Archie Shepp has long established a reputation as a fiery avant-garde jazz stylist, though he is remarkably restrained in this collection of ballads recorded in 2001. The rhapsodic songs help restrain him somewhat, along with the presence of the terrific rhythm section, consisting of pianist
Harold Mabern, bassist
George Mraz, and drummer
Billy Drummond. "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" has a few rough edges to retain
Shepp's personal flavor, while the rhumba setting of
Sidney Bechet's "Petite Fleur" works well, too.
Mabern's lush introduction to "Les Feuilles Mortes" (Autumn Leaves) sets up a touching, spacious arrangement.
Shepp opens
Lerner & Loewe's infrequently performed "Gigi" unaccompanied, producing a majestic performance. The snappy treatment of "April in Paris" swings like the famous tune should, while he also retains the well-known "Pop Goes the Weasel" quote inserted in
Basie's version. All in all, this is an enjoyable date.