Archie Shepp: Mama Too Tight

Though often considered in the '60s as one of the most politically oriented intellectuals of the free jazz movement, Archie Shepp has always advocated and maintained a link with the popular roots of African- American music. This tune is a good example of a marching band-type song, played in a purposely relaxed and unsophisticated way, far from the shrieks and howls one might expect. In fact, Shepps tenor solo, towards the end of the song, is the only one that expresses anger and revolt. And indeed, it makes the band sound a bit as if it danced to keep from crying.