Archie Shepp – The Cry of My People
One of his best post-Brian Jackson Arista albums, Reflections is Gil Scott-Heron’s return to spoken word and more poetry-oriented songs versus the more pop and hook-driven approach of his previous album Real Eyes. The album is one of Gil’s most complete albums and filled with classic moments. While not as well-known as “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” “B” Movie is peak Gil Scott-Heron with an infectious groove and striking commentary on America and Ronald “Ray-gun.” Another highlight “Gun,” takes aim at the NRA and politicians against firearm control. Still relevant today… “Everybody got a pistol / Everybody got a .45 / And the philosophy seems to be / At least as near as I can see / When the other folks give up theirs, I’ll give up mine.”
Recommended – B2 Gun, B3 “B” Movie, Full Listen
Tags: Soul-jazz / Spoken Word
Tracklist:
A1 Storm Music
A2 Grandma’s Hands
A3 Is That Jazz?
A4 Morning Thoughts
B1 Inner City Blues (Poem: “The Siege Of New Orleans”)
B2 Gun
B3 “B” Movie
Credits:
Artwork [Collage] – Mei Tei Sing Smith
Bass – Robert Gordon*
Design, Art Direction – Donn Davenport
Drums – Kenny Powell
Electric Piano – Gil Scott-Heron (tracks: B2)
Guitar – Ed Brady
Other [Hair & Makeup] – Sonia Santos (3)
Other [Stylist] – Hui Wang
Photography By – Vincent Frye*
Piano, Electric Piano, Organ, Clavinet, Synthesizer [String], Harmonica – Glen (Astro) Turner*
Producer – Gil Scott-Heron, Malcolm Cecil
Producer [East Coast Production Assistance] – Denis Heron
Producer [West Coast Production Assistance] – Terry Later
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute [Flutes] – Vernon James
Tenor Saxophone – Carl Cornwell (tracks: A1, A3, B2, B3), Leon Williams (tracks: A2, B1)
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Kenny Sheffield
Vocals – Gil Scott-Heron
