Big Cliff Explained

Big Cliff
Type:live
Artist:Kahil El'Zabar
Cover:Big_cliff_cover.jpeg
Border:yes
Released:1995
Recorded:September 3, 1994
Venue:Chicago
Genre:Jazz
Length:64:22
Label:Delmark
Producer:Robert G. Koester
Chronology:Kahil El'Zabar
Prev Title:Renaissance of the Resistance
Prev Year:1994
Next Title:21st Century Union March
Next Year:1997

Big Cliff is an album by American jazz percussionist Kahil El'Zabar and his Ritual Trio, which also includes saxophonist Ari Brown and bassist Malachi Favors, and the guest appearance of violinist Billy Bang. It was recorded live in 1994 at the Chicago Undergroung Fest and released on Delmark.

Reception

In his review for AllMusic, Alex Henderson states "The musicians' diverse set reflects their interest in both inside and outside playing.. Big Cliff is a CD that El'Zabar and his colleagues can easily be proud of."

The Penguin Guide to Jazz says "Though the music is dedicated to El'Zabar's late father, it is celebratory; scarcely a new take either on what he's done before or on Chicago jazz itself, it's nevertheless a very satisfying record.[1]

Track listing

All compositions by Kahil El'Zabar

  1. "Another Kind of Groove" – 10:13
  2. "Big Cliff" – 19:47
  3. "For the Love of My Father" – 13:06
  4. "Blue Rwanda" – 21:16

Personnel

Notes and References

  1. Book: Cook, Richard. Richard Cook (journalist). Brian Morton . Brian Morton (Scottish writer) . The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD. 6th. The Penguin Guide to Jazz. 2002. Penguin. London. 0140515216. 470.