Album Notes

This album represents a unique and pivotal time in the British Jazz Scene. It features Byron Wallen on trumpet and a variety of indigenous world instruments,Tony Kofi on saxophones, Larry Bartley on Bass and Tom Skinner on Drums.
The album won Byron the BBC Innovation in jazz award and set the scene for many other bands and artists.

Here are some reviews of the album by three people who actually bought it!

1.
Just received this from amazon uk. I put it in my cd player while I was talking to my 16 year old son and we both found ourselves just kicking back, mesmerized by the web of music spun by Wallen in this endeavor. Wallen has that fat trumpet sound reminicent of Ted Curson. His compositions are truly transnational weaving various musical influences from four continents. His quartet reminds the listener of Mingus (Mingus Presents Mingus)in its commitment to collective improvisation around carefully crafted themes. I fully recommend this one as a welcomed addition to the best of jazz, most of which seems to be produced on independent labels. Wallen says in the liner notes, "There is much more to come..." I can't wait.

2.
Well what can i say about this cd?
On first hearing it doesn't really hit you as anything new and exciting, the first two tracks are catchy and will have you humming the tunes for a while. It's only on a couple of listens that you realise how complex and deep Mr Wallen has gone with this.
Listen beyond the main hook and you realise the other instruments working to compliment the main part. The sax and trumpet play simultaneously through out, both keeping to the main lick but harmonizing and answering each other in a very clever and unique way. The rest of the tracks are more mystifying and relaxed, with a nice eastern (track 4) and african feel thoughout. The percussion and bass keep busy yet subtle, allowing the brass to really come out.

If you're aching for a new and refreshing sound in your music collection, then give this a go.
Byron Wallen deserves a lot of credit for trying to lift a flagging British jazz scene (yes he's British aswell), lets have some more of this.
A musical journey.

3.
This was probably my favourite jazz album of last year along with EST's strange place for snow. This album is definetly a grower, first time i heard it i thought it sounded good but a bit disjointed. The first two tracks are funky and very catchy, then the rest is a trip through middle eastern, african styles with a real laid back feel. The percussion on this album is subtle yet very effective.
All in all a very refreshing and unique album, worth a listen to. Look forward to hearing more from Mr Wallen