Electric bassist Steve Swallow performs eight originals on this set, with such witty titles as "Crab Alley,""Fred and Ethel,""Read My Lips" and "Hold It Against Me." Most prominent of the soloists in the sextet is guitarist Hiram Bullock; pianist Larry Willis also gets in some good spots, and Carla Bley on organ mostly adds atmosphere. The group is filled out by drummer Victor Lewis, percussionist Don Alias, and on some cuts three strings. The post-bop music is reasonably unpredictable and, although not essential, holds one's interest. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
1. Deep Trouble
2. Crab Alley
3. Fred and Ethel
4. Read My Lips
5. Afterglow
6. Hold It Against Me
7. Count the Way
8. Last Night
CARLA BLEY organ, korg DW-8000 synthesizer
STEVE SWALLOW bass, korg DW-6000 synthesizer
HIRAM BULLOCK guitar
LARRY WILLIS piano
VICTOR LEWIS drums
DON ALIAS percussion
IDA KAVAFIAN violin
IK-HWAN BAE viola
All music composed by Steve Swallow
Recorded at Grog Kill Studio, Willow, New York, Winter 1986-87
XTRAWATT/2 833 492-2