Long ago, before he achieved relative stardom with his Nordic, somewhat new-agey recreations of
medieval music,
Jan Garbarek produced a handful of spectacular, robust albums for
ECM where the influence of
free jazz, particularly
Albert Ayler, was paramount.
Afric Pepperbird was his first recording for the then fledgling label and it features his quartet at the height of their powers, embellishing his muscular and imaginative compositions with outstanding, individualistic playing. From the eerie keening of the opening
"Scarabee," framed by
Jon Christensen's pinpoint delicate drums, to the hard-driving
"Beast of Kommodo" with the leaders wailing bass sax to
Rypdal's manic explorations on
Blow Away Zone, this is one stellar effort. Add to that three drop-dead gorgeous miniatures by the great and undersung bassist
Arild Andersen and the title track, one of the most deliriously infectious melodies you'll ever hear. Together with
Sart,
Tryptikon, and
Witchi-Tai-To (as well as a prior recording on
Flying Dutchman), this album represents the strongest, most aggressive portion of
Garbarek's career, before he succumbed to what became known as the
ECM aesthetic. Very highly recommended. ~ Brian Olewnick
![Jaco [Original Soundtrack]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0888751413320_p0_v4_s90x140.jpg "Jaco [Original Soundtrack]")
![Pharoah [Expanded Edition]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0680899800822_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "Pharoah [Expanded Edition]")
