M-Base Collective - Anatomy of a Groove (CD)

All Music Guide

This CD features many of the top players of the so-called "M-Base" idiom, a loose style of music related to the free funk of Ornette Coleman's Prime Time but making a greater use of space and uncrowded ensembles. The funky rhythms are unpredictable and creative while the highly original horn solos of altoists Steve Coleman and Greg Osby have developed beyond bebop and have their own inscrutable logic. The weak points to this often-abrasive music are the lack of memorable melodies and the difficulty in finding a role for Cassandra Wilson's voice. But in general this stimulating and fresh style offers jazz improvisers another choice besides revival hard bop and instrumental pop and is recommended to open-eared listeners.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide