The Way Ahead

Archie Shepp

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 6, 1998)
• Original Release Date: January 29, 1968
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Grp Records
• ASIN: B00000DD1W
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #83,056 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Way Ahead" of the Field, August 13, 2000

By	Michael B. Richman (Portland, Maine USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

"The Way Ahead" is one of Archie Shepp's best albums for the Impulse label, and in my opinion, finally provides the overall consistency that is lacking in some of the earlier releases. While the tunes are eclectic, from the warped avant-blues "The Stroller" to the fiery "Frankenstein" to Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady," it is the group's approach and telepathic improvising that distinguish this recording. While the group only has three horns in the frontline (Shepp, Grachan Moncur and trumpeter Jimmy Owens) compared to four each on "Four for Trane" and "Fire Music," they get a richer, fuller sound here. Just compare this "Frankenstein" to the version on Jackie McLean's "One Step Beyond." There are so many added horn textures here it's like they are different songs. The addition of a piano-man, Walter Davis, is unique to Shepp's Impulse catalog, and really helps bolster the rhythm section and strengthen the overall sound. The fact that two lengthy tracks, "New Africa" and "Bakai," have been added to the CD reissue makes "The Way Ahead" truly way ahead.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Shepp To Get!, August 16, 2000

By	Stephen (Virginia Beach, VA USA) - See all my reviews

As an earlier review states, Shepp tended to have some dead spots on his earlier releases. This on cooks from start to finish (which includes two great tracks from his "Kwanza" lp). The addition of piano makes this set his most accessable impulse cd. The piano reinforces the feeling of the blues which as always been present with Shepp, but here there is no denying it. HIghlights include "Frnkenstein" and "Bakai."

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a shame that it can only get five stars!, November 24, 2001

By	Peter Harrison (TAMPA EFF ELL A) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sad world we live in, only two previous reviews for this classic Shepp CD. Ah, well, more's the pity for the uninitiated. At least the reviews were positive, as you can tell this one will definitely be. If you're in the mood for some challenging Free Jazz, Avant-Garde, Improvisational Music, whatever label you'd like to hang on it- Look No Further! This is a wonderful place to start. With the following personnel: Dave Burrell,Ron Carter, Beaver Harris,Jimmy Owens,Charles Davis, Grachan Moncur III,Walter Booker,Walter Davis, Jr., and Roy Haynes, Mr. Archie Shepp created a small masterpiece with this outstanding set of songs! Buy it, put it on, and FEEL IT!