I own over 600 compact discs, and this is easily in the top ten. It feels ambient at first, but as you listen more you notice that Laswell carefully composed these patient songs. The bass tone is haunting, about as far from funk bass as you can get. The best track is "Aisha"

there's almost always something worthwhile in any laswell project including this one. it is a mixture of his bass, electronic percussion & more ambient elements. sort of a cross between his playing on "dreamspeed" & one his (too) many ambient releases. i like this cd but if you're expecting alot of his aggressive bass playing you'll be disappointed, he's a bit subdued this time out.

 

Bill Laswell in solo mood; the pieces contained here are primarily bass textures with occasional percussive accompaniment. Deep sonorous journeys into the soul of the bass. Unsettling at times, cold and alienating, Laswell is a visitor to dark worlds. Quite slow, at times atonal, there are musical references to Russell Mills' Undark, a sample of which is perhaps covered on Night Air and Low Frequency. I'm quite fond of Laswell's works especially since he covers such a vast array of musical territories; his prolific output is too large to keep up with. I doubt if this recording will set the world on fire; certainly it has copped some flak from radio listeners along the lines of Laswell turns this sort of stuff out by the bucket loads etc. To a degree I have to agree, but it's always interesting to hear what he's up to. You get used to hearing him play in any number of combinations or being just another fine player in an all star line up, else acting as producer, so that when a solo venture comes along, the ears prick up. One thing is for certain, respect is called for when it comes to Mr Laswell. If you have not heard Laswell before don't be put off by this. Maybe listen to it after you have heard and been turned on by other projects. It all falls into place eventually.

The other reviewers are correct; this is a thoughtful bass solo effort, not bop jazz. The many voices of the bass guitar as realized by Laswell, with a touch of percussion here and there. Perhaps just a touch more easily digestable that expected but still very thoughtful; great for background or close listening.

Any fan of Laswell's prior work with Sacred System or recent Material will like this. If you get what sounds like straight-ahead bop jazz (nine tracks vs. seven on this album) you have a disc which was pressed in error. Contact Tzadik for a replacement.