Blueprints of Jazz Vol. 2

Blueprints of Jazz Vol. 2
Studio album by Billy Harper
Released	2008
Recorded	August 8-10, 2006
Genre	Jazz
Label	Talking House THR0810-019A
Billy Harper chronology
Soul of an Angel (1999)Soul of an Angel1999 Blueprints of Jazz Vol. 2 (2006) The Roots of the Blues (2013)The Roots of the Blues2013

Blueprints of Jazz Vol. 2 is an album by saxophonist Billy Harper recorded in 1997 and released on the Talking House label.

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic

In his review for AllMusic, Michael G. Nastos states "Certainly a celebration for fans of the 65-year-old Harper and a welcome addition to his potent discography, this CD represents him playing at an exceptionally high level, staying true to his spirit, and still making powerful music". In JazzTimes Michael J. West wrote "The album is a tableau of Harper’s spiritual jazz, bookended with Amiri Baraka poems on the music’s evolution in both America and Africa. When it’s on point, Blueprints is brilliant; when it’s off, it just misses the mark".

Track listing

All compositions by Billy Harper except as indicated

1. "Africa Revisited" (Amiri Baraka, Billy Harper) - 16:45
2. "Knowledge of Self" (Baraka, Harper) - 9:06
3. "Another Kind of Thoroughbred" - 4:33
4. "Thoughts and Slow Actions" - 5:37
5. "Time and Time Again" - 5:14
6. "Who Here Can Just Our Fates?" - 7:46
7. "Amazing Grace" (Traditional) - 4:03
8. "Cast the First Stone? (...If You Yourself Have No Sins)" - 12:26
9. "Oh... If Only" (Baraka, Harper) - 6:14

Personnel

• Billy Harper - tenor saxophone, vocals
• Amiri Baraka - spoken word (tracks 1, 2 & 9)
• Keyon Harold - trumpet, French horn
• Charles McNeal - alto saxophone (tracks 5 & 8)
• Francesca Tanksley - piano
• Clarence Seay (tracks 1-6 & 8), Louie Spears (tracks: 1-3 & 5-9) - bass
• Aaron Scott - drums