Search - Archie Shepp :: Mama Rose

A strange pairing

mlewando | 11/21/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This recording pairs the unique tenor saxophone voice of Archie Shepp with the synthesizer of Van't Hof, a duet in concert. Shepp's more conventional duet recordings (with pianist Horace Parlan, bassist NHOP) have been incredible. But this set fails to achieve the energy and creativity of Shepp's other works except in a few spots. For the most part the accompaniment of Van't Hof leaves me cold and his solos tend towards noodling. Even Archie's playing is below par here. So why 3 stars? Some of the synth work is good. In the third track, "Pipo", Van't Hof sets up a driving, intricate rhythm, and Shepp responds with his best playing of the set. It reminds me a little of Zawinul's first post-Weather Report disc. The title track starts out with an uneven Shepp solo on soprano, but he puts the sax down and gives a bold and passionate recitation of his poem "Mama Rose". For Shepp fans, this recitation might be worth the price. All the compositions are by Van't Hof, except "Mama Rose".
(1) Contracts 9:00 (2) Mama Rose 11:30 (3) Pipo 10:50 (4) Kalimba 3:40 (5) Recovered Residence 5:00"