Jean-Paul Bourelly – Jungle Cowboy

This was Bourelly's debut recording that took place one year after his impressive appearance on Cassandra Wilson's debut Point of View for JMT.
The feeling is urgent but fluid and the cast of musicians show the first glimpse into Bourelly impulse of seamlessly mixing disparate styles. Here he embraces his connection to the free jazz music scene with the selection of alto great Julius Hemphill and the innovative drummer Andrew Cyrille yet in the context chartering a modern funk style. However Bourelly is clearly at center stage here with a tone that ventures into jazzy overdrive, clean as well one that leads into into warped dimensions. The performance of drummer Kevin K-dog Johnson stands out as well with his highly energetic and eclectic funk grooves.
Tracks that stick out are Love Line, Tryin to get Over, and Groove with me baby. While the more moody tracks like Drifter, Parade, and Memphis Slim's "Mother Earth" give the intense, kinetic energy featured on the session the perfect welcoming release.
Jungle Cowboy was recorded in one day by engineer David Baker for Stephan Winters still young label, JMT records.
With a back drop of a NY jazz scene, at the time, full of young traditionalists, this record put Bourelly on the map as a guitarists pointed clearly towards something new.