Free Jazz Music

Ok, first I have to admit...I'm not a fan of Mr. Garbarek. His soprano sax playing has always made me think that this is where people like Kenny G got a lot of their ideas and inspiration to ruin the music called "jazz" like they have. I have tried, and tried, and tried to like Garbarek's playing on many otherwise exellent ECM albums from the 70's, and, I'm sorry, but, everytime I've heard him play it's always ruined the entire album for me. Ralph Towner's "Solstice" is the only exeption...I'm able to only barely tolerate what he does there, and that's only because of the strength of the rest of the players, I have to tune Garbarek out. In fact, over the past 5 yrs. or so, I've gotten in the habit of turning down otherwise very tantalizing albums because of the very mention of one "Jan Garbarek-Saxophones" on the cover, until today. For a long time I've heard that Afric Pepperbird is worth checking out, and after keeping my eyes peeled for it for years, I stumbled upon it and decided to give it a try. Boy was I suprised! This album is great! I'm a big fan of later period Coltrane, Archie Shepp, Albert Ayler, and Ornette, and I've got to say that this album is a definite classic in that vein. This proves to me why every player on this disc is a European Jazz legend by now. My already great respect for Mssrs. Andersen, Rypdal, and Christensen has gotten that much greater as a result of this album. Arild Andersen is particularly strong here. If you can tolerate or even like free jazz, or Jan Garbarek or any of the musicians on this date, you need to check this out. In my opinion, it will be worth it!

This fabulous album is often underrated because savvy modern listeners expect it to be "of its time," i.e. dated. In fact, it is one of Garbarek's most stimulating and exciting albums, bursting with humour and technical brilliance. It will have your head popping along with your fingers. About the only dated moment on the album is the fade-out-fade-back-in at the end of Track 3 "Beast of Komodo," which by the way is a terrific, bluesy romp driven by an irresistible bassline.

Nearly every track is a charmer; "Blow Away Zone" is a squawking delight and the title track, "Afric Pepperbird" is a swinging, smooth, very impressive outing for all four musicians.

The "African" content of the album is, as the title suggests, a quirky fantasy, rather than a deliberate incorporation of real African music; the continuous interpolation of marimbas and other primitive instruments, animal sounds, bird calls, insects chirping and what have you evoke a magical landscape of jungles & savannahs.

Great tunes, sophisticated arrangements and the confidence to improvise to the max make this a collection which hits all the right notes.

Even the absurd final track, "Blupp" always makes me smile.

Highly recommended to new & old Garbarek fans.

This is Garbarek's first release. for anyone who is just starting out on garbarek's music and is either only familiar with recent works ie last ten years titles such as officium twelve moons i took up the runes etc may find this a difficult cd to listen to. Firstly you must remember that this recording is from around 1969 (30 yrs ago) the european jazz scene was very much into note jazz not so much into rythms and melodies and esoteric or atmospherics. Basically Garbarek attacks the music with the sax growling out brilliant pieces backed by Terje Arild and jon After purchasing Officium after hearing one track i leapt in at the deep end and bought Afird pepperbird and at first was shocked, mainly by the difference. I was soon sitting totally engrossed...

Ok, first I have to admit...I'm not a fan of Mr. Garbarek. His soprano sax playing has always made me think that this is where people like Kenny G got a lot of their ideas and inspiration to ruin the music called "jazz" like they have. I have tried, and tried, and tried to like Garbarek's playing on many otherwise exellent ECM albums from the 70's, and, I'm sorry, but, everytime I've heard him play it's always ruined the entire album for me. Ralph Towner's "Solstice" is the only exeption...I'm able to only barely tolerate what he does there, and that's only because of the strength of the rest of the players, I have to tune Garbarek out. In fact, over the past 5 yrs. or so, I've gotten in the habit of turning down otherwise very tantalizing albums because of the very mention of one "Jan Garbarek-Saxophones" on the cover, until today. For a long time I've heard that Afric Pepperbird is worth checking out, and after keeping my eyes peeled for it for years, I stumbled upon it and decided to give it a try. Boy was I suprised! This album is great! I'm a big fan of later period Coltrane, Archie Shepp, Albert Ayler, and Ornette, and I've got to say that this album is a definite classic in that vein. This proves to me why every player on this disc is a European Jazz legend by now. My already great respect for Mssrs. Andersen, Rypdal, and Christensen has gotten that much greater as a result of this album. Arild Andersen is particularly strong here. If you can tolerate or even like free jazz, or Jan Garbarek or any of the musicians on this date, you need to check this out. In my opinion, it will be worth it!

