Monday, October 29, 2007

Joseph Jarman & Famoudou Don Moye: Black Paladins


Tracks

1. Mama Marimba
2. In Memory of My Seasons
3. Humility in the Light of the Creator
4. Black Paladins
5. Ginger Song
6. Ode to Wilbur Ware

Personnel

Henry Dumas - Poetry
Johnny Dyani - Bass, Piano, Tambourine, Vocals, Multi Instruments
Joseph Jarman - Flute, Clarinet (Bass), Sax (Baritone), Sax (Tenor), Voices, Multi Instruments, Conch, Bamboo Flute, Sax (Soprano)
Famoudou Don Moye - Percussion, Drums, Multi Instruments
Isio Saba - Photography
Gigi Barbieri- Cover Art
Giancarlo Barigozzi - Engineer
Giovanni Bonandrini - Producer
Lee Jeske - Liner Notes

The review from AMG:
During the '70s, Art Ensemble of Chicago members Joseph Jarman and Famoudou Don Moye often performed outside the band as a duo, sometimes bringing in other musicians. Here, they made the inspired choice of the late, great South African bassist Johnny Dyani (founding member of the Blue Notes and long-time collaborator with musicians such as Abdullah Ibrahim and John Tchicai) resulting in a buoyant, joyful release. Dyani's opening "Mama Marimba," propelled by both his bass and voice, is an exceptionally infectious number and contrasts wonderfully with Jarman's ensuing "In Memory of My Seasons," a misty dirge featuring the composer's haunting flute work. Moye is ablaze throughout, notably backing Jarman's lovely sopranino on "Ginger Song," and Dyani's deep, throbbing bass is a joy. On the closing piece, "Ode to Wilbur Ware," the bass groove is as thick as honey, providing the framework for elaborate, coloristic percussion and plaintive bamboo flute, bringing the album to a rich, satisfying conclusion. Black Paladins was the Jarman/Moye duo's most successful effort, and one of the most rewarding projects either was involved with outside of the Art Ensemble. A delicious recording.
That it is. Hope y'all enjoy this one as much as I do.

Recorded December 19 & 20, 1979 and released in 1980.

Download Black Paladins, or on sharebee.