This CD reissue is an early example of fusing jazz with world music.
Abdul-Malik switches between bass and oud; interacts closely with the droning violin of Naim Karacand, Jack Ghanaim's kanoon (a 72-string instrument), and Mike Hamway's darabeka (a percussive drum); and mixes in Al Harewood's drums and (on three of the four selections) the tenor of
Johnny Griffin. The music is a qualified success, essentially Middle Eastern folk music with
Griffin added in. This set is interesting and, in its own way, innovative but not essential. ~ Scott Yanow