Archie Shepp, Poem for Malcolm (side A)

1969's Poem for Malcolm feels a bit less chaotic and cacophonous than was typical for Shepp's late-60s and early-70s work. The free playing is a bit more restrained and perhaps spiritual, almost like his take on the Art Ensemble's work of this era (Malachi Favors appears here on bass). Other parts include traces of mid-60s New York energy jazz and even earlier jazz influences, stemming perhaps in part from the presence of both Philly Joe Jones and Hank Mobley! I have an original pressing of this one, so the sound quality is particularly rough (the reissue likely sounds less bad), and the inner photo of Shepp cheering triumphantly if more memorable than the front cover image.