Before the Wind Changes

{{Infobox album

| name = Before the Wind Changes

| type = live

| artist = The Blue Notes

| cover = Blue_Notes_Before_the_Wind_Changes.jpg

| alt =

| released = 2012

| recorded = July 1, 1979

| venue = Jazzclub De Hoop, Waregem, Belgium

| studio =

| genre = Free jazz

| length = 1:19:49

| label = Ogun
OGCD 037

| producer =

| chronology = The Blue Notes

| prev_title = The Ogun Collection

| prev_year = 2008

| next_title =

| next_year =

}}

Before the Wind Changes is a live album by The Blue Notes, featuring alto saxophonist Dudu Pukwana, pianist Chris McGregor, double bassist Johnny Dyani, and drummer Louis Moholo-Moholo. It was recorded on July 1, 1979, at Jazzclub De Hoop in Waregem, Belgium, and was released in 2012 by Ogun Records.{{cite web |url=https://www.jazzmusicarchives.com/album/the-blue-notes/before-the-wind-changes(live) |title=The Blue Notes - Before the Wind Changes |website=Jazz Music Archives |access-date=May 31, 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://ogunrecording.co.uk/releases/the-blue-notes-before-the-wind-changes |title=The Blue Notes – Before the Wind Changes |website=Ogun Records |access-date=May 31, 2023}}{{cite web |url=http://www.jazzlists.com/SJ_Label_Ogun.htm |title=Ogun Records discography |website=JazzLists |access-date=May 31, 2023}}

Reception

{{Album ratings

| rev1 = All About Jazz

| rev1Score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite web |url=https://www.allaboutjazz.com/before-the-wind-changes-johnny-dyani-ogun-records-review-by-aaji-staff |title=Blue Notes: Before The Wind Changes |date=May 30, 2012 |website=All About Jazz |access-date=May 31, 2023}}

}}

In a review for The Independent, Phil Johnson noted that, although the recording "isn't of audiophile quality," the group is "on absolute top form." He wrote: "The power of the music is shocking... You'll need a rest halfway through, it's that intense."{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-blue-notes-before-the-wind-changes-ogun-7576216.html |title=Album: Blue Notes, Before the Wind Changes (Ogun) |first=Phil |last=Johnson |date=March 18, 2012 |website=The Independent |access-date=May 31, 2023}}

Point of Departure's Bill Shoemaker stated that the album documents the band "at the height of their creative powers," and commented: "The Blue Notes were on a tear that night – that comes through loud and clear."{{cite web |url=https://www.pointofdeparture.org/PoD39/PoD39MoreMoments2.html |title=Moment's Notice: Reviews of Recent Recordings |first=Bill |last=Shoemaker |website=Point of Departure |access-date=May 31, 2023}}

Robert Iannapollo of Cadence remarked: "Sadly, the group was now down to a quartet... but the rousing spirit of their music was still there and still glowing strong... For those who can't tolerate a rough sounding recording, stay away. But those who don't mind a little roughness around the edges... and who are familiar with the joyous sound this band could produce, Before the Wind Changes will provide a solid 80 minutes of happiness."{{cite magazine |last=Iannapollo |first=Robert |date=July 2012 |title=CD Review |magazine=Cadence |page=144 |volume=38 |issue=3 |url=https://www.cadencejazzmagazine.com/membersonly/admin/assets/PDFs/2012/PDFs%202012%20July/Reviews/Blue%20Notes%20-%20Before%20the%20Wind%20Changes.pdf}}

Track listing

  1. "Ithi Gui" (Johnny Dyani) – 9:55
  2. "Mange" (Chris McGregor) – 6:29
  3. "Lonta Uyagula (The Poor Child is Sick)" (Traditional) – 10:31
  4. "Lakutshona Ilanga" (Mackay Davashe) – 17:58
  5. "The Bride" (Dudu Pukwana) – 5:08
  6. "Funk Dem Dudu" (Johnny Dyani) – 22:40
  7. "Wish You Sunshine" (Johnny Dyani) – 6:57

Personnel

References