"Mwandishi" is perhaps Herbie Hancock's best fusion album prior to "Head Hunters." Although he didn't play on "Bitches Brew" in 1969, Hancock was obviously very influenced by that album. Ostinato is a straight-ahead uptempo exploration of the remnants of Bitches Brew. It is clearly a response to that monster fusion album's animalistic, chaotic nature. But it's more accessible than almost anything on there. It's got a bit of the funk that Miles Davis searched for and ultimately found, but years later. I believe the track is in 15/8 (at least for most of it -- can some verify this?) This track rewards repeated listenings, and debuts the beautiful Fender Rhodes sound that Hancock would exploit for the rest of the decade. "You'll Know When You Get There." Perhaps Herbie was giving Miles a bit of advice here -- straighten up and fly right. This is a jazzier, quieter piece, but is just as complex as the opener. It foreshadows later ballads like "Butterfly" (from "Thrust") and "Bubbles" (from "Man-Child"). Excellent. "Wandering Spirit Song" is a 20-minute introspection piece. It transitions so well from the previous track, you may not even notice when it starts. This song recalls Wayne Shorter's "Sanctuary" from Bitches Brew. More echoes of the Rhodes sparkle around the stereo field while trombonist Julian Priester quietly solos in the left channel. This album is much more listenable than its successor ("Crossings") and way more interesting than that album's successor ("Sextant"). It would take Hancock another three years before recording the classic Head Hunters. This album laid the groundwork for that outing much more clearly than either of his next two albums. I've found it much more enjoyable than either of those, and will continue to listen to Mwandishi much more.