This unusual LP, the first of three featuring altoist
Arthur Blythe with drummer
Chico Hamilton's mid-'70s group, has an uncomfortable mixture of advanced jazz and commercial elements.
Hamilton is joined by a large rhythm section that includes
Steve Turre (on electric bass) and guitarists
Barry Finnerty and
Joe Beck, along with
Blythe,
Arnie Lawrence on soprano, the keyboards of Jerry Peters, and several vocalists. The overall effect is a bit weird, dated but with some colorful moments. Definitely a mixed bag. ~ Scott Yanow