The Magic of Ju-Ju
The Magic of Ju-Ju is an album by Archie Shepp released on Impulse! Records in May 1968.
Background
The album contains tracks recorded by saxophonist Archie Shepp, trumpeter Martin Banks, trombonist Mike Zwerin, bassist Reggie Workman and percussionists Norman Connors, Frank Charles, Dennis Charles, Ed Blackwell and Beaver Harris in April 1967. The album was a defining moment in Shepps career, as he began transitioning into deeper explorations of gospel, blues, and contemporary RnB music. There is an African percussion ensemble in the back, a hint at Shepp's growing acknowledgment of his African heritage.The title of the album is a reference to Vietnam-era G.I. slang, which hints at the deeper social and political meaning of the album. Jùjú is also a genre of music created by the Yoruba people of Lagos, Nigeria.
Reception
The AllMusic review by Al Campbell states of the title track "Shepp's emotional and fiery tenor takes off immediately, gradually morphing with the five percussionists who perform on instruments including rhythm logs and talking drums. Shepp never loses the initial energy, moving forward like a man possessed as the drumming simultaneously builds into a fury. Upon the final three minutes, the trumpets of Martin Banks and Michael Zwerin make an abrupt brief appearance, apparently to ground the piece to a halt. This is one of Shepp's most chaotic yet rhythmically hypnotic pieces".Track listing
Personnel
Adapted from the vinyl pressing- Archie Shepp – tenor saxophone
- Martin Banks – trumpet, flugelhorn
- Mike Zwerin – bass trombone, trombone
- Reggie Workman – bass
- Norman Connors – drums
- Beaver Harris – drums
- Frank Charles – talking drum
- Dennis Charles – percussion
- Ed Blackwell – rhythm logs