Black Gipsy

Archie Shepp Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone
Clifford Thornton Trumpet
Noah Howard Alto Saxophone
Julio Finn Harmonica
Dave Burrell Piano
Leroy Jenkins Violin
Earl Freeman Acoustic Bass
Sonny Murray Drums
Chicago Beau Vocal
I've been looking for this recording for many years. Inquiries to the original US label that released Black Gipsy proved unhelpful. Bids on eBay were always lost in the end. Archie Shepp is an underrated figure in jazz. Dismissed by some as "angry," Shepp is a brilliant composer and saxophonist and Black Gipsy is one of his finest recordings. The title track, a 20+ minute blues, begins with the solitary voice of Leroy Jenkins' violin followed by brilliant ensemble work anchored by pianist Dave Burrell and drummer Sunny Murray. The spoken word performance of Chicago Beauchamp is remarkable, especially in its interplay with Jenkins, Shepp, Clifford Thornton, and the blues and Negritude scholar Julio Finn on harmonica. "Epitaph Of A Small Winner" is a tour of the African diaspora, beginning in Brazil and ending, of course, in New Orleans. It is marked by polyrhythmic percussion, indigenous thematic passages, and excellent collective improvisation. As a bonus, this recording includes the title track from the elusive "Pitchin Can." Verve has served the jazz music community well with the re-release of this recording and others from an era that stood at the apex of free jazz. As it is labeled a limited edition, it should be acquired quicky by Shepp and jazz avant-garde enthusiasts.