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Archie Shepp - The Magic Of Ju-Ju
Tenor Saxophone: Archie Shepp [click here to see more vinyl featuring Archie Shepp]
Trumpet, Flugelhorn: Martin Banks
Bass Trombone, Trombone: Mike Zwerin
Bass: Reggie Workman
Drums: Norman Connors, Beaver Harris
Talking Drum: Frank Charles
Percussion: Dennis Charles
Rhythm Logs: Ed Blackwell
Written by Archie Shepp
1 LP, standard sleeve
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : Thrid Man in Detroit
Label : Verve - Verve by Request Series
Original Label : Impulse
Recorded April 26, 1967, at Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Engineered by Bob Simpson
Produced by Bob Thiele
Liner Notes by Ralph J. Gleason
Photography by William A. Levy, Frank Kofsky, Marty Topp
Originally released in 1967
Reissued in 2025
Tracks :
Side A:
- The Magic of Ju-Ju
Side B:
- You're What This Day Is All About
- Shazam!
- Sorry 'Bout That
Reviews :
“On this 1967 Impulse release, tenor saxophonist Archie Shepp unleashed his 18-minute tour de force "The Magic of Ju-Ju," combining free jazz tenor with steady frenetic African drumming. Shepp's emotional and fiery tenor takes off immediately, gradually morphing with the five percussionists -- Beaver Harris, Norman Connor, Ed Blackwell, Frank Charles, and Dennis Charles -- who perform on instruments including rhythm logs and talking drums. Shepp never loses the initial energy, moving forward like a man possessed as the drumming simultaneously builds into a fury. Upon the final three minutes, the trumpets of Martin Banks and Michael Zwerin make an abrupt brief appearance, apparently to ground the piece to a halt. This is one of Shepp's most chaotic yet rhythmically hypnotic pieces. The three remaining tracks, somewhat overshadowed by the title piece, are quick flourishes of free bop on "Shazam," "Sorry Bout That," and the slower, waltz-paced "You're What This Day Is All About."” AllMusic Review by Al Campbell
Rating:
AllMusic 4.5 / 5 , Discogs 4.49 / 5