as Art Ensemble Of Chicago bassist Malachi Favors, pianist Burton Greene, and French drummer Claude Delcloo. While embracing the dynamic, turbulent energy of the avant-garde or 'New Thing' the players did not entirely break from 'tradition' and a reprise of 'Oleo', one of the enduring post-bop themes of 'saxophone colossus' Sonny Rollins, is a highlight of the album. But first and foremost Shepp's towering personality dominates proceedings. The title track is a searing recital of a text he wrote to mark the passing of his role model Malcolm X that fully conveys the grief over the death of a visionary who sought to bring both dignity and autonomy to people of colour the world over. This remastered version of the album offers the opportunity to experience Shepp's powerful poetry and the artistry of a transatlantic band at the cutting edge of post-war improvised music, all in the finest audio quality. The words and sounds have lost none of their appeal.
- Pressed on 180-gram black vinyl LP - Restored & remastered from the original tapes - Comes with an insert featuring new & insightful essay by author & music journalist John Masouri - LP original gatefold sleeve & artwork faithfully reproduced with classy matte laminate finish Don Cherry and Ed Blackwell, graduates of the revolutionary Ornette Coleman quartet, are in perfect accord on this seminal free jazz set, recorded in Paris in 1969. The emphasis, as on all Don Cherry releases, is on the life-giving, often magical qualities of pure sound, created on instruments ranging from Indian and bamboo flutes to his signature pocket trumpet. What's also significant is that a composition like "Mu"was built entirely on improvisation, not just the solos, but the entire piece. All the parts played by the two musicians, the order and even the duration arose from within the session itself, and without anything being preconceived. Don Cherry's first chapter of his legendary "Mu"recordings has never sounded more vital or compelling. "This album is a masterclass of improvisation delivered by two musicians of impeccable integrity who play what they felt and heard with complete freedom, and at exactly the right time."John Masouri
- Pressed on 180-gram black vinyl LP - Restored & remastered from the original tapes - Comes with an insert featuring new & insightful essay by author & music journalist John Masouri - LP original gatefold sleeve & artwork faithfully reproduced with classy matte laminate finish Inspired by his travels and endless quest to broaden his musical horizons, "Mu"Second Part finds Don Cherry playing lyrical passages on Indian and bamboo flutes, as well as piano, bells and his trademark pocket trumpet. He also refers to South African musician Abdullah Ibrahim, aka Dollar Brand, and jazz drummer Albert "Tootie"Heath on tracks that writer Ekkehard Jost has described as "unpredictable and endlessly fascinating..."� Don Cherry and drummer Ed Blackwell, both graduates of the revolutionary Ornette Coleman quartet, shared a highly intuitive approach to improvisation which, coupled with Cherry's keen explorations of folk music from other cultures, imbue the "Mu"recordings with undeniable beauty, spiritual depth and originality. More than fifty years later, the "Mu"albums sound as fresh and innovative as it did back then.
This premium edition revives a historic 1969 Paris session from the iconic BYG/Actuel catalog-an essential statement from a visionary musician and activist, now reissued in it's best quality ever. Restored & remastered from the original tapes by Nick Robbins, it features a new and insightful essay by author & music journalist Kevin Le Gendre. The CD edition comes in a deluxe digi-sleeve that captures the essence of the original LP, complete with a 16-page booklet and printed inner wallet. Awarded Audiophile Album of the Month by Jazzwise, March 2023, and hailed as "A must for Shepp fans as well as free-jazz aficionados" by Kevin Whitlock - Jazzwise. Florida-born saxophonist, composer, poet, actor, and playwright Archie Shepp was one of the most powerful voices of politicized Black culture in the late '60s-a time of radical thought and social upheaval. After relocating to Paris, Shepp recorded a series of groundbreaking albums, including Blase, which explored themes of freedom, racial equality, and the deep roots of African-American music. Blending gospel, blues, and avant-garde jazz, the album featured the mesmerizing vocals of Jeanne Lee and members of the Art Ensemble of Chicago, creating a powerful fusion of jazz, poetry, and radical politics. Blase defies categorization, moving fluidly across eras and influences-what Shepp called "pre-jazz" as much as "free jazz." From a graceful reprise of Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Lady to the propulsive rhythms of Touareg, inspired by his transformative experience at the 1969 Pan-African Festival in Algiers, Shepp's vision was always expansive. Black music has a dynamic relationship with it's past-what was once old becomes new again, resonating across generations. If Blase teaches us anything, it's that younger artists will always feel the spirit of their predecessors, both in life and beyond. As Duke Ellington put it: "All God's chillun got rhythm."
