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Mama Too Tight

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Mama Too Tight was released in 1967 on Impulse! Records. The music was recorded on 19 August 1966 at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. Archie Shepp played tenor saxophone in a large, unusual line-up: trumpeter Tommy Turrentine, trombonists Grachan Moncur III and Roswell Rudd, tuba player Howard Johnson, clarinettist Perry Robinson, bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Beaver Harris.

The opening piece takes up an entire side. A Portrait of Robert Thompson (as a young man) lasts almost nineteen minutes and includes a piece by Duke Ellington and two traditional melodies. The other side has the title track, Theme for Ernie and Basheer. An AllMusic reviewer hears a composer who has found his stride: free blowing, angry outbursts and exuberant cries are balanced by Ellingtonian elegance and restraint.

Listening

Listening tip. In Mama Too Tight, listen to the many horns and try to hear when the playing is free and when the melody runs on calmly.

Track list

  1. 1A Portrait Of Robert Thompson (As a Young Man)18:57Apple Music ↗
  2. 2Mama Too Tight5:26Apple Music ↗
  3. 3Theme for Ernie3:22Apple Music ↗
  4. 4Basheer10:39Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗

Categories: Albums and songs