During the '70s, Art Ensemble of Chicago members Joseph Jarman and Famoudou Don Moye often performed outside the band as a duo, sometimes bringing in other musicians. Here, they made the inspired choice of the late, great South African bassist Johnny Dyani (founding member of the Blue Notes and long-time collaborator with musicians such as Abdullah Ibrahim and John Tchicai) resulting in a buoyant, joyful release. Dyani's opening "Mama Marimba," propelled by both his bass and voice, is an exceptionally infectious number and contrasts wonderfully with Jarman's ensuing "In Memory of My Seasons," a misty dirge featuring the composer's haunting flute work. Moye is ablaze throughout, notably backing Jarman's lovely sopranino on "Ginger Song," and Dyani's deep, throbbing bass is a joy. On the closing piece, "Ode to Wilbur Ware," the bass groove is as thick as honey, providing the framework for elaborate, coloristic percussion and plaintive bamboo flute, bringing the album to a rich, satisfying conclusion. Black Paladins was the Jarman/Moye duo's most successful effort, and one of the most rewarding projects either was involved with outside of the Art Ensemble. A delicious recording. - Brian Olewnick
Tracks
01. Mama Marimba (Johnny Dyani)
02. In Memory of My Seasons (Joseph Jarman)
03. Humility in the Light of the Creator (Kalaparusha Maurice McIntyre)
04. Black Paladins (Henrry Dumas, Joseph Jarman)
05. Ginger Song (Joseph Jarman)
06. Ode to Wilbur Ware (Famoudou Don Moye)
FAMOUDOU DON MOYE drums, percussion, shakere, congas
JOHNNY DYANI piano, bass, tambourine, vocal
JOSEPH JARMAN sopranino, tenor & barítone saxophones, flute, bass bamboo flute,bass clarinet, voice
Recorded 19, 20 December 1979 at Barigozzi Studios, Milano, Italy.
Black Saint – BSR 0042 (Italy)