A cornerstone of the late-1960s Paris free jazz explosion, Ketchaoua by Clifford Thornton stands as one of the most vital and adventurous albums of its era. Recorded in August 1969 at Studio Saravah and newly reissued from the original BYG tapes, this session brings together a formidable ensemble: Thornton on cornet and congas, joined by Archie Shepp, Arthur Jones, Grachan Moncur III, Dave Burrell, Beb Guérin, Earl Freeman, Sunny Murray, and Claude Delcloo.

Emerging in the wake of Thornton and Shepp’s legendary appearance at the Pan-African Festival in Algiers, Ketchaoua channels the spirit of that revolutionary moment. The album’s title pays tribute to the Algiers district where the musicians performed, and its music is a dynamic blend of brooding, contemplative improvisation and fiery, Pan-African energy. Pieces like “Pan African Festival” and “Ketchaoua” move from dense ensemble interplay to moments of almost ritualistic intensity, with Burrell’s piano vamps and Murray’s propulsive drumming anchoring the sound.

Described by critics as “very free music… almost wholly improvised,” Ketchaoua is celebrated for its bold, open structures and the way it captures the creative fervor of the era. AllMusic calls it “brooding and contemplative,” with ensemble passages that evoke “a Pan-African Morton Feldman” and “hazy, psychedelic post-bop.” Many regard it as the finest album under Thornton’s leadership, a record that embodies the adventurous spirit and third-world consciousness of the late 1960s Paris scene.

This deluxe reissue features audio restoration from the original tapes, a matte gatefold sleeve, and new liner notes by Kevin Le Gendre. Ketchaoua is not just a historic document-it’s a powerful, immersive listening experience, a testament to the enduring power of collective improvisation and creative freedom.

Recorded August 18, 1969 in Paris with Archie Shepp on soprano, Grachan Moncur III on trombone, Dave Burrell on piano, Sunny Murray on drums plus Arthur Jones, Beb Guerin and Earl Freeman.

Restored & remastered from the original tapes 
Pressed on 180-gram black vinyl
Insert featuring insightful essay by author & music journalist Kevin Le Gendre
LP original gatefold sleeve & artwork faithfully reproduced