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2LP
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VLG 006LP
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In 1961, a giant awoke in South Central Los Angeles: a musically radical, deep-rooted, politically engaged band, its members drawn from the community it represented and served, and its music composed by them alone -- The Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra. The brainchild of pianist and composer Horace Tapscott, the Arkestra was intended to preserve Black music, nurture Black musicians, and above all contribute positively to community building in South Central LA. 60 Years celebrates six decades of his radical and uplifting musical and social vision. Digging deep into the Arkestra's archives, the album gathers breath-taking unreleased material, including previously unheard compositions, from every stage of the band's development -- from Tapscott's earliest iterations of the group, recording at home in 1961, to the current incarnation of the band, led by the new generation of young musicians. Tapscott passed on in 1999, but the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra was built to outlast him: over more than half a century it has stayed true to its roots and to Tapscott's vision, welcoming multiple generations of players into its fold, and celebrating their music. And with current leader Mekala Session -- son of the Arkestra's veteran altoist Michael Session -- at the helm, the Ark is still going strong. 60 Years selects a song from every decade of its life, show-casing a musical family tree that includes renowned musicians such as Arthur Blythe, Dwight Trible, Phil Ranelin, Butch Morris, Kamau Daáood, Sonjia Maia Harper, Nate Morgan, Linda Hill, Adele Sebastian, Michael Session, Jesse Sharps and of course the late, great Horace Tapscott himself. Remastered from archival sources by the Arkestra's longstanding engineer Wayne Peet, 60 Years is presented by The Village -- a label operated by members of the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra. With archival photographs documenting the Arkestra's history, the album arrives with liner notes featuring track-by-track commentary from Arkestra members past and present. For decades, Tapscott's musical brilliance and the majesty of the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra was almost unknown outside South Central. 60 Years is the sound of all this history emerging at last, and also of history in the making. To quote Zekkeraya El-Megharbel, Arkestra conductor and trombonist: "There's more to be said, but words feel like they don't do the job."
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2CD
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NS 7908CD
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"Two-disc set documenting the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra in concert at the Immanuel United Church of Christ on November 25, 1979. This is the eighth in a series of eleven concerts recorded at the church. This month sees the Arkestra stretching out and reaching blissful height -- the 30+ minute long version of 'Carnival' is worth the price of admission alone, but the same could be said for the monumental 'Nation Rising' or the deep take on Roberto Miranda's 'Faith.' Things start off with 'Horacio' and don't let up the whole concert. This one grooves."
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2CD
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NS 7911CD
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"Two-disc set documenting the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra in concert at the Immanuel United Church of Christ on April 27, 1980. This is the eleventh and final concert that Tom Albach recorded at Immanuel United Church of Christ. Easily ranking as one of Nimbus West's favorite performances of the series, it is also destined to be considered one of the greatest Arkestra live recordings, brimming with intense energy and culminating in the 1-2 punch of a blazing 'Leland's Song' followed by a fragile rendition of Tapscott's 'As A Child' featuring Adele Sebastian performing a singular take on her favorite Tapscott composition, this one is not to be missed."
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CD
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NS 7902CD
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"Volume 2 out of 11. This is the last recording with Jesse Sharps as the bandleader before he left for the Army. An incredible afternoon of music and a fitting 'Departure' for a Jesse, a true pillar of the '70s Arkestra. Macrame was originally released in 1979 on the IUCC 2LP; it is presented here, in a raw transfer of the master reel. Mykowski's 1st Fifth is nothing but pure fire with those blistering solos by Sharps, Session, and a very special reading by Kamau Daaood. The take of Stanley Cowell's 'Departure' is sure to wake the neighbors and drive away evil spirits. The Arkestra would never be the same."
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2CD
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NS 7906CD
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"This 2-disc set documents a legendary concert at the Immanuel United Church of Christ -- June 24th, 1979. This is the sixth in a series of eleven recorded concerts from the Immanuel United Church of Christ! This month features the longest recorded version of the 'Village Dance,' also a lovely version of 'Many Nights Ago' featuring Linda Hill on vocals. The only previously released track is 'Noissesprahs', but taken direct from the master reel it has a new depth and sense of space."
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3LP
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NS 4035LP
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2024 repress forthcoming... "Amazing 3LP set. The Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra on fire in 1979 in a complete two-hour concert. Super intimate and raw -- like sitting in the front row of this small club 41 years ago. Cut directly from original master tapes with no digital process whatsoever. Gatefold tip-on sleeve, and a replica of the original concert flyer, featuring archival photographs and a beautiful essay by Mark Weber."
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