This previously unreleased concert is unusual, for it teams the Art Ensemble of Chicago with pianist Don Pullen. While the lengthy "People in Sorrow" mostly stays in one spot as it builds in intensity and passion, both "Song for Atala" and "Fundamental Destiny" give Lester Bowie, Joseph Jarman, and Roscoe Mitchell opportunities to stretch out on fairly straight-ahead pieces. Pullen adds to the group's rhythmic excitement, particularly on the title cut, and would have been a logical addition to the Art Ensemble if they had ...
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This previously unreleased concert is unusual, for it teams the Art Ensemble of Chicago with pianist Don Pullen. While the lengthy "People in Sorrow" mostly stays in one spot as it builds in intensity and passion, both "Song for Atala" and "Fundamental Destiny" give Lester Bowie, Joseph Jarman, and Roscoe Mitchell opportunities to stretch out on fairly straight-ahead pieces. Pullen adds to the group's rhythmic excitement, particularly on the title cut, and would have been a logical addition to the Art Ensemble if they had ever added a regular pianist. This live recording, while not flawless, has enough bright moments to make it easily recommended to Art Ensemble collectors. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
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