This recording is an important part of bassist William Parker's early discography and comprises four ensemble pieces. The sound quality is slightly subpar, but the raw, 1960s feel of this album should appeal to those who appreciate the unassuming brilliance of this giant of the string bass. Each of the four tracks features different groups, with Parker composing all the pieces and appearing on all four. The two larger ensembles presage some of the large bands Parker was to lead in the following years. Here, he features soloists on the level of Toshinori Kondo on alto horn, Daniel Carter on saxophones and trumpet, and Charles Brackeen on tenor saxophone. The chamber-like smaller groups stun with shimmering beauty, and string players Billy Bang, Tristan Honsinger, Ramsey Ameen, and Jason Hwang each contribute nicely. Some may not completely appreciate Parker's heartfelt recitation on the closing number, but there is plenty here to satisfy those who enjoy the bassist's style of new music. - Steve Loewy
Tracks
1. Desert Flower
2. Through Acceptance Of The Mystery Peace
3. Rattles And Bells And The Light Of The Sun
4. Commitment
5. Face Still Hands Folded
WILLIAM PARKER bass (1,3,4), recitation (5)
TOSHINORI KONDO alto horn (1)
WILL CONNELL, JR. alto saxophone (1)
PETER KUHN bass clarinet (1)
ROZANNE LEVINE clarinet (1)
ARTHUR WILLIAMS trumpet (1)
DANIEL CARTER alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, flute, trumpet (1)
POLLY BRADFIELD violin (2)
JASON KAO HWANG violin (2)
TRISTAN HONSINGER cello (2)
RAMSEY AMEEN violin (5)
BILLY BANG violin (3,5)
ROGER BAIRD percussion (3)
DENIS CHARLES drums (1)
CHARLES BRACKEEN tenor saxophone (3)
JAMEEL MOONDOC alto saxophone (3)
HENRY WARNER clarinet (3)
ARTHUR WILLIAMS trumpet (1,3,4)
JOHN HAGEN tenor saxophone (4)
All words and music by William Parker
Recorded January 21, 1979 (1,2), February 1974 (3), August 1977 (4), October 24, 1976 (5)
Eremite MTE012