Big Cliff

Big Cliff is an album by American jazz percussionist Kahil El'Zabar and his Ritual Trio, which also includes saxophonist Ari Brown and bassist Malachi Favors, and the guest appearance of violinist Billy Bang. It was recorded live in 1994 at the Chicago Undergroung Fest and released on Delmark.

Big Cliff
Live album by Kahil El'Zabar
Released	1995
Recorded	September 3, 1994
Venue	Chicago
Genre	Jazz
Length	64:22
Label	Delmark
Producer	Robert G. Koester
Kahil El'Zabar chronology
Renaissance of the Resistance (1994) Big Cliff (1995) 21st Century Union March (1997)

Reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[1]
The Penguin Guide to Jazz	[2]

In his review for AllMusic, Alex Henderson states "The musicians' diverse set reflects their interest in both inside and outside playing.. Big Cliff is a CD that El'Zabar and his colleagues can easily be proud of."[1]

The Penguin Guide to Jazz says "Though the music is dedicated to El'Zabar's late father, it is celebratory; scarcely a new take either on what he's done before or on Chicago jazz itself, it's nevertheless a very satisfying record.[2]

Track listing

All compositions by Kahil El'Zabar

1. "Another Kind of Groove" – 10:13
2. "Big Cliff" – 19:47
3. "For the Love of My Father" – 13:06
4. "Blue Rwanda" – 21:16

Personnel

• Kahil El'Zabar – African drums, drums, thumb piano
• Ari Brown – tenor sax, piano
• Malachi Favors – bass
• Billy Bang – violin

References

1. Henderson, Alex. Kahil El'Zabar – Big Cliff: Review at AllMusic. Retrieved January 8, 2016.
2. Cook, Richard; Brian Morton (2002). The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD. The Penguin Guide to Jazz (6th ed.). London: Penguin. p. 470. ISBN 0140515216.