ARCHIE SHEPP QUARTET - Deja Vu (2001) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Archie Shepp has long established a reputation as a fiery avant-garde jazz stylist, though he is remarkably restrained in this collection of ballads recorded in 2001. The rhapsodic songs help restrain him somewhat, along with the presence of the terrific rhythm section, consisting of pianist Harold Mabern, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Billy Drummond. "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life" has a few rough edges to retain Shepp's personal flavor, while the rhumba setting of Sidney Bechet's "Petite Fleur" works well, too. Mabern's lush introduction to "Les Feuilles Mortes" (Autumn Leaves) sets up a touching, spacious arrangement. Shepp opens Lerner & Loewe's infrequently performed "Gigi" unaccompanied, producing a majestic performance. The snappy treatment of "April in Paris" swings like the famous tune should, while he also retains the well-known "Pop Goes the Weasel" quote inserted in Basie's version. All in all, this is an enjoyable date. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life 4'54
 Michel Legrand
2    Petite Fleur 9'20
 Sidney Bechet
3    Les Feuilles Mortes 7'30
 Joseph Kosma / Jacques Prévert
4    L' Ame Des Poetes 7'59
 Charles Trénet
5    Gigi 4'08
 Alan Jay Lerner / Frederick Loewe
6    April In Paris 6'34
 Vernon Duke / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg
7    Sous Le Ciel De Paris 7'50
 Hubert Giraud
8    Deja Vu 3'13
 Archie Shepp
Credits :
Bass – George Mraz
Drums – Billy Drummond
Piano – Harold Mabern
Tenor Saxophone – Archie Shepp