Bassist Michael Formanek, an underrated composer who wrote the ten pieces explored on this CD, welcomes an all-star group of adventurous improvisers. Marty Ehrlich (on clarinet, bass clarinet, alto and soprano), Tim Berne (doubling on alto and baritone), trumpeter Dave Douglas, trombonist Frank Lacy, pianist Salvatore Bonafede and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith all make strong contributions to the difficult but colorful music. Well worth checking out. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
01. Groogly
02. The Immaculate Deception
03. Rivers
04. Great Plains
05. Paradise Revisited
06. Isonychia
07. Shuddawuddacudda
The Storytellers:
08. Uncommon Ground
09. Signs Of Life
10. The Black Rose
11. Big Spirit People
MICHAEL FORMANEK bass
TIM BERNE alto saxophone, baritone saxophone
MARTY EHRLICH clarinet, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone
MARVIN "SMITTY" SMITH drums
SALVATORE BONAFEDE piano
KU-UMBA FRANK LACY trombone
DAVE DOUGLAS trumpet
Music composed and arranged by Michael Formanek
Recorded October 1-2, 1993 at Systems Two, Brooklyn, New York
Enja Records - RNJ-8050 2