This is something of a curiosity as it has lain in the vaults for 16 years. But age hasn’t withered it: as you might expect with White’s solo projects, there’s little to remind you of Return To Forever. Instead, the material’s lifted from his contemporary releases, Renderers Of Spirit and Present Tense. But these are epically extended versions, spurred on by a Japanese audience that’s long loved White’s pyrotechnics. The results, not surprisingly, are slamming jazz/funk/rock workouts with the band having a gas. The double bassist, double keys line up may look over-egged, but roles are clearly delineated. The ever under-appreciated Rushen dazzles with the solos (notably on the versions of ‘Whew!’) while Blackman lays down textures. Likewise Bailey has the slapping ’n’ funkin role while Foley plays more as a deep toned lead guitarist. The subsequent bedrock gives White a massive mattress to weave his magic over. Subtle it ain’t, but it’ll make the neighbours dance and boogie: or get them calling the rozzers to calm the racket. Ledford keeps just the right side of a Miles impersonation, while that Maupin chap can’t ’alf play, even while he turns ‘Nature Boy’ inside out. Definitely one to turn up to 11 while cruising in your stretch.