Fire Music (Archie Shepp album)
# Fire Music (Archie Shepp album)

Fire Music is a studio album by Archie Shepp released on Impulse! Records in 1965. "Malcolm, Malcolm Semper Malcolm" is dedicated to Malcolm X, whilst "Los Olvidados" is a homage to the film of the same name. Featured musicians include trumpeter Ted Curson, trombonist Joe Orange, alto saxophonist Marion Brown, bassist Reggie Johnson and drummer Joe Chambers.

## Reception

Professional ratings :

| Review scores ||
| - | - |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| Down Beat | |
| The Rolling Stone Jazz Record Guide | |
| The Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings | |

The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow states: "This particular early Archie Shepp recording has its strong moments, although it is a bit erratic... Overall, this set, even with its faults, is recommended".

Writing for All About Jazz, Robert Gilbert called Fire Music "an often-fascinating album, rich in compositional and improvisational prowess", and commented: "Shepp puts together a record that is both challenging and accessible to most listeners... Fire Music is an album that belongs in any serious jazz fan’s collection."

## Track listing

* "Hambone" (Archie Shepp) – 12:29
* "Los Olvidados" (Shepp) – 8:54
* "Malcolm, Malcolm - Semper Malcolm" (Shepp) – 4:48
* "Prelude to a Kiss" (Ellington, Gordon, Mills) – 4:50
* "The Girl from Ipanema" (DeMoraes, Gimbel, Jobim) – 8:36
* "Hambone" [Live] – 11:53 Bonus track on CD, recorded live at the Village Gate on March 28, 1965

## Personnel

* Archie Shepp – tenor saxophone
* Ted Curson – trumpet
* Joseph Orange – trombone
* Marion Brown – alto saxophone
* Reggie Johnson – double bass except track 3
* Joe Chambers – drums except track 3
* David Izenzon – double bass on track 3
* J.C. Moses – drums on track 3
