Byard Lancaster – Us LP + 7″

Description

RELEASE DATE: 1/30/2026

At the beginning of the 1960s, at the Berklee College of Music,Byard Lancastermet some feisty friends:Sonny Sharrock,Dave BurrellandTed Daniel. It is easy to see why he rapidly became involved in free jazz. Once he was settled in New York, he appeared with theSunny Murray Quintet, recorded under the leadership of the drum crazy colleague ofAlbert Ayler. In 1968, the saxophonist and flutist recorded his first album under his own name:It’s Not Up To Us. The following year he came to Paris in the wake of Sunny Murray. He would come back to France in 1971 (again with Murray) and in 1973 (without Murray for a change). This is when he metJef Gilson, the pianist and producer who encouraged him to record under his own name again. On Palm Records (Gilson’s label), he would release four albums:Us,Mother Africa,Exactement, andFunny Funky Rib Crib.Us, the first of the four records, was recorded on November 24th, 1973 withSylvin Marconelectric bass and the evergreenSteve McCallonon drums. On the album, the trio works from theJohn Coltranemodel; free jazz shook up by the timely contributions of the bassist, followed by a mesmerizing atmospheric music. Then, Lancaster delivers a sinuous solo path, which is a reminder of his unique tone. On the album’s companion single, the trio launches into great black music of a different genre which would lead the clairvoyantFranois Tusquesto claim that Byard Lancaster is an “authentic representative of soul/free jazz.” This is the first ever stand-alone vinyl reissue ofUs. Carefully remastered and restored byGilles Laujol. Graphic design byStefan Thanneur. Includes four-page booklet with rare and unpublished photos 425GSM Frovi Brown Board Heavyweight 180 gr. LP with bonus 7″. Officially Licensed from Palm/Genevive Quievreux.