Stephen McCraven

Limited to 450 copies. Includes two-sided postcard insert. A much needed reissue of drummer Stephen McCraven's astounding 1979 debut as a leader, originally issued on Marion Brown's Sweet Earth label. A holy grail of private press loft-jazz, bleeding the lyricism of spiritual jazz and the ambitious expressions of free improvisation. McCraven — father of Makaya McCraven — studied with Max Roach, Archie Shepp, Philly Joe Jones and Kenny Clarke, and worked as sideman with giants like Sam Rivers, David Murray, Yusef Lateef, Freddie Hubbard and countless others. Featuring Sulaiman Hakim and Richard Raux on saxophone, Jack Gregg on bass, and Michel Graillier on piano. Five tracks of highly wound poetic lyricism, compositional intricacy and grace. Remastered and restored audio, overseen by McCraven. Essential fire for any fan of 1970s independent jazz.