| 1 | Damn If I Know (The Stroller) | 6:16 |
| 2 | Frankenstein | 13:50 |
| 3 | Fiesta | 9:54 |
| 4 | Sophisticated Lady | 7:08 |
| 5 | New Africa | 12:55 |
| 6 | Bakai | 10:04 |
Experience a pivotal moment in jazz history with Archie Shepp's 1968 masterpiece, The Way Ahead. Released during his prolific tenure with the legendary Impulse! label, this album captures Shepp at a creative crossroads, blending the fiery energy of Avant-Garde Jazz with the emerging, meditative depths of Spiritual Jazz.
As a leading figure of the 1960s "New Thing," Shepp followed in the footsteps of his mentor, John Coltrane, while carving out a fiercely original voice. The Way Ahead showcases his transition from the radical experimentation found in works like Ascension toward a more refined, yet no less intense, sonic palette. This 1998 CD reissue has been digitally remastered in stereo, ensuring that every nuance of Shepp’s commanding tenor saxophone and his ensemble's intricate textures are preserved with modern clarity.
Album Highlights:- Genre: Avant-Garde Jazz / Spiritual Jazz
- Label: Impulse! (Original Catalog No. AS-9170)
- Format: CD, Reissue, Remastered, Stereo
- Significance: A landmark release from one of the most distinguished and influential saxophonists in jazz history.
Whether you are a longtime devotee of the Impulse! catalog or a newcomer to the avant-garde, this remastered edition is an essential addition to any serious jazz collection.
