Arc of Testimony
is one of the last recordings to feature legendary drummer
Tony Williams
, and its bold, experimental textures are a fitting epitaph to his career.
Arcana
was formed by bassist/producer
Bill Laswell
with the intention of exploring the outer reaches of fusion, ambient and free jazz. Like the group's debut,
Last Wave
(released only in Japan),
Arc of the Testimony
is a freewheeling, unpredictable blend of electronic and acoustic sounds. However, this record is even more adventurous, since it finds a common ground between improvisation and post-production studio trickery. All of the musicians --
Williams
,
Laswell
, saxophonist
Pharoah Sanders
Byard Lancaster
, cornetist
Graham Haynes
, guitarist
Nicky Skopelitis
and guitarist
Buckethead
-- are open-minded and help push the music forward, resulting in a thoroughly involving, challenging listen. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine