Stephen McCraven - Wooley the Newt (1979)

A remastered reissue of the rare 1979 debut album "Wooley The Newt" by percussionist Stephen McCraven has been released. Recorded in Paris with a quintet, the record exemplifies post-bop with elements of modal and spiritual jazz. The album showcases a wide stylistic range, from energetic swing and romantic ballads to complex rhythmic structures and hypnotic chants in the composition "Allah." The work of Stephen McCraven, a long-time collaborator of Archie Shepp, significantly influenced his son, the renowned contemporary jazz artist Makaya McCraven, who utilized samples from this album in his own productions.

Tracklist:
1-1 Stephen McCraven - Wooley the Newt [8:44]
1-2 Stephen McCraven - Soyuz Dance [12:20]
1-3 Stephen McCraven - Allah [10:58]
1-4 Stephen McCraven - Tender Eyes [6:06]
1-5 Stephen McCraven - Ahiri-lalita [6:46]