Musa: Ancestral Streams (Remastered) Stanley Cowell

• 1 Abscrestions 05:06
• 2 Equipoise 03:41
• 3 Prayer for Peace 07:07
• 4 Emil Danenberg 02:50
• 5 Maimoun 05:29
• 6 Travelin' Man 02:59
• 7 Departure No. 1 05:22
• 8 Departure No. 2 02:13
• 9 Sweet Song 03:08
• 10 Orientale (Bonus Track) 07:11
• 11 Dave's Chant (Bonus Track) 04:22
• 12 Travelin' Man (Alternate Take) (Bonus Track) 02:28
• 13 Akua (Bonus Track) 05:28
• Total Runtime 57:24

Info for Musa: Ancestral Streams (Remastered)

Featuring stunning solo piano work by Strata-East co-founder Stanley Cowell, Musa: Ancestral Streams is a landmark album in jazz, celebrated for its intimacy and innovation. Recorded in 1974, it stands as one of the most significant solo piano albums of its time, blending jazz with classical, African, and Eastern influences. Cowell’s pioneering use of both electric and acoustic piano expands the expressive range of the instrument, creating a deeply personal and spiritual experience. Musa: Ancestral Streams is a cornerstone of the Strata-East discography, reflecting the label’s commitment to artistic freedom and genre-defining works. It not only highlights Cowell’s extraordinary vision as a musician but also exemplifies Strata-East’s role in championing boundary-pushing, artist-produced records.

Stanley Cowell, acoustic piano, electric piano, kalimba

Recorded and Mixed December 10 & 11, 1973 at Minot Studios, White Plains, New York
Engineered by Ron Carran
Produced by Stanley Cowell and Viki McLaughlin

Digitally remastered

Stanley Cowell
An excellent modern, mainstream pianist who is adaptable to many acoustic jazz settings, Stanley Cowell has long been underrated except among knowing musicians. He studied the piano from the time he was four, and Art Tatum made an early impact. After attending Oberlin College Conservatory and the University of Michigan, Cowell (who had played with Rahsaan Roland Kirk while at Oberlin) moved to New York in 1966. He played regularly with Marion Brown (1966-1967), Max Roach (1967-1970), and the Bobby Hutcherson-Harold Land quintet (1968-1971). In the early '70s, Cowell worked in Music Inc. with Charles Tolliver, and they co-founded the label Strata East. He played regularly with the Heath Brothers during 1974-1983, and since 1981 has been a busy jazz educator. Cowell has recorded as a leader for Arista-Freedom (1969), ECM (1972), Strata East, Galaxy, Unisson, DIW, Concord, and SteepleChase.

This album contains no booklet.