Archie Shepp - Blase

Original 1969 BYG album facsimile edition

Newly mastered to vinyl from original BYG tapes

Lacquers cut by Alchemy Mastering at Air Studios

Exclusive liner notes by author, journalist and BYG-authority Kevin Le Gendre

Florida-born saxophonist, composer, poet, actor and playwright, Archie Shepp was one of the exponents of politicized black culture in the late '60s, a time of enormous upheaval and radical thought. Relocating to Paris he made a number albums, such as Blase, 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. Trailbraizing artists who combined jazz, poetry and radical politics makes a definitive musical statement with a band featuring vocalist Jeanne Lee and members of Art Ensemble Of Chicago. This remastered version of a seminal album still has great musical and emotional power.

1. MY ANGEL

2. BLASÉ

3. THERE IS A BALM IN GILEAD

4. SOPHISTICATED LADY

5. TOUAREG

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