Time Is Of The Essence...

This amazing contemporary free/jazz offering was recorded live at the Knit in December of '97 and is only the third release by this downtown all-star quartet who been around for over a decade. Each member of the quartet is both a leader and powerful improviser in their own right, with a couple of decades experience under each of their belts. The frontline is Roy Campbell on trumpets and Daniel Carter on saxes/flute/trumpet also from the equally amazing Test, plus wonder-bassist William Parker who leads numerous great ensembles and drummer Rashid Bakr who has played for Cecil Taylor. Each and every gig that I have witnessed by Other Dimensions has been tremendous, but adding piano giant Matt Shipp pushes their energy even higher to the heavens! Right from the opening, the cosmic energy is flowing through currents and washing over us in waves - spirits connecting with each other on a telepathic level, often busy and bursting with ideas or solos which erupt out of the swell of the storm arising. Both Roy's & Daniel's horns swirl around each other and often explode with intensity, while the ever-probing piano gladiator Mr. Shipp balances the densities and textures between the free-flowing horns and rhythm section. This cd is one entire concert that moves in natural-sounding waves between mountains & valleys, oceans & ponds. The many years experience of playing has paid off, with connections being made on various levels, the shifting of densities moves together planet to planet, events unfolding in layers until the purity of intent shines through. The cd cover art/picture is also well chosen - an MC Escher-like building that inter-connects on an infinite looking number of levels, reminding us of how well this music also inter-connects! This is cosmic music of the present, for the special time in which we now dwell. - Bruce Gallanter