| Recorded at Paragon Studios, Chicago, Illinois in September 1973. Originally released on Atlantic (1651).
Fans of the A.E.C. and cutting-edge-music rejoice! Long unavailable in this country, the Art Ensemble of Chicago's landmark album recorded in 1974 for the Atlantic label is back in print. Though not "easy listening" to be sure, the A.E.C. present challenging music that's worth the effort. Witness the relentless, Louis Jordan/Louis Prima-rooted swing of "Barnyard Scuffel Shuffel" and the sublime African/Japanese/Javanese-influenced rhythmic soundscape of "What's To Say." The eerie, pensive, breathy "Tnoona," with its all-acoustic instrumentation, is practically ambient in tone and style. The A.E.C. were and remain ahead of their time-and it would be a shame to miss out, especially on this, one of their finest moments. |