This premium edition revives a historic 1969 Paris session from the iconic BYG/Actuel catalog-an essential statement from a visionary musician and activist, now reissued in it's best quality ever. Restored & remastered from the original tapes by Nick Robbins, it features a new and insightful essay by author & music journalist Kevin Le Gendre. The CD edition comes in a deluxe digi-sleeve that captures the essence of the original LP, complete with a 16-page booklet and printed inner wallet. Awarded Audiophile Album of the Month by Jazzwise, March 2023, and hailed as "A must for Shepp fans as well as free-jazz aficionados" by Kevin Whitlock - Jazzwise. Among the many African-American jazz musicians who arrived in Paris in the late '60s, saxophonist Archie Shepp was arguably the most influential. Still residing in the French capital today, he became a key figure in the European jazz scene, forging strong collaborations with artists like German pianist Joachim Kuhn. Archie Shepp recorded several landmark albums for BYG, with Yasmina, A Black Woman standing out as one of the most compelling-both musically and intellectually. The title track is a powerful tribute to a "soul sister" with an Afro-Arabic name, signaling a deliberate shift away from Eurocentric narratives. Shepp's impassioned performance is matched by an extraordinary lineup that bridges hard bop and the avant-garde. Saxophonist Hank Mobley and drummer Philly Joe Jones-two hard bop legends-share the stage with boundary-pushing soloists like pianist Dave Burrell, trumpeter Lester Bowie, and saxophonist Roscoe Mitchell, both of whom were members of the Art Ensemble of Chicago. The result? A true jazz supergroup. This remarkable ensemble delivers a dynamic repertoire that reflects Shepp's deep engagement with the entire spectrum of Black American music, from blues and swing to free improvisation, while embracing African rhythms and post-colonial themes. The album radiates defiant energy yet also reveals moments of profound romanticism and tenderness-a testament to Shepp's artistry and vision.
- Two historic 1969 Paris recording sessions now gathered on one deluxe 2-CD set - Restored & remastered from the original tapes - New & insightful essay by author & music journalist John Masouri - 6-panel deluxe digi-sleeve echoes the vibe of the original LPs - 16-page booklet - Two printed inner wallets replicate the original LP covers back and front This deluxe 2-CD set assembles two historic 1969 recording sessions by Don Cherry and drummer Ed Blackwell, featuring the seminal albums "Mu" First Part and "Mu" Second Part Both musicians, who contributed to the revolutionary free jazz movement, had a near telepathic understanding of each other. That highly intuitive approach to improvisation coupled with Cherry's keen explorations of folk music from other cultures, imbue the "Mu"recordings with undeniable beauty, spiritual depth, and originality. More than 50 years later, those albums sound as fresh and innovative as they did back then and have never sounded more vital or compelling. "Mu"is masterclass of improvisation delivered by two musicians of impeccable integrity who play what they felt and heard with complete freedom, and at exactly the right time." John Masouri "Mu"First Part & "Mu"Second Part are also available on LP 180g and limited-edition coloured vinyl
Definitive remastered audiophile edition, restored from the original tapes. Deluxe gatefold sleeve featuring faithfully reproduced original artwork. Comes with an insert featuring exclusive notes by author and jazz specialist Kevin Le Gendre Relive the timeless brilliance of Paul Bley's 1966 Rome session where bold improvisation, groundbreaking composition and heartfelt tribute redefined the art of jazz trio. BYG Records and Charly Records present the reissue of Ramblin', the seminal jazz album by pianist Paul Bley, originally released in 1969 as part of the iconic Actuel series on BYG Records. This definitive remastered edition invites listeners to experience the unparalleled artistry of Paul Bley's groundbreaking 1966 Rome session in unprecedented clarity. Recorded at Studio RCA in the Eternal City on July 1, 1966, Ramblin' captures Paul Bley alongside the rhythm section of double bassist Mark Levinson and drummer Barry Altschul. Together, the trio carved out a bold statement in the evolving world of jazz. With roots that include collaborations with luminaries such as Charlie Mingus, Art Blakey, Ornette Coleman, Jimmy Giuffre, and Albert Ayler, Paul Bley was a pioneer of improvisational interplay and unorthodox structures that continually pushed the boundaries of the genre. This session brims with vitality and innovation, featurioriginalng compositions such as the introspective 'Touching' and 'Albert's Love Theme', a heartfelt tribute to Albert Ayler. Carla Bley's tender and evocative 'Ida Lupino', written in honour of the trailblazing filmmaker, resonates with even greater poignancy following her passing in October 2023. Meanwhile, the album's title track, Ornette Coleman's exuberant 'Ramblin' showcases a joyous yet rebellious spirit emblematic of this groundbreaking trio.
