This set of eight adventurous compositions by bassist
Mark Dresser has some otherworldly sounds, some free improvising and plenty of spacey stretches. The latter is due to the flexible and chancetaking singing of
Theo Bleckmann, who often functions as part of the ensembles and sticks to wordless improvising. The group also includes trumpeter
Dave Douglas (who sometimes sounds traditional and in other spots is as adventurous as
Bleckmann, pianist
Denman Maroney and drummer
Phil Haynes. The music is stimulating but sometimes disturbing, easier to respect than to love. ~ Scott Yanow