Boy, are you smart!
I don't believe you have a clue about how such decisions are made. Some by artists, some by "businessmen". Maybe some of these decisions need to be respected.
So........Art and/or Alfred were not happy with the results and decided to record the band "live". WHY do we "deserve" to hear stuff just because is was on tape?
This is something I have never understood.
Off topic, but I was involved with the US issue of this record.
The photo of Shepp was taken at the Down Beat jazz fest when he played with the Coltrane Quartet. I was there and the late Bill Abernathy took the shot.
Back to your usual programming.
I dig them too and didn't want to imply that I didn't. Those guys get their point across in their own way and chops and polish aren't a part of it - it wouldn't be the same any other way. You don't have to be a virtuoso to get your point across, but virtuosity shouldn't count against you either.
For once Mister Z, I have a huge problem with something you said.
Those guys have more chops than needed for a "real" message. There are thousands of "faster/cleaner" players out there executing "empty nothings".
Being able to communicate is the ultimate "chops" - don't have much to do with tight lips, finger speed, etc.
This sounds like the "Monk wars" all over again.
Steve's original question seems to have been lost in the flurry of posts. This was not meant as a "time machine" question.
Steve seems to have ignored the results as well.
I hope he returns.
Don't think anyone has mentioned the 2 (Japanese) Why Not dates, Air Song and Air Raid. These are well recorded, beautifully played dates. India Navigation reissued them in the US.
I'm more than "happy" Threadgill renamed the band after Steve McCall was ousted. It was a different band.
BTW, I'm with Sangrey about all of Threadgill's music. For me he's one of a number of guys (in Chicago) in the '60s & '70s creating their own "musical world".
Roscoe, Braxton, Henry and Leo Smith all created something really personal and they all continue. We have Muhal to thank for the "atmosphere" and more for these creations.
That's good news! Maybe he'll be impressed enough to reissue Nonaah for me!
Put me on that list also Chuck!
Yeah, that's next. Then maybe Saga of the Outlaws.
Creative Improvisers Orchestra "The Sky Cries the Blues" with Leo Smith, Oliver Lake, Bobby Naughton, Marty Erlich, Joe Fonda, Gerry Hemingway, etc. This is a 16 piece orchestra playing 2 pieces by Smith and one each by Naughton and Hemingway.