The sophomore release by Loose Assembly. The band continues its evolution by working through a balance of composition and instant composing. In addition to Reed's tunes and the improvised pieces, the group covers "Tezetayé Antchi Lidj (Baby, My Unforgettable Remembrance)" by the Ethiopian vibraphonist Mulatu Astatqe, and Max Roach's "Garvey's Ghost". With great ease the group moves through sonic pastoral explorations to edgy post bop and even Chicago post-rock influences. Reed says, "In the end I guess I'm still thinking about the early AACM bands like Air, as templates for what is possible."
"Despite its unusual lineup, Loose Assembly is one of Reed's more regular outlets and, accordingly, has a bubbling, organic chemistry. On its second album, the Assembly breezes through music as diverse as a cover of Ethiopian vibraphonist Mulata Astatqe (airy and light, with a chugging Afro-Asian groove) and vaguely blues-drenched meditations, such as Reed's 'Picking Up Greta.'" — Matthew Lurie, Time Out Chicago |