Julius Hemphill - Roi Boye

[John B]

I was hoping for some feedback on this disc before deciding if I want to purchase a copy. I just did a search and only saw one mention of this disc on the board. The AMG "review," by Michael Nastos, is spectacularly unhelpful:

"Psycho-theater drama in the form of the free African-American creative-jazz movement at its height. "

That is the complete review. I have no idea what that is supposed to mean.

Anyone have this disc and have strong feelings pro or con on two discs of solo sax?

How does it compare to Blue Boye?

Thanks in advance.

[Brian Olewnick]

I never had the album, but iirc it's overdubbed solo, no? I have vague memories of hearing it on WKCR and an even vaguer memory of finding it a bit rambling. Not that this is much more help than Nastos.....

[John L]

John:

If you like Blue Boye, I think that you will be happy with this disc. It is cut from the same mold: pure Julius Hemphill accompanying himself on alto, soprano, and flute. The music is intended to be a single whole as musical drama.

Some parts are a bit inconsistent, and some might find the whole project a bit self-indulgent. But it ultimately succeeds on the basis of the high musical energy and inspiration of Julius Hemphill.

Perhaps nothing on Roi Boye quite reaches the heights of "Kansas City Line" or "C.E.M." on Blue Boye. But some parts arguably come close. I particularly like parts 2 and 7.

I hope this is helpful.

John

[Dick Bowman]

Haven't listened to either for a long time - but I wouldn't part with them either. Thanks for reminding me about them. If you like Hemphill's playing they're a safe bet - at the time I think the overdubbed solo was his preferred performance medium.