In the predictable tradition of sequels, this quick 2-LP followup to Soul Zodiac is not nearly as much fun. The concept is scattered, without the imposed order of 12 zodiac signs, and DJ Rick Holmes sounds uncomfortable quoting scripture, his charisma muted. Again, this is
Cannonball's quintet in action, augmented by four percussionists (including Airto Moreira) and some unnecessary gospel singers. This time, top-billed
Cannonball is heard frequently, often probing the outside on soprano sax.
Nat skillfully plays his usual Quintet sidekick role and
George Duke has a lot to do on acoustic and electric pianos, often determining the idiom with each change of keyboard. While the group rambles through an adventurous series of acoustic and electric jazz, Latin and funk episodes -- "Fun In The Church" sounds like someone had been into the
James Brown sauce -- the music strikes fire only intermittently. ~ Richard S. Ginell