Friday, March 25, 2022

Archie Shepp - Blasé (March 25, 2022 BYG Records)

THE HEAT OF THE BLUES AND THE FIRE OF THE AVANT-GARDE
BLEND SUPERBLY ON THIS LANDMARK RECORDING

Florida-born saxophonist, composer, poet, actor and playwright, Archie Shepp was one of the most articulate exponents of politicized black culture in the late ‘60s, a time of enormous upheaval and radical thought.

Relocating to Paris he made a number of highly influential albums, such as Blasé, that broached the essential themes of freedom and racial equality, and tapped into the bedrock of African-American music. Gospel and blues were a major part of the work, which also had a strong avant-garde sensibility. Trailblazing artists who combined jazz, poetry and radical politics makes a definitive musical statement with a band featuring stellar vocalist Jeanne Lee and members of Art Ensemble Of Chicago. This re-mastered version of a seminal album still has great musical and emotional power.

“Off all the American musicians that came to Paris at the end of the ‘60s, saxophonist Archie Shepp was one of the most thought provoking, and Blasé is a chef d’oeuvre …” Kevin Le Gendre

Original 1969 BYG album remastered from original BYG tapes. High definition digital audio 96kHz 24bit wav.

1. My Angel 10:10
2. Blasé 10:20
3. There Is A Balm In Gilead 05:56
4. Sophisticated Lady 05:10
5. Touareg 09:12

2022 Remastered Audiophile Edition
Executive producer for this re-issue: Jean-Luc Young
Re-issue produced for release by Geoffrey Cousin
Audio restoration and mastering from BYG tapes by Nick Robbins
Graphic design for this re-issue by Phil Rogers

A BYG Production
P 1969 BYG Records
C 2022 Charly Acquisitions Ltd.

An Original BYG Recording
Courtesy of Charly Acquisitions Ltd.
Licensed from LicenseMusic.com ApS.