Shepp, Archie: Fire Music LP

Verve and Impulse! Records launch the new Vital Vinyl series with UMe, celebrating essential jazz LPs from the enduring catalogues of the two iconic labels. Throughout 2019, Verve and Impulse! will be making no fewer than 40 key albums from the 1950s, '60s and '70s available again on 180-gram vinyl. Each will feature their original cover artwork, track listings and liner notes. Some of these albums will become available for the first time in years, while others that are already in print will now be perennially available.

Among the more radical musicians signed to Impulse! was Archie Shepp. The saxophonist initially spent six years with the label, from 1964-1969, during which time he released eleven very varied albums including the free music classics Four For Trane, Fire Music and Mama Too Tight. Popular yet non-commercial, 1965's Fire Music finds Shepp working in a sextet with the likes of alto saxophonist Marion Brown and drummer Joe Chambers and showcasing both his compositional and improvisational prowess with the multi-part "Hambone" serving as the undeniable standout. His music grew more politicized as the decade wore on, blending avant-garde flavors with soul, funk and African influences (Shepp would return for a second stint at Impulse! in the early 70s).