60 Years
Horace Tapscott’s Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra (The Village)
“60 Years” by the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra is a profound journey through six decades of Black history, culture, and music. This compilation, a treasure trove of previously unreleased PAPA recordings, features one track from each decade of the band's history and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Horace Tapscott and his visionary creation, the Ark. Through carefully curated tracks spanning from 1961 to 2019, listeners are invited to delve into the rich tapestry of sounds, experiences, and emotions woven by this legendary ensemble.
Horace Tapscott, a pianist, composer, and community activist, founded the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra in 1961 with a clear mission: to preserve the music of Black composers and empower the community through music. The Ark became a cultural beacon in South Central Los Angeles, embodying Tapscott's vision of a cultural safe house for Black music. Despite the challenges of the music industry, Tapscott remained steadfast in his commitment to the Ark's purpose, eschewing commercial success in favor of community engagement.
Throughout its history, the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra underwent various transformations, welcoming over 300 musicians into its ranks, including luminaries like Arthur Blythe, Dwight Trible, and Phil Ranelin. Each track on “60 Years” offers a glimpse into a different era of the Ark, from the modal/spiritual sounds of the 1960s to the experimental improvisations of the 21st century. The album's diversity reflects the breadth of the Ark's repertoire, encompassing elements of Jazz, African rhythms, folk melodies, and beyond.
One of the album's highlights is “The Golden Pearl,” a home recording from 1961 featuring a young Arthur Blythe and trombonist Lester Robertson. This track serves as a poignant reminder of the Ark's humble beginnings and its unwavering dedication to its community. Other tracks, such as “Nation Rising” and “Ballad for Deadwood Dick,” showcase the Ark's political consciousness and playful creativity, respectively, demonstrating the range of its artistic expression.
This release is the culmination of 60 years of Black history through sound. Since its conception in 1961, the Ark has had a mission echoed by every director since Horace Tapscott himself, “To preserve the music of Black composers, dead or alive. To perform this music in our neighborhoods, for our people.” The institution of the Arkestra fostered a culture of community, spirituality, Black empowerment, and most importantly, love. I am forever indebted to my ancestors and grateful to you, reading this message, for your part in the music as a listener. Peace.
- Mekala Session
In conclusion, “60 Years” by the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra embodies a living archive of Black musical heritage and community resilience. Through its timeless melodies and evocative performances, it beckons us to reflect on the past, engage with the present, and envision a future guided by the transformative power of music. This album stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Horace Tapscott and the Ark, inspiring generations to come.
Keep listening, keep dreaming, keep swinging!