60 Years by Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra

For such a long-running and fascinating institution, the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra still largely flies under the radar. 60 Years, a live album commemorating the jazz collective’s sixtieth birthday, examines the mission and message of the group thus far. Formed by some of the great black jazz musicians of Los Angeles in the 1960s, the Ark channelized the passion of these people whose emotions had previously been stifled by A&R departments. In 60 Years, the group continues to tackle challenging yet critically important ideas, such as the constant struggle to reclaim black identity in America. Using a modal jazz mindset with some outstanding solo performances peppered throughout, the Ark generally sounds celebratory here, continuing the jazz tradition of confronting oppression and opposition with the unrestrained joy that our society attempts to steal away from marginalized groups. I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t heard of this incredible, historic group before this release, and I’ll definitely be paying more attention for the next sixty years.

-Michael