Joseph Jarman

This CD is a re-release of an LP recorded in 1968. It offers great musical and spiritual insight into a period of time that witnessed the initial fervour of Chicago’s Association for the Advancement of Creative Music. Joseph Jarman’s ensemble here addresses both the mystical silences of reflection and the primal hurricanes of power that come distinctly from African roots filtered and altered by the Amerikan experience. The pieces themselves run slightly over 20 minutes each and take on an almost filmic aspect, with the smoothly segueing sections emulating scenes. The addition of Sherri Scott’s evocative vocals on "As If It Were The Seasons/Song To Make The Sun Come Up” reinforces the aspect of this presentation as a song cycle. "Song For Christopher” is a memorial to pianist Christopher Gaddy, who died before completing this piece. Jarman completed it and it remains a tribute to a brother passed on. The ensemble features both the past and present of the AACM universe, from Muhal Richard Abrams and Fred Anderson to Charles Clark and Joel Brandon, reinforcing the strength and integrity of the continuum. Fans of the Art Ensemble of Chicago and Sun Ra would be well advised to add this beautiful music to their collection. (Delmark)