This fabulous album is often underrated because savvy modern listeners expect it to be "of its time," i.e. dated. In fact, it is one of Garbarek's most stimulating and exciting albums, bursting with humour and technical brilliance. It will have your head popping along with your fingers. About the only dated moment on the album is the fade-out-fade-back-in at the end of Track 3 "Beast of Komodo," which by the way is a terrific, bluesy romp driven by an irresistible bassline.

Nearly every track is a charmer; "Blow Away Zone" is a squawking delight and the title track, "Afric Pepperbird" is a swinging, smooth, very impressive outing for all four musicians.

The "African" content of the album is, as the title suggests, a quirky fantasy, rather than a deliberate incorporation of real African music; the continuous interpolation of marimbas and other primitive instruments, animal sounds, bird calls, insects chirping and what have you evoke a magical landscape of jungles & savannahs.

Great tunes, sophisticated arrangements and the confidence to improvise to the max make this a collection which hits all the right notes.

Even the absurd final track, "Blupp" always makes me smile.

Highly recommended to new & old Garbarek fans.

This is Garbarek's first release. for anyone who is just starting out on garbarek's music and is either only familiar with recent works ie last ten years titles such as officium twelve moons i took up the runes etc may find this a difficult cd to listen to. Firstly you must remember that this recording is from around 1969 (30 yrs ago) the european jazz scene was very much into note jazz not so much into rythms and melodies and esoteric or atmospherics. Basically Garbarek attacks the music with the sax growling out brilliant pieces backed by Terje Arild and jon After purchasing Officium after hearing one track i leapt in at the deep end and bought Afird pepperbird and at first was shocked, mainly by the difference. I was soon sitting totally engrossed...

I'm a jazz musician and a certifiable jazz junkie. I've been listening to Trane since 1976. I've heard excerpts from Africa Brass but only just now heard the complete sessions from start to finish. Frankly, I'm embarrassed to have waited so long. Trane's work with Dolphy has always been my favorite period, Dolphy created all the charts for this session - a sort of Gil Evans but he's so much earthier. The alternate take of Africa with the trombone(s) playing sounds that sound like they are right out of the jungle... Any Coltrane fan MUST have this collection. An instant favorite in my Coltrane catalog.

There's a lot of mischief in the world of CD production. When content doesn't match available time, sometimes suppliers make up the difference with "filler" of questionable merit. While some alternate takes are interesting, others didn't make the first release because frankly they weren't as good as the one that did. The Complete Africa/Brass Sessions is a shining exception to this trend.

I was first drawn to it because I simply had to have Song Of The Underground Railroad, one of my absolute favorite John Coltrane selections. Not only is the melody incredibly infectious, it races with urgency and power until the title resonates in your heartbeat. Greensleeves, candidly, is not my cup of tea; it never lifted off the ground like Favorite Things for me. But Africa, now this is a different story. I consider Africa to be one of Coltrane's major compositions, very ambitious, very grand, and brilliantly realized. The scope of the piece is on a scale with its subject, and just look at the players. When you've got Booker Little, Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dolphy, Trane, McCoy Tyner, and Elvin Jones on your team, (among others); with Dolphy writing the charts, you have what is known as "an embarrassment of riches".

