Label: India Navigation – IN 1035
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album / Country: US / Released: 1978
Style: Modal, Free Improvisation
Recorded at India Navigation Records in September 1977.
Photography By [Cover] – Beth Cummins
Liner Notes – Marguerite E. T. Green
Producer – India Navigation
Published By – Art Ensemble of Chicago Publishing Co.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – India Navigation Company
Matrix / Runout (Side A, etched): IN-1035-A
Matrix / Runout (Side B, etched): IN-1035-B
A1 - Look Up ................................................................................................. 11:30
A2 - Minstrel's Sun Dance .............................................................................. 7:55
B1 - Kings Of Mali ........................................................................................ 10:05
B2 - Illas ........................................................................................................ 11:10
Personnel:
Chico Freeman – tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute, alto flute, bailophone
Jay Hoggard – vibraphone, bailophone
Anthony Davis – piano
Cecil McBee – bass
Famoudou Don Moye – drums, percussion, bailophone, gongs, whistles
“As much as I’ve travelled and on the road playing with such masters as McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Jack DeJohnette, Sam Rivers, Sun Ra, Dizzy Gillespie and so many jazz greats, as well as leading my own groups including founding “The Leaders” and the group “Roots,” an inner voice was telling me, you need to go to another level both musically and personally,“ Freeman explains. “You need to work with other musicians from different cultures and create new avenues of expression."
The LP, like many others recorded and produced by India Navigation in New York city, featured many of the top American players in post-bop and avant-garde jazz and features songs inspired by African history and the legacy of African Americans.
Kings of Mali (september 1977), perhaps the best of the early days, featured a stellar quintet with vibraphonist Jay Hoggard, pianist Anthony Davis, bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Don Moye. Freeman, who also plays soprano and flute, stretches out on four of his colorful and complex originals, which are dedicated to the ancient kingdom of Mali. Titles include "Look Up", "Minstrels' Sun Dance", "Kings Of Mali", and "Illas".
If you find it, buy this album!