Kings of Mali

Kings Of Mali
Live album by
Chico Freeman
Released1978
RecordedSeptember 1977
GenreJazz
Length40:21
LabelIndia Navigation
ProducerIndia Navigation
Chico Freeman chronology
Beyond the Rain
(1977) 		Kings Of Mali
(1978) 		The Outside Within
(1978)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[1]
The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide[2]
For Rulers of the Mali Empire, see Mansa (title) and Keita dynasty.

Kings Of Mali is a post-bop/avant-garde jazz LP by Chico Freeman on India Navigation Records IN 1035 in September 1977 and released in 1978.[3]

The lp, like many others recorded and produced by India Navigation in New York city, featured many of the top American players in post-bop and avant-garde jazz and features songs inspired by African history and the legacy of African Americans.

Criticism

Jazz critic Scott Yanow wrote: “(Freeman) stretches out on four of his colourful originals, which are dedicated to the ancient kingdom of Mali."[4]

Background

Inspired by the history of the Empire of Mali, Chico Freeman printed an extensive section of research from “Sundiata Keita and Mansa Kankan Musa, Kings of Mali” on the back of the album jacket.[5]

Track listing

  1. "Look Up" (Freeman) – 11:28
  2. "Minstrels’ Sun Dance" (Freeman)– 7:53
  3. "Kings Of Mali" (Freeman) – 9:56
  4. "Illas (pronounced “Eejas”)" (Freeman) – 11:04

CD Reissue

To date, there has been no CD issued of this recording.

Personnel

Production

  • India Navigation
  • Cover photo: Beth Cummins

References

  1. ^ Allmusic review
  2. ^ Swenson, J., ed. (1985). The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide. USA: Random House/Rolling Stone. p. 80. ISBN 0-394-72643-X.
  3. ^ India Navigation LP IN-1035
  4. ^ All Music Guide to Jazz –ISBN 0-87930-530-4
  5. ^ India Navigation LP IN-1035 liner notes by Margueritte E. T. Green
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