Search - Art Ensemble of Chicago :: Tutankhamun

Art Ensemble of Chicago
Tutankhamun
Genres: Jazz, Pop

Track Listings (4) - Disc #1
1. Tutankhamun
2. The Ninth Room
3. Tthinitthedalen: Part One
4. Tthinitthedalen: Part Two

CD Details

All Artists: Art Ensemble of Chicago
Title: Tutankhamun
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Black Lion/Da Music/Ka
Original Release Date: 1/1/1969
Re-Release Date: 3/19/1996
Album Type: Original recording reissued
Genres: Jazz, Pop
Style: Avant Garde & Free Jazz
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 031397019924

Synopsis

Amazon.com

Frustrated by a lack of opportunity in America, in May 1969 the Art Ensemble left for Paris, where it would soon add "Chicago" to its collective name. This studio recording from June 1969 is one of the first fruits of its European residence. The band was a quartet with each member--Lester Bowie on trumpet, Roscoe Mitchell and Joseph Jarman on reeds, and Malachi Favors on bass--adding small instruments and percussion to make up for the absence of a regular drummer. On this session, though, the lack of a drummer contributes to a special transparency. It's apparent in the exploration of thin textures on Favors's extended title tune. Another long tune, Mitchell's "Ninth Room," is unusual in the way the light swing and subtle harmony of the head suggests the "Birth of the Cool" period of Miles Davis, not usually an apparent source in the Ensemble's repertoire. --Stuart Broomer

CD Reviews

Warm, funny and free

Martin H | Coolbellup, West Australia | 02/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Like so many lasting favourites, I found this record by accident in the early 80s while making my first unguided approach to the curious world of jazz. I quickly fell in love with it, and always listen with affection to the great, humorous, and understated longer tracks on the album. The friendly looseness of the horns is carried by a brilliantly poised walking bass and drum style. So cool and not pretentious. You won't be disappointed."

Beautiful

outerplanesofthere | Knoxville,TN | 09/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is completely amazing and definately under-appreciated (the liner notes completely miss the boat). Three horn players and a bassist with an arsenal of sound makers. The completely improvised nature of these pieces make me long to have been able to sit in the same room with these guys, breathing in the same warm air (and whatever else they were inhaleing!), and watching the spontaneous sound portraits take shape. They start off with a deranged dada poem and go into a beautiful section with bowed bass, flute, and lots of little instruments. The second piece is anchored by an excellent walking bass line with more great percussive coloring and brilliant horn work. To me those first two pieces are essential Art Ensemble and pretty much essential listening for every human. The last two short pieces are more abstract and are more about the testing the sonic possibilities of their instruments. Also look for the "Jackson In Your House/Message To Our Folks" re-issue on BYG/Actuel/Charley (distributed by KOCH International) for more killer stuff from this period. Another album that I can't believe isn't available here is Jarman/Moye/Dyani's "Black Paladins" (Black Saint). I think it is from the last ten years or so, but it still has some solid and inspired playing on it. Kind of "world music" influenced but in a "free" atmosphere. Thank you AEOC!"