Recorded at the tailend of the 60s after the prodigy saxophonist had relocated to Paris, Poem for Malcolm is a key recording in the distinguished Shepp’s career. The album features an all-star cast of contributors that includes US hard bop hero Hank Mobley as well as Art Ensemble of Chicago bassist Malachi Favors, pianist Burton Greene, and French drummer Claude Delcloo.

While embracing the dynamic, turbulent energy of the avant-garde or ‘New Thing’ the players did not entirely break from ‘tradition’ and a reprise of ‘Oleo’, one of the enduring post-bop themes of ‘saxophone colossus’ Sonny Rollins, is a highlight of the album. The title track is a searing recital of a text he wrote to mark the passing of his role model Malcolm X that fully conveys the grief over the death of a visionary who sought to bring both dignity and autonomy to people of colour the world over.

This remastered version of the album provides an opportunity to feel the power of Shepp’s poetry as well as the artistry of a Transatlantic band right at the cutting edge of post-war improvised music. The words and sounds have lost none of their appeal.