Shepp, Archie – “Phat Jam In Milano” – [Dawn of Freedom]

Crossover call from Shepp to the masses, grabbing Napoleon
Maddox for beatbox and hip hop drops, even spilling some
Pee Diddy moves by sampling Led Zep’s “Kashmir” (at least
it is different to hear Shepp and Oliver Lake run that riff).
For Shepp fans, this will take you a listen and set you
off on other earlier releases. Shepp does step to the mic
and nail a nice and nasty revision to his “Revolution” still
doing Mama Rose proud. Maddox is all over this release,
making me feel a little bit like youth is wasted on the
young. The “Ill Biz” assails George Bush (and cites Gary
Webb) just doesn’t click despite the abundant energy of
Maddox. His beatbox skills, a good idea, don’t really mesh
with superhuman drummer Hamid Drake (often lost behind in
the mix). Ths album may serve its purpose, and is the first
release on Shepp’s new imprint (is Archieball done?)
also Maddox is more than honorific in his approach to
Shepp, just feels like he’s not up to the match. Maybe
more sweet fruit will come in another harvest.

-Thurston Hunger

If this is the introduction for some folks, perhaps get
hep to Shepp with these

Fire Music
Things Have Got To Change
Attica Blues
Poem For Malcom
Blase