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Archie Shepp is considered a musical incendiary, cultural radical, soulful exponent of the jazz tradition, and global jazz statesman. After an intense free-jazz period in the 1960s full of relentless, lively tenor sax solos, Shepp took a swing-based approach in the '70s reminiscent of Duke Ellington and Ben Webster. His "Body & Soul," released in 1990 with bassist Richard Davis, is also in this tradition with its deep blues understanding.
The set impresses with both technical mastery and great entertainment value. That's partly due to Davis' flowing, driving bass, partly to the live recording at Boston's Club Cantare. Shepp sums up his own musical career and shows that he is in a league with Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane. An important album in the saxophonist's catalog.
The remastering for Pure Pleasure was done by Cicely Baston at Alchemy / Air Mastering.
Side A
1. Things Ain’t What They Used To Be
2. Body And Soul
Side B
1. Pannonica
2. Round About Midnight