Live in New York City, February 8, 1975 is the recently unearthed recording of Braufman with his five-piece band, Cooper-Moore (piano, ashimba, recitation), William Parker (bass), John Clark (French horn), Jim Schapperow (drums) and Ralph Williams (percussion), in an early 1975 live radio session. Coupled with the album's announcement, Braufman shares the live version of his song "Chant" from Live in New York City album.
The 94-minute performance is spread over 5 album sides on 3 LPs and 2 CDs. Newly mastered with new liner notes by the host Susan Mannheimer. Live in New York City, February 8, 1975 will be available on vinyl, CD and to stream on April 8th via Valley of Search.
Live in New York City, February 8, 1975 was recorded soon after the recording of Braufman's debut album Valley of Search for the India Navigation Label and marks the first meeting for William Parker and Cooper-Moore, whose musical partnership has flourished ever since. Live in New York City arrives after 2020's reissue of The Fire Still Burns, the second album released under Alan's own name following 1975's Valley of Search.
Alan Braufman is an instrumental figure in New York City downtown culture. Born in Brooklyn, after studying at Berklee College of Music he moved to a vacant building at 501 Canal Street in Manhattan alongside several other musicians. Monthly rent at the time was $140 for a floor, and the space was transformed into a practice space and venue. This gritty, improvised set up in downtown Manhattan would blaze a trail for generations of creatives and set a do-it-yourself tradition for young jazz acts in the city that is followed to this day. During this period Alan recorded Valley of Search at 501 Canal Street, and released it with the label India Navigation. The album is a perfect snapshot of the energy and creativity of its era, and would come to achieve cult status. It was highly sought after by vinyl collectors, and in 2018 Alan reissued Valley of Search.
