Although he went on to make some important records for a wide variety of labels, none more so than BYG, the Impulse period remains arguably the jewel in Shepp's discographical crown. While albums such as Attica Blues are rightly fêted for their political as well as musical substance, this pair of early-1970s sets is also worthy of investigation. Although the saxophonist's love of rhythm & blues was writ large on Mama Too Tight, For Losers was basically an Archieloves-James Brown-and-Lee Morganand-wants-the-world-to-know-it throw down. Ellington's ‘I Got It Bad’ is dropped in the middle, almost as a brief respite from the stomping, bucking funkiness, but for the most part this is a great dance record, one with the kind of rugged overtones from the leader that ensure the grits are kept in with the gravy. Kwanza has as much orchestral richness but the onus is on African rhythms and a percussive barrage that favours short, curt lines from both rhythm and horn sections. There are only five tracks on offer and not a single one is surplus to requirements, above all the short but very sweet ‘Spoo Pee Doo’, whose sensual, waltz-like ripple is potently enhanced by the gilded tremor of Leon Thomas’ baritone. Given that both albums are a rarity, this two-forone CD makes mucho sense.