Kings Of Mali is a post-bop/avant-garde jazz LP by Chico Freeman on India Navigation Records IN 1035 in September 1977 and released in 1978.[3]

Kings Of Mali
Live album by
Released1978
RecordedSeptember 1977
GenreJazz
Length40:21
LabelIndia Navigation
ProducerIndia Navigation
Chico Freeman chronology
Beyond the Rain
(1977)
Kings Of Mali
(1978)
The Outside Within
(1978)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[1]
The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide[2]

The lp, like many others recorded and produced by India Navigation in New York city, featured many of the top American players in post-bop and avant-garde jazz and features songs inspired by African history and the legacy of African Americans.

Criticism edit

Jazz critic Scott Yanow wrote: “(Freeman) stretches out on four of his colourful originals, which are dedicated to the ancient kingdom of Mali."[4]

Background edit

Inspired by the history of the Empire of Mali, Chico Freeman printed an extensive section of research from “Sundiata Keita and Mansa Kankan Musa, Kings of Mali” on the back of the album jacket.[5]

Track listing edit

  1. "Look Up" (Freeman) – 11:28
  2. "Minstrels’ Sun Dance" (Freeman)– 7:53
  3. "Kings Of Mali" (Freeman) – 9:56
  4. "Illas (pronounced “Eejas”)" (Freeman) – 11:04

CD Reissue edit

To date, there has been no CD issued of this recording.

Personnel edit

Production edit

  • India Navigation
  • Cover photo: Beth Cummins

References edit

  1. ^ Allmusic review
  2. ^ Swenson, J., ed. (1985). The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide. USA: Random House/Rolling Stone. p. 80. ISBN 0-394-72643-X.
  3. ^ India Navigation LP IN-1035
  4. ^ All Music Guide to Jazz –ISBN 0-87930-530-4
  5. ^ India Navigation LP IN-1035 liner notes by Margueritte E. T. Green