Archie Shepp - True Blue (2015/2023) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

This 1998 studio recording by tenor sax legend Archie Shepp is a study in blues and ballads as the title might suggest, but it also marks the return of Shepp as a true bandleader. With pianist John Hicks, drummer Billy Drummond, and bassist George Mraz, Shepp sounds more inspired here than he has in literally decades. There is no crutch-like reliance on hard bop and blues stylings, nor is there any over-the-shoulder tosses at being the king of the avant-garde. Instead Shepp focuses on what he does best: being a fine stylist and one of the great blues phraseologists in the business. Opening with Coltrane's "Lonnie's Lament," Shepp goes one better than just saluting his old boss – he reharmonizes the tune and slows it down, making it a true elegy.

TRACKLIST

1. Archie Shepp - Lonnie's Lament
2. Archie Shepp - Everytime We Say Goodbye
3. Archie Shepp - Time After Time
4. Archie Shepp - All Or Nothing At All
5. Archie Shepp - But Beautiful
6. Archie Shepp - Que Reste-t-il De Nos Amours
7. Archie Shepp - Blue Train
8. Archie Shepp - A Little Surprise For The Lady
9. Archie Shepp - I Want To Talk About You



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