Archie Shepp and the Full Moon Ensemble. Live in Antibes vol.2 (side A)

Shepp records from the late-'60s and early-'70s sometimes emphasize ensemble playing over any sense of his leadership. Live in Antibes vol. 2, which was recorded in 1970, is a good example of this trend. The group this time includes 3 Americans and 3 Frenchmen. Shepp's soloing is special and distinctive, and, despite the apparent emphasis on chaos over structure, he's also given a composition credit here. The most obvious voice in the ensemble sections might be the odd guitar playing of Joseph Déjean—past Sharrock he had few obvious contemporaries at the time. It's an obviously low-budget live recording, but the energy of the group manages to come through.