Kabell Years: 1971-1979 cover

Kabell Years: 1971-1979

Wadada Leo Smith · 2004

297 min · 29 tracks · jazz

A sprawling exploration of avant-garde jazz, merging improvisation with lyrical themes and rich textures.

Why this album works

This album compiles key works from Smith's early career, demonstrating his influence on the avant-garde jazz movement. It showcases compositions that have been pivotal for later generations of musicians, earning critical acclaim and contributing to Smith's recognition as a leading innovator in the genre.
Best for
dynamic exploration of soundscapes patient listening with evolving themes immersive experience for deep focus
Context
Released in 2004, 'Kabell Years: 1971-1979' serves as a retrospective compilation highlighting Wadada Leo Smith's prolific output during the 1970s. This period marked his emergence as a significant figure in avant-garde jazz, following his earlier works that established his innovative approach to trumpet playing and composition.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Nine (9) Stones on a Mountain 5:28
  • 2 Improvisation No.4 7:16
  • 3 Creative Music - 1 Standout 11:57
  • 4 aFmie - Poem DancE 3 13:12
  • 5 Ogotommêli: Dogon Sage 8:13
  • 6 Ep - 1 3:06
  • 7 Ngoma: Gravity and Lightwaves 8:43
  • 8 Seeds 4:18
  • 9 Zekr 4:10
  • 10 Until the Fire Standout 11:27

Disc 2

  • 1 Reflectavity 22:24
  • 2 T Wmukl — D 18:47
  • 3 North American Stomp 6:55
  • 4 Visions 17:35
  • 5 Transcendental Suite 10:07

Disc 3

  • 1 Song of Humanity 5:16
  • 2 Lexicon 7:44
  • 3 Peacocks, Gazelles, Dogwood Trees & Six Silver Coins 8:34
  • 4 Of Blues and Dreams 11:08
  • 5 Pneuma 1:37
  • 6 Tempio 7:06
  • 7 Play Ebony Play Ivory 27:11

Disc 4

  • 1 Life Sequence 1 12:35
  • 2 Love Is a Rare Beauty: Movements 1-5 Standout 18:27
  • 3 Aura 3:00
  • 4 Ankrasmation 20:08
  • 5 Atoke 3:24
  • 6 Fana 7:10
  • 7 The Zebra Goes Wild 10:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata