Faces 17 Men & Their Music captures the Kenny Clarke - Francy Boland Big Band in full flight—a rare confluence of European sophistication and American swing sensibility. This essential recording stands as a testament to the band's singular place in jazz history, where seventeen musicians merge their formidable talents under Boland’s inventive arrangements and Clarke’s impeccable rhythmic command. The album unfolds like a living tapestry: each track highlights the ensemble’s tight interplay and the soloists’ fiery creativity, from the swaggering brass to the deftly woven reeds. It’s a showcase for the personalities within the band, reflecting the cosmopolitan spirit of 1960s jazz as it flourished beyond American borders. Listeners can expect intricate harmonies, robust grooves, and moments of sheer improvisational daring. For vinyl collectors seeking a dynamic, historically rich big band album, this release stands apart—not merely as a document of an era, but as an enduring work of art. Faces 17 Men & Their Music rewards attentive listening and remains a vital piece in the story of modern jazz.
Track List:
A1 - 1st Movement - Vortographs - 10:31
A2 - 2nd Movement - Solarisation - 8:12
B1 - 3rd Movement - Panchromatic - 3:40
B2 - 4th Movement - Macrographic - 12:37