This compilation of tracks from two of the three albums saxophonist Archie Shepp recorded in August 1969 for the BYG-Actuel label — Blasé and Yasmina, A Black Woman — offers some of his best work and a portrait-in-microcosm of the Parisian free jazz explosion of that summer. A horde of artists entered the studio together, working on each other’s albums, so 3/4 of the Art Ensemble of Chicago are heard here, along with vocalist Jeanne Lee, pianist Dave Burrell, and legendary drummer Philly Joe Jones, all chanting and pounding and howling along in a soulful collective eruption.

– Phil Freeman