This album actually combines two Chico Hamilton releases, namely Man from Two Worlds and Passin' Thru. There is great compositional range on this album, even though nine out the ten tunes were written by a single author (saxophonist Charles Lloyd). Some of these compositions spin off on an avant-garde tangent, while others are more direct and harmonically familiar.
The title track is basically an extended jam, though there is a Monk-like main theme that is used to begin and end the tune. Clearly, this piece is influenced by Indian music, and guitarist Gabor Szabo best illustrates the exotic, modal leanings of this composition through his sitar-influenced solo. On the other hand, "Forest Flower" is much more harmonious and easy to follow. Using standard jazz chords and a catchy melody, this tune is much less demanding on the ear. As its the title implies, Man from Two Worlds really does focus on two distinct "worlds" of jazz, and is the perfect listen for all those who crave musical diversity.
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