Name: Live
Brand: Shamek Farrah and Norman Person

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

BBE679ACD

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2022-10-07

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

The Orchard

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

196006704247

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Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

BBE679ALP

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Black

196006705602

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2 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

Artist

Shamek Farrah and Norman Person

Genre GB

Jazz

Label GB

BBE is a UK based record label, short for Barely Breaking Even. Founded in 1996 by Peter Adarkwah and Ben Jolly, the label releases both original works and compilations. Known for their compilation series such as "The Beat Generation" and "Kings of...," BBE features a wide range of collections in genres like jazz, soul, hip-hop, r'n'b, house, drum'n'bass, and more. With a diverse roster of artists including *J Dilla*, *Pete Rock*, *Roy Ayers*, *Marley Marl*, and many others, BBE continues to be a prominent force in the music industry.
The label's association with German label G-Stone Recordings has further expanded its reach. Since its inception, BBE has released numerous acclaimed albums and compilations that have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success.
With an extensive catalog spanning over two decades, BBE remains dedicated to showcasing exceptional talent from various genres while consistently delivering high-quality music to its loyal fanbase worldwide.

Quality over quantity. That’s what characterises Shamek Farrah and Norman Person’s recorded output. They may have a small discography between them but it’s a stable of recordings that centrally locate them in the development of the black jazz of America. BBE Music is delighted to present a new edition of a rare, relatively unknown, and unheard gem. Recorded between 1988 and 1991 across a series of concerts, Live was released in 1991 and was only available for sale at their gigs.

Issued on audio cassette on Farrah’s private Heritage Industries label, Live is a raw, uncompromising selection of deep, conscious jazz featuring three original compositions and two covers: ‘Aisha’, written by Person, was inspired by Person’s daughter and is a majestic joyous groove that extends out into a percussive jam; ‘Negative Forces’ is a fiercely paced hard bopper worthy of the Jazz Messengers. Written by Person, he tells how “it had to be like a torpedo, man. It had to come out strong and fight against those negative forces”. The one Farrah/Person co-write on the album is ‘Timeless Beings’, a short freeform improvisation that creates a distinct moment of space and light in an otherwise intensely focussed, yet highly accessible album.

The two covers on the album reflect the instruments of the co-leaders: sax and trumpet. ‘Footprints’, the classic written by the Newark Flash himself, Wayne Shorter, and first heard on ‘Miles Smiles’ in 1967 is delivered deftly by Farrah and co. Here, the band pays a respectful yet adventurous rendition, with some superbly colourful piano from Sonelius Smith. The second cover is a tribute to the great trumpeter Clifford Brown, who died in a car accident in 1956, aged just 25. ‘I Remember Clifford’ written by Benny Golson, is handled with suitably delicate reverence. “I still listen to Clifford Brown today,” says Person. “He’s still my teacher.”

Live

Music GB