This is why it's so great that three different takes are included. To have three very different interpretations of Africa offers new ways of appreciating this extraordinary accomplishment, adding richness and texture to what was already incredibly layered and complex. As is so often the case with Impulse!, lovely packaging and an excellent booklet. This is the horn of plenty, Dolphy paints the background and Coltrane simply soars above the landscape. Worth getting and listening to over and over.

john coltrane's discography is vast. and that's a wonderful thing. he is indisputably one the all-time jazz greats. you should definitely get lots and lots of his music to have a great life. this album is yet another of his splendid artistic achievements. the original vinyl record was a single release. here you get additional material that makes for more of a fine thing, and 2 cds. the whole affair kicks off with a mid-tempo take on the classic tune "greensleeves," with coltrane's sax and mccoy tyner's piano bending the familiar melody into lovely new shapes. "song of the underground railroad," is a great track with a strong rythmic drive provided by the drums of elvin jones and the bass of reggie workman. "the damned don't cry" is an elegant piece of jazz with orchestra and french horn adding textures on top of coltrane and tyner's playing. there are three takes of "africa" here, which if fine by me. i love listening to these musicians work this great piece upside-down and back & forth & sideways & into 5th & 6th dimensions. "africa" has coltrane's strongest sax playing on the album, and a wonderful mid-tempo rythmic section at work. "blues minor" also has powerful sax playing by the master, very precise and fine. can't get enough john coltrane. this is a jazz classic.

This is one of my favorites to add unto my list. 'cuz of the Big Band sound and everything he has on this CD. He does a real good job adding some vibe into it. This is not some kinda a easy-listening album it's more of jazz-big band sound-bluesy sound kinda album that get u in the mood when you're with John Coltrane. Yep John Coltrane is dead and gone now but his Spirit lives on between us. So enjoy the masterpiece of "The Complete Africa Brass Sections" by John Coltrane. A must-have.

Many Coltrane lovers claim A Love Supreme is his best. While I like that CD very much, this set tops it, IMHO. Very melodic, with none of the free-jazz wildness that characterized his post-ALS work.

"Greensleeves" is, while a bit of a cash-in on the success of his "Favorite Things" hit, an excellent piece of work. I prefer the alternate take offered on this 2CD set... it is slightly slower, more complex, and offers a beauty that the original doesn't.

"Song Of The Underground Railroad" may be my all-time top 'Trane tune. Such great improvisation, yet with a tune you'll find yourself humming all day.

"Africa" is dark and brooding, with simmering percussion and horns... a perfect musical representation of the continent. My only quibble is that 3 versions are included. Just a bit of overkill, but worth hearing all three nonetheless.

"The Damned Don't Cry" and "Blues Minor" round out this classic. The liner notes are copious and well-written.

I almost bought the single CD, but then took the plunge and got the Complete double set. I am so glad I did.

Bottom line: Get it, get it NOW... and get addicted to it. :)

I'm a jazz musician and a certifiable jazz junkie. I've been listening to Trane since 1976. I've heard excerpts from Africa Brass but only just now heard the complete sessions from start to finish. Frankly, I'm embarrassed to have waited so long. Trane's work with Dolphy has always been my favorite period, Dolphy created all the charts for this session - a sort of Gil Evans but he's so much earthier. The alternate take of Africa with the trombone(s) playing sounds that sound like they are right out of the jungle... Any Coltrane fan MUST have this collection. An instant favorite in my Coltrane catalog.

There's a lot of mischief in the world of CD production. When content doesn't match available time, sometimes suppliers make up the difference with "filler" of questionable merit. While some alternate takes are interesting, others didn't make the first release because frankly they weren't as good as the one that did. The Complete Africa/Brass Sessions is a shining exception to this trend.

