Their first LP, released in 1973 after six years together, with the first drummer Pierre Guyon having been replaced by Christian Rollet in 1970. Brilliant, roiling and free, with a celebratory lyricism to its grapplings with Cecil Taylor, Gary Peacock, Milford Graves and co, and a wheeling melancholia straight from Ornette.
Melodic, texturally-inventive, often mesmeric pieces for both piano and prepared piano, including SB’s own compositions and spontaneous improvisations, as well as two versions of the traditional Arab song Lamma Bada Yatathanna.
Rough, wild slide-guitar blues. “He couldn’t play shit, but he sure made it sound good,” was the guitarist’s verdict on himself.
Halfway through Sadie, his ex tells him straight: ‘Hound Dog, I can’t use you any more.’ Taylor cries his heart right out into three solos. Terrific.
Legendary ska destroyer. Frankenstein passing through Rome, riding West. All the Byron you need (except maybe Childe Harold).
Beautiful mento sufferers for Ronnie Nasralla in 1966. ‘I am the man who fights for the right, not for the wrong.’
People say that’s the first deejay recording on the flip — the wonderful Lord Comic, and his cowboys. ‘Music is real sweet… For your dancing feet.’