It is strange to realize that drummer
Pete La Roca only led two albums during the prime years of his career, for this CD reissue of his initial date is a classic.
La Roca's three originals ("Basra," which holds one's interest despite staying on one chord throughout, the blues "Candu," and the complex "Tears Come From Heaven") are stimulating but it is the other three songs that really bring out the best playing in the quartet (which is comprised of tenor saxophonist
Joe Henderson, pianist
Steve Kuhn, and bassist
Steve Swallow in addition to
La Roca). "Malaguena" is given a great deal of passion,
Swallow's "Eiderdown" (heard in its initial recording) receives definitive treatment, and the ballad "Lazy Afternoon" is both haunting and very memorable;
Henderson's tone perfectly fits that piece. ~ Scott Yanow