I was first drawn to it because I simply had to have Song Of The Underground Railroad, one of my absolute favorite John Coltrane selections. Not only is the melody incredibly infectious, it races with urgency and power until the title resonates in your heartbeat. Greensleeves, candidly, is not my cup of tea; it never lifted off the ground like Favorite Things for me. But Africa, now this is a different story. I consider Africa to be one of Coltrane's major compositions, very ambitious, very grand, and brilliantly realized. The scope of the piece is on a scale with its subject, and just look at the players. When you've got Booker Little, Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dolphy, Trane, McCoy Tyner, and Elvin Jones on your team, (among others); with Dolphy writing the charts, you have what is known as "an embarrassment of riches".

This is why it's so great that three different takes are included. To have three very different interpretations of Africa offers new ways of appreciating this extraordinary accomplishment, adding richness and texture to what was already incredibly layered and complex. As is so often the case with Impulse!, lovely packaging and an excellent booklet. This is the horn of plenty, Dolphy paints the background and Coltrane simply soars above the landscape. Worth getting and listening to over and over.

john coltrane's discography is vast. and that's a wonderful thing. he is indisputably one the all-time jazz greats. you should definitely get lots and lots of his music to have a great life. this album is yet another of his splendid artistic achievements. the original vinyl record was a single release. here you get additional material that makes for more of a fine thing, and 2 cds. the whole affair kicks off with a mid-tempo take on the classic tune "greensleeves," with coltrane's sax and mccoy tyner's piano bending the familiar melody into lovely new shapes. "song of the underground railroad," is a great track with a strong rythmic drive provided by the drums of elvin jones and the bass of reggie workman. "the damned don't cry" is an elegant piece of jazz with orchestra and french horn adding textures on top of coltrane and tyner's playing. there are three takes of "africa" here, which if fine by me. i love listening to these musicians work this great piece upside-down and back & forth & sideways & into 5th & 6th dimensions. "africa" has coltrane's strongest sax playing on the album, and a wonderful mid-tempo rythmic section at work. "blues minor" also has powerful sax playing by the master, very precise and fine. can't get enough john coltrane. this is a jazz classic.

This is one of my favorites to add unto my list. 'cuz of the Big Band sound and everything he has on this CD. He does a real good job adding some vibe into it. This is not some kinda a easy-listening album it's more of jazz-big band sound-bluesy sound kinda album that get u in the mood when you're with John Coltrane. Yep John Coltrane is dead and gone now but his Spirit lives on between us. So enjoy the masterpiece of "The Complete Africa Brass Sections" by John Coltrane. A must-have.

Many Coltrane lovers claim A Love Supreme is his best. While I like that CD very much, this set tops it, IMHO. Very melodic, with none of the free-jazz wildness that characterized his post-ALS work.

"Greensleeves" is, while a bit of a cash-in on the success of his "Favorite Things" hit, an excellent piece of work. I prefer the alternate take offered on this 2CD set... it is slightly slower, more complex, and offers a beauty that the original doesn't.

"Song Of The Underground Railroad" may be my all-time top 'Trane tune. Such great improvisation, yet with a tune you'll find yourself humming all day.

"Africa" is dark and brooding, with simmering percussion and horns... a perfect musical representation of the continent. My only quibble is that 3 versions are included. Just a bit of overkill, but worth hearing all three nonetheless.

"The Damned Don't Cry" and "Blues Minor" round out this classic. The liner notes are copious and well-written.

I almost bought the single CD, but then took the plunge and got the Complete double set. I am so glad I did.

Bottom line: Get it, get it NOW... and get addicted to it. :)

I'm a jazz musician and a certifiable jazz junkie. I've been listening to Trane since 1976. I've heard excerpts from Africa Brass but only just now heard the complete sessions from start to finish. Frankly, I'm embarrassed to have waited so long. Trane's work with Dolphy has always been my favorite period, Dolphy created all the charts for this session - a sort of Gil Evans but he's so much earthier. The alternate take of Africa with the trombone(s) playing sounds that sound like they are right out of the jungle... Any Coltrane fan MUST have this collection. An instant favorite in my Coltrane catalog.

