In 1962,
the George Russell Septet included both obscure names in alto saxophonist
John Pierce, tenor saxophonist
Paul Plummer, drummer
Joe Hunt, (who would later work with
Bill Evans) and future stars - trumpeter
Don Ellis, trombonist
Dave Baker who would become a significant jazz educator, and bassist
Steve Swallow. The six selections, plus a "new" alternate heard on the CD reissue, are highlighted by "Blues In Orbit" (later recorded by
Gil Evans) and the title cut. Two other numbers were written by the sidemen. It is particularly interesting to hear the young
Ellis in this setting. The music has its own logic, is somewhat difficult to classify, yet deserves further attention by jazz historians and analysts.