Of all of the recordings from the short-lived avant-garde quartet
Circle, this double-LP is the most rewarding. Cut live in Paris, this set features pianist
Chick Corea, the reeds of
Anthony Braxton, bassist
Dave Holland, and drummer
Barry Altschul playing a wide variety of fairly free explorations. Highlights include their reinterpretation of the standard "There Is No Greater Love," the playful "Toy Room - Q & A,"
Braxton's "73 Degrees Kelvin," and "Nefertiti." The music is often quite abstract but generally colorful and innovative;
Chick Corea would soon break up the band for other musical adventures, but this set remains one of the high points of his productive career. ~ Scott Yanow