An interesting but not essential set, this unusual date allowed
Roscoe Mitchell (heard on soprano, alto, tenor and flute) to head a nonet also consisting of trumpeter
Hugh Ragin, trombonist
George Lewis, both
Matthew Shipp and
Craig Taborn on pianos, the twin basses of
Jaribu Shahid and
William Parker and both
Tani Tabbel and
Gerald Cleaver on drums. The performances are mostly concise, emphasize ensembles (it is difficult to believe that the two rhythm sections are playing simultaneously) and are sometimes surprisingly mellow although there are intense moments (such as on "Hop Hip Bip Bir Rip"). None of the original pieces are that memorable but the overall mood is haunting and at times jubilant. An intriguing addition to
Roscoe Mitchell's discography. ~ Scott Yanow