There's a lot of mischief in the world of CD production. When content doesn't match available time, sometimes suppliers make up the difference with "filler" of questionable merit. While some alternate takes are interesting, others didn't make the first release because frankly they weren't as good as the one that did. The Complete Africa/Brass Sessions is a shining exception to this trend.

I was first drawn to it because I simply had to have Song Of The Underground Railroad, one of my absolute favorite John Coltrane selections. Not only is the melody incredibly infectious, it races with urgency and power until the title resonates in your heartbeat. Greensleeves, candidly, is not my cup of tea; it never lifted off the ground like Favorite Things for me. But Africa, now this is a different story. I consider Africa to be one of Coltrane's major compositions, very ambitious, very grand, and brilliantly realized. The scope of the piece is on a scale with its subject, and just look at the players. When you've got Booker Little, Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dolphy, Trane, McCoy Tyner, and Elvin Jones on your team, (among others); with Dolphy writing the charts, you have what is known as "an embarrassment of riches".

This is why it's so great that three different takes are included. To have three very different interpretations of Africa offers new ways of appreciating this extraordinary accomplishment, adding richness and texture to what was already incredibly layered and complex. As is so often the case with Impulse!, lovely packaging and an excellent booklet. This is the horn of plenty, Dolphy paints the background and Coltrane simply soars above the landscape. Worth getting and listening to over and over.

john coltrane's discography is vast. and that's a wonderful thing. he is indisputably one the all-time jazz greats. you should definitely get lots and lots of his music to have a great life. this album is yet another of his splendid artistic achievements. the original vinyl record was a single release. here you get additional material that makes for more of a fine thing, and 2 cds. the whole affair kicks off with a mid-tempo take on the classic tune "greensleeves," with coltrane's sax and mccoy tyner's piano bending the familiar melody into lovely new shapes. "song of the underground railroad," is a great track with a strong rythmic drive provided by the drums of elvin jones and the bass of reggie workman. "the damned don't cry" is an elegant piece of jazz with orchestra and french horn adding textures on top of coltrane and tyner's playing. there are three takes of "africa" here, which if fine by me. i love listening to these musicians work this great piece upside-down and back & forth & sideways & into 5th & 6th dimensions. "africa" has coltrane's strongest sax playing on the album, and a wonderful mid-tempo rythmic section at work. "blues minor" also has powerful sax playing by the master, very precise and fine. can't get enough john coltrane. this is a jazz classic.

This is one of my favorites to add unto my list. 'cuz of the Big Band sound and everything he has on this CD. He does a real good job adding some vibe into it. This is not some kinda a easy-listening album it's more of jazz-big band sound-bluesy sound kinda album that get u in the mood when you're with John Coltrane. Yep John Coltrane is dead and gone now but his Spirit lives on between us. So enjoy the masterpiece of "The Complete Africa Brass Sections" by John Coltrane. A must-have.

Many Coltrane lovers claim A Love Supreme is his best. While I like that CD very much, this set tops it, IMHO. Very melodic, with none of the free-jazz wildness that characterized his post-ALS work.

"Greensleeves" is, while a bit of a cash-in on the success of his "Favorite Things" hit, an excellent piece of work. I prefer the alternate take offered on this 2CD set... it is slightly slower, more complex, and offers a beauty that the original doesn't.

"Song Of The Underground Railroad" may be my all-time top 'Trane tune. Such great improvisation, yet with a tune you'll find yourself humming all day.

"Africa" is dark and brooding, with simmering percussion and horns... a perfect musical representation of the continent. My only quibble is that 3 versions are included. Just a bit of overkill, but worth hearing all three nonetheless.

"The Damned Don't Cry" and "Blues Minor" round out this classic. The liner notes are copious and well-written.

I almost bought the single CD, but then took the plunge and got the Complete double set. I am so glad I did.

Bottom line: Get it, get it NOW... and get addicted to it. :)