Sonny Sharrock was a fantastic experimental and jazz guitarist, well-known for his free jazz, experimental music and punk work from the late 60's to his sudden death in 1994. He worked with greats like Pharaoh Sanders, Herbie Mann and even Miles Davis. He was inspired by Davis to play saxophone after hearing John Coltrane on "Kind of Blue", but his asthma prevented him from accomplishing this, leading him to guitar.
Sharrock's style of playing guitar was a shock when it first appeared in 1969 on the album "Black Woman". Going against the careful, more easy-to-digest styles of highly regarded guitarists such as Django Reinhardt and Wes Montgomery, Sharrock favored a heavier, more hectic approach. What's especially notable is the chemistry between Sharrock and the band members of this record - the freeform compositions flow very well, with each move feeling organic but still shocking and in the moment. Sharrock also pioneered incorporation of tremolo picking into his style, complimenting fast, loose drum playing throughout the album.
Track for track, this album is expertly conceived and executed. The first two tracks are amazing, experimental free jazz songs with standout, passionate vocal performances from Linda Sharrock. The first track is dreamlike and languid, favoring the group moving through various chord changes as one, letting a simple idea manifest itself slowly and beautifully. The second track, "Peanut", has one of the most memorable and gorgeous melodic lines on the album, but after the first minute and a half, quickly becomes a challenging and intense exercise in clashing chords and rhythms. The guitar and piano lines intertwine in odd, hard to predict ways, while the vocals shout and moan in a startling and haunting style.
The next two tracks are less hard to get into. "Bialero" features a semblance of rhythm and easy-to-follow song structure, which is welcome after the breakdown of the previous track. The vocals are graceful and beautiful, complimenting the piano and bass runs while the guitar and drums rumble in the background, occasionally springing to the surface and fading again. The harmonized tremolo picking is impressive in this song as well. The next track, the guitar solo "Blind Willy", reminds me of an old man sitting on his front porch in a rocking chair with a banjo. The song is, as one would expect, expertly played, and is even harmonious to listen to.
The last song is fantastic as well, featuring not only vocal performances from Sharrock himself, but horns complimenting Linda's voice, and a heavy rhythm between drums and guitar driving the song towards its dark final moments. It's a great closer, incorporating the best elements of the album while introducing new ideas and leaving the listener wanting more.
Though some say "Ask the Ages", the album recorded before his death, is his best, I think this, his debut, is. It's unabashedly odd and experimental, but brings a sense of beauty to it all with fantastic melodies and song ideas.
One of the best free jazz albums ever. Links below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYDg_G65oj4 ("Peanut")
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSIyKaUcJSQ ("Blind Willy")
http://tinyurl.com/zcvosv3 (MEGA)
http://tinyurl.com/j4etnwq (FileFactory)
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