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Originally released by United Artists in 1959, Herbie Mann’s African Suite is an imaginative meeting point between modern jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms and musical ideas inspired by Africa and the Caribbean. Although issued under the name of vibraphonist Johnny Rae’s Afro-Jazz Septet, the session is centred equally on the flute, bass clarinet and compositions of Herbie Mann.
Mann and Rae are joined by pianist Bob Corwin, bassist Jack Six and celebrated bebop drummer Philly Joe Jones. The ensemble’s distinctive rhythmic character is strengthened by percussionists Carlos “Patato” Valdés, José Mangual and Victor Pantoja, whose congas, bongos and other hand percussion create a dense but highly flexible foundation.
Sonny Rollins’ Caribbean-influenced classic “St. Thomas” opens the album with an extended exchange between flute, vibraphone and percussion. Esy Morales’ “Jungle Fantasy” follows with a darker and more hypnotic atmosphere, while Mann’s “Sorimao” combines flowing flute melodies with tightly connected Latin-jazz rhythms.
The second side forms a four-part suite beginning with “Bedouin” and continuing through “Sudan,” “Ekunda” and “Guinean.” These pieces explore contrasting rhythmic patterns and instrumental colours, moving from spacious bass-clarinet passages to bright flute improvisations, vibraphone figures and layered percussion.
Recorded during a period when Herbie Mann was actively expanding the language of jazz through Latin American, African and Middle Eastern influences, Herbie Mann’s African Suite remains an adventurous early example of his cross-cultural approach. This Life Goes On Records edition restores the complete seven-track album to vinyl.
Track listing:
Side A
A1. St. Thomas – 8:05
A2. Jungle Fantasy – 7:45
A3. Sorimao – 5:15
Side B
B1. Bedouin – Part I – 4:40
B2. Sudan – Part II – 3:50
B3. Ekunda – Part III – 3:10
B4. Guinean – Part IV – 4:20
