CHICO FREEMAN – Kings Of Mali (India Navigation – IN 1035 / LP-1978)

Label: India Navigation – IN 1035

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album / Country: US / Released: 1978

Style: Modal, Free Improvisation

Recorded at India Navigation Records in September 1977.

Photography By [Cover] – Beth Cummins

Liner Notes – Marguerite E. T. Green

Producer – India Navigation

Published By – Art Ensemble of Chicago Publishing Co.

Phonographic Copyright (p) – India Navigation Company

Matrix / Runout (Side A, etched): IN-1035-A

Matrix / Runout (Side B, etched): IN-1035-B

A1 - Look Up ................................................................................................. 11:30

A2 - Minstrel's Sun Dance .............................................................................. 7:55

B1 - Kings Of Mali ........................................................................................ 10:05

B2 - Illas ........................................................................................................ 11:10

Personnel:

Chico Freeman – tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute, alto flute, bailophone

Jay Hoggard – vibraphone, bailophone

Anthony Davis – piano

Cecil McBee – bass

Famoudou Don Moye – drums, percussion, bailophone, gongs, whistles

Kings Of Mali is a post-bop/avant-garde jazz lp by Chico Freeman on India Navigation Records (IN 1035) in September 1977 and released in 1978.

“As much as I’ve travelled and on the road playing with such masters as McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Jack DeJohnette, Sam Rivers, Sun Ra, Dizzy Gillespie and so many jazz greats, as well as leading my own groups including founding “The Leaders” and the group “Roots,” an inner voice was telling me, you need to go to another level both musically and personally,“ Freeman explains. “You need to work with other musicians from different cultures and create new avenues of expression."

The LP, like many others recorded and produced by India Navigation in New York city, featured many of the top American players in post-bop and avant-garde jazz and features songs inspired by African history and the legacy of African Americans.

Kings of Mali (september 1977), perhaps the best of the early days, featured a stellar quintet with vibraphonist Jay Hoggard, pianist Anthony Davis, bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Don Moye. Freeman, who also plays soprano and flute, stretches out on four of his colorful and complex originals, which are dedicated to the ancient kingdom of Mali. Titles include "Look Up", "Minstrels' Sun Dance", "Kings Of Mali", and "Illas". 

(Dusty Groove, Inc.)

If you find it, buy this album!