Charles Greenlee “I Know about the Life”

The Musical Genius of Charles “Majeed” Greenlee
I Know about the Life
Baystate (Japan) 1977
RVJ-6003 (LP) Original pressing. w/insert.
sleeve : VG+(SRW, SOC, SPSE: crack on side, wear on edge and corner, dirts.)
media : EX-/EX-(some light noise caused by a few slightly wear.)

After performing in the 1950s with legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Benny Carter, and in the 1960s with groups led by Eric Dolphy, Charles Mingus, and Roland Kirk, American trombonist Charles Greenlee gravitated toward free jazz following sessions with John Coltrane. He went on to contribute to many of Archie Shepp’s historic recordings. This album, released in 1977 on the Japanese label Bay State, stands as Greenlee’s only recording as a bandleader. The album features notable musicians including Archie Shepp, Buster Williams, Jean Carn, Joe Lee Wilson, and others. Side A consists entirely of compositions arranged by Shepp: track A1 is set to lyrics by Aisha Rahman and also appears on Shepp’s 1975 A Sea of Faces (Black Saint); A2 is another emotional piece with lyrics by Rahman; A3, also sung by Karin Krog in a Shepp collaboration, follows; and the refreshing B3 is composed by Dave Burrell. From start to finish, this album delivers outstanding performances and compositions. It is no exaggeration to call this not only a historical masterpiece, but also an essential work in Greenlee’s long career. Very, very highly recommended.

A1: I Know about the Life
A2: He’s Gone
A3: Steam
B2: Crusificado