Performer Notes

Personnel includes: Gail Thompson (flute); Claude Deppa, Harry Beckett (trumpet).
Personnel: Gail Thompson (flute); Lucky Ranku (guitar); Tom Harris (flute, saxophone, soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Jerry Underwood (flute, saxophone); Mike Parlett (alto saxophone); Harry Beckett (trumpet, flugelhorn); Claude Deppa (trumpet); Patrick Hartley (trombone); Mervyn Africa (piano, synthesizer); Jim McKay (synthesizer); Cheryl Alleyne (drums); Joe Legwabe (percussion).
Audio Mixer: Ansgar Ballhorn.
Liner Note Author: Gail Thompson.
Recording information: Mercator Halle, Duisburg, Germany (05/19/1995).
Director: Ansgar Ballhorn.
Photographer: Peter Symes.
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

Professional Reviews

JazzTimes (6/97, p.106) - "...serves as a spirited and reflective summation of her tenure in Africa....All six compositions are powerful in their directness, rich texture and dynamic scope; and with the impressive ten-peice orchestra, they are fully realized with great aplomb..."

Option (5-6/97, p.136) - "...highlights Thompson's ability as a composer and a bandleader as well as her instrumental prowess on the flute....a recording that should be right at home alongside any number of African inspired jazz recordings..."

Album: Jazz Africa
#	Song Title		Time
1)	Long Time in Togo	More Info...
2)	Burkina Faso	More Info...
3)	Kamara River	More Info...
4)	Expedition	More Info...
5)	Stressless	More Info...
6)	Finale	More Info...

Album: Jazz Africa
#	Song Title		Time
1)	Long Time in Togo	More Info...
2)	Burkina Faso	More Info...
3)	Kamara River	More Info...
4)	Expedition	More Info...
5)	Stressless	More Info...
6)	Finale	More Info...