Muhal Richard Abrams
, as the founder of the AACM in Chicago, has been one of the unsung leaders of the
avant-garde
ever since the mid-'60s. A versatile pianist,
Abrams
is heard in two different settings on this, his second session as a leader.
"Young at Heart"
finds him stretching out on a solo piano performance that hints at earlier styles while exploring the potential sounds and silence of
free jazz
.
Wise in Time
has
functioning as part of an explorative quintet with trumpeter
Leo Smith
and altoist
Henry Threadgill
, both of whom were unknown youngsters at the time. Fascinating music, it is recommended strictly for the open-eared listener who does not demand that all
jazz
swing conventionally. ~ Scott Yanow