JEAN-PAUL BOURELLY
Boom Bop (Jazz Magnet)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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West African rhythms, piercing blues edged electric guitar and a chanting rock holler vocal should not make a jazz record, but here they do. Jean-Paul Bourelly is either terribly confused, or on to something. Intertwining African and American music in such a confrontational, explosive manner (think Hendrix, not Ali Farka Toure), is a shock to the system, but as we all know, shock is good. The jazzier side of this project develops more obviously when Archie Shepp and Henry Threadgill lend their horns, but Bourelly drives each piece with his blazing, sparkle gold, guitar and a passionate voice. A big record in every sense.

© 2001 - John Sekerka