Poem for Malcolm LP (BYG)

Poem for Malcolm (1969) is a politically potent free jazz album recorded in Paris shortly after his relocation to Europe. The title track features Shepp's anguished spoken‑word dedication to Malcolm X over avant‑garde improvisation, deeply expressing grief and determined activism.

Backing Shepp is a stellar transatlantic ensemble blending innovation with tradition: Hank Mobley on tenor sax, Burton Greene on piano, Malachi Favors on bass, Claude Delcloo and Philly Joe Jones on drums, and Grachan Moncur III and Vince Benedetti joining on the expansive “Rain Forest/Oleo” suite. This culminates in a performance that straddles the avant‑garde “New Thing” energy while delivering a soulful nod to bebop with a special rendition of Sonny Rollins’ “Oleo”.