In red-hot form, midway between Attica Blues and A Sea Of Faces, leading drummer Noël McGhie, Bob Reid on double bass, percussionist Pablo Kino, and Siegfried Kessler, outstanding on piano and electric keyboards.
A propulsively freewheeling version of Things Have Got To Change to start, dead-funky, militant and urgent, swirling and kaleidoscopic, seamed with chanting. Then readings of the bebop classic Along Came Betty — written by Benny Golson for the late-fifties Jazz Mezssengers — with Shepp’s take on Ben Webster in full effect; and Grachan Moncur’s Blues For Donald Duck.
Remastered from the original tapes recorded by French station ORTF at Studio 104, Maison de la Radio. Handsomely sleeved.
Great stuff, warmly recommended.