Jazz
One disc 44 minutes approximately. There is no reference to remastering of any kind-however the sound is clean and warm,with good separation of instruments. For anyone who thinks this set is just another cash-in on Charlie "Yardbird" Parker's name and legacy-guess again. And for those who might equate Shepp with a more dissonant style of playing,something along the lines of Anthony Braxton's THE CHARLIE PARKER PROJECT,nothing could be further from the truth. This collection of tunes,while paying tribute to Parker,is in a class of it's own. Both Shepp and NHOP(Niels-Henning Orsted Pederson) are well-schooled in "Bird's" music. This set gives the term "duo" a clear definition of what two musicians of this caliber are capable of playing. From the very first track these two people meld their instruments into a satisfyingly rich whole. While Shepp's playing,whether its on tenor or soprano sax,does take center stage,NHOP gets plenty of space to interpret this music. His bass tone is warm yet clean,and seems to flow through these tunes effortlessly. They are constantly weaving in and out of each others path,supporting each other or stepping out for a short solo. The overall tone of this album is set in the mid-tempo range,but there are a number of "foot-tappers",so the album moves right along. This set pays homage to Parker and still manages to have it's own individualistic sound. Of the eight tunes five are by Parker,with the other three being standards identified with Parker. As usual Shepp will throw out a few fast squelches on his horn in the middle of playing the melody,which only serves to contrast his style and interpretation,while still staying true to Parker's legacy. For those of you who enjoy music like this,listen to GOIN' HOME by Archie Shepp and Horace Parlan(piano),another duo recording. This time Shepp movingly interprets traditional gospel tunes in a very heartfelt,authentic style. Concerning this set,about the only thing I wish this album had were liner notes. There is the usual information on tracks,players,and where and when this was recorded. However,it would have added immensely to have information surrounding this set-a small quibble. After all these years this set is still not well-known,which is a shame,for music of this caliber belongs in anyone's jazz collection who considers themselves well-versed in jazz.
By Stuart Jefferson.
**
Avant-garde tenor saxophonist Archie Shepp created a stir in 1977 when he recorded a set of hymns and folk melodies in melodic duets with pianist Horace Parlan. On February 6, 1980, he reunited with Parlan for a set of blues associated with Bessie Smith, and the following day, as a sort of sequel, Shepp played eight songs associated with Charlie Parker in collaboration with bassist Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen. Although never a bebopper, Shepp does surprisingly well on such tunes as "Moose the Mooche," "Ornithology," "Yardbird Suite" and "Confirmation," even if he makes the mistake of doubling on his erratic soprano during a few numbers. Archie Shepp pays tribute to Bird not by copying him, but by being creative and playing Parker's repertoire in his own sound.
Recommended.
By Scott Yanow, All Music Guide.
**
Archie Shepp- (Soprano & Tenor Saxophones)
Neils-Henning Orsted Pedersen- (Bass)
**
01. Moose The Mooche (C.Parker) 6:23
02. Embraceable You (G.Gershwin) 4:40
03. Ornithology (B.Harris) 5:42
04. Billie's Bounce (C.Parker) 5:20
05. Yardbird Suite (C.Parker) 4:31
06. Blues For Alice (C.Parker) 5:48
07. How Deep Is The Ocean (I.Berlin) 5:50
08. Confirmation (C.Parker) 5:46
**
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