Archie Shepp
Coral Rock
America Records (France) 1970
30 AM 6103 (LP) Original pressing. coated sleeve.
sleeve : EX-(SPSE: 1.5cm light clack on side, some small froat of laminate.)
media : EX/EX(some slightly noise.)
An album released in 1970 by the brilliant saxophonist Archie Shepp, who, alongside John Coltrane and Cecil Taylor, produced numerous masterpieces rooted in an African-revivalist approach to jazz. Recorded in Paris that same year, the session features Bobby Few (piano), Bob Reid (bass), Clifford Thornton (trombone), Mohamed Ali (drums), Al Shorter (flugelhorn), Djibrill (percussion), Ostaine "Blue" Warner (percussion), and Lester Bowie (trumpet). The album opens with an introduction where Shepp’s chant-like cries entwine with a primal rhythm section, leading into Side A—a smoky, slow-grooving piece. Side B begins with Shepp himself on piano, delivering the first half’s highlight, and gently transitions into a serene, New Orleans-inspired atmosphere toward the end. Both sides showcase Shepp’s deep spirituality in full force—an exceptional session and a true classic.
A: Coral Rock
B: I Should Care