The late Sam Rivers was as prolific as he was creative, and the fairly regular arrival of batches of work that were either previously unissued or available in limited quantities is always welcome. His archive deserves greater exposure. This late 1970s session, recorded in Germany, finds the multi-reed player-pianist-composer in stellar form, developing his very personal approach to structure in which strong, Spanish-flavoured ostinatos blend with passages of turbulent rubato and raucous swing, all the elements cohering because of the open yet focused brilliance of the band as well as the leader.

Thurman Baker and Dave Holland are a superior drums and bass unit while tuba/euphonium player Joe Daley brings stealth as well as strength to the low register. Each of the above is a highly capable improviser as well as team player able to follow the path laid out by Rivers as well as take a tangential initiative when appropriate. And Rivers remains one of the great musical personalities to have emerged from the post-Dolphy years. His ability to make music with a steady flow of ideas and seemingly elastic quality that produces expressive dance and tender introspection more than justifies any claim that he is a true colossus in the history of creative music.