Available on vinyl for the first time in forty years, Horace Tapscott’s burning, spiritualised 1978 set is a masterpiece of the Los Angeles jazz underground.
It’s drawn from two studio sessions in April 1978, one at Hollywood Sage and Sound, one at United Western. The latter session added a string section, which can be heard on the moody Cal Massey composition Nakatini Suite and Jesse Sharps’ swinging modal trip Peyote Song No. III, with its swirling soprano solo. In keeping with the communal nature of the Arkestra, the other two compositions, The Call and Quagmire Manor at Five A.M. are also by Arkestra members. But at the centre of the music is the builder of the Ark, the visionary whose original call to action started a movement whose legacy continues to this day — Horace Tapscott.
180g audiophile vinyl in a painstakingly reproduced sleeve.
Heed The Call!
‘The eleventh and final concert recorded by Tom Albach at Immanuel United Church of Christ, here is one of the greatest Arkestra live recordings
‘Brimming with intense energy throughout, it culminates in the 1-2 punch of a blazing Leland’s Song followed by a fragile rendition of Tapscott’s As A Child, featuring Adele Sebastian performing her favorite Tapscott composition.
‘This one is not to be missed.’
‘At the Immanuel United Church of Christ on November 25, 1979. This is the eighth in a series of eleven concerts recorded at the church. This month saw the Arkestra stretching out at blissful heights — the half hour of Carnival is worth the price of admission alone, but the same could be said for the monumental Nation Rising, and the deep take on Roberto Miranda’s Faith. The groove kicks off with Horacio and doesn’t let up the whole concert.’