On This Night
Archie Shepp · 1965
71 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of post-bop textures, blending emotional improvisation with intricate melodic lines and a deep sense of historical legacy.
Top tracks — play these first
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On This Night (If That Great Day Would Come) — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its expansive structure, showcasing Shepp's emotive saxophone style and commitment to social themes.
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Malcolm, Malcolm, Semper Malcolm — A poignant tribute to Malcolm X, this track intertwines powerful political commentary with complex rhythms, highlighting Shepp's role as both musician and activist.
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The Chased (take 1) — This lengthy improvisational piece captures the essence of Shepp’s avant-garde approach, featuring dynamic shifts and intense exchanges between instruments.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate improvisation and diverse textures, marking Shepp's significant voice in avant-garde jazz.
What we noticed
- Each track varies in tempo and mood, with some pieces like 'In a Sentimental Mood' offering a more reflective sound compared to the energetic opener.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic exploration with emotional depth
- wave-like pacing inviting reflection
- peaks of intensity and release
- thoughtful listening in two halves
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album established Shepp's reputation in avant-garde jazz, elevating his profile.
- Career context
- Released in January 1965, On This Night marked Archie Shepp's first album under Impulse! Records, establishing him as a significant voice in avant-garde jazz. This album followed his earlier work on the New York jazz scene and showcased his innovative approach to improvisation and social commentary, solidifying his place within the post-bop movement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Albert Ayler· Pharoah Sanders· Ornette Coleman
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 On This Night (If That Great Day Would Come) 10:00
- 2 The Mac Man 7:27
- 3 The Mac Man (alternate take) 9:27
- 4 The Original Mr. Sonny Boy Williamson 5:58
- 5 In a Sentimental Mood 3:18
- 6 The Chased (take 1) 11:42
- 7 The Chased (take 2) 6:10
- 8 The Chased (take 3) 5:11
- 9 The Pickaninny (Picked Clean – No More – Or Can You Back Back Doodlebug) 7:22
- 10 Malcolm, Malcolm, Semper Malcolm 4:49
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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