The back of the CD describes this as "echoes of tango, pygmy chants, township jive, gagaku but file under jazz for the solos." Firmly entrenched in the avant-garde, this is a reissue compilation from two earlier recordings released in Germany. Several of the tracks feature versatile saxophonist Gerhard Ullman overdubbed up to sixteen times in duo with accordionist Hans Hassler, while six reeds are added for the other cuts. The most interesting piece is the reworking of "Mack the Knife," which alone is worth the price of the CD. The leader composed the remaining tunes, which stress densely layered sounds, interspersed with plenty of fine improvisations. Hassler is particularly effective on accordion, but the limited tonal palette from so many reeds detracts somewhat from the whole. Still, the combination of "world" elements and very serious composing strikes a chord, and
Ullman has talent to spare, both as a composer and as a soloist. ~ Steve Loewy