Critic's Review
Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
This out-of-print double LP (all of the contents, except a trio version of "Blues Connotation," has since been reissued on CD) gives one a clear picture into the evolution of pianist Chick Corea during the 1968-70 period. The first eight tracks (trio music with bassist Miroslav Vitous and drummer Roy Haynes from 1968) finds Corea stretching the boundaries of straightahead jazz, taking advanced solos that hint at the avant-garde and displaying his early distinctive style. Much of the rest of this two-fer features the rather radical group Circle with Corea joined by the masterful reed player Anthony Braxton, bassist Dave Holland and, on some tracks, drummer Barry Altschul for some very advanced group improvising. Music strictly for those with open ears.
