Archie Shepp

Fire Music is a bright, raucous listen that swings just as hard as any R&B record, especially on the opener, "Hambone." Shepp's tenor is unrestrained but never unlistenable. He manages to hold the reins in and play along with the equally impressive Marion Brown. The slightly off-kilter take on "Girl From Ipanema" is notable for being both faithful and disorienting.