After recording an album (Regeneration) split between
Herbie Nichols and
Thelonious Monk compositions, pianist
Misha Mengelberg decided to devote a full project to the unjustly neglected
Nichols. As with the earlier set, this date also includes soprano saxophonist
Steve Lacy and drummer
Han Bennink, but this time with trombonist
George Lewis and bassist Arjen Gorter. For the first time, seven of
Nichols' songs (including "House Party Starting," "Hangover Triangle," and "Change of Season") were performed by a medium-size group, rather than just
Nichols' trio, and one can appreciate the formerly unheard colors in the pianist's nearly lost music. It is also a particular pleasure hearing
Lewis and
Lacy improvising on these challenging, yet fairly straight-ahead pieces. A gem. ~ Scott Yanow