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LP
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HE 70007LP
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Though only ever released in Japan and in sore need of reissue (affordability not being among the virtues of an original copy), Green Line sits easily alongside the most progressive jazz albums of the early '70s, many of which featured the work of the quartet's alumni -- namely Sharrock's uncredited appearance on "Yesternow" for Miles Davis' A Tribute to Jack Johnson, Vitous' early fusion-defining tenure with Weather Report, and Marcus' collaboration with Japanese jazz-rock outfit Jiro Inagaki and Soul Media. And so, Green Line was ultimately the beginning and end of its own trajectory, but damn, what a glorious path it blazed.
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LP
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SV 169LP
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"Warren 'Sonny' Sharrock died of a heart attack at the age of 53 in 1994. At the time of his death, many writers noted that he had recently landed a contract with a major label (RCA) and was perhaps 'destined for big things.' In my opinion, these writers missed the point. Although Mr. Sharrock may not have been successful financially (as though that might be a primary motivating goal for any true artist), he was uncommonly successful aesthetically. Certainly, there are a few dubious moments to be found inside his oeuvre, but Mr. Sharrock produced several of the most mind-shredding avant-garde albums ever recorded. Premier among them is Black Woman. Originally released on the Vortex label in 1969, Black Woman may be the universe's first true statement of guitar skronk majesty. It also represents Mr. Sharrock's first date as a leader and stands as the sole documentation of a band that well-understood the essentials of energy. Besides Sharrock's explosive guitar, the band features the omni-directional percussion mastery of Milford Graves (then in the midst of recording Love Cry with Albert Ayler), the gorgeous post-tongue vocalizing of Sonny's then-wife Linda Sharrock, the sinuous bass presence of Norris Jones (later known as Sirone) and some of the most explicitly abstract piano work ever recorded by Dave Burrell. That Black Woman was produced by flautist Herbie Mann, a guy not well-known for his affinity to fire music, makes it even more intriguing." --Byron Coley
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LP
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LIFE 024LP
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Reissue, originally released in 1970. Terrific session originally licensed on Japanese indie label Nivico in 1970. Recorded at Victor Studio, Aoyama, Tokyo on September 11, the album is the essential work of four wicked minds. Saxophone player Steve Marcus has been cutting his teeth in late sixties with the Jazz Composer's Orchestra, while Miroslav Vitous was the former bass player in jazz-rock pioneers Weather Report. Sonny Sharrock is still considered one of the most original players in creative music, his guitar playing almost as cutting edge as the tenor of his mentor Pharaoh Sanders. The man has been for several years in Herbie Mann band, while collaborating with the likes of Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter. Drummer Daniel Humair is another extraordinary profile, the Swiss musician has been covering the post-bop and avant-garde area collaborating with the likes of John Surman, Henri Texier, and George Gruntz. Hereby a single appointment that made history, navigating the realms of free-funk, hard-bop, and fire music.
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2LP
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HMRLP 005LP
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[sold out, no repress planned] Hive Mind Records present the first vinyl issue of Sonny Sharrock's seminal final album, Ask The Ages, originally released on CD in 1991. Sonny's classic final album swings between deep, lyrical melodicism and passages of pure fire music and features jazz legends Pharoah Sanders on tenor saxophone and Elvin Jones, member of the John Coltrane Quartet, on drums. The album was produced by Bill Laswell and originally released in 1991 on his Axiom label. The crystal-clear production sounds amazing on 45rpm and this release is a must for fans of John Coltrane, Albert Ayler, Ornette Coleman, and Sun Ra. 45rpm, double 12" edition.
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CD
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TROST 124CD
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There is only one prior release existing of Brötzmann and Sharrock as a duo (vinyl-only on Okka Disc 2003). This live recording from the archives of Peter Brötzmann was mixed by Lou Malozzi in Chicago, mastered by Martin Siewert in Vienna. Sonny Sharrock was one of the first American free-jazz guitarists. He played in the '60s with Miles Davis, Pharoah Sanders, Roy Ayers and many other greats. His career started again in the beginning of the '80s when he met Bill Laswell, who hired him to form the free-rock-jazz-noise quartet Last Exit (with Ronald Shannon Jackson and Peter Brötzmann) between 1986 and 1990. German legend Peter Brötzmann is one of the most outstanding saxophone players in the current international free-jazz scene, continuing to go on tour and release with various musicians. Recorded on March 9, 1987 at Jamkulturfabrik in Esch/Alzette, Luxembourg. Drawing and artwork by Brötzmann. Design: Brötzm/Untiet. Peter Brötzmann (alto/tenor/bass-saxophone, tarogato); Sonny Sharrock (electric guitar).
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