This rare collection of recordings from the 1970s features
Braxton at the height of his power and makes an indispensable contribution to his discography. Personally selected by esteemed Italian musicologist Francesco Martinelli from long forgotten cassettes stored in the saxophonist's home, these six tracks were not released commercially until 1999. While the sound quality is mixed, the music is some of
Braxton's best. There are two solo performances ("Composition 8G" and "Composition 8C"); three classic quartets ("Four Winds" with trombonist
George Lewis, bassist
Dave Holland, drummer
Barry Altschul, and
Braxton on sopranino, clarinet, and piccolo; "Composition 23E" and "Composition -2" with
Kenny Wheeler on flugelhorn; and an impressive duo between
Braxton on clarinet and
Dave Holland on cello). Sparks fly throughout, as this collection enthralls with some of the best jazz of the era. ~ Steve Loewy