Planetary Unknown was recorded in November 2010 and released on
Steven Joerg's Brooklyn-based AUM Fidelity record label in 2011. Anyone who knows and loves modern creative improvised music is sure to be moved by the combination of hearts and minds preserved on this recording, for saxophonist
David S. Ware, pianist
Cooper Moore, and bassist
William Parker are joined by
Rashied Ali's brother,
Muhammad Ali. That name ought to ring a few bells, as the drummer's lengthy performance history began with his appearance on
Albert Ayler's final recordings, and includes a number of awesome collaborations with
Alan Shorter,
Frank Wright, and
Archie Shepp. More recently,
Ali has been heard with
Noah Howard and
Bobby Few. His presence on
Planetary Unknown brings alchemic potency to an already effulgent confluence of master improvisers. A strong addition to each participant's discography,
Planetary Unknown preserves for posterity seven rituals conducted with unforgettable honesty and grace. ~ arwulf arwulf