Sunny Murray’s 'An Even Break (Never Give A Sucker)' is a cornerstone of avant-garde jazz, capturing a moment when the genre’s possibilities seemed boundless. Recorded in 1970 for the French label BYG Actuel, this album features a formidable lineup: Murray’s explosive yet nuanced drumming underpins the wild lyricism of saxophonist Byard Lancaster, the urgent trumpet of Jacques Coursil, and the deeply resonant bass of Kenneth Terroade. Murray, a pioneer of free jazz drumming, abandons conventional timekeeping in favor of pure texture and energy, propelling the music into uncharted territory.
This album is more than a showcase of technical prowess—it’s a document of creative liberation. The interplay between the musicians is raw and intuitive, each track unfolding like a spontaneous dialogue among fearless innovators. 'An Even Break' is not just for jazz aficionados; it’s essential for anyone compelled by music that challenges assumptions and invites deep, active listening. For vinyl collectors, this pressing carries the spirit of an era when artistic freedom was a rallying cry. Let yourself be swept up in its restless, searching energy—this is jazz that insists on being heard, not just played.
Track List:
A1 - An Even Break (Never Give A Sucker) - 7:45
A2 - Giblets - Part 12 - 7:21
B1 - Complete Affection - 7:15
B2 - Invisible Blues - 5:25