So much more than just a soundtrack.
Superb soundtrack to a French film from 1970 directed by Moshé Mizrahi. Recorded in Paris two weeks before the groups French visas expired. The Art Ensemble of Chicago consists of Lester Bowie in trumpet/percussion, Joseph Jarman on sax/clarinet/percussion, Malachi Favors on double bass/percussion, Roscoe Mitchell on sax/clarinet/flute/percussion, Don Moye on drums/percussion and Fontella Bass on vocals/piano.
The first tune is a smoking, driving R&B number with Bass on vocals. She rips it to shreds. It’s funky, propulsive, free, hot, sweet and sticky all at the same time. The rest of the program is very varied. Cinematic stuff, exotic themes and percussion, beautifully calm numbers that are contemplative in nature, avant-garde/free excursions and bluesy infusions as well.
Love the organic sound of this original Pathé Marconi pressing. All in all a lovely album that goes beyond just being a mere soundtrack. This is a statement of the highest order from an extremely creative group of musicians, caught on tape in their prime, that should be on every music lovers’ shelf.