"Memories" was written by Hugh Hopper (the second bassist for Soft Machine), and there are some early recordings of it sung by Robert Wyatt. Apparently there's a connection between Bill Laswell (Material) and the Canterbury musicians of that era. I'm not a particular Archie Shepp fan, but I think his playing suits the performance. Houston's vocals (as you say) are very mature for her age--and for that era). For reference (it's not a competition--I think both are splendid), here's Wyatt's version: https://youtu.be/69k03G21ftw

I remember watching Whitney Houston implode on her reality show--a Greek tragedy of the greatest magnitude. You kept hoping she'd manage to turn her life around, even though no one else seemed to care. If she had pulled through, there's no telling what she could have done.

Thank you for your reminiscences, eloquent as always.