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The Archie Shepp Quatet performs the jazzstandard Here's That Rainy Day. Last year on June 25 The New York Times Magazine listed Archie Sheep among hundreds of artists whose material was reportedly destroyed in the 2008 Universal fire. So many musicians mourned the fiery destruction of their mastertape recordings. We are so glad to have this beautiful memory in our archive. Archie Shepp – sax, Horace Parlan – piano, Wayne Dockery – bas, Steve Mc Craven – drums The day Archie Shepp entered our little studio in Amsterdam back in 1994 we were aware of the fact that he was, beside a legendary saxophone player, also a pianist, a poet, and a playwright. And during his early years in New York, he participated in Amiri Baraka’s circle and recorded with major figures, such as Cecil Taylor and John Coltrane. We were so exited. Also because Horace Parlan was playing along, known for his contributions to some Charles Mingus recordings. Archie Shepp was a bit grumpy that early morning of the tv recording and wanted a chair. He acted like an old man but he was only 57. Nevertheless his playing had a great impact on us. His sweet, breathy tone could suddenly turn into a massive sound with heavy vibrato and little yelps in the upper register. So tasteful. “If Trane is the father, Pharaoh the son and Ayler the holy ghost…Archie Sheep is the uncle that no one mentions” (All about Jazz) Luckily in May uncle Achie Shepp will be celebrating his 83rd birthday. More music: Broadcast: September 4th 1994 This video was recorded in Studio Plantage in Amsterdam for VPRO Reiziger in Muziek, predecessor of VPRO Vrije Geluiden: music program made by the Dutch public broadcast organization VPRO twitter, instagram @vrijegeluiden #jazz #here'sthatrainyday #archieshepp #throwbackthursday
