Requisites

On August 29, 1971, percussionist James Mtume recorded this live free jazz session at The East in Brooklyn, New York titled Alkebu-Lan – Land Of The Blacks for the Strata-East record label. The artwork and cover design was by an unknown artist Clarence Eastman known as Wabembe. The back cover photography was taken by Je Jordan, the liner photography is by Ray Gibson and the engineer was Endesha O’Brien. This double album was released in 1972. The East, located in the Clinton Hill neighborhood, was notable for refusing to allow White people to pass its doors.

The Ensemble

• Congas, Horns (Tonette), Producer – Mtume*
• Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Gary Bartz
• Bass – Buster Williams
• Drums – Billy Hart, Ndugu*
• Piano – Stanley Cowell
• Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Carlos Garnett
• Violin – Leroy Jenkins
• Vocals – Andy Bey, Eddie Micheaux, Joe Lee Wilson
• Voice [Poetry] – Weusi Kuumba, Yusef Iman

Track List | 90:32

• • A1 – Invocation
  • A2 – Baba Hengates
  • B1 – Utamu
  • B2 – Saud
  • C1 – Alkebu-Lan
  • C2 – No Words
  • D1 – Separate Not Equal
  • D2 – Sifa (The Prayer)

All songs were written by Mtume except for Sifa (The Prayer) which was written by Imamu Baraka but arranged by Mtume. The uncredited track following D2 is the leader introducing the band. For the serious collector of jazz… #jazz #classic #collectible #music

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