Cargo Records

The Black Arc

Re-issued by the request of Noah Howard's family and estate. Noah Sadly passed away suddenly on the 3rd September. Born in New Orleans in 1943, Noah was a key player in the US free jazz scene from the late 60s, he recorded albums for ESP and numerous other labels, including his own Altsax label. Many see “Black Ark” as Noah's defining statement, so it is only fitting that it should be available once again.

“It's no understatement that The Black Ark is one of the most sought-after underground free jazz releases of all time. The original Freedom vinyl LP and the brief Japanese CD reissue were criminally out-of-print and impossible to find. Both versions popped up on internet auction sites once in a blue moon but when they did they always fetched insanely astronomical prices This record simply is THE BOMB - a perfect combination of Noah's soulful compositions and playing, infused with plenty of sweet/sour/in/out forms and shapes from the incredible line-up assembled for this release. Plus we get to experience Arthur Doyle's outrageous debut on a recording session, increasing the playing and feeling to an intense level throughout. And dig the spaced out afro-delay on Juma's percussion (yes, that Juma from Hendrix's killer Woodstock show of the same year). All of the players on this record combine to make it a CLASSIC and its esteemed reputation is well earned.” Oren Ambarchi

Noah Howard - Alto
Arthur Doyle - Tenor
Earl Cross - Trumpet
Leslie Waldron - Piano
Norris Jones - Bass
Mohammed Ali- Drums