CD DELUXE EDITION - CD digi-sleeve echoes the vibe of the original LP & includes a 16-page booklet & printed inner bag - New & insightful essay by author & music journalist Kevin Le Gendre. 55th Anniversary Remastered Edition of Archie Shepp's iconic Live at the Panafrican Festival... 'Live At The Panafrican Festival' is one of the most thought-provoking entries in Archie Shepp's sprawling discography precisely because of the pivotal moment in time it captures. Archie Shepp has made many Afrocentric statements in his long distinguished career but this meeting with Algerian and Touareg musicians in 1969 ranks among his greatest artistic achievements. The backdrop was the inaugural Pan African Festival Of Culture that took place in Algiers in July 1969 in order to promote solidarity among African nations at a time when many were emerging from the yoke of colonialism and some were still fighting for freedom. Their struggle chimed with the Black Power movement in America, which the likes of Archie Shepp vocally supported. Accompanied by compatriots, trombonist Grachan Moncur III, trumpeter Clifford Thornton, pianist Dave Burrell, double bassist Alan Silva and drummer Sunny Murray, Archie Shepp blows with both fiery, bluesy passion and soulful tenderness on lengthy pieces in which the Touareg percussion and double reed horns create dancing rhythms that regularly turn into a deep trance groove. Joining the two groups are poets Ted Joans and Don Lee, who deliver thought-provoking verse on the significance of the occasion, declaring emphatically that the African-Americans have come home to Africa, the land they consider to be the heartland of what is known as jazz. On the album are two concerts that took place at the front of the Ketchaoua mosque and at the Atlas Cinema. It swarms, it screams, it moves, it dances. Archie Shepp and the musicians are in the middle of a crowd in trance, creating a frenetic atmosphere which assures the listener a completely immersive adventure. This newly remastered version of 'Live At The Panafrican Festival' provides an opportunity to enjoy historic music that was in the vanguard of collaborations between African-American and African artists. Archie Shepp and the Touaregs embodied an ideal of unity across the Black Diaspora that still resonates strongly to this day.
CD edition presented in a deluxe digi-sleeve that echoes the original LP's aesthetics, complete with a 16-page booklet and an inner printed wallet. Includes exclusive notes by author and jazz specialist Kevin Le Gendre. Relive the timeless brilliance of Paul Bley's 1966 Rome session where bold improvisation, groundbreaking composition and heartfelt tribute redefined the art of jazz trio. BYG Records and Charly Records present the reissue of Ramblin', the seminal jazz album by pianist Paul Bley, originally released in 1969 as part of the iconic Actuel series on BYG Records. This definitive remastered edition invites listeners to experience the unparalleled artistry of Paul Bley's groundbreaking 1966 Rome session in unprecedented clarity. Recorded at Studio RCA in the Eternal City on July 1, 1966, Ramblin' captures Paul Bley alongside the rhythm section of double bassist Mark Levinson and drummer Barry Altschul. Together, the trio carved out a bold statement in the evolving world of jazz. With roots that include collaborations with luminaries such as Charlie Mingus, Art Blakey, Ornette Coleman, Jimmy Giuffre, and Albert Ayler, Paul Bley was a pioneer of improvisational interplay and unorthodox structures that continually pushed the boundaries of the genre. This session brims with vitality and innovation, featurioriginalng compositions such as the introspective 'Touching' and 'Albert's Love Theme', a heartfelt tribute to Albert Ayler. Carla Bley's tender and evocative 'Ida Lupino', written in honour of the trailblazing filmmaker, resonates with even greater poignancy following her passing in October 2023. Meanwhile, the album's title track, Ornette Coleman's exuberant 'Ramblin' showcases a joyous yet rebellious spirit emblematic of this groundbreaking trio.
