Gail Thompson's Jazz Africa 1996 Jazz World recording.

Gail Thompson, a founder of the Jazz Warriors big band in England and a talented baritonist, was forced to give up playing her instrument due to physical problems. In the late '80s she traveled to 13 African countries, learning about African culture along the way and also conducting local musical workshops. Inspired by her trip, she composed the six pieces (which form a sort of suite) heard on this concert recording. Thompson just plays flute in the opening number; otherwise it is her writing that is the star. The use of folkish melodies and African rhythms in the first few selections will remind some of Abdullah Ibrahim, but the music (which tends to start simply and then build gradually) sounds fresh and full of spirit. Every musician in the 13-piece group has opportunities to solo, with Tom Harris (on flute, soprano, and tenor) and the highly expressive trumpeter Claude Deppa making the biggest impressions. Although nothing all that innovative occurs, the music on the whole keeps one's attention and has many fine moments, developing logically.
Scott Yanow, Rovi

Track Listings:

1 Long Time In Togo

2 Burkina Faso

3 Kamara River

4 Expedition

5 Stressless

6 Finale

Additional Details

Label: Enja Records

Genre: Jazz

Run Time: 50 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 09/21/93

UPC: 063757905325