On six of the seven tracks, bassist
Lisle Ellis' trio (with
Larry Ochs from
ROVA and drummer
Donald Robinson) is joined by an additional musician making for an interesting round robin affair. The music has a generally relaxed feel, even at its freest, indicating the strong degree of communication between the players. Several of the tracks veer more toward free jazz as opposed to free improv, including those featuring the fine percussionist
William Winant (here on vibes) and pianist
Paul Plimley, a frequent collaborator of
Ellis. Violinist
India Cooke works up a mighty head of steam on "Yo(u)," prodding
Ochs to do some of his strongest playing on the date.
Ellis appears to be at home in any number of genres and maintains a propulsive drive throughout, summoning echoes of
Mingus and providing a stable center for the session. The album ends with a bouncy burner,
Ochs and guest
Ben Goldberg intertwined like twins reunited. A good, solid effort. ~ Brian Olewnick