CD Digipak Archie Shepp – Fire Music

Archie Shepp’s Fire Music remains a cornerstore of the avant-garde jazz canon. Originally released on the legendary Impulse! label, this remastered reissue captures Shepp at a creative peak, blending radical technical innovation with a deep reverence for the blues and jazz history.

The album is anchored by the multi-part masterpiece "Hambone," which moves from complex trumpet musings by Ted Curson to a funky, tough-edged solo by altoist Marion Brown. Other highlights include the powerful spoken-word tribute "Malcolm, Malcolm-Semper Malcolm"—dedicated to Malcolm X—and a uniquely avant-garde interpretation of the bossa nova classic "The Girl from Ipanema."

This 1995 CD reissue is essential for collectors, as it includes a bonus live version of "Hambone" recorded in March 1965, providing further insight into the explosive energy of Shepp’s ensemble during this era.

Track Listing:

• Hambone
• Los Olvidados
• Malcolm, Malcolm-Semper, Malcolm
• Prelude to a Kiss
• The Girl from Ipanema
• Hambone (Live Bonus Track)

Personnel:

Archie Shepp (Tenor Sax), Ted Curson (Trumpet), Joseph Orange (Trombone), Marion Brown (Alto Sax), Reggie Johnson (Bass), Joe Chambers (Drums), and more.