This past weekend, I was excited to snatch up a used original copy of Archie Shepp's 1972 classic spiritual jazz album Attica Blues. This record represents one of a string of powerful spiritually focused recordings the tenor saxophonist released on Impulse during the late sixties and seventies. The entire record which features soulful vocals and spoken word narration, has an overall socially conscious tone throughout that helps segway one composition to the next. The record features a large supporting cast that includes a number of jazz heavy-weights including Marion Brown (alto saxophone), Jimmy Garrison (bass), Walter Davis Jr. (piano), Cal Massey (flugelhorn), Billy Higgins (drums), Joe Lee Wilson (vocals) and many others. Simply put, Attica Blues is one of the most significant jazz recordings during a period in which many musicians were incorporating powerful social statements and themes into their music.
Archie Shepp - Attica Blues
Archie Shepp - Blues for Brother George Jackson
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