NTU: The Point From Which Creation Begins cover

NTU: The Point From Which Creation Begins

Released

Anyone seeking evidence of artistic commonalities between the Black Artists Group and the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) could start right here. While alto saxophonist Lake brought in multiple BAG peers — trumpeters Baikida Carroll and Floyd LeFlore, trombonist Joseph Bowie, drummer Charles Bobo Shaw — Famoudou Don Moye of the Art Ensemble of Chicago is present on congas, and the music mixes groove-heavy jazz with atmospheric and abstract percussion interludes, with multiple musicians playing “little instruments” (bells, shakers and the like). Originally recorded in 1971, the music wasn’t released until five years later, on the Arista/Freedom label, but even at that late date it was a clear evolution past the fire music of the late Sixties and into the more streetwise, funky sound of the early Seventies, particularly thanks to electric bassist Don Officer, who has no other credits.

Phil Freeman

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