For Peace and Liberty (In Paris, December 1972) cover

For Peace and Liberty (In Paris, December 1972)

Recorded
Released

At the beginning of their sojourn in France, the members of the Black Artists Group — saxophonist Oliver Lake, trombonist Joseph Bowie, trumpeters Baikida Carroll and Floyd LeFlore, and drummer Charles “Bobo” Shaw — performed for French radio broadcaster ORTF. The tapes then disappeared for roughly 50 years, before finally reemerging in 2024. The single, six-movement piece begins with most if not all of the group playing percussion, creating a huge African-influenced wave of rhythm that crashes, rolls back, then thunders forward again before the horns come blaring in like taxis driven by madmen. Squalling free jazz solos are interrupted by whistles and other disruptions, giving the piece a very Art Ensemble of Chicago feel, but with more funk in the drums. The third movement is a long, meditative interlude; there are some beautiful harmonies in the fifth; and it all ends with a militaristic drum barrage, before the audience erupts in wild applause.

Phil Freeman

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