A deluxe edition celebrating visionary composer and multi-instrumentalist Anthony Braxton's 80th birthday. The definitive remastered edition of his second studio album, restored and mastered from the original tapes. Presented in a deluxe gatefold digi-sleeve that reflects the aesthetics of the original LP, complete with a printed inner wallet and a 16-page booklet featuring exclusive notes by author and jazz specialist Kevin Le Gendre. The birth of the Association for The Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) in Chicago was a significant cultural event at the tail end of the 60s. As the name suggests it was a grouping of artists who prioritized originality, and saxophonist-composer Anthony Braxton was one of the most significant individuals in it's ranks. For the subsequent 50 years he would prove daringly adventurous in his concepts and performances, and B-X0 NO-47A remains a classic title in his vast discography. The album saw him lead a group that included fellow AACM members, trumpeter Leo Smith (before he took the name Wadada), drummer Steve McCall and violinist Leroy Jenkins, yet there was such a wide array of instruments used on the session that the small group had a big sound. Anything from chimes and logs to harmonica and darbuka, as well as the intriguingly named 'sound machine', enabled the quartet to fashion a singular textural palette. Anthony Braxton and his colleagues were set to become pivotal figures in the avant-garde or 'New thing' movement that had broken with the prevailing conventions of the jazz industry. This definitive remastered version of the album provides an opportunity to enjoy the unique nature of Braxton's vision as never heard as well as the priceless chemistry between him, Smith, Jenkins and McCall. They made historic music which has stood the test of time.
- Historic recording session in the vanguard of collaborations between African-American and African artists - Restored & remastered from the original tapes by Nick Robbins - New & insightful essay by author & music journalist Kevin Le Gendre - LP's original gatefold sleeve & artwork faithfully reproduced with classy matte laminate finish. 55th Anniversary Remastered Edition of Archie Shepp's iconic Live at the Panafrican Festival... 'Live At The Panafrican Festival' is one of the most thought-provoking entries in Archie Shepp's sprawling discography precisely because of the pivotal moment in time it captures. Archie Shepp has made many Afrocentric statements in his long distinguished career but this meeting with Algerian and Touareg musicians in 1969 ranks among his greatest artistic achievements. The backdrop was the inaugural Pan African Festival Of Culture that took place in Algiers in July 1969 in order to promote solidarity among African nations at a time when many were emerging from the yoke of colonialism and some were still fighting for freedom. Their struggle chimed with the Black Power movement in America, which the likes of Archie Shepp vocally supported. Accompanied by compatriots, trombonist Grachan Moncur III, trumpeter Clifford Thornton, pianist Dave Burrell, double bassist Alan Silva and drummer Sunny Murray, Archie Shepp blows with both fiery, bluesy passion and soulful tenderness on lengthy pieces in which the Touareg percussion and double reed horns create dancing rhythms that regularly turn into a deep trance groove. Joining the two groups are poets Ted Joans and Don Lee, who deliver thought-provoking verse on the significance of the occasion, declaring emphatically that the African-Americans have come home to Africa, the land they consider to be the heartland of what is known as jazz. On the album are two concerts that took place at the front of the Ketchaoua mosque and at the Atlas Cinema. It swarms, it screams, it moves, it dances. Archie Shepp and the musicians are in the middle of a crowd in trance, creating a frenetic atmosphere which assures the listener a completely immersive adventure. This newly remastered version of 'Live At The Panafrican Festival' provides an opportunity to enjoy historic music that was in the vanguard of collaborations between African-American and African artists. Archie Shepp and the Touaregs embodied an ideal of unity across the Black Diaspora that still resonates strongly to this day.
A deluxe edition celebrating visionary composer and multi-instrumentalist Anthony Braxton's 80th birthday. The definitive remastered edition of his second studio album, restored and mastered from the original tapes. Presented in a deluxe gatefold sleeve with an insert featuring a new and insightful essay by author and jazz specialist Kevin Le Gendre. The birth of the Association for The Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) in Chicago was a significant cultural event at the tail end of the 60s. As the name suggests it was a grouping of artists who prioritized originality, and saxophonist-composer Anthony Braxton was one of the most significant individuals in it's ranks. For the subsequent 50 years he would prove daringly adventurous in his concepts and performances, and B-X0 NO-47A remains a classic title in his vast discography. The album saw him lead a group that included fellow AACM members, trumpeter Leo Smith (before he took the name Wadada), drummer Steve McCall and violinist Leroy Jenkins, yet there was such a wide array of instruments used on the session that the small group had a big sound. Anything from chimes and logs to harmonica and darbuka, as well as the intriguingly named 'sound machine', enabled the quartet to fashion a singular textural palette. Anthony Braxton and his colleagues were set to become pivotal figures in the avant-garde or 'New thing' movement that had broken with the prevailing conventions of the jazz industry. This definitive remastered version of the album provides an opportunity to enjoy the unique nature of Braxton's vision as never heard as well as the priceless chemistry between him, Smith, Jenkins and McCall. They made historic music which has stood the test of time.
