The Pyramids

The Pyramids second album, originally released in ’74. The band continued along the same general lines as they did on their first album, but they added a pianist for much of the session, & it somewhat changed the character of the music. In some ways, it seems like a more sophisticated album than “Lalibela,” & by some standards, its probably an improvement on that record – the solos in particular seem more confident, & the percussion has become more intricate & inventive, without loosing a hair of intensity. In fact, the percussion world is actually kicked up a notch or so here. There’s also a slightly extended sonic palette here. But the piano gives a solidity in both the rhythmic & harmonic realms that obscures some of the loose, free energy of the band. Still, there’s plenty of that energy & feel here, & the album is still an obvious classic of underground jazz, & still sits right in there with the top level of the Afro-centric post avant jazz spectrum, not in terms of slickness, which is an advantage, but in the high levels of spirit & energy throughout. Replica edition, 180g vinyl.