Afric Pepperbird [ECM Luminessence Series]

by Jan Garbarek, Jan Garbarek Quartet

Overview

Long ago, before he achieved relative stardom with his Nordic, somewhat new-agey recreations of medieval music, Jan Garbarek produced a handful of spectacular, robust albums for ECM where the influence of free jazz, particularly Albert Ayler, was paramount. Afric Pepperbird was his first recording for the then fledgling label and it features his quartet at the height of their powers, embellishing his muscular and imaginative compositions with outstanding, individualistic playing. From the eerie keening of the opening "Scarabee," framed by Jon Christensen's pinpoint delicate drums, to the hard-driving "Beast of Kommodo" with the leaders wailing bass sax to Rypdal's manic explorations on Blow Away Zone, this is one stellar effort. Add to that three drop-dead gorgeous miniatures by the great and undersung bassist Arild Andersen and the title track, one of the most deliriously infectious melodies you'll ever hear. Together with Sart, Tryptikon, and Witchi-Tai-To (as well as a prior recording on Flying Dutchman), this album represents the strongest, most aggressive portion of Garbarek's career, before he succumbed to what became known as the ECM aesthetic. Very highly recommended. ~ Brian Olewnick

Product Details

Release Date:	04/19/2024
Label:	Ecm Records
UPC:	0602445053179
Rank:	6774

Tracks

1. Skarabée
2. Mah-Jong
3. Beast Of Kommodo
4. Blow Away Zone
5. MYB
6. Concentus
7. Afric Pepperbird
8. Blupp

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Jan Garbarek Quartet   Primary Artist
Jan Garbarek   Primary Artist,Flute,Clarinet,Percussion,Sax (Bass),Sax (Tenor)
Arild Andersen   Primary Artist,Bass,Xylophone,Piano (Thumb)
Terje Rypdal   Primary Artist,Bugle,Guitar
Jon Christensen   Primary Artist,Percussion

Technical Credits

Manfred Eicher   Producer
Jan Garbarek   Composer,Performer
Arild Andersen   Composer
Jon Christensen   Producer,Composer
Jan Erik Kongshaug   Engineer
Barbara Wojirsch   Cover Design