Chico Freeman “Kings of Mali”

Chico Freeman

Kings of Mali

India Navigation (US) 1978

IN 1035 (LP) Original pressing. silver label.

sleeve : VG+(SPSE: 6cm crack on bottom, wear on corner.)

media : EX+/EX+(some slightly noises.)

This album, released in 1978 by the highly acclaimed American tenor saxophonist Chico Freeman, features numerous masterpieces spanning from Avant/Free to Ethnic Jazz and Standards throughout his career. It is also highly regarded as a rare groove. The quintet includes Jay Hoggard (vibraphone), Cecil McBee (bass), Anthony Davis (piano), and Famoudou Don Moye (percussion). While the improvised sessions on Side A, filled with positive energy reminiscent of the Art Ensemble of Chicago, are excellent, the African Balafon duet by Freeman and Hoggard, with McBee's bass solo on B1, and the original version of the iconic song, later featured with Val Eley's vocals on 'The Search' released five years later, on B2, are absolutely outstanding.

A2: Minstrels’ Sun Dance