At a recent triumphant performance at Church Of Sound in London, Kahil El’ Zabar, percussionist-leader of Ethnic Heritage Ensemble (now with over a half century of history to draw on), paid tribute to the original members of the band, multi-reedists Henry ‘Light’ Huff and Ed Wilkerson,

This reissue of this rare 1981 session could not be more appropriate as it provides the opportunity to hear that early line-up in action, and it really shines. The blend of the horns is enchanting, above all the low gurgling bass clarinet lines and higher flutter of the soprano, providing a wide dynamic range on songs that are often sparse Afro-Asian meditations where economy and breathing space are the order of the day.

Equally beautiful is El’ Zabar's carefully placed percussion, above all the deft ripple of kalimba, which enhances the band's textural palette, nodding to pioneers of eastern sounds such as Yusef Lateef and Don Cherry. As Ethnic Heritage Ensemble reaches new audiences with albums such as Spirit Gatherer, this is a timely reminder of the deep roots of its evolutionary musical tree.