The Art Ensemble's daring finale to their BYG Actuel trilogy, captured in the heart of Paris, 1969-a seismic moment in free jazz history, now reborn in it's ultimate remastered edition, lovingly restored from the original tapes, wrapped in deluxe packaging, and enriched with fresh insights from acclaimed writer John Masouri. Reese and the Smooth Ones was captured during the same revolutionary Paris session as Message to Our Folks, but stands apart as a two-part, 40-minute odyssey of unchained invention. Arriving in Paris just days before recording, the Ensemble-Lester Bowie, Roscoe Mitchell, Malachi Favors, and Joseph Jarman-landed with nothing but their instruments, ideas, and a fierce determination to create. Funded by the proceeds of Bowie's personal sacrifice, their journey from New York was a leap of faith that sparked an artistic revolution. Their Paris performances stunned audiences with a bold fusion of free jazz, spoken word, Dadaist theatre, and Afrocentric consciousness, setting a new precedent for what music could be. This deluxe reissue celebrates a defining moment in the Art Ensemble's legacy-raw, urgent, and uncompromising. It's an essential document for longtime fans, collectors, and anyone interested in the outer edges of jazz, politics, and sound.
The Art Ensemble's daring finale to their BYG Actuel trilogy, captured in the heart of Paris, 1969-a seismic moment in free jazz history, now reborn in it's ultimate remastered edition, lovingly restored from the original tapes, wrapped in deluxe packaging, and enriched with fresh insights from acclaimed writer John Masouri. Reese and the Smooth Ones was captured during the same revolutionary Paris session as Message to Our Folks, but stands apart as a two-part, 40-minute odyssey of unchained invention. Arriving in Paris just days before recording, the Ensemble-Lester Bowie, Roscoe Mitchell, Malachi Favors, and Joseph Jarman-landed with nothing but their instruments, ideas, and a fierce determination to create. Funded by the proceeds of Bowie's personal sacrifice, their journey from New York was a leap of faith that sparked an artistic revolution. Their Paris performances stunned audiences with a bold fusion of free jazz, spoken word, Dadaist theatre, and Afrocentric consciousness, setting a new precedent for what music could be. This deluxe reissue celebrates a defining moment in the Art Ensemble's legacy-raw, urgent, and uncompromising. It's an essential document for longtime fans, collectors, and anyone interested in the outer edges of jazz, politics, and sound.
A Jazz Landmark of the Black Diaspora Reborn First released in 1971 as part of BYG Records' groundbreaking Actuel series, Jacques Coursil's Black Suite remains one of the boldest expressions of the Black Diaspora's creative and political awakening. Recorded in Paris on June 10, 1969, this visionary work now returns in a newly restored and remastered edition, revealing it's full depth and clarity for the first time in decades. Featuring a transatlantic ensemble - Jacques Coursil, Anthony Braxton, Arthur Jones, Burton Greene, Beb Guerin, and Claude Delcloo - Black Suite bridges the radical spirit of the American avant-garde and the intellectual fire of postcolonial Europe. Across two long, meditative movements, Coursil transforms jazz into a language of liberation, evoking the writings of Frantz Fanon, Leopold Sedar Senghor, and Aime Cesaire as well as the fierce energy of the Civil Rights era. "Black Suite is a work of Black Excellence." - Kevin Le Gendre Born in Paris to Martiniquan parents, Coursil embodied the dialogue between African, Caribbean, and African-American identities, turning sound into philosophy and music into movement. With it's blend of intellect, emotion, and resistance, Black Suite stands alongside the seminal works of Pharoah Sanders, Eddie Gale, and Frank Lowe - timeless statements of self-definition and artistic freedom. Half a century later, Black Suite still speaks powerfully to our time: a sound of struggle and pride, of beauty and becoming - still unbroken.
