The embrace of Islam by black American jazz musicians was mostly prevalent in the 1960s, and the adoption of Muslim names also chimed with a more widespread use of Middle Eastern and North African musical materials. While the likes of Yusef Lateef and Sahib Shihab are the two most high-profile figures in this respect there were numerous other players who followed suit, and this quite astounding compilation uncovers more obscure names that nonetheless deserve their place in history. Dawan Muhammad, Idrees & Jamila Sulieman and Abdelrahman Abdo Elkhatib all made superlative music for independent labels in which Arabic modes and scales, spiralling horns and rippling hand drums make for an enticing combination. Much of this work is hypnotic, ethereal and deeply emotive, and it's also interesting to hear distinct echoes of Sun Ra's big band fantasia on some pieces and fizzing Afro-Cuban strains elsewhere. Connections and overlaps between different parts of the back diaspora abound, with Allah present in the house. The Jazzman label is one of the premium ‘crate diggers’ in operation today, and this treatment of a vital subject maintains the very high standards that have been previously set in the Spiritual Jazz series.