Description
Originally founded in 1975, Black Saint remains one of jazz's most celebrated independent labels, documented for capturing fearless and innovative music - A Sea of Faces showcases 1960s avant-garde titan Archie Shepp in absolute prime form at age 38. Possessing one of the most distinctive tenor saxophone voices in jazz - blending ferocious power with warmth - Shepp recorded this landmark session in Italy with his brilliant working band: trombonist Charles Greenlee, pianist Dave Burrell, bassist Cameron Brown, drummer Beaver Harris, and vocalist Bunny Foy.
The centerpiece of the album is an expansive, 26-minute rendition of Grachan Moncur III's "Hipnosis," featuring an extraordinary 14-minute opening tenor solo by Shepp before handing the spotlight to Greenlee and Burrell. The programme also highlights Shepp's versatility on soprano sax and piano, alongside his politically charged poetry recital on "Song For Mozambique" and Bunny Foy's soulful vocal performance on the ballad "I Know About The Life."
From fiery improvisations to deeply emotional ballads, A Sea of Faces stands as one of Archie Shepp's definitive 1970s recordings and an essential chapter in modern jazz history.
A Sea of Faces is reissued on CD and 180g 'One-step Pressing' beige/orange vinyl LP (numbered & limited 1,000 pcs) as part of the Gems For Jazz Heads series.