A Jazz Landmark of the Black Diaspora Reborn First released in 1971 as part of BYG Records' groundbreaking Actuel series, Jacques Coursil's Black Suite remains one of the boldest expressions of the Black Diaspora's creative and political awakening. Recorded in Paris on June 10, 1969, this visionary work now returns in a newly restored and remastered edition, revealing it's full depth and clarity for the first time in decades. Featuring a transatlantic ensemble - Jacques Coursil, Anthony Braxton, Arthur Jones, Burton Greene, Beb Guerin, and Claude Delcloo - Black Suite bridges the radical spirit of the American avant-garde and the intellectual fire of postcolonial Europe. Across two long, meditative movements, Coursil transforms jazz into a language of liberation, evoking the writings of Frantz Fanon, Leopold Sedar Senghor, and Aime Cesaire as well as the fierce energy of the Civil Rights era. "Black Suite is a work of Black Excellence." - Kevin Le Gendre Born in Paris to Martiniquan parents, Coursil embodied the dialogue between African, Caribbean, and African-American identities, turning sound into philosophy and music into movement. With it's blend of intellect, emotion, and resistance, Black Suite stands alongside the seminal works of Pharoah Sanders, Eddie Gale, and Frank Lowe - timeless statements of self-definition and artistic freedom. Half a century later, Black Suite still speaks powerfully to our time: a sound of struggle and pride, of beauty and becoming - still unbroken.
The first of The Art Ensemble of Chicago's renowned trio of albums for BYG's Actuel series now returns in a deluxe edition. Housed in a CD gatefold digi-sleeve that echoes the vibe of the original LP, it includes a 16-page booklet and an inner printed wallet, along with a new and insightful essay by renowned author & music journalist John Masouri. This album is the Art Ensemble's most celebrated release, capturing the American avant-garde jazz collective at their most sensational, provocative, and startlingly original in a historic June 1969 session at Studio Saravah in Paris. Recorded in the aftermath of widespread anti-government protests and student riots, this album showcases what happens when four highly intuitive and accomplished musicians-driven by Black Nationalism and dreams of liberation, and armed with an array of diverse instruments-let their inspiration run free. The tracks on A Jackson in Your House challenge us to view music in a different light-not just as a source of entertainment, but as enlightenment, wonderment born of togetherness, courage, beauty, and surprise, all mixed with terrifying honesty.
This edition features heavyweight vinyl showcasing the original 1969 BYG Records album, restored & remastered from the original master tapes. It comes in a deluxe gatefold sleeve with a matte laminate finish, along with an insert featuring liner notes by John Masouri. The first of The Art Ensemble of Chicago's renowned trio of albums for BYG's Actuel series now returns in a deluxe, audiophile edition This album is the Art Ensemble's most celebrated release, capturing the American avant-garde jazz collective at their most sensational, provocative, and startlingly original in a historic June 1969 session at Studio Saravah in Paris. Recorded in the aftermath of widespread anti-government protests and student riots, this album showcases what happens when four highly intuitive and accomplished musicians-driven by Black Nationalism and dreams of liberation, and armed with an array of diverse instruments-let their inspiration run free. The tracks on A Jackson in Your House challenge us to view music in a different light-not just as a source of entertainment, but as enlightenment, wonderment born of togetherness, courage, beauty, and surprise, all mixed with terrifying honesty.
This edition features heavyweight orange vinyl showcasing the original 1969 BYG Records album, restored & remastered from the original master tapes. It comes in a deluxe gatefold sleeve with a matte laminate finish, along with an insert featuring liner notes by John Masouri. The first of The Art Ensemble of Chicago's renowned trio of albums for BYG's Actuel series now returns in a deluxe, audiophile edition This album is the Art Ensemble's most celebrated release, capturing the American avant-garde jazz collective at their most sensational, provocative, and startlingly original in a historic June 1969 session at Studio Saravah in Paris. Recorded in the aftermath of widespread anti-government protests and student riots, this album showcases what happens when four highly intuitive and accomplished musicians-driven by Black Nationalism and dreams of liberation, and armed with an array of diverse instruments-let their inspiration run free. The tracks on A Jackson in Your House challenge us to view music in a different light-not just as a source of entertainment, but as enlightenment, wonderment born of togetherness, courage, beauty, and surprise, all mixed with terrifying honesty.
