Released by the band on the Blakey label in 1972 and then re-released by Warner in 1973, this instrumental album is impressive from start to finish, and a veritable catalog of bass guitar technique. Aspery's funky sax and flute work leaves the bottom end completely open to the bass guitar, and
Hodgkinson's use of strummed chords is ably backed by his bandmates on the squalling opener "Vienna Breakdown." The mel-low fon-kay bass solo, "Lieutenant Loose," makes effective use of ringing open strings, while "Slivadiv" is a fret-hammering delight. If you're a bassist, be forewarned: listening to this album is a deeply humbling experience. ~ Paul Collins