Don't be put off by the release year  (1980 = spiritual jazz desert) or the questionable sci fi artwork, which might otherwise suggest aimless meandering in a hot new genre or shameless indulgence in some now-expired technology. Make no mistake, Pharoah Sanders' cred is fully intact on this deeply immersive double album. It's easily the most listenable record in his catalog, with just the right amount of melancholic sax, eastern instrumentation, funky grooves, uplifting vocals and just a dollop of free jazz skronking. Sanders shuffles the personnel on each track to seal in freshness, and every track sounds like it was recorded in a different room with a different producer as a result. Sounds like a best of, but it's not. Features performances by Idris Muhammad, Eddie Henderson and more; Don't-Worry-Be-Happy-ass Bobby McFerrin even gets down on a couple tracks. Includes one of Pharoah's finest compositions: "Greetings To Idris"; also check out "Doktor Pitt," "You've Got To Have Freedom," "Easy To Remember" and "Bedria." Recommended.

• black double vinyl pressing
• housed in gatefold sleeve w/ photos, credits + extensive liner notes
• featuring Pharoah Sanders (t. sax), Joe Bonner (p), John Hicks (p), Ray Drummond (b), Yoko Ito Gates (koto), Eddie Henderson (flugelhorn), Idris Muhammad (d)
• music label: Theresa Records 2019

reviewed by nick nightingale 06/2020