Customer Reviews

Impulse Story

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Archie Shepp became one of the leading names in the jazz avant-garde movement of the 1960s when he joined forces with Impulse Records. Shepp received his share of criticism during this time, both for his political convictions as well as for his progressive approach toward the jazz medium. Most of the controversy stemmed from his involvement in black freedom movements and his open admiration for Malcolm X.

Shepp's Impulse years feature some of his best music, featuring quite unusual readings of "Naima" and "The Girl from Ipanema". This CD offers a nice sampling from the mid 60s to early 70s, giving newcomers to Shepp a good place to start from. The sound quality is superb throughout on each of these tracks, making this disc a nice one to obtain if you want to get your feet wet with Shepp before jumping in the deep end.

Archie Shepp was always one of the more accesible of the 60's "new wave" jazz saxophonists. This CD gives a nice overview from his excellent "Impulse" period. It would have been nice to trade a cut from Four for Trane for one of the Fire music cuts. Still that is a very minor criticism. Both New Thing at Newport selections are included, which is nice. The three cover versions on here are his best - especially his bizarre take in The Girl from Ipanima. A great way to discover this unique sax legend.

Archie Shepp's attempts to re-define American roots music were only partially successful: the best tracks here are influenced more by R&B than jazz. The squealing of Shepp's tenor sax is grating after a few seconds, and obscures the fact he could play his horn. What sounded avant-garde then, sounds self-indulgent now.

Shepp was a composer of merit. I prefer the poetry and the infectious beat of songs like "Attica Blues." Check out the album "Kwanza" for a side of Archie Shepp absent from this compilation.