Marion Brown – Porto Novo
Original release 1969 as Polydor 583 724
Reissued in 1975 as Arista/Freedom AL 1001
This reissue, 2020 ORG Music / Freedom (ORGM-2149)
I thought a change of pace was warranted here to correspond with a new chapter in my life. Marion Brown played pretty “free” but he could still swing as well as squonk. He made this album a few years after moving to Europe in the late 60s. It’s hard at times to believe this is just three people. The lively, engaging drum and cymbal work by a young Hans Bennink deserves special mention here. Originally released with a different cover on the Polydor label, this 2020 Record Store Day reissue uses the image from the mid-70s Arista version but is pressed on gorgeous red vinyl. I’ve included a variety of alternate covers below just for fun. Continue reading