Afric Pepperbird
Jan Garbarek Quartet, Jan Garbarek (saxophone), Arild Andersen (double bass), Terje Rypdal (guitar), Jon Christensen (percussion)
It is an album of enormous significance, first because here was a recording that captured something of a ‘European approach to jazz’, and more particularly a ‘Nordic approach’.
Afric Pepperbird
Jan Garbarek Quartet, Jan Garbarek (saxophone), Arild Andersen (double bass), Terje Rypdal (guitar), Jon Christensen (percussion)
Purchase product
It is an album of enormous significance, first because here was a recording that captured something of a ‘European approach to jazz’, and more particularly a ‘Nordic approach’.
About
Luminessence, ECM's new audiophile vinyl-reissue series, is a kaleidoscope, shedding light on the jewels of the label's deep catalogue in elegant, high-quality editions - audiophile vinyl pressing, high-grade tip-on gatefold sleeves that include new liner notes.
Recorded in Oslo in September 1970, Afric Pepperbird was released on New Year's Day in 1971. Half a century later, it still conveys the freshness and excitement of discoveries being made. The album signalled the arrival of four Norwegian improvisers - Jan Garbarek, Terje Rypdal, Arild Andersen and Jon Christensen - at the fledgling ECM label. It was the start of a lifelong association with each of the musicians, whose influence was soon to reach far beyond the borders of their homeland.
In extended passages on Afric Pepperbird, with Christensen and Andersen stretching out, it's quite often Rypdal effectively holding the centre with taut chords. Everybody is roaring here, with Garbarek deep into his free jazz vocabulary. "Garbarek should be heard," wrote reviewer Joe Klee in DownBeat. "I would venture that not since Django Reinhardt has there been a European jazz musician so original and forward-looking as this young Norwegian."
Jan Garbarek: saxophones
Terje Rypdal: guitar
Arild Andersen: bass
Jon Christensen: drums
Contents and tracklist
Side 1
1. Scarabée (6:15)
2. Mah-Jong (1:50)
3. Beast Of Kommodo (12:30)
Side 2
1. Blow Away Zone (8:35)
2. MYB (1:50)
3. Concentus (0:47)
4. Afric Pepperbird (8:00)
5. Blupp (1:05)
Spotlight on this release
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An ECM Luminessence Showdown
26th Jun 2024
The latest batch of audiophile vinyl reissues from the visionary European label includes sought-after classics from Kenny Wheeler and Azimuth, featuring John Taylor & Norma Winstone.
Awards and reviews
May 2024
It is an album of enormous significance, first because here was a recording that captured something of a ‘European approach to jazz’, and more particularly a ‘Nordic approach’.
