Idris Ackamoor and the Pyramids - Shaman
by Maarten Schiethart
published: 25 / 1 / 2021

Label:
Strut Records
Format: CD
intro
Enthralling seventh double album from Chicago jazz wizard Idris Ackamoor and his band the Pyramids
A hard act to follow in the truest sense of the word, Idris Ackamoor, also known as Bruce Baker, leads the Pyramids with an album release about every decade. His recording career starting 1974 continued in 1998 and in Year 2020 sees the birth of this rather dandy and delicious 'Shaman!' album on the Strut label. Distinguishably jazzy and fundamentally groovy the Pyramids drift on a seamless ride through Sun Ra esotericism and quaint funkadelics. Spread over Four Acts, 'Shaman!' marks a time demanding experience, yet a welcome one. A beguiling set of tracks, jingling with energy. 'The Last Slave Ship' from Act 4 takes jazz funk back to Africa but the majestic beauty of 'Dogon Mysteries' serves as the icing on the cake. Dr. Margaux Simmons' dazzling flute play lifts the Pyramids to greater heights. The build-up of the four acts only occured to me after the first listen. From 'Fire Rites of Penance' through 'A Glimpse of Eternity' resting 'Upon Whose Shoulders We Stand' the album concludes with '400 Years The Clotilda'. Jazz funk music with lovely touches of Afrobeat and a double LP of acquired taste.,
Track Listing:-
1 Shaman!2 Tango of Love
3 Eternity
4 When Will I See You Again?
5 Salvation
6 Theme for Cecil
7 Virgin
8 The Last Slave Ship
9 Dogon Mysteries
Label Links:-
https://instagram.com/strutrecords/https://twitter.com/strutrecords
https://www.youtube.com/user/strutrecords
https://www.facebook.com/StrutRecords
http://www.strut-records.com/
bandcamp
most viewed articles
current edition
Spear Of Destiny - InterviewRobert Forster - Interview
Fiona Hutchings - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Carl Ewens - David Bowie 1964 to 1982 On Track: Every Album, Every Song
Brian Wilson - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Chris Wade - Interview
Shrag - Huw Stephens Session 08.12.10 and Marc Riley Session 21.03.12
Pistol Daisys - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Credits - ARC, Liverpool, 17/5.2025
most viewed reviews
current edition
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a CircleGarbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
Vinny Peculiar - Things Too Long Left Unsaid
Little Simz - Lotus
John McKay - Sixes and #Sevens
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
HAIM - I Quit
Morcheeba - Escape The Chaos
Vultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
Billy Nomates - Metalhorse
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart