I can’t rate this album enough; it really is a truly amazing experience. I was expecting a mad free-form drum work-out, plus it’s a double album too, so the prospect was a little daunting. However, what you get is a wonderful mix of old and new jazz styles that just fit together perfectly. Obviously this album is going to be quite percussive, but apart from one full-on drum track there is no over the top percussion, just incredibly rhythmic drum work that never over imposes itself. There are four saxophones on here that cover tenor, soprano and bass sax, all playing in that wonderfully ‘70s spiritual vein, and when they are all blowing together you know you’re in a good place. What really makes this album shine for me though, and adds the new feel, is the keyboard and electronics on here; they add most of the avant-garde touches, but always stay on the right side of too far. The whole feel is intensely deep and spiritual, but very modern due to all the weird electronica. I was also a little cynical before I got it, I mean Steve Reid made some truly sublime albums in the ‘70s, but bringing one out in 2005, I was just expecting bad news. How totally wrong I was. This is certainly better than his Rhythmatism album, and definitely as good as Nova. There is actually a reworking of “Lions Of Juda” from his Nova album that is just spot on, there’s a bit in the middle that’s so full-on it’s like music orgasm. I think this has to be one of the most impressive and original albums I’ve brought.