Mad music from the legendary NRG Ensemble – a key early force in Chicago's avant jazz scene in the 80s, teamed here with the mighty reedman Charles Tyler! The group itself is already heavy on dynamic reeds – with leader Hal Russell on tenor and Chuck Burdelik on tenor, alto, and clarinet – but Tyler's presence is really felt strongly, as he adds this deeper dimension of spirituality to the music – one that gets past some of the deft movements of the Ensemble, and brings them to richer territory they sometimes never hit this well. Tyler plays baritone, alto, and clarinet – and Russell also handles cornet, vibes, drums, and shenai – with that multi-instrumental talent that always made him so great. The group also features Steve Hunt on vibes and drums, Curt Bley on bass, and Brian Sandstrom on guitar and trumpet – and titles include "Tatwas", "Cascade", "Generation", "Sponge", and "Sinus Up". CD also features two previously-unissued tracks – "This Fence Is A Loving Machine" and "Uncontrollable Rages". CD

A tremendous 70s album from Charles Tyler – one recorded with a rich, raw tone that's simply mindblowing! Tyler here has all of the deep soul we first came to love during his ESP years, but also a sound that's a bit more focused too – one that's extremely powerful, and boldly righteous – not exactly spiritual jazz, but also not loft jazz either. The sound is wonderful – Tyler's sharp-edged alto out front, in a group with trumpeter Earl Cross – a player who's a really great match in spirit and tone. Other group members include Steve Reid on drums, and bassist Ronnie Boykins and John Ore – players who each play in a different channel of the record! The set is billed as "a polyphonic sonic drama performed live by the Charles Tyler Ensemble" – which is a wonderful summation of the music. CD

A tremendous 70s album from Charles Tyler – one recorded with a rich, raw tone that's simply mindblowing! Tyler here has all of the deep soul we first came to love during his ESP years, but also a sound that's a bit more focused too – one that's extremely powerful, and boldly righteous – not exactly spiritual jazz, but also not loft jazz either. The sound is wonderful – Tyler's sharp-edged alto out front, in a group with trumpeter Earl Cross – a player who's a really great match in spirit and tone. Other group members include Steve Reid on drums, and bassist Ronnie Boykins and John Ore – players who each play in a different channel of the record! The set is billed as "a polyphonic sonic drama performed live by the Charles Tyler Ensemble" – which is a wonderful summation of the music. CD