Damn If I Know (The Stroller) - Archie Shepp, Davis, Walter [2]
Frankenstein - Archie Shepp, Moncur, Grachan III
Fiesta - Archie Shepp, Shepp, Archie
Sophisticated Lady - Archie Shepp, Ellington, Duke
Japanese 24 Bit/96KHz remastered reissue of 1968 album originally issued on Impulse!, packaged in a limited edition miniature gatefold LP sleeve. 2001.
Japanese 24 Bit/96KHz remastered reissue of 1968 album originally issued on Impulse!, packaged in a limited edition miniature gatefold LP sleeve. 2001.
CD Reviews
"Way Ahead" of the Field
Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 08/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
""The Way Ahead" is one of Archie Shepp's best albums for the Impulse label, and in my opinion, finally provides the overall consistency that is lacking in some of the earlier releases. While the tunes are eclectic, from the warped avant-blues "The Stroller" to the fiery "Frankenstein" to Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Lady," it is the group's approach and telepathic improvising that distinguish this recording. While the group only has three horns in the frontline (Shepp, Grachan Moncur and trumpeter Jimmy Owens) compared to four each on "Four for Trane" and "Fire Music," they get a richer, fuller sound here. Just compare this "Frankenstein" to the version on Jackie McLean's "One Step Beyond." There are so many added horn textures here it's like they are different songs. The addition of a piano-man, Walter Davis, is unique to Shepp's Impulse catalog, and really helps bolster the rhythm section and strengthen the overall sound. The fact that two lengthy tracks, "New Africa" and "Bakai," have been added to the CD reissue makes "The Way Ahead" truly way ahead."
What a shame that it can only get five stars!
Peter Harrison | TAMPA EFF ELL A | 11/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sad world we live in, only two previous reviews for this classic Shepp CD. Ah, well, more's the pity for the uninitiated. At least the reviews were positive, as you can tell this one will definitely be. If you're in the mood for some challenging Free Jazz, Avant-Garde, Improvisational Music, whatever label you'd like to hang on it- Look No Further! This is a wonderful place to start. With the following personnel: Dave Burrell,Ron Carter, Beaver Harris,Jimmy Owens,Charles Davis, Grachan Moncur III,Walter Booker,Walter Davis, Jr., and Roy Haynes, Mr. Archie Shepp created a small masterpiece with this outstanding set of songs! Buy it, put it on, and FEEL IT!"
The Shepp To Get!
Stephen | Virginia Beach, VA USA | 08/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As an earlier review states, Shepp tended to have some dead spots on his earlier releases. This on cooks from start to finish (which includes two great tracks from his "Kwanza" lp). The addition of piano makes this set his most accessable impulse cd. The piano reinforces the feeling of the blues which as always been present with Shepp, but here there is no denying it. HIghlights include "Frnkenstein" and "Bakai.""
This Album Is The Shepp
Justin S. Lukenbill | 05/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The way Archie Shepp extracts and molds the blues in jazz coincides exactly with the way Jimi Hendrix extracted and molded blues into a rock format.
Archie Shepp was a front runner in the avant garde/new thing jazz scene in the mid-late 1960's - much of the mst acsessible albums, like this one, were released on Impulse! Records. Matter of fact, ANYTHING you can get your hands on that was recorded on the Impulse! label during the 60's is bound to be champion album in creative/imrov group expression
Archie Shepp's "The Way Ahead" begins with a half-rythmic bass line played by the one and only Ron Carter while Archie blows some sax burts. From then on there and for the rest of the album, each track continues to build and explore while keeping a 'much-more-easier-to-listen-to-on-the-first-try-than-other-avant garde-albums' groove.
If you are new to the acoustic avant-garde/free-jazz world - this is a PERFECT place of origin to start researching. This album is filled with bent-up blues licks and everything you would expect from a top-notch Impusle! line up of musicians.
Track Listings (4) - Disc #1