"The music is post-Ornette-isque and strongly influenced by the new jazz of the sixties. It's kept the heat, glow and effervescence of black magma, but at the same time Hooker has succeeded in carrying it further with personal changes of his own. He whisks up an almost ritual atmosphere in which all the different voices are woven together by the drums into a multi-hued glistening weave of bright colors. This is a most remarkable alb and well worth hearing."
Thomas Millroth, Gränslöst, February 1995
CLAUDE LAWRENCE. Alto sax. Upon meeting this excellent musician at his own Manhattan Healing Arts Center, we played in a variety of settings and have tried to build from that ground. He has played with Sirone (recording with Sirone in 1980 on Serious Music 1000) and The Trio, with Dennis Charles and Wilber Morris, among others. He can be distinguished from Michael on this recording by his rounder and smoother tone.
ALAN MICHAEL. Alto sax. I have documented Alan's sound on my album, "Brighter Lights" (RUC 445), under his previous name of Alan Braufman. He has performed with Carla Bley, John Clark and as leader of his own group. He has a somewhat reedier sound than Lawrence.
MARK HENNEN. Pianist. I first heard Mark with Muntu on WKCR-FM from Columbia University. Since that time I have worked with him quite frequently and his work is also documented on "Brighter Lights" (RUC 445). He has played with Ellen Christi, Rashid Bakr's Pieces of Eight, and his own groups.
CHARLES COMPO. Tenor sax. This reedman exhibits a great love of the music and its history. He recently appeared at Indigo Blues, a newly opened venue which may possibly change the status of music of this kind in New York City.
MASAHIKI KONO. Trombone. A performer of extraordinary focus and flexibility, he has performed with Moondoc's "Jes Gru" Orchestra, Billy Bang, and others. His recent performances with me have been praised highly.
1. R.A.W. Jazz Festival Performance 50:00
2. Dual Meaning 09:54
3. Dignity 08:19
William Hooker drums, recitation
Alan Michael alto saxophone
Claude Lawrence alto saxophone
William Parker bass
Mark Hennen piano
Charles Compo tenor saxophone
Masahiko Kono trombone
