The late violinist Billy Bang was one of several notable African-American musicians who served in Vietnam, and understandably went through unimaginable trauma as a result. In 2008 Bang made two superb CDs, The Aftermath and Reflections, on which he reunited firstly with fellow vets such as Lawrence D ‘Butch’ Morris, Frank Lowe and Michael Carvin, and, secondly with Vietnamese musicians. This album is the soundtrack to a forthcoming documentary that charted his return to the scene of so much tragedy. During his sojourn Bang reflected frankly on his life-altering experiences and also had the opportunity to play with local artists. As he showed time and again during his excellent career, Bang was nothing if not open-minded and his ability to blend a wide range of black music, from hard blues to open avant-garde, serve him well here in the company of skilled traditional players. His lyrical evocation of an American icon and globe trotter, ‘Song For Don Cherry, is outstanding as is the danceable ‘New Saigon Phunk, but the collaboration with the Hanoi Symphony Orchestra on ‘Mystery Of The Mekong’ is a majestic highpoint. This is deeply poignant music that offers invaluable catharsis to the horrors of war.